Nootropics

What Are Nootropics?

A nootropic is a naturally occurring or synthetic substance that has been found to enhance brain function. Nootropics can support brain health by improving cognition, memory, and learning and are especially beneficial when these functions are impaired, as is the case with attention deficit disorders and brain fog caused by infection or inflammation.

Nootropics work in a variety of ways, including:

• Increased blood flow to the brain
• Improved energy production for the brain
• Removal of tissue-harming radicals
• Improving nerve cell activity
• Decreasing inflammation

Most nootropics can be found in a person’s diet or taken in supplement form, with a few man-made types being available only by regulated prescription.

Types of Nootropics

Nootropics can be classified in different ways based on their qualities and mechanisms of action. These include:

• Stimulants of the central nervous system
• Herbal or plant nootropics found in nature
• Dietary nutrients and supplements

These nootropic types can be further split into prescription and over-the-counter nootropics.

Prescription Nootropics

The most widely recognized prescription nootropics are amphetamine medications. Amphetamines are prescribed for ADHD and related mental health conditions. They work to increase concentration and focus via the regulation of dopamine and other stimulating neurotransmitters. Evidence supports the use of stimulants to aid in behavior control and improvements in short-term memory.

Stimulants can be misused and have the potential for dependency. Hence, they are heavily regulated and can only be prescribed by a physician in limited amounts.

Over-the-Counter Nootropics

Nootropics found over the counter include natural supplements and nutrients that support mental wellness and can be taken supplementally or found in the diet. Some examples of plant-based nootropics are ginkgo and bacopa. Commonly known nootropic dietary supplements include omega-3 fatty acids and caffeine.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a supplement extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo tree. It is one of the most studied nootropics, with over 400 clinical studies on record.

One review article in Current Drug Targets illustrates how ginkgo improvesbrain health by enhancing the use of energy sources and helping parts of the brain that control memory to grow and expand. In CNS & Neurological Disorders, a study examined the use of ginkgo biloba in those with mild cognitive impairment and found improved memory, engagement in activities of daily living, and symptoms of depression.

Experts agree that ginkgo is an effective nootropic for mild cognitive impairment and early dementia.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used to enhance learning and alleviate anxiety.  Its positive behavioral, cognitive, mood, and sleep effects including:

• Improved decision-making
• Flexibility in thinking
• Lowered errors in decision-making
• Better interpersonal interactions
• Improved sleep

Bacopa is mild, and any potential side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea or increased stool frequency, which resolve when it is discontinued.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are integral to the brain and neuronal structure and functioning. Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support brain health and cognition.

Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Cold-water fatty fish, including mackerel, salmon, herring, and sardines
• Nuts and seeds, including walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds
• Seaweed and algae

The dietary benefit appears more pronounced in those with mild cognitive impairment than those with normal brain function.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in several beverages and foods. It is found in the plants used to make coffee, tea, and chocolate. Small amounts of caffeine can be beneficial for cognitive function and alertness. Individual tolerance to caffeine can be affected by multiple factors, including body composition and medication use. The FDA recommends limiting caffeine intake to 400 mg a day.

Caffeine has been found to be an effective treatment for migraines in many. However, it is recommended that those prone to migraine headaches should limit their daily caffeine intake to 200 mg to avoid withdrawal headaches.

Uses for Nootropics

Nootropics are used for a variety of reasons by various populations. Uses for nootropics include:

• Prevention of cognitive decline or dementia
• Learning improvement
• Support for those with attention deficit disorder
• Assisting against brain fog related to other illnesses

Nootropics have significant evidence for use in mild cognitive disorders and brain fog related to inflammation, such as those seen in chronic illness or traumatic brain injury.

Do Nootropics Work?

Evidence for the efficacy of nootropics varies from controlled, nonbiased studies to anecdotal claims. It is imperative to consider who is marketing any claimed nootropic substance and to evaluate the level of integrity used in production and recommendations for use.

Supplement-type nootropics are not allowed to make claims that they can cure or treat dementia, brain injuries, or attention deficit disorder. The FDA does regulate prescription medications and medical foods that have strong evidence available supporting their use. Looking for the FDA’s regulation is one way to ensure the safety of what you are considering for use as a nootropic. Discussing any potential nootropic with your physician is another way to be sure what you use is reliable and not potentially harmful.

Tips for Using Nootropics

Most nootropics do not have an immediate effect and need to be taken for several weeks for cognitive changes and improvements to be observed. Any new nootropic should be evaluated for purity and integrity of the product, along with potential interactions with other mental health medications or supplements being used.

Potential Risks and Complications of Nootropics

Nootropics of natural origin are less toxic than traditional medications and are much less likely to cause harmful side effects or dependency. It is important to note that they can interact with and affect the potency of other drugs and supplements, so vigilance should be used when adding a nootropic to your existing regimen.

Nootropics can affect other systems in the body, and caution should be taken in those with:

• History of heart disease
• High blood pressure 
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia

Like all supplements, nootropics are not always well regulated to ensure they are processed consistently, free of contaminants, and include the listed ingredients in appropriate amounts. It is best to discuss any potential use with your doctor or pharmacist.

When To Contact Your Healthcare Provider

A physician must approve traditional prescription nootropics under a heavily regulated process that is in place to ensure the safety of users.

When considering the use of plant or nutrition types of nootropics, it is also recommended to discuss use with a physician or pharmacist to check for potential medication-supplement interactions.

If you experience any adverse symptoms such as rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, or sudden mood changes when taking a nootropic, discontinue use and immediately contact a medical professional.