Nootropics: what are they and how do they boost your intelligence?

It has been a long time since psychology has overturned its approaches.

To deal primarily with the psychological disorders and harmful alterations in the functioning of mental processes, has come to propose lines of research and intervention that lead to improve human potential. Drugs and supplements known as nootropics represent a similar paradigm shift in the neuroscience field and the psychopharmacology.

The idea that makes nootropics so promising is simple: could give us the option to improve our cognitive abilities by taking a dose, without suffering significant adverse effects.

What are nootropics?

The definition of the concept of "nootropics" is as open as its nature and possible potential. In fact, since the Romanian chemist and psychologist Corneliu E. Giurgea coined the term for the first time in 1972, what is understood by nootropic has been evolving and taking on diffuse conceptual limits.

Defining the concept

Just because the concept of a nootropic is confusing and broad does not mean that there is no rough definition. In short, nootropics are a heterogeneous set of synthetic preparations and supplements that, once given in certain doses, have shown promising results over time. to improve the functioning of certain brain functions related to cognition, that is, mental processes related to memory, intelligence, attention management and the

creativity.

Nootropics, therefore, could be useful in improving performance and mental alertness that are needed to solve complex and difficult tasks, but can also play a role in the prevention of cognitive decline.

Nootropic is not synonymous with psychostimulant

Keep in mind that nootropics are not simply psychostimulants, since they are also characterized by practically not producing adverse side effects or chemical dependency, and taking an adequate dose does not become an immediate threat to the health of who takes them. This differentiates them from stimulants like amphetamines.

That is why, although nootropics are also known as "cognitive drugs" or smart drugs, if we stick to the definition created by consensus, it would be possible to differentiate them from substances that damage health and leave clear and irreversible wounds in the body, or that are toxic. While all substances that affect the neuron functioning have side effects unrelated to the purpose for which the dose is being taken, these can be of such minor importance or of such low intensity that they are not considered harmful.

Not all nootropics are drugs

It is also worth noting that there are nootropic drugs and nootropic substances that are not considered drugs. The difference between the two is that the drugs are subject to medical indication and are sold in pharmacies, while the rest can be found in a wide variety of stores, herbalists, etc.

The great claim of cognitive stimulants

The idea of ​​nootropics fits perfectly with an increasingly competitive society in which to optimize the work performance increasingly becomes a struggle to train the body in the art of working under pressure constant.

These substances offer two types of promise highly valued in the western countries of the 21st century: the possibility of optimizing one's own cognitive abilities to adjust to the demands of the labor market, and the immediacy in the results sought. At the end of the day, it is easier and simpler to exchange money for a compound that carries the brain function to another level instantly than choosing a skill to train and dedicating hours, days or years to this task.

It is precisely for this reason that workers in certain sectors related to creativity and new technologiesAs well as students aspiring to find a place in elite universities, nootropic use has long become widespread. For these social groups, the difference between performing well and not reaching the established objectives can mean a turnaround in their work expectations and in their life plans, so the use of these products becomes one of the many steps necessary to aspire to success.

Selling nootropics over the Internet

The fact that the nootropic consumer profile is familiar with the use of new technologies and that they generally do not exist strong legal restrictions that block their commercialization makes the sale and purchase of nootropics over the Internet popular in many countries.

One of the best-selling supplements in Spain is Boost Calm Focus. It is a nootropic developed by the Queal firm. According to him he comments Anthony Ripa, from his communication team:

"At Queal Boost, we have focused on making a 'stack', based on solid research, reproducible. This is what makes Booster Queal nootropics different from others on the market. Each component of Queal Boost has a wealth of multiple independent controlled trials regarding the placebo effect. Said investigations show results and evidences of the improvement in certain cognitive abilities ".

To this we must add that web portals and forums have been created in which consumers talk about their experiences with these preparations, make inquiries and give advice on what to drink, for what and how to do it. The result is the existence of online communities that keep the popularity of nootropics alive and at the same time give them visibility, something that also happens with supplements used to improve performance in activities physical.

The top three nootropic brands, Absorb Health, Power focus and Incite Elite, they market their boats through platforms such as Amazon. By clicking on the image you can review the products, in case you want to try a nootropic and evaluate its effect on your intelligence and memory.

The effectiveness of cognitive enhancers

Now that we know what the concept of nootropic itself is, it is worth wondering what these substances are, in practice. That is, how the definition fits with reality.

The efficacy of nootropics has been called into question by the fact that many of the results obtained after years of research are inconclusive. Results have been obtained that confirm the expected effects through the use of these preparations, but there are also investigations that have given contrary results. In addition, since nootropics do not have to be similar to each other in their components or in their preparation or proposed usefulness, talking about their effectiveness or ineffectiveness encompassing them all is an oversimplification.

Anyway, what can be said for practically all nootropics is that, although some show promise, it is not yet known for sure to what extent they are effective and useful to be introduced into the daily life of healthy people or with symptoms of dementia. Clarifying these points will require years of research and joint efforts to scientifically demonstrate their usefulness.

The most popular types of nootropics

Of course, the fact that there is no guarantee of efficacy in the use of nootropics has not prevented the existence of some preparations of this type that are particularly popular. Here are some of them.

1. Hill

The potential of this substance could be related to the improvement of motor coordination and tasks that require the use of memory.

2. Piracetam

Synthesized by Corneliu E. Giurgea, could slow down the deterioration of cognitive abilities in the elderly. It has also been attributed some efficacy in improving memory and verbal fluency of broader age groups.

3. Aniracetam

Like piracetam, it is part of a group of substances called racetams. The effect of improve the ability to concentrate and think fluently in pressure situations, in addition to slowing down the advance of mental deterioration in older people.

4. Galamantina

Galamantina It is popular with a part of people interested in onironáutica, since it is attributed the power to increase the chances of remembering dreams well and have lucid dreams.

Consumption of nootropics without medical indication

The fact that the group of nootropics is so broad and heterogeneous makes several of the preparations included in it are consumed without medical indication, in the same way in which supplements are consumed food. This has generated a debate around the advisability of people without proper training in medicine can consume certain substances on their own and determine the doses they need.

However, this is a debate that goes far beyond science, and involves the moral criteria and values ​​that guide the creation of laws in different countries. This does not mean that it is not necessary to do much more research on how nootropics work and their long-term effects. term, the latter being a relatively unknown subject, since it was not so long ago that these compounds. We will continue to monitor the evolution of cognitive enhancers, both in terms of their social implantation and their effects..

Bibliographic references:

• Potter, B. and Orfali, S. (1993). Brain Boosters. Foods and drugs that make you smarter. Ronin Publishing House.

• Ruiz Franco, J. (2005). Smart Drugs. Editorial Paidotribo.

• Nootriment - Supplement Reviews and Healthy Ideas. (2014). Guide to Different Types of Nootropics. Available in: http://nootriment.com/types-of-nootropics/