Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs” or “cognitive enhancers, ” are believed to improve cognitive functioning. The term was coined in 1972 by a Romanian psychologist and chemist, Corneliu Giurgea, who combined the Greek words for “mind” (nous) and “bend/turn” (trepein). Nootropics can range from natural supplements to prescription medications, but they all seek to enhance learning capacity, memory formation and recall, focus and concentration. In short, nootropics can help you think better!

Today we will explore the different types of nootropics available and their effects on the body. We’ll look at some of the best nootropics currently available so that you can decide which one is right for you.

Understanding Different Types of Nootropics

There are many different types of nootropics available today, each with its own unique characteristics. Here is a quick look at some of the major categories:

1. Natural Nootropic Supplements

These include vitamins like B-complex vitamins (B6 & B12) antioxidants such as Vitamin C, herbal extracts including Ginkgo Biloba and Bacopa Monnieri, amino acids like Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) and compounds such as Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). These supplements provide essential nutrients that can help support brain health while enhancing mental performance.

2. Prescription Medications

These include medications such as Adderall (amphetamine salts), Ritalin (methylphenidate), Provigil (modafinil), and Nuvigil (armodafinil). While these drugs may be effective in improving focus and concentration levels in people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they do come with potential side effects such as fatigue or insomnia. Consult your doctor before taking any prescription medication for nootropic purposes.

3. Synthetic Nootropic Drugs

Synthetic nootropic drugs are chemicals designed to act on specific neural pathways within the brain to enhance cognitive performance without necessarily providing additional nutrition or energy sources like vitamins or herbs might do. Commonly used synthetic nootropic drugs include Piracetam, Aniracetam and Oxiracetam among others. As with any drug – prescription or otherwise – it’s important to consult your doctor prior to use if possible side effects exist for particular individuals .

4. Cognitive Enhancing Nutrients 

These foods, drinks, powders, etc. contain ingredients that are designed to directly improve cognitive function. Some examples include caffeine, green tea extract, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, flavonoid-rich cocoa powder, iron-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, choline-rich eggs & more. Although not technically considered a drug per se & therefore likely to have fewer side effects than the pharmaceutical options discussed earlier, these still have potential risks due to interactions with other medications being taken.

5. Natural herbal extracts

Plants have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries & modern science has recently explored their use in improving our brain health & function! Herbal extracts such as Gingko Biloba, Bacopa Monnieri & Ashwagandha have been extensively studied and have shown various benefits when taken regularly over time, including improved cognition & enhanced attention span. However, it is important to note that most of the research on these herbs has been conducted using standardised doses, which means that taking more than the recommended amount could potentially lead to adverse reactions.

6. Functional foods

Sometimes referred to as ‘brain foods’, these items contain specific ingredients that are thought to improve certain aspects of mental function, either by providing essential nutrients needed for proper brain development/maintenance, or indirectly by increasing neurotransmitter activity in our bodies, leaving us feeling alert yet relaxed enough to focus on tasks at hand without feeling overwhelmed by stress hormones such as cortisol, which are released in times of distress. Examples range from dark chocolate containing flavanols, which increase blood flow to our brains and aid memory function, to complex meals that combine protein + carbohydrates + fats + micronutrients working synergistically to promote overall wellbeing, rather than just a single nutrient boosting one particular aspect!

7. Energy Boosters

While this isn’t strictly considered a type of nootropic, it serves a similar purpose, as increased physical energy usually leads to increased mental energy as well, allowing us to approach our day productively! Common popular energy boosters would be coffee/tea, caffeinated beverages containing stimulants such as caffeine, guarana etc, sugar free sports drinks filled with electrolytes to help hydrate & refresh while avoiding the dreaded sugar crash afterwards plus many more depending on personal preference based on dietary restrictions such as vegan diets, gluten allergies etc,

8. Neuroprotectants

This last class refers to substances meant to protect our neurons from damage caused by environmental toxins, free radicals, and inflammation etc., Some notable examples would be vitamin E antioxidant curcumin plant extract resveratrol found in red grapes blueberries, pomegranates protecting us against diseases associated with aging dementia Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s etc,

Understanding the effects of Nootropics

The main goal behind taking any supplement is usually to achieve desired effect regardless of what substance is being consumed whether pills, capsules, powder, drink, food etc. As far as understanding how exactly nootropics work keeps in mind there are multiple mechanisms of action involved depending on the agent being ingested, meaning results vary person person instance some people may feel energised after consuming caffeine-based beverage while others may experience calming effect coming from adaptogen herb ashwagandha…etc.. Furthermore, individual response to the same active ingredient may vary due to sex, age, genetics, body composition, concurrent lifestyle factors, general state of health…etc. For best results, always remember to conduct adequate research before starting any new regimen, read labels carefully, even consult medical professionals qualified opinion whenever necessary, stay safe and happy!