Is time money? Especially those who run their own businesses and are highly competent will agree. The amount of time in the day, unfortunately, will not increase, but it is possible to make individual hours more valuable. By supporting brain fitness, we can increase productivity and improve our quality of life. Among other things, that's what nootropics do.

• What are nootropics?
• What can nootropics help with?
• Advanced pharmacological nootropics
• Effective and natural nootropics. Is it possible?
• Nootropics for better concentration and fatigue reduction
• Nootropics for improving memory without stimulation
• Nootropics for stress reduction and mood enhancement
• Where to buy nootropics?

What are nootropics?

Nootropics are a group of substances that, most generally, are supposed to improve brain function in a safe way. To fall into this group, a substance must have the effect of improving memory, improving the assimilation of information under distracting conditions, increasing the nervous system's resistance to harmful agents, and not harming it.

What can nootropics help with?

There are many aspects in which not only pro-cognitive drugs, but even these natural nootropics can be helpful. Dominant, however, are these properties:

• memory improvement,
• better ability to concentrate attention,
• improved mental performance.

Additional benefits, which are also strongly appreciated, include the ability to reduce fatigue, improve mood, suppress symptoms of stress, or slow the onset of brain aging. It all depends on the goal set and the appropriate choice of supplementation.

Advanced pharmacological nootropics

The first drug that has been assigned the title of nootropic drug is piracetam, used in neurology. It is quite mild in action, but has a broad spectrum of properties, affecting, among other things, several neurotransmitter systems and improving cerebral blood circulation. To date, it has been used to inhibit cognitive impairment or in recovery from strokes, for example.

Over time, many derivatives and analogs of piracetam have been developed, such as aniracetam, oxyracetam, phenylpiracetam, coluracetam, pramiracetam, and fasoracetam. Each of them has a stronger effect than piracetam, is used in smaller doses and has its own characteristic features and properties. Related substances include noopept and sunifiram, which do not technically fall within the definition of racetam, but have much in common with them.

Effective and natural nootropics. Is it possible?

As much as possible! There are many effective and readily available nootropics, which in many cases are also all-natural. Below we will present noteworthy effective nootropics that are either natural in origin or synthetic, but found in the same form in nature. For ease of reference, we have divided them into several groups in terms of their predominant effects.

Nootropics for better concentration and fatigue reduction

Not all nootropic substances add energy and reduce fatigue, but those that do are particularly well-liked. No wonder. After all, the effect is very quick and easy to observe, and the overall feeling is usually pleasant.

Caffeine + theanine - this is a combination of a stimulant and a calming substance, which at first glance seems strange. However, studies show that their effects do not interfere with each other, and when used simultaneously, we get the best from each. Caffeine reduces feelings of fatigue, boosts energy and improves concentration. Theanine, on the other hand, stabilizes the effects of caffeine, reducing the risk of irritability or hand tremors, while also allowing you to better focus on the task at hand without stress and racing thoughts. Caffeine and theanine are one of the most versatile and most popular nootropic combinations to start with. Both substances together are found in green tea.

L-Tyrosine - may bring a slight energizing effect from the first dose, but regular intake increases its potency. Tyrosine is a building block for energizing neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine). It works especially well when for some reason our stores of these neurotransmitters in our neurons have been depleted, such as too few amino acids in the diet or overuse of coffee and stimulant stimulants. Free l-tyrosine can be used in procognitive supplementation, but even more popular is NALT, or n-acetyl l-tyrosine.

Rhodiola rosea - an adaptogenic plant that is known for its fatigue-reducing effects and for physically strengthening the body. It improves mood and adds vitality, making it easier to motivate oneself to work. Users often report more willpower and greater mental clarity. Rhodiola reduces the effects of chronic stress and promotes physical activity. The first effects appear quickly, but longer use is recommended, as due to its effect on changes in gene expression, the effects of supplementation may intensify over time.

Beware of strong stimulants! Readers who have already licked the subject before may be surprised that such popular products as modafinil, Adderall, or methylphenidate are not included in the list. Well, each of these substances is a prescription drug and should not be used without the express recommendation of a doctor. In our overview, we present non-prescription nootropics and rely on safe and widely available products. Adderall and methylphenidate, in particular, are not inert to health, and due to their addictive potential and high invasiveness, they should not even be called nootropics.

Nootropics for improving memory without stimulation

Not everyone complains of fatigue, and sometimes you just need better memory and concentration without an extra boost, such as for working or studying in the evenings, or for more efficient memorization in general, on a daily basis.

Alpha GPC - an excellently absorbed form of choline that efficiently migrates to the brain, crossing the blood-brain barrier. It can both provide choline for the construction of acetylcholine in the brain, a neurotransmitter critical to the process of memory formation, and support the formation of strong cell membranes of neurons, which in the long run improves their communication. It works well both in ad hoc supplementation before study or work, and in daily supplementation.

Huperzine A - like Alpha GPC raises acetylcholine, but in a different way. Huperzine slows the rate at which it is broken down, so that larger amounts of acetylcholine remain available for use. It has a long duration of action, up to several hours, so you only need to take it once a day in the morning to enjoy better cognitive abilities throughout the day. Huperzine A can be obtained by laboratory synthesis or extracted from the Huperzia serrata plant.

Bacopa Monnieri - an herb that is used both for improving memory and for better well-being with reduction of stress and anxiety. Among other things, memory improvement is the result of raising the concentration of the neurotrophic factor BDNF, which regenerates neurons and in some regions (such as the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory) can stimulate the development of new nerve cells. Bacopa is a supplement for daily use for several months, as its actions must cumulate for a noticeable effect to appear.

Lion's Mane - an example of a health-promoting mushroom that stands out for its very positive effects on brain function. It works in several ways, but its calling card is the raising of neuronal growth factor (NGF), which affects the regeneration and improvement of the overall condition of the nervous system. A popular way to use it is to add the powdered extract to coffee to improve its effects. However, you can also reach for standard capsules for daily supplementation.

ALCAR - an acetylated form of l-carnitine. Its nootropic effect is based on providing acetyl groups to build acetylcholine and stimulating energy production in the mitochondria. It works both ad hoc, slightly improving concentration, and long-term with daily supplementation.

Nootropics for stress reduction and mood enhancement

Sometimes problems with concentration and procrastination stem from excess stress in daily life or excess anxiety. A bad mood is definitely not conducive to effective work, as first of all it is hard to motivate oneself to work, and secondly, runaway thoughts do not allow stable focus on the task at hand.

Kanna - an herb of African hunters. It has a unique profile of action for humans. One of its mechanisms of action is exactly the same as in the most popular antidepressants (serotonin reuptake inhibition), but it has fewer side effects. Namely, not only does it not cause sluggishness and concentration problems, but on the contrary, it can improve brain function and make it easier to focus. It is because of this unique package of actions, namely improved concentration and better mood with less anxiety and stress, that Kanna has served tribal hunters well. In African tribes it was also used for ritual and social purposes.

Ashwagandha - probably the most popular supplement for stress. Anti-stress effects are confirmed both in biochemical changes and in the subjective feelings of Ashwagandha users. It has a very broad effect on general health, affecting brain health as well.

Rhodiola rosea and Bacopa Monnieri from previous chapters also fit well into this category. Both reduce stress and are good for mood, and have been assigned to other categories by their predominant properties.

Nootropics for slowing brain aging

Nootropic substances can be used as a preventive health measure to strengthen brain health and reduce the risk or delay the symptoms of aging in this organ.

Ginkgo biloba -Ginkgo biloba herb is a very popular remedy for reducing memory disorders. It works best in seniors, and many research data indicate that Ginkgo biloba effectively delays symptoms of senile dementia. Additionally, it improves cerebral blood circulation and benefits eye health.

Phosphatidylserine - is a glycerophospholipid that builds cell walls, including nerve cells. It is a nootropic that typically works at the root because it affects elementary aspects of brain function. Strong cell walls mean efficient communication between neurons, stable operation and protection from threats. Phosphatidylserine has additional cortisol-reducing properties, which helps reduce the effects of long-term stress.

Curcumin - is a very powerful antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory effects and is known for its neuroprotective properties. Medical literature indicates that curcumin has the ability to delay age-related decline in cognitive function. It has also been used in many studies on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Where to buy nootropics?

Most often, nootropics are offered by dietary supplement stores. The fact is that most of them are just supplements, such as natural extracts or amino acids. Many effective nootropic substances for improving memory and concentration can be found in the MZ-Store, whose offer stands out in this regard on the Polish market.