Nootropics
Today, our increasingly complex world demands that our minds stay sharp to keep up. To cope with this added stress, some are experimenting with ways to push cognitive capacity to a higher level.1 That’s where nootropics come in.
Nootropics are medicinal substances you may have heard referred to as “smart drugs” or brain supplements. They can have many purposes, but most attempt to overcome the natural limitations of the brain to achieve better focus, memory or alertness, for example.
Discover everything you need to know about nootropics and how they can possibly fit into your wellness journey. We’ll explore the benefits of nootropics and dive into science-backed research. Discover the Bulletproof approach to nootropics with recipes and frequently asked questions.
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics are divided into four subgroups.2 These categories include a wide variety of substances, from natural to synthetic. They range from chemicals produced by your body to plant extracts used for supplements.
- Substances that may increase your brain’s metabolism such as caffeine which is often referred to as “brain fuel”.
- Classical nootropic compounds are tools that may enhance memory, learning and problem solving.
- Cholinergic nootropics boost the messenger function of your brain.
- Plants that provide nootropic effects may help deliver more nutrients to the brain.
Nootropics have been used for thousands of years to alter brain function, like with alcohol and herbs for example. What’s changed is our scientific knowledge about the incredible benefits of these neuro-enhancers. Although research is ongoing, there is already a vast amount of science-backed evidence that shows the promising effects of nootropics.
Benefits of Nootropics
The benefits of nootropics vary widely and can affect you based on your unique body chemistry. However, here are some ways that nootropics may positively contribute to your health.
Enhance Your Memory
The supplement choline contributes to the proper functioning of the brain. Research has demonstrated that supplementing with choline may be an effective strategy for enhancing cognitive function and boosting memory.3 If you are studying for midterms or want to support your mental function at work, supplementing with choline could be an interesting option to explore. In addition to choline, Lion’s mane benefits also include potentially improving memory, focus, and even mood.4
Reduce Your Stress
Studies exploring the effects of the nootropic Holy basil revealed significant improvement in stress levels5. Taking Holy basil on a regular basis has long been considered safe, since it is a staple in cooking (in the preparation of Thai foods, for example) and in tea.6 If you are going through a particularly stressful time, incorporating Holy basil in your meal prep is one way to help support your brain.
Boost Your Cognition
Nootropics may be used to help your brain process information more efficiently. The supplement Dynamine increases alertness, without the anxiety and headaches that can be linked to caffeine.7 In today’s hyper-performing world, having sharp mental focus is a big advantage.
Help Grow Your Brain Cells
The nootropic lion’s mane may promote the connection of neurons to one another.8 Better connections mean improved brain health for essential functions like faster nerve growth. Exploring natural active compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is an exciting area of continuing research.
Remember that when you take more than one nootropic supplement, they may complement or counteract each other. If you are experimenting with building your own nootropic stack, research how the nootropics interact with one another. An easier option is of course to try pre-packaged combinations that target the benefits you are trying to achieve.
The Science-Backed Benefits of Nootropics
Nootropics as an alternative or complementary form of treatment is growing in interest in the medical community. Discover for yourself how recent scientific study is shaping our new understanding of these powerful substances.
Aging
Researchers are exploring ways in which nootropics supplements may help slow down the aging of the brain.9 Improving the cognition of our aging population could help prevent the onset of dementia and similar conditions. Plus, since nootropics can be found in food, many of them are easily accessible and only require a change in diet. For example, the nootropic gingko biloba, which is a compound in ginger, may directly support different brain functions.1011
Vision
Another interesting research study evaluates the effects of citicoline as a treatment for glaucoma and possibly other neuroregenerative diseases.12 This nootropic seems to have neuroprotective, neurorestorative and neurodegenerative effects on visual survival enhancement and impairment. This is an exciting breakthrough in the field of glaucoma management and therapy.
Brain Support
And finally, scientific research recently examined how nootropics can be an effective strategy to complement existing modern biomedicine in treating Parkison’s Disease.13 In the study, researchers found that six Ayuverdic herbal extracts had neuroprotective effects. Namely, these were Mucuna pruriens (Kapikachu), Bacopa monnieri (Bhrami), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Centella asiatica (Mandookaparni), Sida cordifolia (Bala) and Celastrus paniculatus (Jyotishmati). Using Ayuverdic herbs could be a promising avenue for developing safe alternative treatment protocols for neurodegenerative diseases.
Before incorporating any new supplements, including nootropics, into your wellness routine, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and ensure that any additions align with your individual health needs and goals.
The Bulletproof Approach to Nootropics
At Bulletproof, we focus on science-backed evidence to develop our products. Our mission is to help you fuel your body and mind with efficient ingredients to get the most out of your day. That’s why we only include nootropics in our products that have been tested for efficacy and purity.
Greens with Nootropics
Getting your dose of daily greens just got healthier with our daily greens powder. We created our premium blend with 12 fruits and vegetables, 11 digestive aids, three vitamins and minerals, seven superfoods, mushrooms and two nootropics. This powerful mix is easy to dissolve in water as a quick and convenient boost any time of day.
The two nootropics that set our greens apart are citicoline and panax ginseng. Citicoline may support your brain function to improve focus.14 Panax ginseng may help keep your mind sharp while preventing minor mental fatigue.15 Our blend provides you with a well-rounded supplement powder that goes above and beyond other offerings on the market.
Our Supplement Testing Standards
We are passionate about providing you with the highest-quality ingredients backed by scientific testing. Working with third-party labs, we make sure that our products meet FDA regulations for purity, strength and composition.
Our supplement testing standards are extensive and follow four steps. First, technicians make sure that the ingredients we are using are present and not diluted. After that, they test for purity to confirm that there are no harmful contaminants like mold. The next step involves testing the amount of active ingredients, to make sure the actual strength matches the product label. And finally, the last test looks at the composition of the product to ensure the supplement meets the specifications on the label. We go through this elaborate testing procedure for every production lot to examine the chemical and physical properties.
When you choose Bulletproof products, you can rest assured that we follow the highest testing standards, including scientifically proven methods. You can trust the integrity of our testing process and the safety, efficacy and quality of our products.
Recipes from Nootropic Foods
Besides nootropics supplements, it’s possible to find nootropics in certain foods. Some nootropic foods include blueberries, fish, nuts, greens, coffee, dark chocolate, eggs, green tea, olive oil and turmeric. Discover some of our top nootropic recipes to help you get more of these powerful substances in your daily diet.
Low-Carb Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
Paleo Spiced Turmeric Pancakes
How to Make the Perfect Bulletproof Matcha Latte
Adaptogenic Turmeric Latte
Vanilla Matcha Latte
Ginger-Mint Green Tea Cooler
Maple-Roasted Nut Mix with Turmeric and Black Pepper
Dark Chocolate Collagen Pudding
Greens Powder Smoothie
Learn More About Nootropics
Nootropic Articles
Move Over, Alcohol. This Nootropics Cocktail Gives You a Buzz – Without the Hangover
What Are Brain Supplements? What to Know About Nootropics
It’s Always Golden Hour With These 7 Turmeric Benefits
How Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits Memory, Focus and Mood
Natural Energy Supplements: How to Support Your Brain and Body
9 Ways to Start Your Day With Sustained Energy
13 Anti-Aging Supplements To Help You Age Gracefully
Inside Bulletproof: The Science Behind Bulletproof Greens—The New Way to Start Your Day
Enhanced Coffee: What is it and Why Should I Drink it?
What Are Greens? 6 Things to Look for in a Greens Powder Supplement
Mind-Body Motivation: 16 Ways to Reignite Your Routine
How To Stay Bulletproof In College
How Acetyl-L-Carnitine Burns Fat and Powers the Brain
The Ultimate Bulletproof Guide to Fitness, Exercise Supplements and Recovery
Choline Deficiency: Everything You Need to Know About This Essential Nutrient
Nootropic Recipes
Blueberry Avocado Smoothie Bowl
Keto Cobb Salad With Golden Vinaigrette
Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Bites
Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Eggs With Asparagus
Bacon-Avocado Caesar Deviled Eggs
Keto Fish Cakes with Avocado Lemon Dipping Sauce
Minty Vanilla Blueberry Popsicles
FAQs
Nootropics include both prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements. Whether they are addictive or not can vary depending on the type of substance and how you use it. For example, some stimulant prescriptive smart drugs can have the potential to be addictive, if not taken correctly. Plus, the risk of addiction varies widely depending on individuals. If you have concerns about your nootropic, please speak to your healthcare professional.
The word “nootropics” is typically pronounced as “new-troh-piks.” Here’s a breakdown of the pronunciation: “Noo” is pronounced like “new,” rhyming with “blue.” “Trop” is pronounced like “trope,” rhyming with “hope.” “Ics” is pronounced like “iks,” rhyming with “ticks.”
Experimenting with different combinations of nootropics supplements is hit or miss. Firstly, the effect of nootropics can vary widely from person to person. Secondly, it may take several weeks for your body to feel the full effects of nootropics. If you want to try building your own nootropic stack, start with small doses and keep track of how they affect your mind over time. Remember, be patient as nootropics may take a while to fully show their effects. A simpler way to build a nootropic stack is to choose supplements that have already been tested for their efficacy such as Bulletproof Greens.
First, determine your health goal. Is it better focus? Are you trying to increase your motivation? Do you want to boost your memorization capabilities? Once you know what you want, look for nootropics supplements that have been well-researched to provide the benefits you seek. Make sure you choose a reputable brand that only uses high-quality ingredients. And finally, read customer reviews to gain valuable insights into the product’s effectiveness and possible side effects.
Although nootropics can be a powerful tool for cognitive enhancement, they aren’t miracle pills. To get the most out of nootropics, it’s important to support your brain health in other ways, like through exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep. And you may want to experiment for a few weeks, or even months, before deciding if certain nootropics are right for you.
Common side effects of nootropics can include insomnia, headaches, nausea and nervousness. More severe side effects may occur with certain substances or high doses, so it’s essential to start with low doses and monitor your body’s response.
Yes, some nootropics can interact with prescription medications. It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any nootropics you plan to use to avoid potential drug interactions. Although many nootropics are natural (and even found in food), they can be potent when taken in concentrated doses.