Yeah I know. Nooo….. what? Nootropics are a pretty hot topic these days and first lets start with answering what they are? Nootropicsals also called smart drugs or cognitive enhancers. The ones that I have dabbled with are mostly supplements, but I have to admit that I did try presciption strength Modafinil and let me tell you there was no doubt that it increased my cognitive functions,but it also sent my anxiety through the roof. The benefit of clear and concise thinking was so intense though, that I will likely take it again if I have have to cram a ton of information in my head at one time, I will take it again and just deal with the anxiety. There are other substances that improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation that can be used that are not necessarily over the counter drugs.Magnesium and L-Theanine, Lions Mane are all supplements that you will find that help aid cognitive functions.
I typically utilize Magnesium and L-Theanine together in the middle of the day when I need to slow my brain down and get hyper-focused on a task.
I have also used Ciltep CILTEP® is a natural nootropic featuring a patented formula for optimal mental performance. The marketing touts the following:
- Increased motivation and mental endurance
- Improved concentration and alertness
- Improved mood and social ease
- Increased ability to study
CILTEP® can be used every day. I did stop taking it but only because I gave my bottle to my son since he is now a freshman in college and I wanted to see if he noticed a difference. I would say that after a week, I didn’t notice a difference until I stopped taking it.
Now I am trying Four Sigmatic’s Coffee with Lion’s Mane and so far this has been awesome! The only thing is get ready to sweat this did raise my body temperature for some reason. Keep in mind though, my body temperature typically is a little high, not sure if it is other supplements that I take but anytime I drink a hot beverage i get REALLY hot so you may want to try this yourself. I like this product and it blends coffee powder, lion’s mane extract, chaga extract, wild rhodiola. It tastes a little week as I like coffee with full flavor, I may put this coffee in my coffee but I want to do that with decaf and haven’t gone to buy any yet.
I have always tried to hack the body and the mind to get to a much higher level of execution and cognitive function, I have found these three to be the best so far and I would tell you that nootropics will be entering into the sports arena soon, especially sports where your head has to be on a swivel and decisions need to be made quickly. If you are a weekend warrior like me and your livelihood doesn’t depend on it, you need to give this a try but as always consult your physician first!