Nootropics, sometimes referred to as Smart Drugs are derivatives of amino acids. They are all natural supplements that have a beneficial effect on brain function in healthy people. Many of these can boost memory, motivation, creativity, alertness and general cognitive function. Nootropics may also reduce age-related declines in brain function helping those dealing with Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's Disease.
While there has been clinical studies on some of the more prominent Nootropics, they are still widely misunderstood based on research I've done. One site touts remarkable properties of various Nootropic 'stacks' which involves combining a number of Nootropic powders in raw form, while another basically says they are only minimally effective if that. Basically, all I can do here is give you my personal opinion, and feedback on Nootropics I've tried. With that said, I have experienced positive gains mentally, and emotionally from Nootropics I take. They have improved my memory, my cognitive functions including clarity, recall, and brain fog. I find that my mind is sharper on a regular basis, and that I can think through things far faster than I used to before taking them.
All of the Nootropics I take are in raw powder form. You use various size scoops to take the powder depending on density. For clarity, and cognitive functions I take Alpha-GPC 50% which is a natural compound found in the brain. According to a Government study published in 2015 Alpha-GPC administration increases the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and facilitates learning and memory. In athletes, Alpha-GPC supplementation prevents exercise-induced reductions in choline levels, increases endurance performance and growth hormone secretion.
I find it helps with brain fog, and clarity. It usually lasts 6-8 hours so I take it in the morning before leaving for work. I generally take 100-200mg as a dose once in the morning. It can be taken more often throughout the day, but be careful of building resistance. I also take a day off during the week or weekend and that goes for any of the powders so I don't build a tolerance. To me this is one of the most beneficial powders out there that actually works. It crosses the blood brain barrier easily so the brain is able to absorb about 75-80% of the benefits of the powder. It has also been noted in other studies that is helps with the formation of new brain cells.
Another Nootropic I will use regularly is Huperzine A. It is a compound extracted from the herbs of the Huperziceae family. It is known as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means that it stops an enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine which results in increases in acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is known as the learning neurotransmitter, and is involved in muscle contraction as well. Increasing levels of acetylcholine is routinely used as a technique amongst weight-lifters and scholars.
