Nootropics are substances that enhance cognitive function. These supplements can act to increase memory, motivation, concentration, mood and almost anything related to cognition and thought. Nootropics also include smart drugs which are often used as studying aids, to help people focus, and increase attention spans. They are associated with higher mental energy, motivation and increased intelligence.
It's important to note that there is no concrete definition of a nootropic substance. A nootropic is said to be any substance that can improve brain function without negatively impacting the brain. Broadly, a nootropic is any substance or neuro enhancing drug with a very low prevalence of side effects. Dr Giurgea and V. Skondia who created Piracetam, the first nootropic in 1964, classified nootropics as cognitive boosting substances with very low toxicity that can be used for the long term. This clearly means that Piracetam and other Nootropics can improve brain function without any negative side effects in the long term.
Some Important Facts About Nootropics
The term Nootropics was coined by Dr Corneliu E. Giurgea in 1972. He is the Romanian scientist credited with the synthesis of piracetam in 1964. Piracetam is the first man-made nootropic and is still among the most widely used nootropics. Dr Guirgea coined the word nootropics by combining the Greek words nouns which means mind and trepein’ which means to bend or to turn.
Nootropics work by supporting or altering the brain chemicals. They create positive alterations in the brain which support the user’s needs. They boost the brain functions by encouraging the production of various neurotransmitters. The brain is basically a network of neurons which communicate and work together through chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurons are connected by synapses. A higher presence of neurotransmitters boosts brain functions and provides for better memory, improved concentration, mood elevation, longer attention spans and increased processing ability for mental work. Many philadelphia seo gurus swear by them.
Prolonged use of nootropics can change the permanent level of neurotransmitters in the brain leading to durable improvements to the health of the brain. Some nootropics also increase blood flow to the brain and thereby boost the supply of nutrients, glucose and oxygen to the organ. Elevated blood flow and higher oxygenation lead to greater capacity for focus and memory. These types of nootropics are popular among students.
Other nootropics have the effect of neuro preservation and neuro protection. They directly affect the amount of neurotransmitters associated with slowing down the aging process. There are also nootropics that increase the production of brain cells and at the same time slow down their destruction. In the long term this can substantially slow down effects of aging such as loss of memory and even combat the development of mental disorders like the Alzheimer’s disease.
Nootropics can be divided into seven categories as described below:
Natural nootropics
This is any type of plant based or plant derived substance that can improve brain ability and health. Examples include Gingko Biloba, Monneri and Valorcine. Natural nootropics tend to be vey safe and cheap. They are also less effective than the synthetic ones.
Racetams
These were the first synthetic nootropics to be invented. They are still the most widely used. There are about 20 different types. The most popular ones are Piracetam, Pramiracetam, Aniracetam, and Oxiracetam.
Ampakines
These are some of the strongest nootropics and are also relatively new in the area of brain research. Ampakines are claimed to produce highly positive effects on alertness and to increase attention spans. Examples of Ampakines are Unifiram and Sunifiram. Ampakines are still undergoing research to determine their long term side effects.
Choline
These are often stacked with Racetams in order to obtain better results. These nootropics nourish the brain and supply it with the raw materials for cell membrane synthesis and acetylcholine. Examples include Alpha GPC, Citicoline, and Centrophenoxine.
Peptides
There are a number of different peptide nootropics with the most common and also the best performing one being Noopept. This is a Russian developed nootropic, derived from Racetams and it has earned the reputation of being 1000 times stronger than Piracetam.
Vitamin B Derivatives
Some synthetic nootropics are vitamin b derivatives. An example is sulbutiamine which is used to treat fatigue, increase alertness and boost energy levels.
Smart drugs
Smart drugs are many times confused with nootropics but many drugs that fall into this category can not technically be nootropics. Some smart drugs like Adderall are stimulants and not nootropics. However, Modafinil and Adrafinil are nootropics.
Choosing the type of nootropic to use will depends on the results you want. It is also possible to stack or combine several of these at once. Some of todays best nootropics are blended stacks.
Why use nootropics?
Maintaining proper mental health and function is essential for ensuring long term quality of life. By optimizing your brains performance you can became more motivated, satisfied, productive and successful in your activities. Increasingly people are turning to neutraceuticals, health products, and vitamins to improve their cognitive powers. These supplements are known by several names including brain boosters, cognitive enhancers, and smart drugs. Many of these are nootropics. The benefits of nootropics include:
Learning, cognition and intelligence
The most common use of nootropics is to improve intelligence and cognitive abilities. Many nootropics can positively impact the ability to learn, perform calculations, reason, and understanding. Many nootropics also boost communication between the two half’s of the brain resulting in increased creativity, greater verbal fluency and better integration of the left and right in problem solving. The nootropics commonly used for learning include piracetam, Pramiracetam, Aniracetam, Oxiracetam and Noopept.
Memory
Nootropics improve all functions related to memory including short term working memory, new memory formation and long term recall. Nootropics like Piracetam, Oxiracetam, and choline supplement such as Alpha GPC, Citicoline, and Centrophenoxine are effective in boosting memory functions.
Motivation and concentration
Nootropics can increase concentration and the ability to focus for long periods. They are also effective in increasing clarity of thought, boosting motivation, generating productive energy and purpose driven activity. Adrafinil and Modafinil are two nootropics which can keep the brain energized to operate at the top level and increase alertness. Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam and Noopept are also good. To increase concentration nootropics such as Vinpocetine, Picamilon and sulbutiamine are good.
Brain health and Anti-Aging
These are nootropics that work to promote the brains overall health and slow down aging. Nootropics powder is commonly used to promote longevity. Some nootropics, such as Huperzine A, are effective in countering the effects of Alzheimer’s and prevent other types of cognitive decline. Nootropics such as Piracetam and noopept are effective in reversing some symptoms of brain damage including those related to alcohol use, drug use and physical trauma.
Mood enhancement
One of the most common reasons for nootropic use is mood enhancement and relief from anxiety and depression. Nootropics such as Picamilon, Aniracetam, Inositol, Noopept, and Phenibut are very effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms. Boosting the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain can elevate mood and control depression. These two neurotransmitters produce the feelings of happiness, joy, well-being and sometimes euphoria. Chemical imbalances of these two neurotransmitters are said to cause depression. There are nootropics supplements that increase the levels of these chemicals and enable you overcome some effects of depression. Nootropics such as Modafinil, Aniracetam, Inositol, Picamilon and Adrafinil can assist you in this regard.
Side effects
Side effects are rare and usually occur when the body is adjusting to the substances or in cases of over dose. Side effects include:
Headaches
Nausea
Stomach pain
Insomnia
In conclusion, nootropics can be beneficial to your cognitive health and mental capabilities. Nootropics can assist you to better your ability to learn, recall facts and details boost your mood, and promote brain health and to increase concentration and energy. To get the best result you should first decide what you want from your nootropic supplement, then choose the nootropic or design a stack that enables you meet your goals.
It's important to note that there is no concrete definition of a nootropic substance. A nootropic is said to be any substance that can improve brain function without negatively impacting the brain. Broadly, a nootropic is any substance or neuro enhancing drug with a very low prevalence of side effects. Dr Giurgea and V. Skondia who created Piracetam, the first nootropic in 1964, classified nootropics as cognitive boosting substances with very low toxicity that can be used for the long term. This clearly means that Piracetam and other Nootropics can improve brain function without any negative side effects in the long term.
Some Important Facts About Nootropics
The term Nootropics was coined by Dr Corneliu E. Giurgea in 1972. He is the Romanian scientist credited with the synthesis of piracetam in 1964. Piracetam is the first man-made nootropic and is still among the most widely used nootropics. Dr Guirgea coined the word nootropics by combining the Greek words nouns which means mind and trepein’ which means to bend or to turn.
Nootropics work by supporting or altering the brain chemicals. They create positive alterations in the brain which support the user’s needs. They boost the brain functions by encouraging the production of various neurotransmitters. The brain is basically a network of neurons which communicate and work together through chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurons are connected by synapses. A higher presence of neurotransmitters boosts brain functions and provides for better memory, improved concentration, mood elevation, longer attention spans and increased processing ability for mental work. Many philadelphia seo gurus swear by them.
Prolonged use of nootropics can change the permanent level of neurotransmitters in the brain leading to durable improvements to the health of the brain. Some nootropics also increase blood flow to the brain and thereby boost the supply of nutrients, glucose and oxygen to the organ. Elevated blood flow and higher oxygenation lead to greater capacity for focus and memory. These types of nootropics are popular among students.
Other nootropics have the effect of neuro preservation and neuro protection. They directly affect the amount of neurotransmitters associated with slowing down the aging process. There are also nootropics that increase the production of brain cells and at the same time slow down their destruction. In the long term this can substantially slow down effects of aging such as loss of memory and even combat the development of mental disorders like the Alzheimer’s disease.
Nootropics can be divided into seven categories as described below:
Natural nootropics
This is any type of plant based or plant derived substance that can improve brain ability and health. Examples include Gingko Biloba, Monneri and Valorcine. Natural nootropics tend to be vey safe and cheap. They are also less effective than the synthetic ones.
Racetams
These were the first synthetic nootropics to be invented. They are still the most widely used. There are about 20 different types. The most popular ones are Piracetam, Pramiracetam, Aniracetam, and Oxiracetam.
Ampakines
These are some of the strongest nootropics and are also relatively new in the area of brain research. Ampakines are claimed to produce highly positive effects on alertness and to increase attention spans. Examples of Ampakines are Unifiram and Sunifiram. Ampakines are still undergoing research to determine their long term side effects.
Choline
These are often stacked with Racetams in order to obtain better results. These nootropics nourish the brain and supply it with the raw materials for cell membrane synthesis and acetylcholine. Examples include Alpha GPC, Citicoline, and Centrophenoxine.
Peptides
There are a number of different peptide nootropics with the most common and also the best performing one being Noopept. This is a Russian developed nootropic, derived from Racetams and it has earned the reputation of being 1000 times stronger than Piracetam.
Vitamin B Derivatives
Some synthetic nootropics are vitamin b derivatives. An example is sulbutiamine which is used to treat fatigue, increase alertness and boost energy levels.
Smart drugs
Smart drugs are many times confused with nootropics but many drugs that fall into this category can not technically be nootropics. Some smart drugs like Adderall are stimulants and not nootropics. However, Modafinil and Adrafinil are nootropics.
Choosing the type of nootropic to use will depends on the results you want. It is also possible to stack or combine several of these at once. Some of todays best nootropics are blended stacks.
Why use nootropics?
Maintaining proper mental health and function is essential for ensuring long term quality of life. By optimizing your brains performance you can became more motivated, satisfied, productive and successful in your activities. Increasingly people are turning to neutraceuticals, health products, and vitamins to improve their cognitive powers. These supplements are known by several names including brain boosters, cognitive enhancers, and smart drugs. Many of these are nootropics. The benefits of nootropics include:
Learning, cognition and intelligence
The most common use of nootropics is to improve intelligence and cognitive abilities. Many nootropics can positively impact the ability to learn, perform calculations, reason, and understanding. Many nootropics also boost communication between the two half’s of the brain resulting in increased creativity, greater verbal fluency and better integration of the left and right in problem solving. The nootropics commonly used for learning include piracetam, Pramiracetam, Aniracetam, Oxiracetam and Noopept.
Memory
Nootropics improve all functions related to memory including short term working memory, new memory formation and long term recall. Nootropics like Piracetam, Oxiracetam, and choline supplement such as Alpha GPC, Citicoline, and Centrophenoxine are effective in boosting memory functions.
Motivation and concentration
Nootropics can increase concentration and the ability to focus for long periods. They are also effective in increasing clarity of thought, boosting motivation, generating productive energy and purpose driven activity. Adrafinil and Modafinil are two nootropics which can keep the brain energized to operate at the top level and increase alertness. Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam and Noopept are also good. To increase concentration nootropics such as Vinpocetine, Picamilon and sulbutiamine are good.
Brain health and Anti-Aging
These are nootropics that work to promote the brains overall health and slow down aging. Nootropics powder is commonly used to promote longevity. Some nootropics, such as Huperzine A, are effective in countering the effects of Alzheimer’s and prevent other types of cognitive decline. Nootropics such as Piracetam and noopept are effective in reversing some symptoms of brain damage including those related to alcohol use, drug use and physical trauma.
Mood enhancement
One of the most common reasons for nootropic use is mood enhancement and relief from anxiety and depression. Nootropics such as Picamilon, Aniracetam, Inositol, Noopept, and Phenibut are very effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms. Boosting the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain can elevate mood and control depression. These two neurotransmitters produce the feelings of happiness, joy, well-being and sometimes euphoria. Chemical imbalances of these two neurotransmitters are said to cause depression. There are nootropics supplements that increase the levels of these chemicals and enable you overcome some effects of depression. Nootropics such as Modafinil, Aniracetam, Inositol, Picamilon and Adrafinil can assist you in this regard.
Side effects
Side effects are rare and usually occur when the body is adjusting to the substances or in cases of over dose. Side effects include:
Headaches
Nausea
Stomach pain
Insomnia
In conclusion, nootropics can be beneficial to your cognitive health and mental capabilities. Nootropics can assist you to better your ability to learn, recall facts and details boost your mood, and promote brain health and to increase concentration and energy. To get the best result you should first decide what you want from your nootropic supplement, then choose the nootropic or design a stack that enables you meet your goals.