Nowadays, many people take nootropics to help them deal with anxiety, stress, to improve learning abilities, make the faster connection, or enhance cognitive function.
The word "Nootropics" actually comes from Greek and can be translated by two words, "mind" and "turning". This can be interpreted as "affecting the mind". Due to the fact that these substances have a direct effect on the brain, they earn their name.
People tend to believe that any substance that offers the mind a boost, is a nootropic, but the reality is that a nootropic has to protect the brain while enhancing the memory. Also, it is mandatory to improve learning, and under no circumstances, to be toxic to the organism, or have severe side effects.
What makes a substance, a nootropic?
- According to Skandia's Nootropic Criteria, a nootropic has to be able to overcome the blood brain barrier and have a direct impact on the brain. The metabolic activity of the brain is also a criterion.
- The Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary says that a nootropic is "an agent having an effect on the memory". This is a fairly simple definition, that may include a wide variety of natural or synthetic ingredients.
- Corneliu E. Giurgea said that a nootropic can't have a negative impact on the Central Nervous System and that it has to ensure and improve a healthy brain.
It may be hard to draw the line and say with certainty which substance is or isn't a nootropic, but the main idea is that a brain supplement should be able to improve cognition, raise the intelligence level, help us make the faster connection, recall things with better clarity and improve attentiveness and alertness.
The differences between a nootropic and a cognitive enhancer
-a nootropic will not only improve memory but also protect the brain while doing it
-even though they enhance cognitive functions, a nootropic isn't a stimulant
-severe side effects or risks eliminate any cognitive enhancer as being a nootropic
-a nootropic will always have a beneficial effect and after the administration has stopped, the person will return to a state prior to nootropic intake, but never to a level below that one.
How do nootropics work?
1.Increase the cerebral circulation and thus lead to a better supply of nutrients and oxygen to the brain
2.Aid the creation of ATP in neurons
3.Support energy metabolism
4.Stimulate the neural activity
5.Inhibit enzymes that interfere with neurotransmitters
6.Raise some neurotransmitters levels
7.Remove toxins or destroy free radicals
8.Increase the volume of synaptic receptors
9.Repair damaged brain cells
10.Fight cognitive decline
11.Reverse the damaged done by certain mental disorders.
Nootropics can be made in a lab through a chemical process or extracted from plants. Either way, they improve cognition, allow us to concentrate even if we're under stress and increase learning abilities.
They will have an effect on your neurotransmitters and allow you to make faster connections due to increasing the number of synapses.
Keep in mind that unlike other substances, a nootropic won't have a stimulating effect like caffeine and it won't give you a momentary boost of energy, which you'll have to pay back later.
