Nootropic Supplements to Boost your Brain Power
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Some people can’t work without caffeine because they tend to lose concentration. Caffeine can make you feel more alert. But did you know that there are other supplements, often called “smart drugs,” that are marketed to boost concentration and learning?
These are known as nootropic supplements. You can read more about some of them in the link provided. Some people have too much stuff going on that they tend to forget important information that they need at the moment.
An example?
Students may have studied a lot of nutritional facts, history, medical knowledge, calculus, and know a lot of song lyrics during their lifetime.
However, during an essay test, such as one on when Christopher Columbus reached the Americas, all of the things that they have learned about the topic might disappear in the deep recesses of their brain.
There are also moments when students need to do specific tasks but will feel blanked out. They might not know what to do, where to go, or what to say. They might also tend to forget certain things. All of these scenarios do not just apply to students. Other people around the world also experience them.
Give your Brain an Edge
To boost your brain power, some people try nootropics. These supplements are sold to support memory, creativity, learning, and motivation, but the evidence that they sharpen the mind in healthy people is limited.
The FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are sold. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before trying one, especially if you take medicine. Here are some of the natural noots people often ask about.
1. Fish Oil
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which your brain needs. Fish oil also contains DHA, a major building block of the brain.
The research on memory is mixed. NCCIH notes that one review suggested omega-3s may help protect against cognitive decline in healthy people, but they had no effect on cognition in people who already had Alzheimer’s disease. You can get omega-3s from supplements or by eating fatty fish such as salmon, trout, or tuna.
2. Vitamin B
Many people are fans of B vitamins because the body needs them for energy and nerve health. These vitamins are water-soluble. They are affordable, and they can be bought from many drugstores.
If you’re low in vitamin B12 or folate, correcting the deficiency can help with the memory and thinking problems it causes. Extra B vitamins aren’t proven to boost brain power in people whose levels are already normal, so ask your doctor about a blood test first.
3. Ginkgo Biloba
This is popular in many countries around the world. Ginkgo supplements are derived from the tree with the same name. A fun fact is that Ginkgo trees are considered as living fossils. This is because their lineage dates back hundreds of millions of years.
Ginkgo is often sold to improve blood flow to the brain and memory. However, NCCIH says the evidence is unclear and that “brain health” supplements may not affect thinking in healthy adults.
Ginkgo can raise the risk of bleeding in people who take blood thinners such as warfarin, and it may interact with other medicines. Know more information about health benefits of ginkgo here: medicalnewstoday.com
4. Ashwagandha
This is a botanical ingredient that is popular in India and is part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha comes from the roots of a shrub also called winter cherry, Withania somnifera. It grows in parts of India, Africa, and the Middle East.
It has a long history of traditional use for energy and stress. According to NCCIH, some preparations may help with stress and sleep, but there isn’t enough evidence to say whether it improves thinking or memory.
Ashwagandha isn’t for everyone. It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding and by people with thyroid or autoimmune disorders. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported.
It may also interact with medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid, seizures and sleep, and with immunosuppressants. Long-term safety beyond about 3 months isn’t known.
Bringing it All Together
These are just some of the choices that you have in the hundreds of nootropics available out there. If you are a student who finds that caffeine isn’t doing the trick anymore, these supplements are not a shortcut, and none is proven to raise your grades.
The habits with the best track record are a good night’s sleep, regular exercise, a healthy diet and smart study methods. If you decide to try a supplement on top of that, check with your doctor first. If you have ongoing memory or concentration problems, see a doctor to look for a cause.
