The professionals and academics of today’s highly technological age are on the cusp of major breakthroughs in improving concentration levels and enhancing cognition on many levels. One of the most effective and popular sources of brain-boosting effects are nootropic compounds available from a wide variety of natural and synthetic sources.
In the following article, we will take a closer look at a few of today’s most popular nootropic supplement reviews and how they can be applied to increasing your propensity for creativity, mental endurance and even improved moods or emotional balance.
The Inner Workings of the Brain
Much like you would expect from the most complex object in the known universe, the brain relies on thousands and millions of individual processes that interact in perfect confluence to create cognition, intelligence, and awareness. Because these are all biological processes, the best support for a powerful mind are balanced diets, high-quality sleep, and regular exercise.
When the brain is kept well supplied and maintained through a healthy life, its functions are optimal. Nevertheless, even a healthy brain will eventually become tired, confused frustrated and even stressed out eventually, there can be many reasons for this.
The first reason is the body’s own natural cycles that begin to shut down brain activity toward the end of the day letting the body know that work is over and it is time to get some rest. Another example is mental exhaustion that can strike at the day’s end when so many vital brain juices have been spent and the brain is now struggling to create any cohesive production.
No matter the case, nootropic compounds have an impressive effect on the healthy brain and can improve its capacity and cognitive acuity considerably. In the following section, we will take a look at some well-known nootropics and explore their individual impacts on the brain and cognitive functions.
5 Best Supplements for Improving Focus (and how they work)
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is the world’s most widely distributed psychoactive compound and even though it is not “technically” a nootropic, it is a component in many nootropic stacks and the best support to improved cognitive function, in the wee hours of the morning. Caffeine boosts the body systems by stimulating the production of adrenaline, which gets the heart racing, blood flowing and attention on point. Caffeine also counteracts the activity of “ sleepy time” brain chemicals and allows for renewed mental efforts.
2. Rhodiola Rosea
If you have trouble focusing on your work, even though mental energy is high, Rhodiola Rosea could contain the best nootropic compounds for you. This herb has been used for mood improvement for thousands of years. Recent studies show that R. rosea contains compounds that inhibit the breakdown of Dopamine, which is vital to maintaining focus and feeling at ease while at work.
3. Phenylpiracetam
Unlike the two previous mentions, phenylpiracetam was developed in a laboratory as a brain tonic that would keep Soviet Cosmonauts calm and mentally acute while enduring the excitement of life and work in zero gravity. This nootropic works to soothe the nervous system, relax anxieties and increase attention levels. One of the most notable effects is the stimulant like qualities but complete lack of jitters that can accompany caffeinated nootropics.
4. Noopept
Noopept is another synthetic nootropic that many of today’s sophisticated biohackers will swear by. Noopept primary function is a memory enhancer and is so potent it can have implications for reversing the advance of cognitive decline in cases of dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Noopept is also a stimulant for the nervous system and this provides increased capacity to focus.
5. Magnesium, Iodine, and Vitamin D
Before you begin taking any nootropic compounds to enhance brain functions, be sure you are getting a bountiful supply of the following nutrients that are so important to brain health they could be considered nootropics in their own right. Magnesium, iodine as well as the B and D vitamins are vital to the production of neurotransmitters, the repair, and maintenance of cerebral structures and the assimilation of energy the brain requires for optimal function. Deficiencies in these nutrients are some of the primary causes for lack of focus, mental endurance, and cognitive acuity.
As a final word, don’t expect nootropics to take the place of brain healthy practices and a balanced life and work schedule. If you are getting a couple of hours of sleep at night and partying late on the weekends, nootropics will not boost your sluggish cognition come Monday morning.