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What are nootropics?

Leave a Comment / BRAIN HEALTH, NOOTROPICS / Valentina Quintana

Introduction Let’s face it. At some point in our lives, we’ve all had thoughts of how phenomenal it would be to be among the smartest people on earth: learning more things in a short amount of time, being so smart that it puts you on top at work or school. This doesn’t have to remain a dream; it can be real. With nootropics, you can turn these dreams into reality by learning how to harness the full potential and power of your brain. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this life-changing substance: Nootropics, what they are, how they work, and how effective they are. You will learn how to maximize this substance to improve your creativity, alertness, cognition, memory, and ability to remember. What are nootropics? The term nootropics derives from two Greek words, “nous ” meaning “the mind” and “tropein “” which means “to double.” This term was coined by C.E. Giurgea, a renowned chemist and psychologist, in the late 1990s. According to him, nootropics have the following characteristics: They improve memory and learning ability; They help brain function, even under disturbing conditions; They protect the brain from chemical and physical toxins; They increase natural cognitive processes; Safety: Nootropics have extremely low toxicity and are safe for humans. Nootropics, also known as brain enhancers, are a class of substances that improve brain functions, such as motivation, concentration, memory, and attention. They can be grouped into two different types: Natural and plant-based nootropics; Synthetic nootropics. Natural nootropics are usually obtained in the form of herbal extracts or food supplements. They have been shown to boost brain function while making the brain healthier. As they are of natural origin, they are not usually associated with side effects or addiction. Some examples are Rhodiola, Ginkgo biloba, Panax quinquefolium, etc. Synthetic nootropics are compounds created in a laboratory to boost mental functions. They are often referred to as smart drugs. Some examples are Modafinil, Piracetam, Adrafinil, Racetams, etc. These drugs were created to help with diseases like ADHD, insomnia, Parkinson’s, etc. However, healthy humans take advantage of them to help boost their cognitive functions. Although these compounds are highly effective, they are often associated with side effects and potential long-term consequences. As a result, most require a valid doctor’s prescription to obtain them. Nootropics offer a wide range of benefits. And people who don’t know how they work question their effectiveness. Understanding the human brain and the effect of nootropics on it ensures its effectiveness. Researchers have proposed that nootropics act through multiple brain pathways that will be discussed in detail in this article. The Brain and its Complexity The brain is the most complex structure in the human body, with about 86 billion neurons. It consists of three parts: the cerebellum, cerebrum, and brainstem, with the cerebral cortex accounting for about 80% of its total structure. It accounts for about 3% of the body’s weight and receives about 15% of the body’s blood and 20% of the total oxygen supply. Neurons communicate with each other using neurotransmitters, forming a circuit to share information. Science, with all its advances and research, has not been able to fully understand how the brain works. The uniqueness in size and complexity of the human brain endows them with sophisticated cognitive abilities. So, while the mechanisms of action of some nootropics have been linked to various pathways in the brain, which we will consider, others remain a mystery. Let’s take a quick look at the various pathways and the effect of nootropics on them: Brain Energy The brain, though small, has numerous functions and consumes an exceptional amount of energy. In fact, it is the body’s most energy-consuming organ and burns about 20% of the body’s total energy reserve. The main source of energy used by brain cells is ATP, adenosine triphosphate, obtained through glucose metabolism. This ATP is mainly used for 2 functions: Management of the Agency The brain controls all the processes that regulate our body, such as temperature, touch, thinking, memory, vision, emotions, breathing, motor skills, hunger, etc. It works 24/7, calculating and regulating a number of neurochemical signals, processing and receiving reactions through the body’s neural network. Brain Maintenance Neurons are constantly being injured and dying, so they need a large amount of energy to repair, regenerate, and grow. Nootropics that increase brain ATP supply include Rhodiola Rosea, vitamin B1 (thiamine), ginseng, cordyceps mushrooms, and sulbutiamine. These nootropics boost brain energy by: Improve mitochondrial function and efficiency; They increase cerebral circulation and the uptake of nutrients and oxygen necessary for energy generation. Nootropics increase brain energy, preventing mental fatigue and brain fog, which are manifestations of poor brain energy. Brain Chemicals Brain cells transmit impulses to each other through chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals act as messengers that carry signals or information across synapses throughout the central nervous system. Neurotransmitters do their job by acting on receptors and are aided by other auxiliary chemicals: enzymes and hormones. In order for the brain to function properly, neurotransmitters, receptors, and other auxiliary factors must function optimally. Nootropics help the good function of neurotransmitters: Stimulating the synthesis and release of chemicals and their precursors; Helping the sensitivity of the receptors; Reducing the degradation of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters such as glutamine, dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) play an important role in cellular activation, memory, learning, neuroregeneration, thinking, emotion, creativity, and concentration. Nootropics such as L-glutamine, tyrosine, turmeric, ginkgo biloba, vitamin B6, huperzine, and rhodiola all play a role in potentiating the actions of brain chemicals. A 2016 research study highlighted rhodiola’s effect on neurotransmitter regulation. Neuroregeneration and Repair Aging not only splinters the brain, leaving dents, but also modifies it, altering cognitive abilities. Fortunately, contrary to the previous theory that brain cells never recover, research has shown that neurogenesis is possible in adulthood. Since this discovery, neuroscientists have been exploring new ways to increase and maintain a healthy brain cell count. Some substances, including nootropics, have been discovered

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How do I know I have stress?

Introduction In today’s times we find ourselves increasingly stressed and uncertain of what is to come. We see that little by little our performance decreases, it is difficult for us to stay focused, we suffer mood swings and we notice that the energy is not the same as before. However, we have forgotten that stress plays an important role in human beings as a mechanism to ensure life and survival, and we blame it for all our discomforts. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to understand what happens in your body and mind when you experience stress and what you can do to prevent and manage it successfully. What is stress? Stress is a natural or physiological reaction of the body in which various defense mechanisms come into play to cope with a situation that is perceived as threatening. It consists of a set of rapid reactions that are generated in the body to prepare it for action. It is the biological warning system necessary for survival. When you are faced with a threat to your life or safety, in order to survive, your body responds with a large number of adaptive changes that involve the activation of the nervous and hormonal systems. Once the stimulus stops, the body will return to its basal state. The problem occurs when the stimulus does not stop, or the body remains in a state of alert for long periods. The Science Behind Stress The stress response develops in 3 phases, depending on how long the trigger lasts. For example, if you’re stressed by a presentation to a large audience, you may only experience the first phase of alertness with the acute activation of the nervous system. However, if the situation is prolonged over time, such as in the case of losing your job or having a family member with a serious illness, your body will trigger the necessary changes to adapt, which can reach the exhaustion phase, with the respective mental, emotional and physical consequences. First, Alert Phase: This phase corresponds to the “alarm”, i.e. the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in its “fight or flight” mode. This response is extremely rapid, and the symptoms that occur are caused by the increase of noradrenaline in the blood. Some of these are: Nervousness or restlessness Anxiety Palpitations Rapid breathing Digestive discomfort such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain Second, defense or resistance phase This phase corresponds to a hormonal activation that is slower than the previous one, but its effects are longer-lasting. The changes that occur in your body are mainly due to the increase in cortisol in the blood, which has the function of keeping blood sugar levels stable so that it can be used by your muscles, your heart and your brain, and thus be able to respond appropriately to the stressful situation. Third, Exhaustion Phase This stage only appears if the threat persists over time, and the activation of the nervous system and hormonal system remain active. After a while, the hormones become less effective at responding. The body becomes exhausted and the signals are slower, until finally cortisol begins to decrease. When this state occurs, the body’s energy reserves are being used to react to negative stimuli, so the body weakens and diseases increase. Symptoms of Chronic Stress The body has physical, mental, and emotional signals that indicate when a person is going through a period of increased risk to mental and physical health. Some common symptoms that can affect them are as follows: Headache Sleep problems such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness Fatigue and tiredness Decreased mood or depression Anxiety states Lack of concentration Memory loss High blood pressure Constipation or chronic diarrhea Decreased sex drive Dermatitis, skin rashes Allergies The holidays are over: the stress of going back to work During the holiday period we are happy, relaxed, and spend part of our time on activities that recharge our energy. However, when this is over, we may quickly find ourselves back in stressful situations of work, studies, and responsibilities. While this is normal, keep in mind that a lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, physical activity, healthy interpersonal relationships, and new challenges will allow you to stay active and energized enough to respond to changes, decreasing the risk of falling into chronic stress and all its consequences. Consider making a plan to organize your schedules and activities and ensure times for self-care, as suggested in the next section. Natural Solutions to Stress While there are situations that are beyond our control, below you will find a list of tools that you can implement in your day-to-day life, which will allow you to keep your nervous system in balance, respond more calmly to challenging situations and prevent the consequences of chronic stress. Organize your schedule: Try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day. Watch your sleep: Avoid activities that are very stimulating in the hours before bed, such as watching TV, strenuous exercise, or planning. You can take a warm bath, listen to soothing music, or write in your journal. Do stretching or flexibility exercises. This will help relax your body and mind. Go for a walk. It will clear your mind and allow you to think more clearly. Spend time in nature. Do 10 minutes of grounding: walk barefoot on grass, dirt or sand. Drink more water and herbal teas Eat foods that make you feel better, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds. Avoid processed products or products with added sugars Avoid consuming stimulant foods such as coffee, black tea, and chocolate in excess. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes Include activities that give you rewardment: painting, drawing, riding a bike, playing an instrument, listening to your favorite music, reading a book, etc. Practice a physical activity that you enjoy: keeping the body active helps you feel well-being and strengthens the body’s response to any stressful situation Practice Yoga in the morning or before bed