Ever wished for a drug that could make you smarter? A pill that makes your brain feel less sluggish? Or a magical concoction that sharpens your memory? Then you might want to learn more about nootropics. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, nootropics refers to substances that boost the performance of the brain. Often referred to as “smart drugs”, they are becoming more and more popular among those who are seeking a mental boost, whether it be students in school or adults in the workplace.
For certain neurological disorders, doctors may sometimes prescribe nootropics. The most prominent example would be modafinil, which is prescribed to narcolepsy patients to overcome their excessive daytime sleepiness. Some nootropics can even be found in our everyday foods, with the example we are most familiar with being caffeine. Many people frequently consume caffeine through drinking coffee or tea, which helps to make them more alert.
However, the rising demand for nootropics mainly stems from the use of dietary supplements that are targeted towards healthy individuals looking for a brain boost. These supplements contain different ingredients, both natural and synthetic, that claim to improve cognitive functions such as memory, creativity, attention and so on. The most effective nootropics according to WholisticResearch include powerful combinations of different substances that boost the brain, while having little to no side effects.
The consumer base for nootropic supplements is surprisingly wide— and continuously growing. The highest demand for nootropics comes from students and working adults. For those studying and doing “brain intensive” jobs, the reason for this demand is more straightforward as these tasks require strong cognitive skills like memory and problem solving. However, more and more supplements are also being designed specifically for professionals in less “brain intensive” careers like athletes and artists. And of course, brain boosters are also gaining attention among the ageing population who wish to maintain their brain health.
For each demographic, different ingredients are used together in varying amounts to achieve results catering to their specific needs. Hence, there is no one BEST nootropic, only the most suitable nootropic for your current situation depending on your body and needs. Below are some of the general functions that nootropic products claim to provide, according to the different groups of consumers they are targeted toward.
Students and Professionals
This group makes up the largest proportion of consumers, thus most producers of nootropic supplements choose to target this demographic. Students and professionals spend a lot of their time doing tasks that require their brain functions to be in tip-top condition. Many seek an extra boost to give themselves a push through tiring periods, especially nearing deadlines or examinations.
These nootropics tend to increase concentration, reduce sleepiness, and improve memory. This in turn can make users work more efficiently under stress, keep a clear mind, and maintain the motivation needed to complete tasks.
Athletes and Sports Enthusiasts
Supplements are nothing new for those who do sports both professionally or as a hobby. While most workout supplements are often taken to encourage muscle recovery and growth, supplements that boost the brain can help gymgoers by increasing motivation and energy so that they can achieve more in one workout session.
For those involved in competitive sports, enhancing the brain power can also give rise to quicker decision-making, better hand-eye coordination, or even greater willpower and stamina. These mental effects go hand-in-hand with physical training and can improve performance on the field.
Creators and Artists
Another group that one might not expect to benefit from nootropics are those whose livelihoods depend on producing creative works. This is a very broad category that covers plenty of professions: painters, writers, dancers, crafters— the list goes on. Even though the end-products are not the same, they all require a level of creativity that can sometimes be difficult to achieve when the mind is not in a good condition.
While most creators aren’t looking for a razor-sharp mind or lighting reflexes, the focus and motivation that nootropics provide are still valuable for anyone with an incoming deadline to meet. Removing distractions can also mean that more energy can be used towards creating new ideas, helping to overcome any artist’s blocks.
Elderly and Seniors
Last but not least, cognitive decline is one of the major concerns of ageing. Nootropics are sometimes prescribed for some patients suffering from diseases where the brain function has severely deteriorated due to age. But the elderly who are still considered healthy can also maintain their mental capabilities by taking nootropic supplements to nourish their brains.
Nootropic supplements that cater to this demographic focus more on improving memory and reducing brain fog, which are the main problems faced by an ageing brain. At the same time, they can help to boost energy levels so that seniors can continue carrying out their daily routines with ease.