Wondering what the strange term "nootropics" means? Nootropics, or nootropics, is actually just a collective term for plant substances and dietary supplements that are discussed in connection with your mental performance. They can help you reach your full potential.
Nootropics are often mistakenly referred to as "brain boosters" or "smart drugs." We'll explain how to put together your own nootropic stack to become the best version of yourself.
Table of contents
1. What are nootropics?
There's currently a booming trend for nutritional supplements that specifically improve mental performance and have a positive effect on the brain. Why? Because our society is evolving toward a performance-oriented society .
Wouldn't it be fantastic if you could concentrate significantly better and, for example, remember names and facts better ? This is what nootropics promise . They are supposed to help you fully utilize your mental abilities and are extremely popular among office athletes and biohackers.
Nootropics are all about supporting mental performance naturally . Nootropics are not medications ; they are based on plant-based ingredients and mechanisms of action.
Those who are healthy and want to optimize their mental performance are among those who can rely on nootropics. These plant substances have either a harmonizing or stimulating effect on the brain , thus producing different effects.
For example, a recent study has demonstrated the positive effects of guarana . [1] Guarana has a stimulating effect . Another example is the so-called "vitamin B complex" or vitamin D.
The vitamin B complex has a harmonizing effect and, together with vitamin D, is essential for the production of the happiness hormone serotonin , which is largely responsible for one's well-being and mood.
The question of which nootropics are best suited for each individual can only be answered on an individual basis. Each individual must decide for themselves which areas require optimization.
Your ability to concentrate depends on many factors, including your own well-being, good sleep quality, sufficient energy and the necessary regeneration to compensate for stress.
Different nootropic products can often be combined to achieve a holistic effect.
2. How nootropics work
As already mentioned, nootropics have a positive effect on mental performance and the central nervous system. The human brain, for example, is a real energy hog , accounting for 20% of total energy consumption, despite making up only 2% of the human body's mass.
To think and concentrate optimally , you need a large amount of energy, known as ATP , which must be obtained through food . Nootropics ensure an optimal supply.
Most nootropics act directly or indirectly on the production of acetylcholine or other neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Studies show that this leads to increased concentration and motivation.
Among the latest trends for providing the brain with sufficient energy are MCT oils made from 100% caprylic acid , which are known for their metabolism into so-called " ketone bodies ." In this case, ketones are an ideal energy source for your brain because they have no effect on insulin levels.
BRAINEFFECT HACK : In our shop, you'll find high-quality MCT oil made from 100% caprylic acid C8. ROCKET C8 is the name of our MCT oil and provides you with everything you need for a rocket launch into ketosis.
3. The most important nootropics at a glance
Biohackers often refer to nootropics as a stack, which they put together. This means that different active ingredients are combined based on individual needs.
Here, one can distinguish between three potential areas of effectiveness, which together will help you to reach your full potential.
To increase concentration
1. Guarana extract
Guarana extract is one of the five most important nootropics, and rightly so. It contributes to better clarity. Guarana extract contains caffeine in a bound form.
The difference to free caffeine is that the caffeine from the guarana plant is released to the brain more slowly and evenly .
This way, you'll benefit from it for longer. Guarana ensures a stable and long-term energy supply for your brain.
2. Green tea
Green tea is arguably the best-known nootropic. Many people buy it but don't even recognize it as a nootropic. Yet the power of these tiny tea leaves is enormous, especially when it comes to their stimulating effect on your entire body and mind.
The effects of caffeine unfold slowly but sustainably in your body. It makes you alert and focused. Furthermore, green tea stimulates your metabolism and digestion , thus calming the entire digestive system . The active ingredient is L-theanine, which is known for its calming effect.
3. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is the most extensively studied nootropic to date. A large-scale meta-study by the National Health Commission of China confirmed the positive effects of ginkgo on cognitive functions . [2]
In combination with Brahmi, for example, it is used with vitamin B5 . Thanks to its composition, it boosts cognitive performance and supports everyday university life as well as the office.
4. Citicoline
Optimal communication between the synapses in the brain is essential for thinking at all. This is where citicoline, also known as CDP-choline , comes in with the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Citicoline can cross the blood-brain barrier without lengthy conversion processes, where the neurotransmitter acetylcholine contributes to improved impulse transmission .
According to studies, this enables faster and more effective thinking . The enormous potential of citicoline has been scientifically proven, especially given the widespread choline deficiency in the population. Choline can also be absorbed through normal food (eggs, meat, for example).
5. Caprylic acid
Caprylic acid, generated from coconuts, is a very high-quality fatty acid and belongs to the so-called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs for short).
These very rare and expensive fats are available in the form of tasteless and odorless MCT oils, such as our ROCKET C8 , which are used in various forms and recipes.
The advantage of caprylic acid over other fats is that the human body can metabolize it well and convert it into so-called “ketone bodies.”
These are an ideal energy source for the brain. Unlike glucose, they stabilize insulin levels. Excess energy is excreted in the urine, meaning MCTs don't accumulate as fat in the tissue.
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To improve well-being
6. Vitamin B complex
The so-called vitamin B complex consists of around 10 vitamins, including vitamin B12 and vitamin B5 , which are extremely important for brain metabolism .
The calming effect of B vitamins on the brain has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, many B vitamins cannot be stored by the body and must be obtained through food . Therefore, many people buy B vitamins as nootropics.
7. Vitamin D
About 55% of the population suffers from a vitamin D deficiency . Why is this? Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin , because the human body produces it on the skin through exposure to sunlight and needs it to produce serotonin , the happiness hormone.
During the winter months, many people develop a deficiency in this vitamin, resulting in the famous winter depression . Since vitamin D is also essential for supporting the immune system , supplementing it in sufficient quantities is advisable if the need cannot be met otherwise.
8. Coenzyme Q10
Another reason to buy nootropics is a decline in mental performance and concentration. If you have enough coenzyme Q10 , not only your brain benefits, but ultimately your entire body.
A deficiency of the enzyme can cause not only certain diseases but also a variety of dysfunctions in the brain. This is because coenzyme Q10 is largely responsible for overall energy production .
If the enzyme is missing , you will not only have difficulty concentrating and remembering , but you will also feel weak and exhausted .
9. Omega 3
Omega 3 is found in every single nerve cell in the human body. They are responsible for ensuring that communication between the individual cells runs "like clockwork," literally.
The essential fatty acids support the production of the happiness hormone serotonin in your body and thus have a direct influence on your well-being.
The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA , which are found in krill oil and algae oil , are particularly important. Since the brain itself is made up of 30% of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, it must be supplied with it regularly.
BRAINEFFECT HACK : With us you get Omega 3 as sustainable KRILL BOOST or as VEGAN OMEGA 3 .
For sleep optimization and regeneration
10. Melatonin
Melatonin is the name of the human sleep hormone that controls the natural day-night rhythm . It is found in small amounts in foods such as pistachios , peanuts , and soybeans .
Melatonin helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep . Good recovery at night lowers individual stress levels, because only those who are well-rested can give it their all the next day.
BRAINEFFECT HACK : With us you can get melatonin either in the practical SLEEP capsules or as a handy SLEEP SPRAY for on the go.
4. Conclusion: Nootropics support you in your mental goals
Nootropics are substances that help you reach your full mental potential. While you should avoid prescription nootropics, natural ingredients can help you reach your full potential.
They aren't miracle cures, but they can support you, especially during challenging times. The effectiveness lies in the combination of substances, which is why several active ingredients are often combined.
Experienced biohackers create their own nootropic stacks based on their individual goals. If you're short on time, try one of our proven nootropic formulas from BRAINEFFECT.
Are you interested in increased focus and mental power? We'd love to accompany you on your biohacking journey with our newsletter, where you'll find valuable weekly tips and tricks on energy, well-being, and mental performance. You can sign up for free here .
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5. Sources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27720901
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26179181
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26268332
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