5 Natural Nootropics That Boost Your Brain
If you’re looking for ways to boost your cognition, you’ll love this list of 5 nootropics that are safe and natural. These substances have high cognitive-boosting effects without the negative side effects of prescription drugs like Adderall or Ritalin. Learn more about each one below!
First things first, what are Nootropics?
Nootropics derived from the term “nous,” translated from the ancient Greek word for mind and “trepein,” meaning to turn. In other words, they’re a type of smart drug or supplement that can improve brain function.
But nootropics aren’t the same as other drugs – they have few to no side effects, are natural and non-habit forming. Furthermore, they can make you smarter in a variety of ways without risking any negative side effects.
Nootropics have a unique ability to protect the brain cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals or toxins while also improving the communication between the brain cells. This makes them an excellent tool to help you get through exams or complete any other demanding work-related task. On the other hand, they also have many uses as an everyday nootropic supplement, giving you a competitive advantage when it comes to your overall general well-being!
So without further ado, here are 5 natural nootropic supplements that will boost your brainpower:
Natural Nootropics: Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is a perennial plant and herb that grows naturally in marshy wetlands across the globe. Since the time of Ayurveda, it’s been used for memory enhancement. Modern research has backed up these ancient claims, showing that bacopa does indeed improve cognitive performance [1].
Bacopa works by increasing neurotransmitters in your brain’s prefrontal cortex, which improves cognition by boosting your learning, memory, and even intelligence [2]. It may also improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and improve your stress levels. Bacopa is perhaps my favorite nootropic for boosting my mood and overall cognitive performance.
Side Effects: I have not experienced any side effects from taking bacopa monnieri. If you’re looking for a great natural alternative to Nootropics like Emoxypine, this one will do the trick.
Choline
Choline is a phenolic compound responsible for the synthesis and release of important neurotransmitters in your brain. Without enough choline, you’ll start to experience cognitive problems that negatively affect your memory, learning, and anxiety [3].
Choline serves as a precursor to acetylcholine, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the neural membrane. Choline also boosts the uptake of glucose into neurons. Choline can be found in foods like egg yolks, liver, broccoli, spinach, fish, and other animal products. However, the best form of choline is Alpha-GPC, a supplement you can buy in stores and online.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid extracted from green tea that has been shown to boost alpha waves in your brain. Since alpha waves are closely associated with states of relaxation, l-theanine can help you become more relaxed, in addition to reducing stress and boosting cognitive performance [4]. While it is an effective relaxing agent by itself, you can also try supplementing with l-theanine and bacopa monnieri together for a better cognitive enhancement effect.
Side Effects: Side effects from l-theanine are unlikely because of the mild dose. However, it is not for everyone to reduce sensitivity to motion, and some people also experience a headache.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is a flowering herb that is commonly used in natural medicine for cognitive enhancement [5]. The history of this plant dates back to the early Middle Ages when it was famously prescribed as a treatment for jaundice [6]. St. John’s wort has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and drunkenness without any serious side effects or drug interactions. It may also reduce the side effects of some prescription drugs, such as Adderall [7]. However, it should be noted that St. John’s wort may interfere with the “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor” class of antidepressants. It is generally only prescribed to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety [8].
Side effects: There are no reported side effects with this herb.
Caffeine
If you’re looking for the obvious nootropic that everyone knows about, it’s caffeine. This well-known stimulant is found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Caffeine boosts your mood and helps you become more alert [9]. It also helps reduce anxiety and improves your memory and learning capacity (by increasing BDNF production). However, caffeine does have some side effects that might be a problem for some people. While it might improve your mood, it can make you feel jittery and tired [10]. If you notice negative side effects from caffeine, you should reduce the amount taken or switch to another nootropic.
Natural Nootropics: In Summary
If you’re looking for overall cognitive enhancement, take a look at the 5 nootropics listed above. These safe and natural supplements improve your memory, learning, and mood while reducing anxiety.
If you’re experiencing some of the side effects from prescription drugs like Adderall or Ritalin, using one of these natural nootropics can reduce these side effects while boosting your cognitive performance.
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31126578/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6669844/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/choline
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-st-johns-wort/art-20362212
- https://eatcultured.com/blogs/our-awesome-blog/the-science-of-caffeine
- https://examine.com/nutrition/science-behind-caffeine/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462044/
10.https://promedicahealthconnect.org/body-and-conditions/the-science-behind-caffeine-and-your-body/
- https://Nootropicology.com/
