For someone new to nootropics, it's a term that's pretty hard to pronounce, let alone understand exactly what it means. We have put together a simple overview and guide to introduce users to the concept of nootropics and how they can be used in everyday life. This article will walk you through nootropics as a definition, all the risks involved, the concept of "stacking" nootropics together, and the best way to take them.

What are nootropics?

Nootropics are pharmaceutical compounds used to improve cognitive function and were first discovered in the 1960s. There is extensive research behind many nootropics showing that they improve many key areas of cognitive learning. The spectrum of nootropics is very broad, so we will only cover those with the most research behind them and those that have shown significant improvements in cognitive abilities. In addition to improvements in healthy individuals, there has been extensive research into nootropics used to alleviate symptoms of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Nootropics help protect the brain and central nervous system from damage.

Some examples

Some examples of substances that also affect the central nervous system but are not classified as nootropics are caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, or Ritalin. True nootropics meet a number of criteria to be considered nutrients rather than drugs. These include:

Aniracetam – This is a stimulant and cognitive enhancer that works in as little as 20 minutes

L-Theanine – naturally found in green tea, reduces anxiety and improves learning

Piracetam – One of the most extensively studied nootropics for improving cognitive function

Pramiracetam - A stronger variation of Piracetam that increases memory and learning capacity.

All of the above have no side effects or danger to the body.

How to take them?

It is important to understand that nootropics are not a magic bullet for optimal cognitive function, but instead should be used synergistically with all other areas of life to achieve the best results. These include the obvious areas such as eating a healthy diet rich in essential fatty acids and foods such as vegetables, protein and whole grains, getting enough sleep and exercise, maintaining levels of B vitamins in the diet for energy production and staying hydrated. regular consumption of water throughout the day.

Nootropics can also be "stacked" together to enhance results. A common addition to the stack is a source of choline. Choline occurs naturally in foods such as eggs and nuts and is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter found in the brain. This means that choline is converted to acetylcholine, which acts as a fuel for mental energy and cognitive potential. Choline levels are depleted in the brain as we increase the level of mental function by taking nootropics, so it should be replenished by introducing a source of choline into your nootropic stack. (We will cover the types of choline in more detail in a future article.)

Risks

Although there are no known side effects or risks to the body surrounding nootropics, it is important to note that, as with anything, exceeding the recommended daily dose can lead to problems such as stomach upset (because it can cause absorption problems in the GI tract) or headaches (due to cholinergic depletion from increased brain function). It is important to know how much you should be taking a particular nootropic because it varies from one to another.

Summarize

Nootropics seem to have a number of benefits in many different areas of life. However, it is advisable to do your own due diligence before introducing your body to the different types of nootropics available. It is also clear that nootropics must be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle to achieve optimal effects. Nootropics are seen to increase the level of our mental functions by enhancing and optimizing processes that already occur naturally in the brain and body and are a great way to maintain brain health.