Increasing Your Mental Strength with Nootropics
The term Nootropics was coined from two Greek words: “Nous” and “trepin” which mean “mind” and “bend” respectively. From that etymological description, Nootropics means something that can bolster or shape the mind.
Essentially, Nootropics is a collective term used to describe chemicals or drugs, man-made or naturally occurring, that increases the cognitive abilities of an individual. Not only that; they prevent the brain from oxidative stress or damage.
A Brief History of Nootropics
The history of neuroenhancers or smart drugs is a fascinating one. It was back in the 60s when the first
nootropic drug was discovered. Nonetheless, the drug was not meant for the purpose for which many people use it today – increasing mental abilities – but it helped in treating motion sickness.
With increased research, scientists found out that the smart pills did more than just offering cognitive values. It was a Romanian psychologist and researcher, Dr. Corneliu Giurgea. He discovered Piracetam, a substance considered to be the first supplement. Other reports indicate that a variant of the drug was employed in remedying epilepsy back in the 50s.
In technical terms, a perfect nootropic substance must satisfy the following functions as outlined by Dr. Giurgea.
- Improve memory and learning abilities
- Assist brain functioning during oxygenative stress or hypoxia
- Maintain chemical balance in the brain
- Improve the operation of the neuronal firing system
Finding a drug that can meet all the above requirements is virtually impossible. If it were to name such a drug, “magical drug” sounds great. However, when people hear the word nootropic causing a fuss, they think it as a cognitive enhancer (something that can hardly benefit your thinking), but can scarcely fit all the above definition. The reason they are referred to as smart drugs.
How Have Smart Drugs Evolved?
As years past, many scientists began performing tests to ensure the clinical functions of the drug. These tests adhered to the same standard procedures, the drug was tested on rats to determine their toxicity levels. What ensued were tests on Alzheimer’s Disease’s patients using the neuroenhancers that met the threshold. Memory function is a critical trait of such affliction, and this fact rendered these patients the perfect “specimen.”
During those times, the masses were still skeptic about the drug, for there was no enlightenment about the potential risks they could have. Thus, only a few developed the courage to use nootropics.
The Health Benefits of Nootropics
Some smart drugs cause side effects, but many of these neuroenhancers contain a vast latitude of versatile chemicals that improve mental performance. Even so, professional health specialist advice that you seek professional help before consuming the drugs.
Here are some benefits of nootropics.
1. Improved Memory
Today, many nootropic drugs feature versatile substance that bolsters performance-oriented memory functions of the brain. By using nootropics, you can improve long-term, short-term, and free call (the ability to hold and organize items and later reorganize them in any order).
2. Increased Concentration Span
Many people deal with concentration and an inability to maintain a longer concentration span positively impact memory functions and memory retention. Students are especially susceptible to concentrate for more than a minimum time. Nootropics can improve mental functions by enhancing mood and motivate one to focus, leading to high concentration levels.
3. Improved Moods
Moods have a strong link to concentration. No wonder when an individual is moody, they tend to have a low concentration level. Many reports show that poor sleeping habits and irregular eating patterns “hurt” your mood, which further causes stress and eventually depression. When a recommended cognitive enhancer is used, it increases the functioning of mood enhancers in the brain, and that goes a long way in alleviating anxiety disorders.
4. Age-Related Issues
Having an unhealthy brain can lead to poor memory. And as we know, an individual’s memory functions
decline with age. Using a good neuroenhancer can not only alleviate this but can also help with various signs of stress and aging. Significant signs of reduced cognitive functions include poor metabolism, poor sight and common aging indicators like wrinkles.
An effective means of dealing with such age-related problems is observing good diet and nutrition. Proper nutrition helps because a poor diet is a culprit in causing aging problems. However, nootropics serve more than reducing these conditions. They improve sleep by calming the nerves and alleviating stress.
Smart drugs have been used medically for a long time. And while they help in improving mental health, it narrows down to an individual to lead a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a good diet and physical wellness.
