My last article was about the need for self-care for teachers.
This is like a good continuation where we look at how we can enhance our brain functions through consumption of nootropics.
With advancement of science and research, there have been more proven scientific facts about nootropics these days.
This is an educational article that provides some information about nootropics. You should do further research if you are planning to take certain nootropics for your health issues.
Some common names of Nootropics could be like ‘Brain Enhancer’, ‘Brain Booster’ or ‘Cognitive Enhancer’.
Nootropics are simply some substances that can help our mental functions like focus, motivation, mood, memory and attention span.
Brain enhancer are not really new. There was a period during my youth where my friends felt that Ginkgo Biloba can enhance our brain. We took it as though it was a magic pill for our brains.
In modern days, nootropics become popular for specific brain needs through the use of different nootropics.
There are generally three basic types. The natural ones from nature and the man-made ones that you can buy from drug stores. There is also the third type where a combination of both natural and man-made together.
Different types of nootropics may have different effects so we will need to find out more before attempting to take any.
It is wise to consult those who are selling them to see whether your physical conditions can be improved by the selected nootropics for the intended enhancement.
How do these nootropics help us?
The aim is to provide optimization to our brain function but I personally don’t think they are some magic pills that give immediate effects. It may take some time before you can see significant results.
The following are just some possible effects on our brain but you should do further research on your own for more in-depth information.
Possible effect 1: Neurotransmitters
Help you with your mood, increase ability to learn, relieve anxiety, help with sleep and reduce stress through enhancement of mood-boosting neurochemicals in your brain.
Possible effect 2: Better blood flow
Increase blood follow throughout our bodies and brains resulting in increase of oxygen to the brain, better nutrient absorption by the brain and lower overall stress.
Possible effect 3: Promote brain growth
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and nerve growth factor(NGF) that enhance the growth of neurons in our brain.
During stressful situations, our brain can have the ability to adapt and reorganise more effectively.
Possible effect 4: Neuroprotection
Fight against brain degeneration due to aging. Improve memory, attention, function and information processing of the brain for adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Possible effect 5: Lower inflammation
Reduce brain inflammation resulting in the improvement of brain performance.
Some nootropics can help to suppress molecules that have inflammation in the hippocampus that controls our learning and spatial memory.
Man-made type
Common ones come from the racetam family like Aniracetam, Phenylpiracetam, Pramiracetam, Oxiracetam etc
Basically, laboratories investigate how the application of these drugs can improve our cognition as well as working memory. Further researches can investigate about how these drugs prevent the deterioration of neurons in our brain.
Most people go for Piracetam since there were some positive effects with mild side effects based on research.
Help elderly to improve memory and attention
Help brain trauma patients to improve colour discrimination
Depression
Other man-made nootropics can be used for ADHD, sleep disorder, sleep deprivation, mental energy etc
Side effects can be headache, stomach issues, withdrawal when trying to stop using as some can be addictive, anxiety etc
The rule of the thumb is to avoid long term use without prescription.
Natural herbal
Traditional Chinese medicine has used herbs for treating patients.
Ayurvedic medicine, that was developed in India more than 3000 years ago, also used natural herbs.
Even in Korea, herbal medicine had already existed in the palace.
Natural nootropics and adaptogens have helped with relieving stress, brain development, combat fatigue, improve memory etc
These reminds me of articles done by some of the popular steemit members.
Both content creators had written about food from nature that provided good health benefits.
@kennyskitchen did an article early this month about our body requirement of Amino Acids and not protein that can be achieved through vegan.
@eco-alex has been regularly writing about The Medicinal Cooking Collective. He has already written 3 articles on this topic.
The main idea is that you can find what you need from the nature.
Some examples of natural nootropics
Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba
Cordyceps
Guduchi
Butterfly pea
Mixture Nootropics
These drugs may have been used for different health issues like depression, insomnia, improve cognitive activities etc.
Some examples of mixture nootropics
Alpha GPC
Gaba
L-theanine
Huperzine-A
Caffeine
In conclusion
It is always good to get a consultation before taking any supplements.
Anything taken should be in moderation to avoid addiction or over dependence on these supplements.
Different nootropics may also be suitable for different physical conditions so it is wise to do further research before rushing to consume them.
Disclaimer: This is my personal reflection and I am not in any position to instruct anyone what they should do. I am not responsible for any action taken as a result of this post. My post can only be a reference for your further research and growth. By reading this post, you acknowledge and accept that. All images and pictures were taken from google images that are free from copyright under labelled for reuse.
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://fun2learn.vornix.blog/2018/07/26/a-glimpse-on-nootropics/