What Are Nootropics?

Also known as memory enhancers or smart drugs, Nootropics are those supplements, drugs, or even functional foods that progress various phases of mental function such as motivation, working memory, and attention.
Nootropics are considered as a form of Human Enhancement. This is because they aid in overcoming the so-called limitations of the human body, by targeting a person’s characteristics and capabilities due to the fact that Nootropics work on the brain. Believers of Nootropics deem that there are capable of so much more.

The Origins

In 1972, Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, a Romanian Chemist and Psychologist, coined the term “Nootropic” as a combination of the Greek words “Nous”, or “Mind”, and “trepein”, or to turn. So, Nootropic literally means “mind-turning”.
Piracetam, a drug he synthesized in 1964, is considered as the first Nootropic. College students in the 70’s used Piracetam to enhance their memory, especially when it comes to quizzes and exams. It is also said that it had a therapeutic effect to those who are suffering from cognitive impairment.
Over the years, more and more students have admitted to using Nootropics to aid them in their studies. Around 7% of them use stimulants to improve their memory, and in a few campuses in the United States alone, at least 25% of college students who are in competitive classes have admitted to trying Nootropics. Over-all, around 11% of Americans, and 5% of Europeans have tried Nootropics at some point in their lifetime.

Examples of Nootropics

There are various types of Nootropics and it’s good if you get to know what they are. Here are some examples:

• Stimulants. Stimulants are those that improve cognition. However, it is essential that you only take low doses of these as physical or mental deficits. These also increase alertness, improve cognitive control, increase productivity, and are recommended for those who have trouble being awake at work. Examples include Xanthines, Caffeine, Eugeroics, and even Amphetamine Medications. Medications for some diseases, such as Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ADHD are also considered as stimulants.
• Racetams. Racetams are often sold over the counter and that’s why it’s easy for a lot of people to take hold of them. They are considered as receptors of the central nervous system and can also increase the frequency of glutamate receptors, as well as increase one’s memory.
• Neutraceuticals. From the words “nutrition”, and “pharmaceutical”, this category is made up of cereals, beverages, soups, herbal products such as ginseng and gingko billoba, and dietary supplements, amongst others.
• Others. There are also other items that are considered as Nootropics. These include Nicotine, which is often found in cigarettes or tobacco; Tianeptine, which enhances animal intelligence and lessens the effect of alcohol in the body; Phospatidylserine, which improves brain function, and, Valproate, which enhances pitch.

Availability

While not all of these drugs are available in the market, most of them can be bought via the internet, and that’s also the reason why some people think that they aren’t safe. Proper research should be done before buying any type of Nootropics, or any type of drug, for that matter.

The Final Word

While Nootropics may help you improve, you should also keep in mind that good health, and the proper state of the brain always comes from knowing how to take care of yourself. Eating the right kinds of food, exercising regularly, and bringing on positive vibes will always help keep you in the pink of health.

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