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Are nootropics in general good or bad? Here's what you should know

Are nootropics in general good or bad? Here's what you should know

Are nootropics in general good or bad? Here's what you should know

Nootropics are everywhere these days. You might have been told about them by a friend, or you might have seen them in the news for being used as a performance enhancer by professional athletes. 

The truth is that nootropics aren't simply for brain-boosting athletes and others who want to improve their athletic performance. In fact, nootropics have a wide range of uses and are accessible to everyone looking to enhance their cognitive function.

So let's get started with everything you need to know about nootropics!



Are Nootropics Safe?


Nootropics are, in general, safe.

That being said, there are some risks that you should be aware of and take into consideration before starting any nootropic regimen. If you have high blood pressure or heart issues (or a family history of either), it's best to avoid certain stimulants like caffeine, L-theanine and green tea extract unless your doctor has specifically approved them for your case. 

If you haven’t consulted your doctor before taking prescription or over-the-counter supplements, you should stop and ask a professional to lower the chances of a potential risk. Some combinations can cause unwanted effects in some people that use other medications.

 

Are nootropics habit forming? Do they have long term effects?

 

Nootropics are not habit forming.

Nootropics are not physically addictive and therefore, you can’t get addicted to them. However, if you take a large dose of a stimulant like caffeine or modafinil every day for an extended period of time you might become psychologically dependent on it.

Nootropics are not physically addictive and therefore, you can’t get addicted to them. However, if you take a large dose of a stimulant like caffeine or modafinil every day for an extended period of time you might become psychologically dependent on it.

A psychological dependency means that your brain has grown accustomed to having these substances in your system and now relies on them for everyday functioning.

If this happens to you then it is best to wean off of the substance slowly over time so that your brain doesn't experience withdrawal symptoms from suddenly stopping the use of modafinil or caffeine (like headaches).

It's important that users learn about all possible side effects before taking any kind of supplement because this will help prevent any unwanted occurrences down the line!

 

How long do the effects of nootropics last?

 

The specific chemical and your body's reaction to it will determine how long nootropic benefits last. For instance, certain chemicals metabolize more quickly than others and some persist longer than others.

As a general rule, most nootropics will wear off within a day or two after being ingested. However, that doesn't mean you will start to feel like yourself again right away; it takes time for the body to start getting rid of any foreign substances that have been introduced into your system (especially if they're not usually there). 

Most of the people that take nootropics regularly, agree that it is very beneficial to take breaks from using them so you won’t become dependent and feel like you absolutely need nootropics before doing something. 

 

How do nootropics work?

 

Nootropics work by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters in your brain. These chemicals are responsible for sending signals to other parts of your body, and they can also affect mood, motivation and memory.

Nootropics also increase the amount of blood flow to your brain, which enables you to think more clearly and learn new things faster.

Nootropics work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in your brain. These chemicals are responsible for sending signals to other parts of your body, and they can also affect mood, motivation and memory. Nootropics also increase the amount of blood flow to your brain, which enables you to think more clearly and learn new things faster.

Some nootropics have been shown to help with focus, memory and attention span as well as creativity.

  • Modafinil is a stimulant drug that acts on dopamine receptors in the brain. It increases cognitive function without causing jitteriness or anxiety like other stimulants do (like Adderall).
  • Phenylpiracetam improves learning capacity by increasing glutamate activity.
  • Bacopa monnieri is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine that enhances concentration while reducing anxiety.
  • Ashwagandha reduces stress levels by affecting GABA receptors throughout the nervous system

 

What are some of the best nootropics to take?

 

The best nootropics are those that can be taken safely and effectively. If you're looking for a supplement that's going to give you the right amount of energy or boost your focus, look for ingredients like caffeine and l-theanine. 

  • Caffeine is a well-known stimulant. It's a natural compound found in several plants, including coffee beans and tea leaves (which also contain other beneficial compounds). 
  • L-theanine is another often-used ingredient that helps promote relaxation without making you feel tired or lethargic afterward.
  • Alpha GPC is another common nootropic supplement—it stands for alpha glycerophosphocholine, which sounds more complicated than it actually is! This type of choline delivers an essential nutrient called phosphatidylcholine directly into your brain cells so they can work at peak performance levels throughout your day.

If there's one thing we've learned from this article about nootropics: there isn't just one answer when it comes to choosing what works best for each person! 

But if you're still curious about whether these substances might help improve your quality of life then consider trying out some different options before committing yourself too quickly on any particular brand line up."


L-theanine combined with caffeine and also choline

 

These three ingredients; Caffeine, L-Theanine and choline, are great combinations if you are looking to enhance your cognitive performance. Caffeine is one of the most used psychoactive substances in the world and it speeds up alertness, attention span and reaction time. L-Theanine has been demonstrated to decrease levels of stress and enhance focus. Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the process of learning and memory, is produced with the help of choline.

This combination of ingredients is good for your brain because it provides you with more energy without increasing your heart rate or blood pressure. It will help you stay focused without making you feel jittery like too much caffeine might do on its own!

Alpha GPC is a good choice as well because it's an important cholinergic compound that helps increase mental performance in both young adults and older adults.

 

Nootropics can help brain function without significant side effects.

 

The combination of L-theanine with caffeine and choline is also very effective in improving cognitive function. L-theanine has been shown to reduce stress and improve focus, while caffeine can increase alertness, attention span and reaction time. Choline is a nutrient that helps with the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory processes.

Nootropics are generally safe and effective. They can help brain function without significant side effects, which is why they're so popular. The most common side effects include headaches or migraines and stomach aches or nausea. These tend to occur when taking a high dose of one particular nootropic, but usually go away as you adjust your dosage.

Nootropics aren't habit forming like other drugs that affect the nervous system such as alcohol or tobacco products because they do not produce a false sense of euphoria by releasing dopamine into the bloodstream like those substances do.

 

Here is a short table of the ingredients mentioned above with their respective dosages and benefits.

 

Ingredient

Benefits

Recommended Dosages

Caffeine

Increases alertness and concentration, improves physical performance

100-200 mg per day

L-Theanine

Reduces anxiety and stress, promotes relaxation

100-200 mg per day

Alpha GPC

Improves memory and cognitive function, increases power output in athletes

300-600 mg per day

Conclusion

 

All in all, nootropics can be a great thing to add to your health routine. They’re not meant to replace other lifestyle changes like exercise or dieting, but they can definitely help you feel better and more focused. The best way to find out if they’re right for you is by starting with one or two products at first, and then working your way up from there.

 

Sources

  • Alpha GPC

 

Helps in memory and learning

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17331541/, https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-16861-001 , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22959283/ 

Supports focus

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17331541/ , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11589921/ 

Helps with cognitive

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1992-12067-001 , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1319912/ ,https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2071257/  , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11589921/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22959283/ 

Aids in the production and release of acetylcholine https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1992-12067-001 , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1319912/

 

  • Caffeine

 

Caffeine: Cognitive and Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug? - PMC (nih.gov)

Nutrients | Free Full-Text | Caffeine as a Factor Influencing the Functioning of the Human Body—Friend or Foe? (mdpi.com)

A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance - ScienceDirect

 

  • L-Theanine

 

Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial - PMC (nih.gov)

Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study - PMC (nih.gov)

Effects of chronic l-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder: an open-label study - PubMed (nih.gov)

Theanine intake improves the shortened lifespan, cognitive dysfunction and behavioural depression that are induced by chronic psychosocial stress in mice - PubMed (nih.gov)

Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial - PMC (nih.gov)

 

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