Ever walk into a room and find yourself at a complete loss as to what you were planning to do? Or stare at the computer screen for hours, distracted by social media and unable to concentrate on your work? Say hello to brain fog. Brain fog is a colloquial term used by people to describe the feeling of a slow and hazy mind. There are many common causes of brain fog, from lack of sleep to cold medication and even pregnancy. While brain fog itself is not a medical condition, it can be an indication of deeper issues. However, for most of the population, brain fog will alleviate as stressful conditions diminish.
Brain fog is a manifestation of poor cognitive function and can affect our abilities in various ways. We could find ourselves unable to remember simple things, struggling to be creative, stumped by basic problems, or very easily distracted. According to research, the year in lockdown has only worked to worsen our cognitive function. Our minds are stimulated by new experiences and interactions. Thus, the lack of social contact and the shrinking of our daily sphere has put our brains into a kind of ‘sleep mode’. Combine this with anxiety and uncertainty about the future, and it is no wonder that some of us are feeling less mentally acute than usual.
A Brand Noo Day
As vaccinations roll out across the country and many people begin to return to their physical offices, workers could face a challenging transition to achieve productivity at pre-pandemic levels. Similarly, students moving back onto campus after a year of attending classes on their computers may have issues with the sudden wave of human contact and the demands of long in-person lectures. After hunkering down into the pandemic lifestyle, it can be really difficult for recently released recluses to overcome inertia and get moving again. Some people may be happy to turn to coffee or energy drinks to look alive, but there is a new supplement on the block that might just be the ticket.
Nootropic is a term that was defined fairly recently in 1972 by Corneliu Giurgea, a Romanian chemist. While many compounds have been known to affect our minds and bodies in a myriad of ways, the term nootropic is reserved for a substance that provides solely beneficial effects without creating harmful chemical damage or toxic effects to the brain. An example of an FDA-approved prescription nootropic is donepezil, a drug that treats the confusion of Alzheimer’s patients by helping the neurotransmitters in their brains communicate with one another. For healthy individuals, dietary nootropic supplements can help to boost our cognitive function and upgrade our mental abilities.
Just as everyone is unique, people have different reasons for taking nootropics. Some people wish to perform better and be more productive at essential tasks such as writing reports or studying for exams. Some people want to be confident in social situations and communicate more effectively. Others seek an extra dose of motivation and stamina for their workouts and exercise regimes. For those who need help turning down brain activity, certain nootropics can also help by calming anxiety and inducing better sleep. In addition, nootropics possess neuroprotective effects that keep our brains healthy and support the production of new neurons.
Pack and Stack
Given that nootropics have such a wide range of capabilities, it can be really hard to decide which are the best nootropics for you. Some of us may have already heard of nootropic substances such as caffeine, vitamin B6, DHA, and ginkgo biloba. However, there are many others such as citicoline, L-theanine, ashwagandha, and Rhodiola rosea that are not as extensively known. Each nootropic substance has its distinctive effects and abilities. Hence, some supplement users like to create a personal blend that is tailored to their needs.
Stacking refers to taking a combination of two or more nootropic substances at once. The main reason for this is that some nootropics enhance others, creating more pronounced benefits. Another reason is that some nootropics can lessen the side effects of others, an example being L-theanine reducing the occurrence of caffeine jitters. For people looking at creating their personalized nootropic stack, it would pay to make a list of the cognitive improvements that they hope to achieve. Then, it is imperative to thoroughly research each nootropic substance for effects and interactions with any other drugs or compounds before deciding to take it.
For those who have neither the time nor inclination to tinker around and test combinations to find their ultimate stack, some ready-made nootropic stacks are available on the market. High-end quality stack products contain pure ingredients, clinically-backed nootropics which are safe for use with no reported side effects, and proprietary blends that help to bring out the best in our overall cognition. These universal stacks address the major aspects of brain function, including relieving stress, enhancing focus and attention, sustaining energy, and aiding brain cell regeneration.
With the advances in medical science and research, we now have a better grasp of the conditions that lead to decreased cognitive function and the dreaded brain fog. As nootropics become increasingly prevalent and accessible, there are avenues for us to blow away the brain fog and look forward to a brighter and more intelligent future.