A Guide to Nootropics for Beginners
“Nootropic” is a generic term for a class of chemicals, some naturally occurring, others produced by man, that provide cognitive benefits to the human brain and improve mental functions such as cognition, memory, motivation, and concentration. There is a wide range of them in the market, and you may experience difficulties choosing one you consider the best. You can jump over to this for one of the best nootropic drugs.
How Nootropics Work
Nootropics work by
modulating neuronal metabolism, brain oxygenation, the availability of neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and by affecting other cellular processes. Each substance has its mechanism of action, and therefore it is impossible to make generalizations about nootropics: they all impact the body in totally different ways.
The safety profile of each substance can vary, but the commonly used nootropics and the vast majority that we present in this article do not present any identified health risks and do not have addictive potential. Always consult a professional medic before using them to avoid experiencing different side effects.
The Effects of Each Nootropic Can Vary Greatly from Person to Person
We all have different organisms with their own biochemical and neurochemical mechanisms. That is why each person reacts differently to each substance. For example, some people do not feel any cognitive improvement when they consume piracetam, one of the most used nootropics in the world.
On the contrary, piracetam can have potent properties to improve other people’s cognition. You cannot predict the exact effect that any nootropic will have before you have tried it. Therefore, there is no silver bullet for knowing which nootropics will work for someone.
Developing a nootropic regimen that works is a game of trial and error that can seem a bit frustrating for beginners. Discovering the optimal combination of nootropics for each user takes patience and perseverance, but it can be a worthwhile endeavor.
Immediate vs. Long-Term Effects
It is important to
distinguish between 3 types of substances: those that provide immediate effects, those that offer long-term effects, and those that do both. For example, caffeine belongs to the first category: it provides direct stimulation but most likely does not generate long-term cognitive benefits. Other stimulants like Adderall (amphetamine salt mix) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) fall into this category.
It is important to mention that these two drugs are “cognitive enhancers,” but they are not nootropics since if they are used frequently, they can generate several undesirable side effects of great intensity (addiction, anxiety, insomnia, etc.). As a general rule, we can say the following: if a substance has spectacular short-term effects, it is not suitable for daily use.…