Nootropics are medicines, supplements, and other substances that promise to boost cognitive performance in healthy people, especially executive functions, attention, memory, creativity, and motivation. Prescription nootropics drugs have stimulating properties. They can help people with illnesses like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
How do they work?
A question as to how to do these drugs work cannot be answered straightforwardly. Science has created a sort of explanation that has been accepted and relied on. These contain five pathways that make nootropics the brain-boosting supplement we know of, namely:
- Brain chemicals:
When one neuron sends brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) to another neuron, this is known as synaptic transmission or cell-to-cell communication. Consider neurotransmitters to be information transporters: The receiving neuron may respond in a variety of ways depending on the sort of information being communicated, but ultimately conveys that message to other nearby brain cells until the intended cognitive output is accomplished. Specific nootropics, such as L-Tyrosine, engage neurotransmitter pathways naturally and directly effectively qualifying them as pharmacological neurotransmitter nourishment.
- Cerebral blood flow:
Nootropics can help with cerebral circulation by doing the following:
- Increasing nitric oxide production and blood vessel relaxation.
- Homocysteine inhibition and oxidative damage to blood vessels.
- reducing the “stickiness” of blood cells, making them less likely to clot.
3)Neurodegeneration may be aided by nootropics in the following ways:
- Increasing natural growth factors for the brain, such as NGF.
- supplying raw ingredients for neuronal construction, such as choline.
- Maintaining the flexibility and suppleness of brain cell membranes.
4). Brain waves:
Different frequencies identify different brain waves, with lower frequencies indicating fatigued and dreamy mental states and higher frequencies indicating fast and attentive cognition. Five brain wave frequencies are associated with various bodily functions namely, gamma wave, beta wave, alpha wave, delta wave, and theta wave. Certain brain waves can be raised by nootropics, most notably L-Theanine. Alpha brain waves are frequently used to promote alert-yet-relaxed states, which can be good for productivity, creativity, or simply relaxing.
5). Brain energy:
Nootropics can help with brain energy by doing the following:
- Increasing the metabolic activity of mitochondria, the brain’s powerhouse.
- Assisting with the delivery of fatty acid material into brain cells, where it is used to energize mitochondria.
- Increasing oxygen and nutrient uptake in the brain, providing the fuel needed for energy generation.
Five natural nootropics:
- Creatine:
Creatine is a type of amino acid used by the body to create protein. It’s a popular bodybuilding supplement that not only boosts muscular growth but also has cognitive benefits. Creatine enters the brain after being consumed, where it interacts with phosphate to form a molecule that the brain uses to quickly fuel its cells.
- Gingko:
When used daily for six weeks, ginkgo or Gingko Biloba supplements have been found to aid memory and mental functioning in healthy older persons. Ginkgo biloba reduces stress-related high BP and lowers cortisol, a type of stress hormone when taken before a high-stress task.
- Nicotine:
Nicotine, which can be found in cigarettes and other products, has been shown in studies to have nootropic benefits, such as greater alertness and attention, particularly in persons who have inherently short attention spans. It’s also been discovered to help with motor function. Furthermore, chewing nicotine gum has been related to faster and more fluid handwriting.
- Caffeine:
Found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and, numerous products worldwide, caffeine is one of the most common nootropics. It works by blocking the adenosine receptors in the brain, which makes us feel tired. Once this is done, we get a sensation of energy. Caffeine can be harmful in very high doses and it is easy to get addicted to it.
- L-Theanine:
Most commonly found in tea, this is a type of amino acid that has performance-enhancing properties. When taken, they increase the alpha waves pattern in the brain giving the individual a boost of energy.
Conclusion:
Nootropic like any other drug can be harmful if taken in high doses. To be safe and have a good experience with such a drug, it is best to consult a physician and any other brain specialist to prescribe such drugs.
