What are Nootropics?
The energy-boosting supplement you need.
Nootropics are substances that power up the brain to improve performance. They can be synthetic or natural, and while these smart pills won’t give your superhuman abilities they can help you feel more alert, improve memory, concentration, and your ability to learn. Basically, nootropics can fire you up with the much-needed energy and motivation to smash it in life. Although the term ‘nootropics’ is relatively new, having been coined in 1972, natural nootropic substances have been utilised by our ancestors for centuries. Believe it or not caffeine, nicotine and cannabidiol are all considered nootropics. There are many different types of nootropics available, for the purpose of this blog, we’ll be looking at natural substances only, because nature knows best after all.
Why do people use Nootropics?
In the same way as the caffeine in your morning coffee wakes you up and makes you ready to face the day, nootropics can be used to have greater control over your state, mood and cognitive abilities.
Benefits of nootropics:
- Boost productivity, motivation, concentration and mental alertness
- Increase social ability, confidence, extroversion and verbal fluidity
- Can be used in pre-workout mixes for extra energy
- Support brain health and stimulate the generation of new neurons
- Improve mental wellbeing, ease anxiety and brighten your mood
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How Nootropics work to boost brainpower
Sustained, reliable energy is the foundation on which excellence is built; when energy is lacking, so is motivation, focus, creativity, memory, good mood, and everything else that goes into being your best self.
Your brain makes up only 2% of your total body weight, but it burns a whopping 20% of your energy reserves. It’s easily the most energy-demanding organ in the body. So, it makes perfect sense that when your energy is low, your ability to perform and think clearly suffers. It’s called ‘brainpower’ for a reason, because an energised brain drives peak mental performance, active thinking, fast mental processing, quick recall and mental clarity.
The secret to feeling sharp is making sure you’re optimising your available energy, and that’s where nootropics come in. Nootropics stimulate the release and processing of brain chemicals that increase physical stamina and mental capacity so you can work, play and smash through your kids’ homework without feeling exhausted. .
The term ‘nootropics’ describes compounds that can ‘turn the mind’ (from Greek, nous trepein).
My favourite nootropics to boost physical and mental energy
Caffeine, the trusty old friend is a fast-acting stimulant that gives a boost of energy, makes you feel less tired and improves alertness. Caffeine also increases feelings of motivation and improves mood when teamed with dopamine (L-dopa). It works brilliantly with L-theanine, to counteract the jitters.
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea, it’s been found to increase alpha waves in the brain linked to creativity, and it has a calming effect, without causing drowsiness. L-theanine is even more effective when taken with caffeine.
Glucuronolactone is used to build connective tissue. It boosts energy, reduces lethargy, and increases concentration and reaction time. When taken with L-Taurine and caffeine, it has been shown to improve mental performance, mood and physical performance.
Choline Bitartrate is a precursor to the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine (aka choline). Usually found in eggs, choline is essential for cognition, memory, sleep and for your brain to function properly. Choline increases brain energy, improves memory, and enhances your brain’s ability to repair damaged cell membranes.
Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) is a precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is essential for cell energy, but unfortunately, NAD levels decline with age and exposure to viruses.
Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) supports brain, nerve and vision function. It’s important for cellular metabolism and the production of red blood cells. B12 helps your brain create more dopamine and serotonin, boosting mood, reducing anxiety and depression.
Nootropic stacks
You will often hear about a "nootropic stack". These are complimentary Nootropic supplements or those designed to work synergistically. Each supplement has a different mechanism of action in your brain and body. And each supplement in your stack should support the other nootropics in your stack. Our first two Nootropics make an ideal daily stack - one for an energy and focus boost, the other for cool, calm energy.