Phosphatidylserine (PS) is known to improve alertness, attention, cognition, memory, recall and mood, lower anxiety, and help you lose weight
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Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid component of the membrane encasing every one of your brain cells.
PS helps maintain the fluidity and permeability of brain cells. Allowing for the efficient transfer of proteins, enzymes, nutrients, oxygen and glucose into and out of each cell.
Phosphatidylserine is involved in the formation and sending of signals within neurons. And the chemical signaling that takes place across neural synapses.
PS promotes healthy nerve growth factor (NGF), and supports the neurogenesis needed for long-term potentiation (LTP). Memory formation depends on healthy LTP.
Phosphatidylserine is involved in building mitochondria which are the energy centers of each brain cell.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is arguably one of the most effective and important nootropics we have available today. PS keeps our brain cells healthy. And has a reputation for improving alertness, attention, cognition, memory, recall and mood.
Phosphatidylserine helps:
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid component of brain cell membranes. The membrane is the outer casing surrounding each cell. PS plays a vital role in cell-to-cell signaling in the brain. And is needed to maintain the fluidity of all cell membranes.
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most abundant phospholipid in the brain. Followed by a slightly lesser amount of Phosphatidylserine (PS).
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is in the outer layer of brain cell membranes, and Phosphatidylserine (PS) is part of the inner layer. Both are critical to maintaining optimal cognitive health. PS is synthesized from PC in the brain by exchanging the base head group with a serine.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) supports the formation and sending of neural signals within neurons. And across synaptic junctions that link one neuron with another. This cellular communication is how we form memories.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) also helps nerve growth factor (NGF) that ensures healthy neurogenesis. And PS even assists in building mitochondria which are the energy source in every one of your brain cells.
When your brain cell membranes are healthy, they are malleable, fluid and flexible. But by the time we reach our 20s, phospholipids including Phosphatidylserine (PS) start declining. This casing starts to harden. And attention, concentration, memory, mood and learning begin to suffer.[ii]
The good news is you can prevent this cellular damage from happening. The amount and type of long-chain fatty acids in your diet affects the composition of these cell membranes.
The structure and function of your cells depend on the ideal balance of fats including cholesterol, oleic, palmitic and stearic fatty acids. And essential fatty acids like Omega 3. Without this proper balance, cell membrane function is compromised.
But our typical modern diet does not provide the ideal balance of fatty acids (phospholipids) to maintain brain cell health. Its why we experience brain fog, memory loss, slow thinking and poor decision making.
You naturally get Phosphatidylserine (PS) from foods like cow brains, pig spleen and chicken hearts. So there must be some merit to the saying, Eat brains and get smarter!
Unfortunately, not many of us include organ meat as part of our daily meal plan. So the best way to maintain healthy levels of Phosphatidylserine (PS) in your brain is taking PS as a nootropic supplement.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) was originally made from bovine (cow) brains. But with the mad cow disease scare, PS supplements are now made from extracts of soy or sunflower lecithin.
How does Phosphatidylserine work in the Brain?Phosphatidylserine (PS) boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
Phosphatidylserine is one of the most effective memory boosters known
.Phosphatidylserine (PS) has been shown that it can slow, halt and even reverse the progression of age-related cognitive decline. One study with 149 patients meeting the criteria for age-associated memory impairment were given 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine (PS) or a placebo for 12 weeks.
The patients who received Phosphatidylserine (PS) showed improved performance on tests related to learning and the memory tasks of daily life. The study concluded that Phosphatidylserine (PS) was a promising candidate for treating memory loss later in life.[iii]
You brain is made up largely of DHA fat. The kind of fat you get from supplementing with Omega-3s. And a decrease in DHA content in the brain results in cognitive impairment. Studies show that Alzheimers Disease is associated with lower Omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Researchers in Canada looked at samples provided by the Memory and Aging Project. And found a significant difference in plasma fatty acid profiles of those with Alzheimers, mild cognitive impairment and those with perfectly healthy brains.
The team found that DHA and Phosphatidylserine (PS) in both disease categories was 12-14% lower than those of healthy brains. They concluded that Alzheimers Disease is associated with lower DHA and Phosphatidylserine (PS).[iv]
Trials and clinical studies like these provide plenty of motivation to supplement with Phosphatidylserine (PS) and DHA. It will help you ward off neurodegenerative disease. DHA and Phosphatidylserine (PS) for an optimized brain.
How things go badAs we get older, our brain chemistry and energy metabolism changes. This can happen at any age once we enter our adult years.
Brain cell membranes lose fluidity
Neurotransmitter signaling declines
Recall, reaction time and mood diminish
Memory declines
All of these changes can happen at any age. And starts as early as our 20s. Our cell membranes are influenced by the food we eat, what we drink, lifestyle habits, the air we breathe and more.
So Phosphatidylserine (PS) can help for age-related cognitive decline, as well as a student looking to do better in school.
Phosphatidylserine benefitsPhosphatidylserine (PS) makes up about 15% of the total phospholipid pool in your brain. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is located mainly in the internal layer of your brain cell membranes.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is involved in governing membrane fluidity, and the regulation of all activity going on in that brain cell. Phosphatidylserine (PS) interacts with cellular proteins, modulates the activity of neuroreceptors, enzymes, ion channels, and signaling molecules.
Supplementing with Phosphatidylserine (PS) improves brain function that tends to decline with age. Healthy brain cell membranes support neuroplasticity so neurons can form the connections needed to convert new experiences into memories.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) helps lower cortisol and ACTH levels during intense exercise.[v] Phosphatidylserine (PS) is even effective in relieving stress. And putting you in a better mood during exams.[vi]
Many clinical trials with Phosphatidylserine (PS) have shown improvements in working- and long-term memory, recall, logic and even speech. Attention span increases while using Phosphatidylserine (PS). And motivation, socialization and initiative all increased when using Phosphatidylserine (PS) as a nootropic.
How does Phosphatidylserine feel?Neurohackers report that using Phosphatidylserine (PS) as a nootropic:
There are reports that Phosphatidylserine (PS) helps with Tourettes Syndrome.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) a great compliment to ADHD meds. PS helps tame the symptoms of ADHD. And doesnt interfere with popular stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall. You may even be able to cut back on the ADHD meds once Phosphatidylserine (PS) builds up in your system.
Phosphatidylserine Clinical Research Phosphatidylserine Reduces Beta Brain WavesBeta brain waves have the most rapid pattern of all the brain waves produced in your brain. Beta waves are associated with concentration, arousal, alertness and cognition.
But it would be unpleasant to be in a constant state of arousal. This study in Germany gave 16 healthy subjects Phosphatidylserine (PS) for 42 days. The team tested brain wave patterns before supplementation. And again in 42 days.
The main finding in this study was that chronic Phosphatidylserine supplementation significantly decreases Beta brain waves. And the results showed that the Phosphatidylserine (PS) group were connected to a more relaxed state compared to the controls.[vii]
Phosphatidylserine Reduces StressStudies have shown that Phosphatidylserine (PS) blunts the release of cortisol in response to exercise stress. And Phosphatidylserine (PS) improves mood. In this study, researchers at the University of Wales Swansea gave young adults 300 mg of Phosphatidylserine (PS) each day for a month.
The study resulted in these young adults feeling less stressed after doing a stressful arithmetic task. And they were in a better mood. The researchers concluded that Phosphatidylserine (PS) supplementation improves mood and reduces stress even in healthy, young people.[viii]
Phosphatidylserine Improves Cognition in AthletesPhosphatidylserine (PS) is found in the cell membranes of most animals and plants. Phosphatidylserine (PS) has been shown to reduce stress and increase performance in runners, cyclists and golfers.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to study the effects of Phosphatidylserine (PS) on cognitive function, mood and endocrine response before and after intense exercise.
18 lower body, resistance-trained male college athletes took Phosphatidylserine (PS) for 14 days, or a placebo. Following 14 days of supplementation, participants performed an acute bout of lower body resistance training.
Mood and cognitive function were measured before, 5 minutes after and 60 minutes after exercise. And blood samples were drawn prior to, 5, 15, 25, 40 and 60 minutes after exercise. Blood was tested for cortisol and testosterone.
The researchers found that Phosphatidylserine (PS) significantly increased cognitive function prior to exercise. And Phosphatidylserine (PS) prevented both mood and hormones from being negatively affected prior to and following resistance exercise.[ix]
Phosphatidylserine Reduces Symptoms of ADHDResearchers in Japan conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial with 36 children aged 4 14 years. The kids were diagnosed with ADHD but had not received any conventional ADHD treatment prior to the trial.
The children received 200 mg of Phosphatidylserine (PS) or a placebo daily for 2 months. The team recorded the childrens ADHD symptoms, short-term and working memory, and mental performance.
The team found that Phosphatidylserine (PS) significantly improved ADHD symptoms and short-term memory. ADHD symptoms that were reduced included inattention, short-term memory problems, and impulsivity. The placebo group saw no improvement during the trial.[x]
Another study with 200 ADHD children looked at the effects of Phosphatidylserine (PS) combined with Omega 3s for 30-weeks. The key finding of this trial was a significant reduction in the restlessness/impulsive scale and an improvement in emotions.
The researchers concluded that Phosphatidylserine (PS) with Omega 3 may reduce ADHD symptoms in children with ADHD. And it was especially effective in a subgroup of hyperactive-impulsive, emotionally and behaviorally-dysregulated ADHD children.[xi]
The bottom line is that if you have Adult ADD like I do, or you have children with ADHD or ADD, consider 200 mg of Phosphatidylserine (PS) for a couple of months before going with Adderall or Ritalin. And add in some Omega 3s for good measure.
Or find a ready-made Nootropic stack like Mind Lab Pro that already has 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine (PS) in their formula. No side effects and you just might get rid of the ADHD symptoms that are plaguing you.
Phosphatidylserine Improves MemorySeveral studies have shown that using Phosphatidylserine (PS) as a nootropic to boost memory works well both for age-related cognitive decline as well as more serious diseases like Alzheimers and dementia.
A double-blind, placebo controlled trial in Aviv worked with 18 healthy elderly volunteers with age-related cognitive decline. The volunteers took 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine (PS) 3-times per day for 12 weeks. They were evaluated at the start of the trial, at 6 weeks of treatment and at the end of the trial.
All but two of the volunteers showed significant improvement in memory from using Phosphatidylserine (PS). Memory and cognition improved in the first 6 weeks of Phosphatidylserine (PS) use. And continued to get better until the end of the 12-week trial.[xii]
Another trial with 51 Alzheimers patients using 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine (PS) for 12 weeks showed that PS may be a promising candidate for the early stages of Alzheimers Disease.[xiii]
Phosphatidylserine Recommended DosageRecommended Phosphatidylserine (PS) dosage is 100 mg 3-times per day.
If youre concerned about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) like I am, make sure you find Phosphatidylserine (PS) that is non-GMO. Because most Phosphatidylserine (PS) is derived from the lecithin of soybeans.
And oddly enough a manufacturer may use both GMO and non-GMO. And not have it marked on the packaging.
Im aware of at least one supplement maker who offers non-GMO Phosphatidylserine (PS) in their 120-count bottles. But their 60-count bottles are made with GMO soybean lecithin. Do your research.
Even better is find Phosphatidylserine (PS) that is made from non-GMO sunflower lecithin. Especially if youre allergic or react to soy. Like used in my favorite pre-made nootropic stack: Mind Lab Pro®
Phosphatidylserine Side EffectsPhosphatidylserine (PS) is naturally produced in your body and is considered well tolerated and safe. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is non-toxic.
Some may experience insomnia or stomach upset at higher than recommended doses.
Medications for Alzheimers may interact with Phosphatidylserine (PS) because these drugs are often Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. An AChE inhibitor will increase the amount of acetylcholine (ACh) in your brain. And since Phosphatidylserine (PS) increases ACh, you may end up with too much acetylcholine.
Type of Phosphatidylserine to BuyPhosphatidylserine (PS) is sold in tablet or capsule form. Capsules can run from 100 to 300 mg each.
Plain Phosphatidylserine (PS) was originally sourced from cow brains. But since the mad cow disease scare, most Phosphatidylserine (PS) supplements are now made from soybean lecithin.
Enzymotec makes a unique form of Phosphatidylserine (PS) called Sharp PS® Green. It is made from vegetable sources that are not soy-based, and is non-GMO.
Several supplement makers offer this branded form of Phosphatidylserine (PS) which they license from Enzymotec.
Mind Lab Pro® includes 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine (PS) that is derived from non-GMO sunflower lecithin.
I recommend Mind Lab Pro because it addresses all aspects of anxiety resistance, memory and cognitive enhancement, stabilizes mood, brain repair, and maintenance.
This premium nootropic stack is designed to boost key neurotransmitters, cognitive energy, brain waves, neuroprotection, and regeneration. See my Mind Lab Pro review for a detailed report.
Another good option is Performance Lab® Mind which also contains Phosphatidylserine (PS) (using Sharp PS® Green).
CHEMI Nutra also makes a branded form of Phosphatidylserine (PS) made from soy lecithin called SerinAid®. A few supplement makers license this brand of Phosphatidylserine (PS) for use in their Phosphatidylserine (PS) products.
Nootropics Expert RecommendationPhosphatidylserine (PS) 100 mg 3-times per day
I recommend using Phosphatidylserine (PS) as a nootropic supplement.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is arguably one of the most effective and important nootropics we have available today. Phosphatidylserine (PS) keeps our brain cells healthy. And has a reputation for improving alertness, attention, cognition, memory, recall and mood.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) helps lower cortisol which can reduce stress, and help with insomnia. And provide you with a stress-free workout in the gym or on the court.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) clears brain fog, boosts energy levels, helps alertness, and provides clarity to your thought process.
You can get Phosphatidylserine (PS) from food. But the highest concentrations of Phosphatidylserine (PS) are found in organ meats like cow brains and pig spleen.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) levels decline as you age starting in your 20s. And you are unlikely to get nearly enough through diet. So to get its benefits you should take it as a nootropic supplement.
I suggest starting with a dose of Phosphatidylserine (PS) at 100 mg 3-times per day. Dosing should not exceed 500 mg per day. And there is little benefit to overdoing it with Phosphatidylserine (PS).
You can buy individual Phosphatidylserine (PS) supplements. Or you could try my favorite pre-formulated nootropic stack Mind Lab Pro® which includes Phosphatidylserine (PS) from non-GMO, organic sunflower lecithin.
Mind Lab Pro contains a synergistic blend of 11 brain enhancing nootropics covering all aspects of cognition and brain health. See my full Mind Lab Pro review for more.
Another good option is the Mind formula by Performance Lab® which also contains Phosphatidylserine (using Sharp PS® Green). You can see my full review of Performance Lab® Mind here.
Nootropics can help increase your memory, boost learning ability, improve your mood and assist overall brain function. If youre new to nootropics, or wonder about the difference between a nootropic and a smart drug, then this page is for you.
Here youll find the definition of a nootropic, how to pronounce the word nootropic, the origin of the word nootropic, other names or synonyms youll come across when referring to nootropics, a brief explanation of nootropic stacks, if they really work, how they work and what nootropics can do for you.
Youll also find information on nootropic safety. And if they have any side effects. Use this guide as a primer to clear any confusion, and get started safely with nootropics.
In just a few minutes youll have a better understanding of each topic. And links through to pages in more detail when an in-depth explanation is needed.
You can even click each of the titles in the Table of Contents and go directly to that section if youre pressed for time.
What are Nootropics?Nootropics are a class of substances that improve brain function. Also referred to as neuro-enhancers, cognitive boosters, or memory enhancers. Nootropics can be natural or synthetic.
Experienced bio-hackers often make a distinction between nootropics and smart drugs. For our discussion and to help you understand what they are and how theyre used, well cover the latest in nootropics research.
Nootropics are used to improve focus, motivation, memory, mood, and cognition. Each of these depend on different processes in your brain. And different substances can be used to affect each of these functions.
This idea of altering brain function is not new. Our ancestors were using herbs and alcohol to alter brain function for the last few thousand years.
Origin of the word NootropicThe term nootropic is relatively new. Romanian psychologist and chemist Dr. Corneliu Giurgea synthesized Piracetam in . And coined the term nootropic in .[i] It is derived from the Greek nous (mind) and trepein (to bend).
Definition of NootropicDr. Giurgea gave us a list of five criteria that a substance must have to be considered a true nootropic.
A true nootropic:
Most of the time, when you hear the term nootropic used, people loosely mean cognitive enhancer. A substance or compound that improves memory, increases cognitive processing speed, boosts alertness, concentration and focus, or a combination of these qualities.
For more Phosphatidylserine Pronunciationinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
At Nootropics Expert, I do my best to stick to the original definition of nootropic. And when a substance or compound strays from this strict definition, Ill tell you the reasons why. And things to avoid when choosing a nootropic supplement.
How to Pronounce the word NootropicThe formal or correct way to pronounce the word nootropic according to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a few in the nootropic community is:
nō-ə-ˈtrō-pik
Which sounds a little like Noah as in the biblical Noah. And tropic with the tro rhyming with go.
However, most in the nootropic community pronounce the word new-tropic. With tropic rhyming with living in the tropics (which I did for many years).
There is no absolute correct way to pronounce nootropic in my opinion. And anyone who takes issue with the pronunciation of the word likely needs an extra dose of Phenylethylamine. Or 30-minutes of meditation. Just to calm down and get on with building their stack.
Nootropic SynonymsWith the rapidly growing popularity of nootropics and other cognitive enhancers, you will come across many terms generally referring to the same thing. And it can get confusing especially for someone new to nootropics.
Nootropics are commonly referred to as smart drugs, brain drugs, memory enhancers, neuro-enhancers, cognitive enhancers, intelligence enhancers, racetams, nootropic supplements, brain supplements, neuroceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cognition-enhancing supplements.
Most experienced neurohackers simply refer to them as nootropics. And here at Nootropics Expert, I make the distinction between a nootropic and a smart drug.
Natural vs. Synthetic NootropicsYou can boost brain power in a variety of ways. Your end goal will often dictate if you should use a natural or synthetic nootropic. Lets illustrate this with some examples.
First well look at a synthetic nootropic, and then well look at a natural nootropic. These are only two of dozens of nootropics in each category.
Dr. Giurgeas piracetam is a cyclic derivative of GABA. GABA is naturally produced by your body. (But because it is not natural, piracetam cannot be sold in the USA as a dietary supplement. And since piracetam is not approved by the FDA for medical use, it also cannot be sold as a drug.)
Piracetam has been shown to support memory[ii], learning capacity, reduce mental fatigue, and improve concentration. It is sold as the prescription drug Nootropil in many European countries.
Clinical trials with piracetam have shown it may help your brain in several ways. Including increasing the effectiveness of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.[iii]
Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that allows neurons to communicate with each other. It is vital for memory, focus, concentration and mental alertness. But piracetam is not the only way to boost acetylcholine function in your brain.
Your body naturally makes acetylcholine from healthy fats in your diet. Good sources of choline the precursor to acetylcholine include:
Milk Cheese Eggs Soy Lecithin Fatty fish Beef (esp. liver) Almonds Cauliflower Pistachios Spinach Wheat germ spirulinaYou can also use supplements like Alpha GPC, CDP Choline, and choline citrate to boost choline.
So there is no best source for nootropics. Natural and synthetics work. Some work better than others. And everybodys body really is different. It often depends what youre trying to achieve.
Do Nootropics Really Work?There is no question nootropics work. But opinions vary across the board how well they work. Decades of clinical studies and nootropic user comments and reviews show improvement in many areas. It depends on the person and the specific nootropic.
Personally, I was able to get off of ADHD meds (Ritalin) for a year. And manage my condition just as well with nootropics.
Many university students will tell you their high grades are directly related to a stack like aniracetam, Pramiracetam, ALCAR, L-Theanine and caffeine.
Users report the ability to:
In the Nootropic community the big proviso is always your mileage may vary. Dosage can influence the desired (and undesired) effects of many nootropics. With some of the newer nootropics (smart drugs in particular) the jury is still out on how well, or even if they work.
This includes stacks put out by companies who either dont disclose individual dosage of each ingredient. Or companies who have poor quality control over, and amount of the ingredients used in a capsule.
The underlying lesson is research and experimentation. Read what others say and research clinical trials. But always remember more is definitely not better.
For an in-depth dive into how nootropics work including influencing brain energy, signaling, cell health & repair, cerebral blood flow, brain waves and fatigue, see my post on:
How do Nootropics Work
What is the Best Nootropic?It depends on what you mean by best. And maybe not the answer youre looking for. But we have a lot of variables in play here. And especially for someone new to nootropics, this is what you need to consider
If you are a university student, an entrepreneur, a business executive, a stay-at-home mom or dad or a senior what are you trying to improve?
By using nootropics, you can benefit from improved memory, focus, learning, mood or motivation. Some even have anti-aging benefits. You have several options for each benefit youre trying to boost or correct.
Here are the
Best Nootropics for Learning & Memory
Best Nootropics for Depression
Best Nootropics for Anxiety
Hacking Motivation with Nootropics
Hack Your Flow State with Nootropics
But to be perfectly honest with you, from my personal experience, one nootropic to boost memory may work better for you and not as well for me.
As a general rule, were all the same. And generally one nootropic will work better for focus for most people. But I have found each nootropic can have a different effect at different doses on different people.
Each one of us has variations in cognitive wiring. Our chemical and genetic makeup is different. Were influenced by the foods we eat, where we live, the air we breathe and the genes we inherited from our parents.
Science hasnt yet developed the magic pill to solve all cognitive issues. Its why we experiment, read reviews, and listen to other neurohackers. There is no one-pill solution!
Its why I created and continue to develop Nootropics Expert®. To help you in your journey in creating the perfect nootropic stack for you at this time in your life.
Learn How to Create the Best Nootropic Stack for You here.
Best Nootropic Stack for BeginnersIf you are new to nootropics, and dont know where to start, heres a few things to keep in mind.
Each nootropic supplement has a unique mechanism of action in your brain. As soon as you add just one more nootropic, it may have some impact on how the first nootropic works in your brain.
Sometimes this combination of two or more nootropics is intentional. For example, Piracetam boosts the sensitivity of acetylcholine receptors in your brain. Which causes your brain to demand more acetylcholine to satisfy this demand.
Experienced neurohackers have learned that stacking Piracetam with a choline supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline boosts the effectiveness of Piracetam. With even more focus, learning and memory improvements.
But sometimes the interaction between two or more nootropics taken together is unintentional. And could cause adverse side effects like depression, irritability or insomnia.
Huperzine-A is a classic example because it acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which means it boosts levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in your brain.
So if you add Huperzine-A to your stack, you may want to reduce your dose of a choline supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. Or you could experience the side effects of too much acetylcholine.
Youll also want to keep in mind that some nootropics have a cumulative effect in your brain. They build-up over time. Especially if you take them everyday. Take Huperzine-A for example which has a half-life of 10 12 hours. If you took Hup-A every day, your body wouldnt have the chance to flush the old Huperzine-A out of our system before you took your next dose.
Some nootropics are water-soluble while some are fat-soluble. What does this mean?
To help you if youre just getting started in nootropics and building your first stack, check out this article on:
Beginners Guide to Nootropic Stacks
The guide will take you through building a nootropic stack step-by-step. And show you how to avoid the many pitfalls and mistakes many new neurohackers make when first getting started with nootropics.
How do Nootropics Work?Nootropics can affect your brain by influencing brain waves, cerebral blood flow, cellular energy, hormones, neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity or growth factors.
Dozens of natural and synthetic substances have nootropic properties. Each can affect one or more of several categories affecting your brain. Nootropics work by affecting:
For a detailed overview of each of these categories, go to my post called:
How do Nootropics Work
Youll find how each affects your brain, what can go wrong, and examples of nootropics that can address each issue.
You can also get detailed explanations of dozens of nootropics here on Nootropics Expert. Each article explains what the nootropic is and where it came from, mechanisms of action on how it works in your brain, why you may want to add it to your nootropic stack, dosage recommendations, forms each nootropic comes in, references to dozens of clinical studies, and where to buy the supplement.
Visit the List of Nootropics page and scroll through the Table of Contents. Each nootropic summary on that page links to a detailed article on that nootropic and how it works.
What Can Nootropics Do for Me?Referring to a section near the beginning of this article, the right nootropics can help you:
Nootropics may also help to repair years of damage to your brain, and possibly find a healthier alternative to ADHD meds.
For more on ADHD and ADD, check out my post on:
Best Nootropics for ADHD & ADD
For athletes or anyone maintaining a serious exercise regimen some nootropics can help up your game. And give your body and brain the fuel it needs to operate at your peak.
Hack Motivation with Nootropics
Hack Your Flow State with Nootropics
Best Nootropics for Learning & Memory
Best Nootropics for Anxiety
Best Nootropics for Depression
Need more energy to power through your day? Mitochondria are where your bodys energy is produced. Allowing you to hear, feel and see. Mitochondria beat your heart, stimulate your sex drive and allow you to think.
Your brain has a higher concentration of these little cellular powerplants than most other cells in your body. You can have several thousand mitochondria in each brain cell. They even have their own DNA.
You can hack your mitochondria with nootropics. Learn how here:
Hack Your Mitochondria with Nootropics
If you are dealing with anxiety or depression and conventional prescription anti-anxiety meds, or antidepressants just arent helping
Check this are you also battling with abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea? Your brain fog, anxiety or depression could be a gut problem. Recent research has established a strong gut-brain connection.
And when you address gastrointestinal issues, youll often find that depression, anxiety and brain fog are gone too. Learn how here
Psychobiotics: The Gut-Brain Connection
Are Nootropics Addictive?A true nootropic as defined here (a natural method of boosting brain performance), are safe and generally non-addictive. Some nootropics can give you long-term benefits even after you stop using them.
Smart drugs which are typically pharmaceuticals can be addictive. Particularly those acting as stimulants.
Nootropics generally have very few side effects, are non-toxic when taken at recommended doses, and do not cause withdrawal symptoms once you stop using them.
To learn more about nootropics vs smart drugs, tolerance, psychological addiction, nootropics and withdrawal, and non-addictive alternatives to smart drugs, see my extended article on:
Are Nootropics Addictive?
Nootropics vs. Smart Drugs Whats the Difference?Smart Drugs are not the same as nootropics even though some may have similar benefits.
A smart drug is typically a prescription pharmaceutical used to treat the symptoms of ADHD or narcolepsy. They are central nervous system stimulant drugs. And the most commonly prescribed are Adderall (dextroamphetamine) or Ritalin (methylphenidate).
These stimulants help with focus and energy in someone who is truly clinically ADHD. They produce spikes in dopamine and norepinephrine.
Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulants are very powerful drugs. And can include side effects such as decreased appetite, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, sleep problems, and cardiac issues. Dependency and addiction is a growing problem with their use.
Two other smart drugs of note are Modafinil and Adrafinil. These are wake-promoting agents that have a different chemical make-up from stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall. But exhibit similar side effects in many people.[xii]
Nootropics are described as having the characteristics of enhancing learning and memory. It should protect the brain while increasing natural cognitive processes. And should not be toxic, nor stimulate or depress the brain.
You could think of a nootropic as food for the brain, while a smart drug is exactly that a drug for the brain.
Lets be clear.
Smart drugs can kill you. And
nootropics can heal your brain.
For more on the dark side of smart drugs including more detail on methylphenidate (Ritalin), Adderall, modafinil, and prescription ampakines, see my post on:
Smart Drugs The Bad and the Ugly
Nootropic Safety & Side EffectsOne of the qualifications to be called a nootropic is they must be extremely safe, and non-toxic to humans. This from the original definition by Dr. Giurgea who invented piracetam.
For this reason, smart drugs like Ritalin and Adderall do not qualify as a nootropic.
Most nootropics have few, if any, drug interactions. And should not complicate existing health conditions.
But a strong word of caution here carefully read the dosage recommendations and side effects for each nootropic youre considering adding to your stack. Every article for each nootropic listed here on Nootropics Expert® goes into detail on what to look out for. Including possible drug interactions.
So care must be taken with anything that alters dopamine or serotonin in your brain. Particularly if you are on any kind of SSRI, MAOI, or other anti-depressant medication.
Nootropics are generally made from plants, or made up of ingredients from plants. Or are purified components or extracts of plants.
The racetam-family of nootropics are derivatives of chemicals naturally produced by your body. For example, piracetam is a cyclic derivative of GABA which is naturally produced throughout your body, including your brain.
Nootropics are generally safe if you use them as recommended. You dont want to go overboard with Vitamin D, melatonin or zinc because it could cause problems. Likewise, follow directions on the label and get advice from experienced nootropic users.
Many clinical studies have been done on nootropics over the last 40 50 years establishing their safety. And no one who has used a nootropic at recommended doses has ever ODd to my knowledge.
Some nootropics like the racetams can work as a precursor to, or increase the efficacy of acetylcholine in your brain. In other words, they boost the uptake of choline.
So, for example the most commonly reported side effect of using racetams are headaches. And they usually occur in a specific part of your brain.
The best way to counteract a racetam-headache is to use a good source of supplemental choline such as Alpha GPC, CDP-Choline, or Cognizin®.
Read more about:
Nootropics Safety & Side Effects
Are Nootropics Legal?In the USA, nootropics are generally classified as dietary supplements or research compounds. And can be purchased and used legally for personal consumption.
Smart drugs like Ritalin, Adderall, and Modafinil are prescription drugs and require a prescription from a licensed medical professional.
Some nootropics, particularly synthetics are classified as a prescription drug in some countries. For example, Citicoline, which is a supplement in the USA, qualifies as a prescription drug in much of Europe.
Piracetam and other racetam-class nootropics are only available by prescription in Russia, the United Kingdom and Australia. SAM-e is a prescription drug throughout Europe. And Vinpocetine, derived from the periwinkle plant is prescribed as a dementia drug in Japan and parts of Europe.
Dietary supplements are available in the USA without a prescription. And in many other countries. However, please check the status of any particular nootropic and their classification in your country.
See the page on the legal status of nootropics in your country here:
Are Nootropics Legal in My Country?
That page is updated as new information comes in from readers and neurohackers like you. So if you have information about your country thats not yet listed, please leave a comment at the bottom of the Are Nootropics Legal in My Country page. That page is checked by hundreds of visitors every day. Your input is greatly appreciated.
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