Nootropics: what are they and how do they enhance your intelligence?
Time and ago that psychology has turned around in its approaches .
To deal mainly with psychological disorders and harmful alterations in the functioning of mental processes, has moved to propose lines of research and intervention that lead to improve human potential. Drugs and supplements known as nootropics They represent a similar paradigm shift in the field of neuroscience and psychopharmacology.
The idea that makes the nootropics something 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 its potential potential. In fact, since the Romanian chemist and psychologist Corneliu E. Giurgea coined the term for the first time in 1972, what is understood as nootropic has evolved and gained diffuse conceptual limits.
Defining the concept
That the concept of nootropic is confusing and broad does not mean that there is no approximate definition. In short, the 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 they can also have a role in the prevention of cognitive deterioration.
Nootropic is not synonymous with psychostimulant
Keep in mind that nootropics are not simply psychostimulants , because they are also characterized because they produce practically no 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's why, although nootropics are also known as "cognitive drugs" or smart drugs, if we stick to the definition created by consensus we could 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 functioning of neurons have side effects unrelated to the purpose for which the dose is taken, these may be of such minor importance or be of such low intensity that they are not considered harmful.
Not all nootropics are drugs
It is also worth bearing 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 sold in pharmacies, while the rest can be obtained in a variety of stores, herbalists, etc.
The great claim of cognitive stimulants
The idea of nootropics fits perfectly with an increasingly competitive society in which optimizing work performance becomes increasingly a struggle to train the body in the art of working under constant pressure.
These substances offer two types of promises highly valued in the Western countries of the 21st century: the possibility of optimizing one's cognitive abilities to adjust to the demands of the labor market , and the immediacy in the results that are sought. At the end of the day, it is easier and simpler to exchange money for a compound that takes the functioning of the brain to another level at the same time as choosing a skill to train and dedicating to this task hours, days or years.
This is precisely why workers in certain sectors related to creativity and new technologies, as well as students who aspire to find a place in elite universities, have been making the consumption of nootropic substances a long time ago. For these social groups, the difference between performing well and not reaching the objectives set can imply a shift in their work expectations and life plans, so the use of these products becomes one of the many steps necessary to aspire to success .
The sale of nootropics online
The fact that the consumer profile of nootropics is familiar with the use of new technologies and that there are generally no strong legal restrictions blocking their marketing makes the sale and purchase of nootropics over the Internet has become popular in many countries. countries
One of the best selling supplements in Spain is Boost Calm Focus . It is a nootropic developed by the firm Queal. According to comments Anthony Ripa , of your communication team:
"At Queal Boost, we have focused on making a" stack "based on solid, reproducible research, which is what makes Quelar Boot nootropics different from others in the market. with a baggage of multiple controlled and independent trials regarding the placebo effect, said research shows 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 make consultations and give advice on what to take, for what and in what way to do it. The result is the existence of online communities that keep alive the popularity of nootropics and at the same time give them visibility, something that also happens with supplements used to improve performance in physical activities.
The three main brands of nootropics, Absorb Health , Power Focus and Incite Elite , they market their boats through platforms like Amazon . Clicking on the image you can review the products, if 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 nootropic concept itself is, we must ask ourselves what these substances are, in practice. That is, in what way 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. Furthermore, as nootropics do not have to resemble each other, neither in their components nor in their proposed preparation or utility, talking about their effectiveness or inefficacy, including them all, implies an oversimplification .
In any case, what can be said about practically all nootropics is that, although some of them are promising, It is not yet known for sure how effective and useful they are to be introduced in the day to day of people who are healthy or with symptoms of dementia. To clarify these points will require years of research and joint efforts to scientifically demonstrate its 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 some preparations of this type that enjoy special popularity. 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 deterioration of cognitive abilities in the elderly . It has also been attributed a certain effectiveness in improving the memory and verbal fluency of 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 situations of pressure, in addition to slowing down the progress of mental deterioration in older people.
4. Galamantina
The galamantina is popular among a part of the people interested in the onironáutica , since it is attributed the power to increase the chances of remembering dreams well and having lucid dreams.
The 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 food supplements are consumed. This has generated a debate around the convenience of people without the 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 investigate much more about the operation of nootropics and their long-term effects, the latter being a relatively unknown issue, given that these compounds have only recently begun to be commercialized. We will continue to pay attention to the evolution of cognitive enhancers, both as regards their social implantation and their effects .
Bibliographic references:
Potter, B. and Orfali, S. (1993). Brain Boosters Foods and drugs that make you smarter. Editorial Ronin.
- Ruiz Franco, J. (2005). Smart Drugs. Editorial Paidotribo.
- Nootriment - Supplement Reviews and Healthy Ideas. (2014). Guide to Different Types of Nootropics. Available at: //nootriment.com/types-of-nootropics/
