People take supplements for a wide variety of reasons. To live a healthier life, to promote hair growth, to boost energy levels, or simply to unwind after a busy day. But there is one special group of supplements that has grown enormously in popularity in recent years, one you may never have heard of: nootropics.
These natural and man-made substances target the brain to improve learning ability, concentration, and memory, and to boost your mood. That sounds great, of course, but how exactly do these nootropics work? Read on to find out!
What exactly are nootropics?
A rough translation of the word "nootropic" comes from Greek and means "to bend or shape the mind." Nootropics are also known as "noötropicum" in Dutch, but these supplements are usually simply called "smart drugs." These brain boosters are very popular because of their reported beneficial effects on cognitive function and brain power.
Does that mean these supplements will turn you into some kind of Einstein? Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but these supplements do seem to work by protecting neurons in the brain to improve energy levels, attention span, and brain function. The theory is that they stimulate, defend, and protect neurons from damage, leading to increased oxygen circulation, as well as numerous other benefits. Some effects of nootropics include:
- They boost learning ability and memory
- They improve focus and attention
- They give your brain more energy
- They can lead to a better mood
- They increase your stress resistance
Natural vs. synthetic
Nootropics can be both natural and synthetic. There are therefore dozens of products that fall into this category. If, for example, you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you are undoubtedly familiar with one of the best-known nootropics out there: Ritalin. But take an ingredient like ginseng root. A promising product with many benefits, says Dr. Guillaume Fond, a psychiatrist at the French Aix-Marseille University Medical School who has studied these smart drugs. “However, there is still a lack of data to definitively confirm their effectiveness,” he added.
Today, there are numerous nootropics available—chances are you’re already familiar with many of them. How about, for example, simply caffeine, ginkgo biloba, panax ginseng, or rhodiola? These natural smart drugs contain herbs that act as adaptogens, as well as compounds found in healthy foods. The biggest difference between natural nootropics and synthetic variants is how quickly and effectively they work. While prescription medications, for example, offer a faster response time, they often have more intense side effects and therefore require a prescription.
How do nootropics work?
Although many of these smart drugs have been used for hundreds and sometimes even thousands of years, researchers today have a better understanding of how these substances can work in the body to ultimately influence the brain:
- Nootropics can support the production of cellular energy in neurons and other brain cells. This occurs through stimulating effects or through improved energy metabolism.
- Nootropics may dilate small arteries and veins in the brain, thereby improving the circulation of sufficient oxygen, glucose, or ketones to the brain.
- Other nootropics work by influencing the levels of serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine, or other key chemicals in the brain.
- Nootropics can reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and removing toxins from the brain.
Could you also use a brain boost every now and then? Then these memory boosters might be just the thing!
