​Nootropics: What Are They and How Do They Boost Your Intelligence?

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

Nootropics, therefore, could be useful in improving performance and mental agility They are needed to solve complex and difficult tasks, but may also play a role in preventing cognitive decline.

Nootropic is not synonymous with psychostimulant

It must be taken into account that nootropics are not simply psychostimulants, since they are also characterized by the fact that they practically do not produce adverse side effects or chemical dependency, and taking an adequate dose does not become an immediate threat to the health of those who take them. This differentiates them from stimulants such as 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. Although all substances that affect the functioning of neurons have side effects unrelated to the purpose for which the dose is taken, these may be so minor or of such low intensity that they are not considered harmful.

Not all nootropics are drugs

It is also worth keeping in mind 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 obtained in a wide variety of stores, herbal shops, etc.

The great claim of cognitive stimulants

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

These substances offer two types of promises highly valued in 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 of the results sought. In the end, it is easier and simpler to exchange money for a compound that instantly takes brain function to another level than to choose a skill to train and dedicate hours, days or years to this task.

Precisely for this reason, workers in certain sectors related to creativity and new technologies, as well as students who aspire to find a place in elite universities, have long been making the consumption of nootropics very widespread. For these social groups, the difference between performing well and not reaching the set objectives can mean an upheaval in their work expectations and life plans, so The use of these products becomes one of the many steps necessary to aspire to success

Selling nootropics online

The fact that the nootropic consumer profile is familiar with the use of new technologies and that there are generally no strong legal restrictions that block their marketing means that the sale and purchase of nootropics online has become popular in many. countries.

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

“At Queal Boost, we have focused on making a reproducible, research-based, solid stack. This is what makes Queal Booster nootropics different from others on the market. Each component of Queal Boost counts “with a background of multiple controlled and independent trials regarding the placebo effect. These investigations show results and evidence of 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, they ask questions and give advice on what to take, why 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 physical activities.

The three main 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, we may wonder what these substances are, in practice. That is, how the definition fits with reality.

The effectiveness of nootropics has been questioned 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 opposite results. Furthermore, since nootropics do not have to be similar to each other either in terms of 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 about virtually 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 lives of healthy people or those with symptoms of dementia. To clarify these points, years of research and joint efforts will be needed to scientifically demonstrate their usefulness.

The most popular types of nootropics

Of course, the fact that there is no guarantee of effectiveness in the use of nootropics has not prevented the existence of some preparations of this type that are especially 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 himself, could slow the decline of cognitive abilities in older people It has also been credited with some effectiveness in improving memory and verbal fluency in broader age groups.

3. Aniracetam

Like piracetam, it is part of a group of substances called racetams. It is attributed the effect of improving the ability to concentrate and think fluidly in pressure situations, in addition to slowing the progression of mental deterioration in older people.

4. Galamantine

The galamantina It is popular among a portion of people interested in oneironautics since it is attributed the power to increase the chances of remembering dreams well and having lucid dreams.

Consumption of nootropics without medical indication

The fact that the group of nootropics is so broad and heterogeneous means that several of the preparations included in it are consumed without medical indication, in the same way that dietary supplements are consumed. This has generated a debate about the convenience of people without proper training in medicine being able to 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 about the functioning of nootropics and their long-term effects, the latter being a relatively unknown topic, given that these compounds have not been commercialized that long ago. We will continue to pay attention to the evolution of cognitive enhancers, both in terms of their social implementation and their effects