Brain activation nootropics are a class of cognitive enhancers that increase brain activity and induce focus, concentration, memory and learning. Brain activation nootropics are a relatively new type of cognitive enhancer that has been gaining popularity in the last few years. They are designed to improve your brain’s ability to function, enhance its performance and support brain health by activating certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
The most common brain activation nootropic supplements include:
– Racetams
– Ampakines
– Choline supplements – Alpha GPC (Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline), CDP choline (Cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine), Choline Bitartrate (Bitartrate-Choline), Citicoline (CDP Choline)
– Phenylpiracetam – Phenylpiracetam is sometimes used by some athletes as an alternative to caffeine because it improves physical performance without causing jitters or other side effects associated with caffeine consumption.
– Adrafinil
– Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) – increases BDNF levels by inhibiting an enzyme called histone deacetylase (HDAC). This allows for more BDNF to be produced by the neuron. ALCAR also increases acetylcholine production, which improves memory formation and recall.
How Do Brain Nootropics Work?
Nootropic supplements work by supporting the chemical messengers in your brain called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are a type of chemical that helps send signals between neurons (brain cells). When we think, move or feel an emotion it is because our brains send signals through these neurotransmitters. The main way that these supplements work is by improving blood flow to the brain. When you are performing mental tasks, such as remembering something or solving a puzzle, your brain needs more oxygen than when you are just relaxing. Brain activation nootropics increase the amount of blood flowing to your brain, which allows it to function at its best.
There are many different types of neurotransmitters but the two most important ones for us here are dopamine and norepinephrine. These two chemicals play a crucial role in how you feel every day, from motivation to energy levels to your moods.
Dopamine: Dopamine is one of the most important chemicals in your brain because it controls a wide range of functions including movement control, motivation, pleasure and learning ability. It is also involved in regulating moods such as happiness or depression, sleep and even addiction! There are many different types of drugs that increase dopamine levels such as cocaine and amphetamines which can cause addiction problems.
Norepinephrine: also known as noradrenaline, is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. It plays an important role in your body’s “fight-or-flight” response. As a medication, norepinephrine is used to increase and maintain blood pressure in limited, short-term serious health situations.
Some people take nootropics to help with concentration, memory, decision making and problem solving skills. Others use them to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or ADHD. Some people use aniracetam for anxiety relief and mood enhancement while others take phenylpiracetam for increased energy levels during workouts.
What Does Nootropic Mean?
The word nootropic was coined in 1972 by a Romanian psychologist and chemist called Corneliu E. Giurgea. He used the word nootropics to describe the brain-enhancing properties of piracetam (a drug he invented).
Nootropics have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine but only recently have they become popular as a way to boost mental performance. They are now widely available on the internet and in health food stores around the world. As a result, there is now a wide range of different types of nootropics available – with some being more effective than others!
Nootropics can be taken as supplements or in the form of drugs, usually called cognitive enhancers or smart drugs. It’s important to note that nootropics aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means there are no guarantees about what’s in them or how much of it you receive when you take them.
I will be sharing some of my favourite nootropic supplements soon!
Tiffany x
Find out more about the supplements I take on a daily basis HERE.