Anti-Anxiety Nootropic Stacks

Nootropic Stacks for Anti-Anxiety

What Is Anxiety?

The feeling of uneasiness or distress could be said to be familiar to most people. Almost everyone has experienced worry, uneasiness, or general fear.  From mile to severe, these feelings almost know no bounds. These feelings can also be trigged by innocuous events or sincerely scary situations (exams, interviews, romantic or financial stress, or for medical reasons).

Although some chronic cases or severe situations should be handled by mental health professionals, everyday anxiety is almost always able to be conquered.  Whether through anti-anxiety practices, minor lifestyle changes, or holistic herbal supplements, there are answers to everyday stress.

Brain and nootropic supplements are one of the most popular choices for handling everyday anxiety and stress.  These types of supplements are most commonly referred to as “smart drugs,” or “nootropic stacks.”  They make life a lot easier by “hacking” the brain into performing better, and in this case, with less anxiety.

The first step, however, is better understanding nootropics, and what they can offer the human body and mind.

What Are Nootropics?

HealthyNootropics today have become synonymous with the term “smart drug” or “smart nootropic.”  They are especially popular amongst Western culture.  Nootropics are usually categorized within one of three classifications including prescription drugs, synthetic substances, or dietary supplements

Nootropics itself was first coined in the 1960s by Romanian scientist Coneliu E. Giurgea.  This man derived the term by combining latin phrases “Noos” and “Tropein”, which meant “mind” and “bend”, respectively.  They would be defined as substances capable of improving cognitive function with almost no side effects.  Usually, these cognitive improvements affected areas such as executive function, attention span, memory, creativity, energy, or motivation.  To summarize, nootropic herbs aim to enhance the function of the mind or body.

Giurgea formulated five areas of criteria to declare a substance a nootropic including:

  • Aiding or improving working memory or learning
  • Supporting brain function under hypoxic conditions
  • Protecting the brain from physical or chemical toxicity
  • Enhancing natural cognitive function
  • Being non-toxic to humans.

Utilizing these criteria, it becomes easier to determine if a substance is a nootropic.

How Can Nootropics Help with Anxiety?

Given nootropics have the ability to improve mental performance and protect the brain from toxicity, there is a lot of room for a nootropic supplement to have the ability to improve the conditions surrounding anxiety.  In fact, there are a lot of nootropics which could be considered anti-anxiety.

Much proven research exists which backs these stress-relieving nootropics, firmly demonstrating their ability to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Some of these nootropics help reduce cortisol levels, others help regulate critical neurotransmitters (especially those associated with producing calming effects), and some can even transform brain waves into more relaxed states of mind.

The Best Anti-Anxiety Nootropics

Many nootropics are considered anti-anxiety, but some work better than others. This is a list of some of the top performing, anti-anxiety nootropics for any nootropic stack.

5-HTP

5-HTP is most well-known for its powerful ability to work as a precursor for serotonin. Serotonin is one of the most critical neurotransmitters in the brain and is typically associated with learning and mood.  It can also aid in a number of other physiological functions.  5-HTP is so great due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and, ultimately, effect the production of serotonin.  For these reasons, it is a common anti-anxiety and mood nootropic (even being used for things like depression). When used properly, this nootropic is an excellent addition to almost any anti-anxiety nootropic stack.

Our product, Pirate Chill, utilizes a powerful 5-HTP formula to help reduce anxiety and improve overall relaxation.

Passionflower

PassionflowerPassionflower is one of the most powerful anti-anxiety nootropics to date.  This is the reason it is commonly a part of many effective nootropic stacks and supplements. It purportedly works by increasing the natural form of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain and relaxing the activity of brain cells. It has been used by Western culture for centuries and has an even deeper history throughout more traditional, holistic medicines. Passionflower works even better when it is used in combination with other anti-anxiety and relaxation herbs.

Pirate Chill takes full advantage of the stress-relieving properties offered by Passionflower.

L-Theanine

L-theanine is a critical, key amino acid and is typically found in various forms of tea.  It has a long history of use as a stress-reliever and calming nootropic throughout traditional Chinese medicine.  It can be used to support the brain’s ability to maintain positive mood. It is well-known for its ability to promote relaxation and tranquility. This herb also possesses the ability to improve focus, attention span, alertness, concentration, and other mental functions.

L-Theanine can be found in combination with other nootropics on this list within our maximum relaxation formula, Pirate Chill.

Valerian Extract

Although valerian root has been a common nootropic for improving sleep, it has also been well-purported for its anti-anxiety, stress relief, and overall relaxation properties.  While there are many studies which support the concept this herb can help improve anxiety, there are also many anecdotal experiences which back this evidence up fully.

Valerian is one of the most common herbs for natural anxiety relief and can be found in one of our proprietary formulae, Pirate Chill.

Gotu Kola

Gotu KolaGotu Kola works as an adaptogenic nootropic as much as it does a natural stress reliever. It has been used for its ability to boost overall cognitive function and has a history of offering great anti-stress properties. Gotu Kola has purportedly been able to offer both mental and physical stress relieving effects. It has also been used for anxiety, depression, and even mood swings.

B Vitamins

Probably one of the most underrated sets of nootropics are the B Vitamins. B Vitamins are notorious for their ability to promote natural energy in the body and improve the overall nervous system. Having a strong, healthy nervous system and ample energy is one of the best ways to combat the symptoms of stress and live an overall better life.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola is popularly used for its adaptogenic properties, although it also offers a variety of other nootropic properties as well. As an adaptogenic herb, however, it holds potent keys for reducing stress and letting the mind and body a chance to better perform. This nootropic can even help control mood swings.  It can also help improve blood circulation, which has purportedly been able to offer the mind and body the ability to reduce stress. This is even one of the reasons stress balls work so well!

Although our product Pirate Blast is not primarily for stress, it does have relaxation effects which are sometimes better suited for some individuals, depending upon their ultimate nootropic goals.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine, also known simply as “PS”, is a phospholipid found in some fatty parts of the human brain.  Its primary purpose is to help the body maintain homeostasis and to ensure fluidity in terms of receptors and neurotransmitters is sound. Many sources suggest that PS can be used to reduce symptoms of stress through its ability to counteract cortisol production. Cortisol is one of the main reasons the mind and body feel stress to begin with, so this makes a lot of sense.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa MonnieriBacopa monnieri is a strong adaptogen and helps the mind and body properly balance stress.  Sometimes, this nootropic is used with PS to create amplified anti-stress effects, thus these two herbs are very commonly found in nootropic stacks together. Although it is often thought of as a weaker nootropic, many consider it an underrated, holistic herb with a wide potential for improving mood.

GABA

GABA, also known as gamma aminobutyric acid, has a shorter history of being used for its anti-anxiety relieving properties, only becoming popular within the last fifty years or so.  It is an important brain chemical and a neurotransmitter. In fact, roughly 40 percent or more of the human brain’s inhibitory synaptic processes use GABA.  For this reason, it is often included in many stress reducing nootropic supplements and stacks.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is very popular throughout Ayurvedic medicine and has been used for thousands of years for its ability to treat mood, reduce anxiety, and combat depression.  It also works as a general cognitive enhancer, improving mental functions such as learning, memory, and focus. While it offers many other benefits, it is still a very common component in a lot of nootropic stacks focusing on stress relief.

Nootropic Stacking Anxiety Herbs

RelaxedAlthough it is entirely possible to use many of these nootropic herbs by themselves, sometimes it works better to combine some of these nootropics to form more powerful nootropic stacks. Some supplements are already composed to utilizing combined effects from more than one of these nootropics. Pirate Chill, for example, has some of the top anti-anxiety and stress-relieving nootropics all included in its proprietary formula. This nootropic relies on a 5-HTP, L-Theanine, Passionflower, and Valerian Extract blend to give users the maximum relaxation and stress-relief they deserve.

While many nootropic stacks for stress relief exist, some will always be better than others. It is important to select a stack that includes an effective ingredient list from a trusted manufacturer.

Final Words on Nootropics for Anxiety

To summarize there are dozens of nootropics out there which can help improve relaxation; however, some of these nootropics will work better together than others, and some will be more effective in reducing stress. Anti-anxiety nootropic stacks are one of the most common, holistic ways to decrease and combat anxiety.  They are also one of the most popular ways to boost mental capacity and cognitive function, helping the brain achieve optimal performance. Finding the right nootropic stack for an individual in terms of anxiety relief is imperative in properly advantaging the stress relieving power these nootropic herbs possess.

Best Supplements for Beating Laziness

What Are the Best Supplements for Motivation?

Are There Any Supplements for Laziness?

Modern times have produced a society that relies heavily upon technology, robotics, and all types of automation.  Information and communication is now at the fingertips to the point laziness has begun looming throughout many lives. It can be hard to wake up feeling fresh, uncovering enough motivation to get to work, or finding one’s creativity. Even with careful consideration, a balanced diet, and healthy routines, many people still struggle to attain enough motivation to get out of bed, shower, get dressed, work out, get to their job, or even put on a smile.  The world has become extremely black and white, which can give many people an unfortunate sense of dystopia; However, fear not! There is hope after all!

Fortunately, there are many supplements (namely nootropics) which are specifically used to address laziness and motivation issues.  These nootropic ingredients and supplements can be extremely effective at eliminating fatigue, honing focus, and concentration, and delivering a rejuvenated sense of self.  The best supplements for laziness will help promote ambition, drive, and energy galore!

What Causes Laziness?

Although all people are different, laziness has a few common constituents which can be easily outlined and identified. Laziness can be separated into two categories: (a) a general lack of motivation and unwillingness to do anything, and (b) a temporary nature of lack of desire to do something, also known as “situational laziness” (Maximets, 2019).  This brings us to our first few indicators laziness is present:

  • + Lack of motivation
  • + Unwilling to do anything
  • + Temporary lack of desire to do something specific

 

Sometimes these indicators might go by different names, such as apathy or inaction.  These calling signs of laziness might be accompanied by other factors such as focusing too much on internal feelings, depression, or even feelings of guilt (2019).  Some other personal determinants of laziness include drowsiness, the need or desire to rest, having no mood, experiencing any poor psychological level of feeling or thinking, and boredom.  Some individuals describe laziness in more disguised terms, such as lack of opportunity, a lack of interest, or experiencing too much external pressure.

There are also several areas of life which may be more prone to inducing or contributing to the development or experience of laziness.  These “life areas” include professional or work activities, educational studies, household chores, or tasks associated with high levels of pressure.  Lacking significant motivation or reward for completing a task will amplify laziness (2019).  Some studies indicate social loafing as a contributing factor to increased laziness within the individual (Ying et al., 2014).  Social loafing is the concept that a person will be more naturally to exert less effort to achieve a goal or objective when working in a group rather than independently (Karau and Williams, 1993).

No matter the cause of laziness, the lack of motivation will result in decreased productivity, decreased success, and ultimately decreased self-esteem and confidence.  The good news is, with the correct practices and behavior, laziness can be resolved, and motivation can ensure!

Finding Your Inner Beast…

Having low energy can have a significant impact on the mind and body.  In turn, it affects outward behavior, interactions with other people, and overall productivity.  Low energy and motivation can create a productivity-less cycle that is extremely hard to overcome.  Negative momentum begins to build which creates a slew of negative habits

Fortunately, it is possible to find and release the inner beast inside!  One of the best ways beyond physical exercise and proper dieting to access the best version of oneself is dietary supplements and nootropic stacks. Some of the strongest nootropic candidates for producing energy include Green Tea Extract, Siberian ginseng, Guarana, Yohimbe, Maca, Rhodiola Rosea, and the Green Coffee Bean. The two major winners here are Green Tea Extract and Siberian ginseng. These two nootropics are especially efficient when used together.

Using Green Tea Extract for Energy

The reason Green Tea Extract is one of the best suited nootropics for energy for two main reasons: (a) it contains the right amount of healthy, natural caffeine, and (b) it includes antioxidant properties.  Antioxidants inhibit oxidation, or the reduction of free radicals in the system.  Free radicals greatly damage cells, so eliminating these types of interactions in the body is imperative for feeling good.  The combination of the antioxidant properties and natural caffeine in Green Tea Extract make it a clear power player in terms of giving the brain its best chance to function optimally.  If this were not enough, Green Tea Extract is known to also help bolster cognitive function and working memory (Schmidt, 2014).

Using Siberian Ginseng for Energy

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) has traditionally been used to create natural energy in the mind and body and improve overall productivity. Many people think all types of Ginseng are the same, however, this is absolutely untrue. Siberian Ginseng is a completely different herb than Panax Ginseng or American Ginseng. Additionally, the quality of Siberian Ginseng can greatly vary from product to product, so it is especially careful to find a high-quality source of the nootropic.  This can be harder when one does not reside directly in the Siberian area.

And remember, these two nootropics will produce the most optimum results when they are used together!

Destroy Fatigue for Good…

Finding oneself in a state of extreme exhaustion can be a heavy contributor to laziness and a lack of productivity. It is also possible to experience chronic laziness because of being chronically fatigued.  When time is spent doing nothing, or being less than productive, potential is far from being achieved.  And one of the first steps in resolving chronic fatigue is clearing the mind of stress and promoting inner relaxation.  Giving the mind a chance to achieve peace means a balanced train of thought, and a balanced train of thought leads to maximizing productivity.

The base idea of the adaptogen is to promote overall homeostasis in the body. Adaptogens are suggested to work in the body by improving attention, reducing overall stress, improving facets of endurance, balance hormone levels, lubricate and stimulate mental performance, and improve many other parts of the body’s functions (Christiansen and Bhatia, 2020).

Some of the most exceptional adaptogens are nootropics.  Nootropics are neuroprotective and naturally enhance the mind and/or body with minimal to no negative effects.  In fact, the best nootropics typically come at no negative effects whatsoever!  Two of the most ideal adaptogen nootropics are Hawthorn and Siberian Ginseng.

Using Hawthorn as an Adaptogen

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is one of the most potent nootropic adaptogens available. It is a therapeutic herb, helping the mind and body to achieve a true state of optimization.  This is done through its ability to relieve stress and promote a healthy cardiovascular system (Tassell et al., 2010). Hawthorn is excellent at giving the body its best opportunity to adapt to environmental and internal stresses.  That is why it is so well-known and used so commonly to treat heart failure (Sherman, 2008).

Using Siberian Ginseng as an Adaptogen

 

Siberian Ginseng was suggested above as being a big proponent for producing energy in the mind and body; However, it is such a power player nootropic because it also works wonders as an adaptogen.  In fact, it is regularly used to combat chronic fatigue and help the body’s physiological processes achieve homeostasis in cultures around the entire world.  Siberian Ginseng’s traditional use for its natural abilities to promote overall wellness and energy in the body has been used for centuries (Ruper and Maxim, 2017).

Learning to use nootropic adaptogens, such as the two mentioned above, correctly with other nootropics to form an energizing, cognitive-enhancing, and stress relieving stack, is an invaluable skill!

Flex Your Cognitive Muscle…

Many people spend a lot of time working out their physical body, developing fine-tuned muscles they can be proud of and truly count on.  However, many more people seem to overlook fine-tuning and flexing the strength and power of their mind. Similar to how a body lacking exercise will lack strength and physical ambition, a mind lacking attention will lack mental acuity and cognitive vigor.

Nootropics are also well-known for their ability to improve fluid intelligence.  This is a highly motivating facet of these seemingly magic substances, as fluid intelligence means faster processing power and more lubricated cognitive functioning.  Additionally, higher fluid intelligence almost always leads to stronger crystallized intelligence as well, or the formation of more knowledge and wisdom overtime (Brown, 2016). And with some nootropics being able to provide such a strong boost to both fluid intelligence and crystallized memory, it would be silly not to include at least some of them in a nootropic stack.

A series of potent nootropics offer insanely advantageous mental benefits. Some of the best nootropics for promoting cognitive function and memory include Huperzine A, Bacopa monnieri, Guarana, Rhodiola rosea, and L-Theanine.  The two most popular and efficient nootropics on this list are Huperzine a and Bacopa monnieri.

Using Huperzine A to Boost Cognitive Function and Memory…

Huperzine A has long been revered for its contributions to memory and cognitive function. It is one of the strongest nootropics for improving fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence.  Huperzine is even used to treat several forms mental dementia and deterioration, including Alzheimer’s disease (Zangara, 2003). It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and has been well-proven to improve memory (2003).  Like many other quality nootropics, it also offers potent neuroprotective properties.  Huperzine A can help protect neurons from cell death, has excellent blood brain barrier penetration, and discourages the breakdown of acetylcholine (Roberts, 2006). These attributes can massively contribute to improved memory and overall cognitive function.

Using Bacopa Monnieri to Boost Cognitive Function and Memory…

Bacopa monnieri is one of the more popular nootropics in modern times for improving cognitive function and memory; However, it has been well-known throughout ancient times and has a strong place in traditional Ayurvedic medicine (Entity Health Limited, 2018).  As time has advanced, more and more research has become available on the herb and its ability to provide the brain with many benefits.  In fact, there are many studies which absolutely show Bacopa has a significant effect on fluid intelligence, cognitive functions, and overall memory (Pase et al., 2012). Additionally, Bacopa Monnieri offers wonderful antioxidant properties, making it a very healthy nootropic (Simpson et al., 2015).

With the right nootropics supplement of stack, the brain is capable of such greater potential!

What Are Nootropics?

Many people misconstrue nootropics to only be substances which enhance cognitive function; However, the true definition of a nootropic includes a broader arrangement of substances. Technically, nootropics are natural plants or substances which possess most (or all) of these key attributes:

  • + Neuroprotective (or protecting neurons in the brain)
  • + Increases blood flow and/or oxygen to the brain or throughout the body
  • + Promotes improved cognitive or brain functioning (Koshibu, 2016)
  • + Possesses little to no negative side effects

 

The term nootropic comes from the Greek word “noos” which translates to “mind,” and “trope,” which translates into “to bend.”  The word “nootropic” itself was coined by Dr. Corneliu E. Giugrea, famed Romanian psychologist.  Despite nootropics consisting of a variety of substances, Dr. Giugrea focused a lot of his studies on brain-enhancing compounds.  While some sources consider both synthetic and organic substances nootropics, traditionally only natural substances are considered nootropics.

Nootropic Stacks Really Work!

Although there are literally endless combinations of nootropics, it is certain that some of the most well-developed nootropic stacks and supplements offer invaluable motivation, energy, and focus. There are very balanced supplements which home in on the true constituents of laziness and work to eliminate them.  These supplements develop amazing motivation and encourage maximum productivity. These supplements make it possible to fine tune the brain and amplify the body’s willingness to perform!  Many nootropics have been proven to offer neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties to the ability of even rebuilding neuroarchitecture (Koshibu, 2016).  Several studies exist which directly indicate improved cognitive functioning from various nootropics (Stough et al., 2008).

While research on many nootropics is still rather young, there is enough empirical data (especially within the last decade) revealing several successful nootropic trials.  One of the current focuses in many studies within the industry today, is determining the most optimum doses various nootropics required to pass the blood brain barrier thereby stimulating response mechanisms (Suliman et al., 2016).  It is fortuitous that research and studies are far enough along for a few good companies to have grasp on some very effective formulae for improve cognitive function and maximize productivity.

Piratall - Nootropic Supplement for Motivation and Energy

Ultimately, finding the right nootropics from scratch can be difficult, but working with an already tested and well-designed supplement is the fast route to successful nootropic use and motivation boosting power!

Some Parting Words of Wisdom…

Changing one’s fortune requires self-motivating, self-promoting, and an incredible amount of focus.  Deriving the right formula to obtain this motivation can be daunting to say the least. But with the right combination of nootropics, it is possible to take a couple pills each day and receive the “pick me up” required to get on about the day and achieve victory!  It is imperative to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle as well, as this will give the nootropics the best chance to do their most effective work yet.  Energy and focus nootropics will help with the concentration and initial movement necessary to get started and stay productive. Memory and brain-boosting nootropics will provide the mind a ton of food and lubricated cognitive function. And the right adaptogens will help clear the body of gunk and give all the other nootropics their best chance to shine. All-in-all, it takes a proven, effective stack to produce the best benefits, but if used correctly, nootropics supplements can be the ultimate solution to laziness and motivation!

References

Brown, R. E. (2016). Hebb and Cattell: The Genesis of the Theory of Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 10, 606. http://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00606

Christiansen, S. and Bhatia, T., (March 21, 2020). What Are Adaptogens? Holistic Health, Very Well Health. Retrieved from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-adaptogens-4685073

Entity Health Limited, (2018). History of Bacopa Monnieri. Brain Health. Retrieved from: https://www.entity-health.com/history-of-bacopa-monnieri/#:~:text=People%20in%20the%20ancient%20days,treating%20mind-related%20health%20concerns.

Karau, S., and Williams, K., (1993). Social Loafing: A Meta-Analytic Review and Theoretical Integration. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. (65)4. Pp. 681-706.

Koshibu K. (2016). Nootropics with potential to (re)build neuroarchitecture. Neural regeneration research, 11(1), 79–80. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.169635

Maximets, S., (2019). Determination of Personal and Situation Determinants Laziness. Herald of Kiev Institute of Business and Technology, 42(3), 115-119. https://doi.org/10.37203/kibit.2019.42.18

Pase, M., Kean, J., Sarris, J., Neale, C., Scholey, A., and Stough, C., (2012). The Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Systematic Review of Randomized. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol. (18)7. Pp. 1-6. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0367

Roberts, A., (September 21, 2006). Nutraceutical Formulation of a Cognitive Enhancement System. United States Patent Application Publication. Retrieved from: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/a2/08/60/e31d300b542468/US20060211721A1.pdf

Ruper and Maxim, (March 13, 2017). Eleutherococcus senticosus. U.S. National Plant Germplasm System.

Schmidt, A., Hammann, F., Wölnerhanssen, B., Meyer-Gerspach, A., Drewe, J., Beglinger, C., and Borgwardt. S., (2014). Green tea extract enhances parieto-frontal connectivity during working memory processing. Psychopharmacology. DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3526-1

Sherman, L. (2008). Hawthorn significantly benefits heart failure. The Journal of Chinese Medicine., 87.

Simpson, T., Pase, M., and Stough, C., (August 27, 2015). Bacopa Monnieri as an Antioxidant Therapy to Reduce Oxidative Stress in the Aging Brain. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Vol. (2015). https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/615384

Stough, C., Downey, L.A., Lloyd, J., Silber, B., Redman, S., Hutchison, C., Wesnes, K. and Nathan, P.J. (2008), Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized trial. Phytother. Res., 22: 1629-1634. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1002/ptr.2537

Suliman, N. A., Mat Taib, C. N., Mohd Moklas, M. A., Adenan, M. I., Hidayat Baharuldin, M. T., & Basir, R. (2016). Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced by Natural Nootropic. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2016, 4391375. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4391375

Tassell, M. C., Kingston, R., Gilroy, D., Lehane, M., & Furey, A. (2010). Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Pharmacognosy reviews, 4(7), 32–41. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.65324

Ying, X., Li, H., Jiang, S., Peng, F., & Lin, Z. (2014). GROUP LAZINESS: THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL LOAFING ON GROUP PERFORMANCE. Social Behavior and Personality, 42(3), 465-471. http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.2224/sbp.2014.42.3.465

Zangara, A., (2003). The psychopharmacology of huperzine A: an alkaloid with cognitive enhancing and neuroprotective properties of interest in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacology Biochemsitry and Behavior. Vol. (75). Pp. 675-686.

How Does The Brain Benefit From Nootropics

Do Nootropics Work as Vitamins for the Brain

Are Nootropics Like Brain Vitamins?

Nootropics do all types of things for the mind and body. Technically, they are substances that provide a mental boost of some kind, while offering no negative effects. While this may sound like a godsend, ultimately, there are thousands of nootropics in the world. The truth is, only a few of them are worth mentioning in terms of providing dramatic benefits to the mind. There are definitely nootropics which function like brain vitamins, and they can contribute to significant positive impacts in one’s life. Additionally like vitamins, many nootropics are used daily. The mind and body become used to the nootropics and the benefits become permanent. Many nootropic enthusiasts tend to look at this process as a way of training or teaching the brain to function more efficiently. Still, it greatly benefits all nootropics users to understand how they are working, and how they are broken down in the mind and body.

How Do Nootropics Affect the Brain?

Nootropics work by encouraging the brain to function in an improved manner, either by manipulating the production of, or the reduction of, certain neurotransmitters (or brain chemicals). They are typically neuroprotective substances, that help the brain identify with better thinking and resting practices.1 This is a list of some of the most effective nootropics that function like brain vitamins, and their affects on the brain:

  • Huperzine A: Regularly revered for its outstanding memory-enhancing, and thinking-enhancing properties. It is often considered a super nootropic in terms of brain boosters.2
  • Hawthorn: A powerful adaptogen, giving the mind a chance to relax and attain a state of clarity and reduced stress. Adaptogens are important, natural ways to calm the mind and promote more focused thinking.
  • Ginseng: Well-known for its ability to promote stimulated thinking, as well as more mental and physical energy.
  • Green Coffee Bean: This is a wildly under-rated nootropic capable of providing amazing anti-oxidant and energizing properties. It is one of the strongest natural caffeine sources available.
  • Rhodiola: An excellent natural source for energy, of which can be applied in the mind in terms of thinking power.3
  • Yohimbe: Great for energy and promoting blood flow. More blood flow can lead to overall better functioning of the brain.
  • Vinpocetine: Often selected for its energizing properties.
  • Bacopa Monnieri: Used for its relaxing and calming properties. Although it is a less-potent nootropic, it is often included in many stacks.4
  • Ashwagandha: Used in many calming formulas. Has a long history throughout many cultures of being used for its relaxation properties.
  • Gotu Kola: Gotu Kola is a source of natural caffeine and promotes an awakened, energized state, and able to improve cognitive function.5
  • GABA: Often selected for its relaxation and calming properties.
  • L-Theanine: A very strong calming and relaxation nootropic. Sometimes used in combination with caffeine, as well as other nootropics, to create a focused boost in the mind.
  • Passion Flower: Frequently chosen for its calming effects on the mind. It is used in some of the most powerful relaxation formulas in the world.6

Many nootropics work better when used in combination with other nootropics.1 This is why many nootropic stacks and proprietary blends include a combination of ingredients to achieve the desired effects on the mind. Simply put, there are many nootropics which work best together. Still, there are some nootropics which you would never want to combine together. And even moreso, there are certain nootropics which will function better when taking alone altogether.

Long Term Effects of Nootropics on the Brain

Many substances have a “use in moderation” rule, including even innocuous substances like coffee, sugar, and salt. Similarly, most nootropics only require a small daily serving size in order to achieve the desired benefits. Very rarely are there benefits from overusing nootropics. With that said, however, most nootropics still work best as they are built up in the system. Using the same nootropics on a residual basis over a long time helps the body and brain understand their effects better. In fact, most studies provide evidence that long term nootropic use provides positive effects on the brain and in the body.1

Regardless, some of the most important nootropics have proven to improve overall function, as well as many specific functions in the brain over time.1,4 Some of the most successful “brain nootropics” include: Huperzine A, Hawthorn, Ginseng, Rhodiola, Yohimbe, Vinpocetine, Bacopa Monnieri, Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola, GABA, L-Theanine, and Passion Flower.

Tips for Using Nootropics Long-Term

Remember, nootropics work best as a part of a daily regimen. Many nootropics and proprietary blends, like Pirate Botanicals products, work best as they build up in the system. For example, Piratall is a brain nootropic supplement that provides more benefits as it is used over the course of time. This is why the product comes in a 30 days supply bottle, because it is meant to be taken every day. Piratall is a great example of a brain vitamin, containing natural caffeines (from Green Coffee Bean extract and Guarana extract), as well as long-term adaptogens, anti-oxidant properties, and mind-boosting properties (from things like Huperzine A). Pirate Botanicals created Piratall as a way to maximize the benefits of nootropics in the brain as quickly as possible, as well as in a compounding fashion over time.

Disclaimer: Always consult your physician before adding new supplements to your diet, or making any major changes to your diet.

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