The 11 Best Nootropics: A Guide to Upgrading Your Lifelong Focus and Energy

Nootropics (NO-tros-picks) are bioactive compounds that support brain health, performance, and general well-being. These natural substances have been used for millennia to improve cognitive performance, support memory, and increase mental stamina. In recent years, nootropics have gained much attention from the general public as people become more conscious about the substances they take. Nootropics are also known as “smart drugs” or cognitive enhancers because of their ability to focus our brains, improve our memory and alert us. Read on to learn about 11 of the most common nootropics on the market today, their benefits, and potential side effects.

What are Nootropics?

Nootropics (from the Greek “noos” for mind and “trope” for bend) are bioactive compounds that support brain health, performance, and general well-being. These natural substances have been used for millennia to improve cognitive performance, support memory, and increase mental stamina. In recent years, nootropics have gained much attention from the general public as people become more conscious about the substances they take. Nootropics are also known as “smart drugs” or cognitive enhancers because of their ability to focus our brains, improve our memory and alert us.

Piracetam

Piracetam is the first nootropic ever synthesized and is currently one of the most widely used cognitive enhancers. It was discovered in the 1960s by a researcher searching for a cure for epilepsy. Although piracetam has not shown any anti-epileptic effects in clinical studies, it has been found to significantly improve focus, alertness, general cognitive function, and mood in otherwise healthy users. Piracetam is also known to improve blood flow in the brain.

CDP Choline

CDP choline is a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and has been shown to increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain, resulting in increased focus and attention. CDP choline is also used to treat cognitive decline in aging, cognitive deficits in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease, and drug addictions. Studies have shown that CDP choline improves memory formation, attention span, and overall cognitive function. CDP choline is often used together with piracetam to increase the effectiveness of the piracetam dosage and provide an extra boost to general cognitive function.

Aniracetam

Aniracetam is a nootropic that has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood and reduce stress and cortisol levels. It has been used to improve cognition and reduce cognitive decline and forgetfulness symptoms. Aniracetam is a fat-soluble substance that crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to AMPA receptors in the brain. AMPA receptors are associated with learning and memory, and their increased activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and mood.

Oxiracetam

Oxiracetam is an energizing nootropic that has been shown to enhance focus, alertness, and general cognitive function. It has also been shown to improve verbal fluency and reading speed. In clinical studies, oxiracetam effectively improves learning capacity and short-term memory. It is believed to work by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters in forming new memories. Oxiracetam has also been shown to increase blood flow in the brain, improve oxygen utilization and increase the brain’s information processing rate.

Phenylpiracetam

Phenylpiracetam is a powerful nootropic that has improved cognitive function and athletic performance. It has increased alertness, focus, and concentration and improved mood and motivation. Phenylpiracetam has been shown to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain and has been used to treat dopamine deficiency syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is believed to work by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters and increasing the brain’s information processing rate. Phenylpiracetam has also encouraged new neuron growth and enhanced long-term potentiation.

Neuromodulation Agents: Huperzine A and Bacopa

Huperzine A and Bacopa are herbs used for centuries to promote brain health. Huperzine A is a natural compound found in the Chinese herb Huperzia Serrata, which has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. Bacopa is an Ayurvedic herb used in traditional medicine. Huperzine A and Bacopa have significantly improved cognitive function and memory and reduced anxiety and stress. They have also been shown to reduce the rate of cognitive decline in aging. These herbs are believed to work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain and stimulating the growth of new neurons.

Mood and Cognition Enhancers: Tryptophan, 5-HTP, and SAM-e

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid to promote general well-being. It has also been a natural remedy for sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. Tryptophan effectively increases serotonin levels in the brain and reduces anxiety and stress. It is believed to work by increasing the rate of serotonin production. 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor that has been used to promote a general sense of well-being and to reduce the symptoms of depression. It is believed to work by increasing the rate of serotonin production. SAM-e is a substance that is naturally produced by the human body and involved in synthesizing neurotransmitters. It has been used to promote a general sense of well-being and reduce the symptoms of depression. It is believed to work by increasing the serotonin and dopamine production rate.

Mixed Nootropics: Sulbutiamine and Methylphenidate

Sulbutiamine is a synthetic version of thiamine (vitamin B1) that has been used to promote a general sense of well-being and reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. It has also been used to enhance mental and physical performance. Sulbutiamine is believed to work by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Methylphenidate is a synthetic version of the amino acid phenethylamine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has also been used to promote a general sense of well-being and increase the capacity for focus and concentration. Methylphenidate is believed to work by stimulating the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Conclusion

Nootropics are bioactive compounds that support brain health and general well-being. These natural substances have been used for millennia to improve cognitive performance, support memory, and increase mental stamina. In recent years, nootropics have gained much attention from the general public as people become more conscious about the substances they take. Nootropics are also known as “smart drugs” or cognitive enhancers because of their ability to focus our brains, improve our memory and alert us.