An Introduction to Nootropics
The rise in popularity of nootropics has skyrocketed in recent years, and for evident reasons… What was once viewed as an industry scam, if you will, is now gaining merit through scientific research as an efficacious and effective "drug".
In what follows, we'll be diving into the world of nootropics, defining what it is, what it does, its many potential benefits and side effects, and detailing the optimal way of supplementation for best results.
What are Nootropics?
Otherwise referred to as brain boosters, cognitive enhancers, or smart drugs, nootropics are a class of substances, typically taken via a nutritional supplement, that are used to experience some type of brain function enhancement, whether mood, focus, memory, or otherwise.
Though commonly termed a "drug", nootropics aren't technically categorized as such. Instead, by definition, they're simply a formulated supplement, typically offered in soft gel capsules or powders, clinically proven and supported via trials to be beneficial for the brain and safe for consumption.
Because nootropics are becoming increasingly popular, it's important to practice due diligence before purchase and consumption of any given nootropic supplement. With nearly 100 nutrients now classified as a nootropic, only a few are truly and definitively effective brain boosters.
Below are some of the most popular types of nootropic supplements and nootropic supplement ingredients:
While these are certainly not all of the types of nootropics and nootropic ingredients, they're certainly some of the most common…
Potential Effects of Supplementing with Nootropics
Controversial in their own right, nootropics are often perceived as ineffective at best depending on whom you ask. Contrary to this belief, real nootropics are proven beneficial, offering many potential brain-boosting effects when supplemented on a consistent basis.
The question of whether or not nootropics really work is the wrong question to ask. Instead, you should be asking whether or not you're supplementing with the right ones…
Though more research certainly needs to be done on this subject before conclusively backing its many claims, there's no denying the merit behind the right nootropics. With that said, below are some of the most common and researched effects of supplementing with nootropics.
- Optimized Brain Function and Cellular Repair
- Improved Memory and Processing
- Boosted Mood
- Increased Focus and Attention Span
- Maintained Healthy Blood Flow
- Promotes Alpha Brain Waves (i.e. relaxation, mental clarity, etc.)
Again, while nootropics appear to support a myriad of healthy brain-boosting benefits, more research needs to be done before conclusively suggesting any such claims as definitive and guaranteed.
Though the potential benefits are plenty, supplementing with nootropics doesn't come without potential downsides; that is if you opt to purchase and consume those with suboptimal formulas…
While they aren't harmful in any way and although they haven't shown any serious side effects from long-term use, they may result in minor side effects such as heavy eyes or mild headaches. These potential negative effects, however, are likely less related to the nootropic itself and more related to the method of ingestion or the lack of hydration.
In any case, if you do happen to experience any such side effect, it's important to refrain from consumption immediately. It goes without saying, then, that it's imperative that you steer away from cheap and inferior nootropic supplements and instead opt for those that boast credibility and authority in the space.
The Benefits of Cycling Nootropics
Withstanding the many benefits discussed above, it's important to understand that such benefits vary from person to person, and they depend greatly on the method of consumption and the overall brain chemistry of the individual.
In other words, while some may find a given nootropic to be extremely effective at regular doses, others may find their tolerance to be too weak or too strong. Further, while generic nootropic supplements are generally non-addictive, pharmaceutical-grade smart drugs might be.
This begs the question of what the most optimal means of consumption is when it comes to nootropic supplementation. One potentially beneficial supplementation strategy? Cycling…
In short, cycling is a pattern that you follow that defines when you supplement with the nootropic and for how long. A simple example of a standard nootropic cycling approach would be to take it for five days straight followed by a 2-day break, repeating this process for a set period of time; this would otherwise be identified as a “5 days on, 2 days off” cycling approach…
What's the benefit of this, you ask?! Simply put, it helps you maintain and manage tolerance levels so as to ensure consistent effectiveness of the nootropic without the need for an increase in dosage.
While many often presume that tolerance leads to addiction, this statement tends not to equate to truth. Nevertheless, the possibility for such a scenario to occur isn't impossible.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a beginner or an expert in the field of nootropics and nootropic consumptions, there are several qualities and components to look for when searching for a nootropic supplement for you.
While most of them are quite obvious, it's evident that many who are interested in supplementing with nootropics approach it with ignorance, failing to consider the simplest of checkpoints.
With that said, it's firstly important to ensure quality over everything. Next, it's a good practice to identify whether or not the brand you're purchasing from or the formula of the product itself has been well-researched and backed by strong evidence. Finally, avoid stimulated formulas, seek out clean labelling, and only proceed to purchase once you're totally comfortable and confident in the product and company behind it.
Otherwise, enjoy the many brain-boosting benefits that will come your way!