Modern life is stressful. Between juggling tasks with work and family, many people are looking for natural ways to support energy and focus without taking prescription medications. As a result, there has been an increase in interest in nootropics to support brain health. Nootropic is the new buzzword in natural health circles, but what exactly are they, and how do they work? In this blog, we will share everything you need to know about nootropics, including what they do and how they support energy and focus.
What Is the Definition of Nootropics?
Nootropic comes from the Greek words nous, meaning “mind,” and tropein, meaning “towards.” Thus, nootropics are substances believed to have a benefit for the mind. These substances may support focus, memory, decision-making, and other brain functions. Since nootropics can refer to a dozen different effects, many substances can be labeled nootropics.
What Do Nootropics Do?
Nootropics interact with chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. Some common neurotransmitters include serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals help your brain cells, called neurons, communicate with each other. These cells are responsible for memory, focus, alertness, and other cognitive functions. Because nootropics interact with neurotransmitters, they may help support healthy brain function.
There are other ways you can support brain health besides nootropics. For example, proper stress management, getting adequate sleep, a good diet, and exercise are all ways to support brain health. Taking a nootropic alongside these lifestyle changes will be much more beneficial long-term than simply relying on the nootropic alone.
Which Foods Have Natural Nootropics?
Many foods include natural nootropics.
Eggs
Eggs are rich in choline, a substance our bodies use to make a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a critical role in the brain, supporting healthy brain function and memory creation.
Dark Chocolate
The flavanol in chocolate helps maintain blood flow to the brain and can protect brain cells for healthy cognitive function.
Green Tea
This delicious drink contains L-theanine, an amino acid that supports stress management and relaxation.
Spinach
Spinach and other dark, leafy greens like kale and chard contain lutein and zeaxanthin nutrients. These two substances support brain and eye health, specifically the filtering of blue light.
Blueberries
Blueberries have anthocyanin, an antioxidant that maintains brain processes associated with memory and cognitive function.
Coffee
Coffee containes caffeine, which acts as a stimulant that may support energy and focus.
Fish
Fish such as tuna and salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids, a group of healthy fats essential to brain health and function.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the main bioactive in turmeric, has antioxidant properties and can help protect the brain cells from oxidative stress.
Red Wine
Red wine is high in resveratrol. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that has antioxidant properties. Resveratrol supports brain health by combating free radicals.
What Are Nootropics Supplements?
Many brain health supplements contain natural nootropics. Some nootropic examples include:
- Creatine - an amino acid complex that provides energy to brain cells
- Caffeine - a stimulant that supports energy and alertness
- Bacopa monnieri - a herb that may support memory
- L-theanine - a substance said to promote relaxation and manage stress
- Rhodiola rosea - traditionally used to support stress management
- Neurofactor® (coffee cherry extract) – a naturally-sourced decaffeinated extract that supports overall brain health.
- Phosphatidylserine – essential for the normal functioning of neuronal cell membranes
Brain supplements may include other substances that are often labeled as nootropics, like ginkgo biloba and ashwagandha. These supplements may support normal brain function in healthy adults. It's important to remember that everyone's brain is different and can react differently to different ingredients. It is also critical to always consult your healthcare providers before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you are on certain medications.
Neuriva® Supports Brain Health
Are you ready to see if brain health supplements are right for you? Support healthy brain function with clinically tested Neurofactor® Order Neuriva Plus Brain Health supplements today.
Neuriva offers a great brain health supplements on the market. Neuriva Original and supplements support six important indicators of brain health, including focus, memory, learning, accuracy, concentration, and reasoning.
Our supplements contain nootropics from naturally-sourced ingredients like whole coffee fruit. They contain a unique profile of polyphenols that has been shown in studies to improve cell function. The science behind Neuriva has been thoroughly reviewed by scientists and the team is relentlessly looking for innovative ingredients that are beneficial for brain health.
Neuriva supplements are available online for delivery to your home or office and can also be found at your local grocer. Our Neuriva Brain Gym app includes activities and exercises to help support brain health. When your brain wins, you win. Do more for your brain.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
Giurgea C, Salama M. Nootropic drugs. Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology. 1977;1(3-4):235-247.
Malík M, Tlustoš P. Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs. Nutrients. 2022;14(16):3367.
Nehlig A. The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013;75(3):716-727.
Schifano F, Catalani V, Sharif S, et al. Benefits and Harms of 'Smart Drugs' (Nootropics) in Healthy Individuals [published correction appears in Drugs. 2022 Apr 27;:]. Drugs. 2022;82(6):633-647.