https://nootropicstopics.com/new-nootropics-start/
Nootropics can be defined as substances that safely enhance the cognitive function of the brain and help in dealing with stress. This term was introduced by a Romanian psychologist and chemist Corneliu Giurgea in 1972, it’s based on two Greek words: “mind” (νους) and “turn” (τρέπειν). Nootropics are not meant to be used for treating mental illnesses, but they may be used by healthy people for boosting concentration, memory, motivation and learning ability in general.
Many people already use nootropics every day without being aware of it. For example, by drinking coffee or energy drinks for battling fatigue and improving concentration, or by taking vitamin complex pills for improving memory. Below is an overview of a few the most popular natural and synthetic nootropics.
Overview
Natural Nootropics
https://www.braintropic.com/best-natural-nootropic-stack/
Natural nootropics are cognitive health supplements that exist in nature, made from plants and animal products. Some of them, for example, caffeine, are known for centuries and were used in many cultures around the world.
Caffeine
I guess everyone tried this natural nootropic, at least once, in the form of a tasty coffee. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases alertness. It also stimulates dopamine production, a substance which enhances focus and concentration.
Taurine
This is the most popular component of the energy drinks, so if you drank Red Bull or something similar you probably experienced the taurine effect. It’s claimed to be an effective remedy for anxiety, stress, and insomnia as well as help with concentration.
Synthetic Nootropics
https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/beginners-guide-nootropics-supplements-stacks/
Although the most of the synthetic nootropics were created in the 20th century, there was a huge rise in popularity of these substances only a few years ago and they are becoming more popular from day to day. Only in three years starting from 2012 cognitive health supplements market has grown by 48.1% and reached $2.7 billion in size. Leading investment companies like Andreessen Horowitz invested in nootropic startups appearing in the US and all over the world. Currently, authorities like Food and Drug Administration of the US classifies the most of the synthetic nootropics as GRAS (generally regarded as safe) dietary supplements.
Phenibut
Phenibut was synthesized in the Soviet Union back in the 1960s. It was used for calming down astronauts during the flight without affecting the concentration and memory abilities. Nowadays it’s classified as a nootropic and used for moderating social anxiety, normalizing sleep schedule and lowering the stress level.
Piracetam
Piracetam was created in 1972 by the author of the term “nootropic” Corneliu Giurgea, and it’s the most studied nootropic on the market to this date. It’s claimed to improve cognition, boost memory and increase learning abilities. It laid the foundation to a whole family of nootropics, called racetams, which have similar effects.
Dangers
Although taking nootropics for improving cognitive function of the brain may seem like a simple solution, long-term effects of many nootropics are not studied well yet. Even natural nootropics can be harmful, for example, caffeine can cause a headache and nausea. Since the human body is a self-balancing system it may be better to use natural mechanisms of the brain for this purpose. Eating food rich in vitamins, doing sports and “training” the brain by resolving logic puzzles can improve the cognitive function and lower the stress level.
Questions
- Have you heard about nootropics?
- Have you tried taking nootropics, either natural or synthetic?
- Do you think it’s acceptable to use third-party supplements for improving the brain cognitive function or it should be done only naturally?
- What are your suggestions for dealing with issues like stress, fatigue and lack of concentration in a natural way?
Comments
I've also tried a few of them. As far as I know all of them were synthetic ones.
I think that people shouldn't take any synthetic supplements especially when it comes to brain working. It could be dangerous for health.
In my opinion the best solutions to concentrate problems would be a moment of relax. When someone is stressed and can't concentrate it means that for sure needs a moment of break to take a deep breath and then come back.
Of course, I've heard about nootropics but I confess I have very little knowledge of this substances. I have never tried taking nootropics, at least not regularly. I mean I drink coffee from time to time, but only because of its taste and/or for company, not to improve my brain function. I always try to naturally supplement essential vitamins, minerals, micro- and macroelements. But, on the other hand, I have nothing against the nootropics, since I’ve never heard (from my friends and family) of a single case of damage to health caused by these substances. For this reason I would like to see others’ opinions on the subject.
When it comes to dealing with issues like stress etc., my answer is to get some extra sleep or do sports, depending on your needs.
I recommend that you read a lot about it and talk with people who know a lot about it and make conclusions. TV advertisements of tablets to lose weight make me nervous. I don't know why they are legal. These people should be in prison becasue these tablets are just chemicals.
The best method to fight stress and problem with concentration is have contact with nature and exercise.
I'm not taking supplements, because I easily forget about it, so I've got packages with vitamins and other recommended supplements - they lay somewhere in the drawer.
I think that it is ok to use third-party supplements for improving the brain cognitive function - with natural and synthetic supplements. It was made to help and improve quality of life and health, but also look, so why not? As everything it have to be used wisely - not too much, not too often.
I don't know if you know, but is a lot of supplements for animals. Of course, you can give them "human" supplements (with the consent of vet, because you may not know everything), for example vit C for guinea pigs (it is even recommended!). But there are supplements advertised and "targeted to" pets - for example pills with Omega3
I think that one the best natural way to deal with stress, fatigue and lack of concentration is just a rest. Not only physical, when you lay down, but rather mental one. You should give yourself a time without factor that makes you stressed or they remind you of it. Good sleep - it means quality and length is also very important - there were many researches about it and it is confirmed (and probably most of us will agree) that when you sleep well and long enough you fell much better. Your whole organism may rest, regenerate and it is prepared for challenges of the very next day.
I can't live without coffee, also I like red bull summer edition. That's why i have it in my life. When I am stressed and tired I just try to sleep well, to go out of the city to face the nature, healthy food of course, sport and vitamins.
I am not a doctor to judge those who take different medicines to stimulate their body, maybe some of them just can't live without it. But now I prefer more natural ways to bring myself back to life:)
Same applies to all other stimulants such as coffee - it can have very positive effects when in small quantities and improve your brain functions for a short period, while drinking too much will in fact make your health worse, not better.
So yes to nootropics, no to making them routine.
Bacopa and Rhodiola are two nootropics that come directly from plants and can have a profound effect on both long and short term memory. You can choose to take them individually or as part of a nootropic stack.
People are lazy and want to have an effect as fast as possible. Giving itself some minutes of rest, taking a short nap, walking in the park, doing the work in a reasonable period of time requires time and patience, we can cut corners and just take nootropics. Anyways I think nootropics are good when we use them reasonably.
I found this polish website where you can buy it:
http://nootropiki.pl/phenibut
However, it's very worrying that you can buy it without any prescription/medical consultation. I'm not a fan of supplements and other helpers. We had many cases where people died after drinking a few coffees and energy drinks. Maybe everything is ok in small quantities. Personally, I'd rather talk to a doctor first before I start taking any nootropics.
I don't like coffee and I never drink it, sometimes (twice a year maybe) I buy energy drinks if I have to work late into the night.
I think that the huge rise in popularity of these substances is caused by our intense lifestyle (a lot of responsibilities, stress etc). We should strive for inner harmony, have time to rest, do sports, spend time with friends. And we should look for the source of our problems.
If someone is overtired nootropics can diminish the effects of it, make it easier to learn.
Everything can be obtained by having proper, balanced diet and getting enough sleep and rest - I believe this is the best way of dealing with stress, lack of concentration and fatigue.
There is a limit human body can endure and those kind of substances allow to stretch that limit, move if forward. Not without a price I assume, you can't cheat your body over the limits for long period of time. It will defy eventually.
As far as I know phenibut is not well studied yet, you can check out this post in the Reddit nootropics community https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/2xb353/beginners_guide_to_phenibut/ Talking to a doctor is always a good idea.
2) Except from coffe and energy drinks i have not tried any nootropics.
3) I believe that it's acceptable only when it's absolutely necessary.
4) Depends. For stress just go and work out. For fatigue and lack of concentration just go to sleep.
I have heard about nootropics before, and I was really interested in this topic. I even considered trying it, but at the end I decided that it’s not really for me. I was kind of scared about the possible negative outcome of taking it.