Nootropics have become a popular term in recent years. These drugs are meant to improve cognition, often by supplementing levels of certain neurotransmitters and/or hormones. There are dozens of different types of nootropics but not all make the same claims. It is therefore necessary to understand what you want out of your nootropic before taking one at southernmarylandchronicle.com. The biggest benefit is that nootropics can improve memory recall, focus and mood without the use of addictive substances like caffeine or amphetamines, so it makes for an ideal tool for people with ADHD or other disorders where those drugs may be avoided.
The Most Important Point
The most important point to remember when buying nootropics is that they can only be purchased online. If you’re purchasing them offline than your options are severely limited. If you’re searching online, it’s also important that you purchase the right combination of nootropics and not just any random grab bag of supplements. Each nootropic has their own specific perks and downsides so it’s important to consult a reliable source before purchasing them all.
The Different Types of Nootropics
The first thing to note before you start looking for nootropics is that there is a lot of debate about what actually constitutes a nootropic. The official definition, according to the US National Institutes of Health is any substance that can improve cognitive function in a healthy individual. This means that many amino acids with nootropic effects are not classified as nootropics because they provide too significant an effect on your central nervous system. It also means that a drug like Modafinil, which improves wakefulness without improving cognition is not technically a nootropic because it doesn’t fit the definition.
The most common way to classify these substances is by their effects on neurotransmitters. Here is a list of the major neurotransmitter covered by nootropics.
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) – helps control the activity of neurons and also breaks down some stress hormones which help inhibit signaling in the brain. This nootropic also helps regulate emotional responses.
- Glutamate – helps to talk between neurons. It is also important for growth and development in children and adults, as well as memory in adulthood, so it’s essential for brain health. It’s produced naturally in the body but isn’t found at high levels unless you’re taking supplements.
- Acetylcholine – is a neurotransmitter that helps with memory, learning ability and many other cognitive functions. Acetylcholine is produced in the body, but another substance called Choline is needed to produce it.