Are you currently struggling to concentrate or get your head in the game? You are not alone. Months into the coronavirus pandemic, many people are still learning how to live with the anxiety, fear, stress, and anger that has invaded our lives.
If you are a student looking to ace your exams in the middle of a pandemic, or a career professional trying to keep up with relentless Zoom calls and multiple Slack threads, or you are a much older adult and the thoughts of dementia keep you up at night, the idea of taking a pill every day to boost brainpower is much welcomed.
This is the reason why nootropics have gained massive popularity in today’s competitive world. But what are nootropics and in what way do they work? Are they safe to use? Well, nootropics, commonly identified as smart drugs are natural or sometimes synthetic substances that can be taken to boost or improve brain function and mental performance in generally healthy individuals.
The active ingredients in nootropic supplements include caffeine, creatine, Panax ginseng, L-theanine, bacopa monnieri, and Rhodiola rosea. These ingredients have been credited for improving cognitive benefits, for example, memory recall, learning focus for students, productivity, and overall brain function.
The truth is nootropic supplements can give you the upper hand you really need to perform at your best. However, choosing the right nootropic supplements for your exact need is not always an easy task. Read this nootropics review first, before you pick out a nootropic supplement to improve your brain function.
Here are three things to consider before buying a nootropic supplement.
Ingredients
Before you grab a nootropic supplement off the counter, make sure that you look at the list of ingredients. You probably know about ginseng and green tea and the effects they have on the brain, but those are not the only ingredients used to formulate a nootropic supplement.
Do your research and ensure that all the listed ingredients are backed by research to prove their effectiveness. A good nootropic supplement should contain a potent blend of natural products that when combined, enhance cognition and optimize brain function. The ingredients should also help you to improve memory and recover from mental exertion.
Be sure to buy a nootropic supplement that is stimulant-free and does not contain synthetic additives. Some of the most promising ingredients include; alpha GPC which acts as a booster for a chemical known as acetylcholine. Acetylcholine excites the brain thus allowing for concentration, focus, and memory retention. Cats claw also known as Uncaria tomentose contains multiple antioxidants that boost mental health and performance.
L-theanine is a powerful amino acid that has a calming effect on brain cells and reduces stress and anxiety, keeping your brain alert yet relaxed at the same time. Avena sativa commonly known as oat straw is also a powerful ingredient to look for. Oat straw is the key ingredient needed to keep you active and less fatigued when you are awake. It also reduces inflammation on the artery walls and this helps in increasing blood flow to the brain.
The recommended dosage for nootropic supplements varies from one capsule in the morning on an empty stomach to a pill three times a day. You will notice the effects of the supplements after about 45 minutes and the effects will last about 10 hours.
Price
If you are on a budget, the last thing you need is to overpay for your pills. However, before you rush out and grab the cheapest nootropic you can find, ensure that you are not just buying a supplement that is filled with sugar and other non-important ingredients to fake the nootropic effect.
Remember, high-quality ingredients cost money and those expenses often reflect in the final retail price. Do your research and find out how they make the products and what they put in them before making your final purchase decision.
Availability
Before you buy a nootropic supplement, consider its availability in pharmacies around you. Nootropics are sold almost everywhere and that is why it’s no surprise if you find them stocked in a local supermarket. Choose your pick based on the ingredients that are best suited for your specific needs.
To be on the safe side, always ask for help from your personal doctor or a licensed pharmacist. If you are not able to meet your doctor personally, you can always switch to digital healthcare which is common nowadays, and get the advice you need at the comfort of your home.
Once you are sure of the supplements to take, you can look for stocks in pharmacies or even online chemists that deliver to your location.
Helen Bradfield did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
