A perfect nootropics definition is: “smart drugs” They are substances that potentialize cognitive capacity without causing significant collateral effects or intoxication, and are non-addictive too.
In spite of the skepticism of the scientific community, many people are adopting the use of these drugs, especially in competitive work environments.
These are substances that can improve aspects of cognition, particularly executive functions, such as memory, creativity and motivation, in healthy individuals.
Define nootropics
Although many substances purport to enhance cognition, many do not fit under the exact definition. The research is at an early stage and the effectiveness of most of these agents is not fully determined.
Although there are not official data about their efficiency, as the demand grows, so it does the offer.
Nowadays, you can find many blogs and forums online that discuss about ways to consume them and what dosage should be taken.
Some suppliers defend that better results can be accomplished when finding the best type for each person and matching the correct dosage to each metabolism.
In spite of natural nootropics being used for thousands of years, currently the pharmaceutical industry is developing synthetic ones.
There are plenty of medicines considered in pharmacies, most of them suitable for people with ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and elderly people. Originally, these substances were used to treat diseases such as dementia.
The action mechanism varies, however, in common they have effects on vasodilation, meaning that they increase blood flow to the brain. The blood takes to the organ more oxygen, nutrients and glucose, the essential energy source that the brain uses to guarantee us long periods of concentration.
They also work by increasing, regulating or decreasing the functions of certain neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline), chemicals produced by neurons. These drugs, when used in healthy people, act allowing a person to work days without rest, with uninterrupted focus.
Under these substances umbrella is, for example, chemical compounds from the racetam family (such as piracetam and pramiracetam), ritalin, amphetamine, modafinil, and substances such as vitamins and amino acids found in foods and plants that can be purchased at supplement and health food stores such as the Medicinal food shop.
But is this positive?
Doctors worry about the harmful effects of the pills, which they say can cause nervousness, headaches, insomnia and decreased appetite.
There is also the risk of psychological dependence. After all, how to maintain focus and attention without using stimulants, after having had this little help?
In the absence of conclusive studies, it is worth appealing to natural cognitive enhancers: caffeine, cocoa, ginkgo biloba, guarana, omega 3, ginseng, rhodiola rosea, bacopa monnieri, curcumin, ashwagandha among others.
You will find that the natural nootropic Smart Cream besides being tasty helps boost brain activity and neuroregenesis with lion’s mane and coconut MCT oil which are considered great fuel for the brain.
How to make sure that the substance you are ingesting is a reliable one? The chemist Corneliu E. Giurgea, creator of this concept, defined a series of very restricted definitions to be able to refer to a compound as a smart drug. It must be a substance capable of improving intellectual performance.
It must be a compound that protects the brain from some aggressions, such as hypoxia (lack of oxygen). It must protect the brain from the actions of toxic products. It should enhance the user’s natural intellectual abilities. It cannot be toxic to humans and cannot cause agitation or sedation.
Taking that into consideration, it is easy to understand that each metabolism will react differently to these substances, as for caffein, for example, that can bring different effects to different people.
These criteria are met only by certain drugs (medical use only) that are used to combat cognitive deterioration (loss of memory and other functions).
However, manufacturers of over-the-counter intelligence drugs use much more flexible criteria, labeling a wide variety of products as such. For this reason, you should choose your smart drug wisely and pay attention to the effects.
Now you know that you already might have many of these substances in your kitchen. You can find them in dark chocolate, turmeric powder or roots, coffee, teas, and many more.
So, if you want to decrease your brain activity is worthwhile to avoid these foods before sleeping or relaxation moments.
It is also necessary to understand that to improve or preserve your cognitive ability, doctors recommend healthy eating and healthy lifestyle habits, relying only on these supplements is not recommended.
Consume fresh, nutritious and vitamin-rich products. Coffee, turmeric and other superfoods have shown beneficial effects on intellectual performance if incorporated in moderation into a healthy diet.
The Mediterranean diet can prevent or delay the onset of dementia in the elderly, according to some studies. Avoid highly processed foods, giving preference for fresh homemade versions instead.
Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.
Experts believe that sleeping less than 6 hours, especially during "adulthood" (45-65 years), can be detrimental to mental health and increase the possibility of suffering from dementia or other disorders in later life.
Every individual though is unique, so you should respect your own body operational way.
We can’t stop difficult times from appearing. However, asking friends, family or a mental health professional for help, practicing yoga or meditation, may help keep stress at bay, as in the long term it can affect intellectual functions.
Drugs of abuse are great "enemies" of well-being. These substances can damage or alter the brain circuitry, causing a long-term decrease in intellectual capacity. Excessive alcohol consume can also affect intellectual performance. Ask for help if you feel a compulsive urge to consume it.
Therefore, if you can keep a healthy diet, avoid stress, don’t abuse drugs altogether with a good sleeping routine, you will already be doing a great deal of improvement in your cognitive system.
Adding a supplement that falls under the nootropics definition to a healthy and easy-going routine can bring you great results, after all, ideally you should keep body and mind as it best by implementing good and health habits into your routine.
