Nootropics

Do Nootropics Work? SpotMeGirl.com Investigates

A pill that can boost your brain’s function? It sounds almost too good to be true, yet the nootropics industry is booming right now.

Self-proclaimed neuro-hackers say they can transform your cognitive function, but what does this mean? And do nootropics work?

To find out for sure, we forgo personal reviews and delve into the science surrounding this new area of supplementation to see if nootropics can really work.

We’ve looked at the latest research to find out how they affect your brain, how you’ll feel the benefits they offer and answer the question: do nootropics work?

How nootropics work

Understanding how a nootropic works means more than just knowing what happens within your brain. When someone says it increases blood flow, we want to know what that means for your day to day mental performance and cognitive function. In short, how does it feel? Will it help you get more work done and will it make you smarter?

To ensure you understand whether nootropics work, we’ve looked into how they affect your body and the way you’ll feel these benefits in your day-to-day life.

After reviewing the most commonly used nootropic ingredients, we’ve rounded up the key ways this type of supplement effects your brain and how they will affect your cognitive performance.

Do nootropics work?

To answer the all-important question of do nootropics work – science has shown us that a number of commonly used ingredients can have a positive influence on your brain function.

The extent to which they can enhance your cognitive performance is limited though.

If you’re expecting some kind of miracle pill that will help your IQ soar and get you an immediate promotion at work, then you’ll be disappointed.

In reality, nootropics work by helping you to focus, keep calm and generally improve your mood. While this will undoubtedly have a positive effect on your mental state, it’s important to stay realistic about the results you can expect.

Do nootropics work though? A nootropic will definitely give you an edge, but it won’t turn you into the next Nobel Prize winner.

References

  1. Taylor, P. and Brown, J.H. Synthesis, Storage and Release of Acetylcholine. Correspondence to Palmer Taylor and Joan Heller Brown, Department of Pharmacology, 0636, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093.
  2. Calabrese, C. et al. Effects of a Standardized Bacopa monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jul; 14(6): 707–713.
  3. Hasselmo, M.E. The Role of Acetylcholine in Learning and Memory. Curr Opin Neurobiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2009 Mar 24.
  4. Grieb, P. Neuroprotective Properties of Citicoline: Facts, Doubts and Unresolved Issues. CNS Drugs. 2014; 28(3): 185–193. Published online 2014 Feb 7.
  5. Kim, H.Y. et al. Phosphatidylserine in the Brain: Metabolism and Function. Prog Lipid Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2015 Oct 1.
  6. Parker, A.G. et al. The effects of IQPLUS Focus on cognitive function, mood and endocrine response before and following acute exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2011 Oct 21;8:16.
  7. Ma, B-J. et al. Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus. Mycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology Volume 1, 2010 – Issue 2
  8. Nagano, M. et al. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res. 2010 Aug;31(4):231-7.
  9. Banderet LE, Lieberman HR. Treatment with tyrosine, a neurotransmitter precursor, reduces environmental stress in humans. Brain Res Bull. 1989 Apr;22(4):759-62
  10. Higashiyama, A. et al. Effects of l-theanine on attention and reaction time response. Journal of Functional Foods. Volume 3, Issue 3, July 2011, Pages 171-178.
  11. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-athletes-way/201504/alpha-brain-waves-boost-creativity-and-reduce-depression
  12. Nobre, A.C. et al. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167-8

 

This post was last modified on Apr 16, 2021 9:19 am

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