Curious About Nootropics? Read This...
Nootropics...what the heck are they? What does that word even mean? Are they drugs? Are they legal to take? With this relatively new category to the mainstream nutritional supplement world, you may be hesitant to dive into nootropics. Simply because there is a lot to take in and wrap your mind around before you commit to spending your hard earned money on them. So, let this serve as a little bit of a general intro to them, we will be diving into more specific/focused posts in the near future.
By definition, “nootropic” means something taken to improve cognition. This envelops all that the brain has to offer - memory, learning, concentration, focus, and overall brain function and health. For the most part, without getting into the “grey market”, nootropics are herbal ingredients/extracts, mushrooms, and amino acids. Some of which have been around quite some time in traditional herbal medicine.
Why should you consider nootropics? I mean, you eat right, exercise, maybe take some vitamins and other supplements. You’re a healthy individual. Maybe you’re not. There is one key piece that we all have in common though that is just as important as physical health and mobility, one that gets more important as we inevitably get older. The brain.
We get it, some people are skeptical. Why wouldn’t you be? These aren’t like other mainstream supplements such as fat burners or muscle-building focused products that you can see a physical effect/results from. Luckily most of these ingredients and products have scientific backing regarding their effects and dosages. Just go into the situation with realistic expectations, this isn’t like the movie with Bradley Cooper or like poppin’ an adderall (an amphetamine by the way) back in high school/college.
“Then what benefit am I going to see from nootropics?” Firstly, if this is your first time taking a nootropic product, I recommend staying aware of how your mental capacities are working, take note of them if you wish. For most people, results seen are generally an overall improvement in memory and recollection, improved and longer lasting focus, ability to stay on task and stay attentive longer, and an improvement in overall mental clarity and alertness. There are some physical benefits that take place within the brain as well. This includes neuron growth and health, and maintaining proper levels of the all-important neurotransmitters that ensure proper brain chemistry and function. Some newer ingredients even show studied benefits in addressing the causes of age-related cognitive decline and brain conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
There is something for everyone in the world of nootropics. Maybe you are a high-level business exec that wants to stay sharp in the office. Maybe you’re a student trying to maximize the time you spend staring into that stack of textbooks or cramming for that mid-term exam. Maybe you’re just concerned with overall health and cognition. There is one thing for certain, your brain is the most important part of your body, treat it accordingly!