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We all want to be smart, efficient, and motivated. But what can you do if your natural resources are running low? Brain supplements, also known as nootropics, can help you.
This article will tell you about the best nootropics for energy and focus, and many other uses. Learn about brain supplements and how much to take to be as productive as ever.
Games for the brain can also make you smart and productive.
What Is a Nootropic
A nootropic is a substance that is said to enhance cognitive abilities. Particularly memory, creativity, focus, or motivation. A more common name you might have heard is “Smart Drugs”.
All kinds of people could be taking nootropics. Students, gamers, people with cognitive disorders, learning disabilities, and artists.
Nootropics are legal, approved by the FDA. You can even buy some of the best OTC nootropics without a prescription from a pharmacist.
Corneliu E. Giurgea, a chemist and a psychologist, stated that nootropic drugs should have the following characteristics:
They should enhance memory and learning abilities
They should help alleviate cognitive-disrupting conditions like electroconvulsive shock or hypoxia
They should protect the brain against injuries
They should have few side effects and low toxicity
Nootropic Effects and Safety
How do smart drugs work? Be they best rated nootropics or subpar, they generally work the following way:
Nootropics do not act directly. Instead, they improve the brain’s supply of glucose and oxygen
Brain drugs positively affect neuronal protein. They help synthesize nucleic acid (vital for DNA) and stimulate metabolism
Some nootropics can help eliminate oxygen-free radicals, responsible for aging. This gives an anti-aging effect to some nootropics
Nootropics also improve blood flow to the brain. It improves short-term memory.
Are nootropics safe? Many natural nootropics (like caffeine, L-theanine, bacopa, omega-3s) are considered safe for most people when taken at recommended doses.
Best Nootropics Supplements
What are the best nootropics? We’ve prepared the list of the seven best. Some of them correspond to the best natural nootropics. Others are synthesized but are just as effective.
Keep in mind, it’s not a rating. All seven are good supplements, just for different users.
1. Caffeine + L-Theanine
A classic choice. Many of us take caffeine daily and forget that it works for the brain, too. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. L-theanine promotes relaxation without sedation. Together, they improve concentration with fewer jitters.
Best for: Focus and alertness, with reduced anxiety
Typical dose: 100 mg caffeine + 200 mg L-theanine
One of the best nootropics for energy.
2. Bacopa Monnieri
Bacona Monnieri is a herb. It was traditionally used as a cognitive medicine/enhancer by Indians. Becanona is still being researched, as its memory-improving effects are scientifically backed. People also found that it can boost mood by helping release dopamine.
Best for: Long-term memory and learning
Typical dose: 300–600 mg daily.
A well-made pick for the best nootropics for memory.
3. Rhodiola Rosea
Rholodia is a plant, most commonly known for helping release adaptogens. Adaptogen modulates stress hormones like cortisol and supports energy metabolism. Rhodiola’s effects are more general. The plants have other names like Golden Root and Arctic Root.
Best for: Stress reduction, mental fatigue, and mood
Typical dose: 200–400 mg daily, standardized to at least 3% rosavins
A great pick among the best nootropics for anxiety.
4. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushroom is a fungus. It generally supports memory, promotes nerve health. Stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps with neuroplasticity and neuron repair
Best for: Cognitive regeneration, memory, and mood
Typical dose: 500–1000 mg of extract
Lion’s mane is one of the best vegan nootropics, due to its fungal origin. Among its brethren, it’s a very popular supplement, making it one of the best mushroom nootropics.
5. Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
Citicoline is a source of choline and cytidine. Both compounds are vital for body organs, especially the liver and brain. Citicoline supports the structural integrity of brain cells.
Best for: Mental clarity, focus, and memory
Typical dose: 250–500 mg daily
Citicoline stands among the best nootropics for brain fog
6. Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine is a natural substance found in meat and fish, and it's also synthesized by the body. Creatine works well for the brain and body. It increases ATP availability in brain cells. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a very potent brain fuel. It may improve memory and reasoning speed.
Best for: Brain energy and cognitive performance under stress or sleep deprivation
Typical dose: 3–5 grams per day
One of the best nootropics pre workout picks.
7. Modafinil
Modafinil was originally approved by the FDA in 1998 to treat narcolepsy. Today, scientists have found many other uses for it. Modafinil increases dopamine availability and affects orexin pathways, which regulate wakefulness.
Best for: Wakefulness, sustained attention, and mental endurance
Typical dose: 100–200 mg
One of the best caffeine free nootropics.
The Best Picks for Every Situation
We’ve gone over the best supplements for the general experience. They could work solidly in most situations. Now, if you want to have the best results, you might consider choosing brain drugs for your particular situation.
Best Nootropics For Studying
To study, we need energy and focus. The best nootropics for focus and brain energy would fit here at home.
Caffeine + L-Theanine. Enhances focus, alertness, and calm energy
Rhodiola Rosea. Reduces mental fatigue, enhances resilience to stress
Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Supports neurogenesis and cognitive clarity
It would also be a good time to talk about ADHD, as it often impairs studies. ADHD is still a big problem, but many famous and successful people with ADHD have learnt to fight it. Smart drugs could help alleviate it.
Our best picks for studying also work well as the best nootropics for ADHD. They increase alertness and give the brain more energy, which is why they are the best ADHD nootropics.
Best Nootropics for Anxiety
Anxiety seems inescapable today. Gladly, we have ways to fight it. Some brain supplements have calming effects, which makes them the best nootropics for social anxiety.
Rhodiola Rosea. Boosts energy while reducing anxiety and mental fatigue
Bacopa Monnieri. Reduces anxiety over time, improves memory, and cognition
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis). Has mildly calming, mood-boosting properties.
Best Nootropics for Creativity
What should an aspiring artist do with an artistic block? The best nootropics for creative work can help your brain find more energy, relax, and let the imagination flow.
L-Theanine. Increases alpha brainwaves, linked to relaxed, creative flow
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR). Supports mitochondrial energy and acetylcholine synthesis
Rhodiola Rosea. Boosts dopamine/serotonin, reduces mental fatigue
Best Nootropics for Motivation
Feeling down or tired? These nootropics could boost reaction speed and increase mood.
CDP-Choline (Citicoline). Increases acetylcholine and dopamine; supports energy metabolism
Modafinil. Increases dopamine, histamine, and norepinephrine
Phenylpiracetam. Stimulates the central nervous system, boosts dopamine, and enhances cold resistance
Best Nootropics for Sleep
Brain drugs often have relaxing effects on the body and the brain. Therefore, some of them can help with insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Melatonin. Regulates circadian rhythm and makes it easier to fall asleep
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis). Has soothing properties. It can prevent restlessness and keep you asleep
L-Theanine. Promotes alpha brainwaves, treats sleep disturbance, and reduces stress
Best Nootropics for Depression
Feeling down? Brain drugs are not anti-depressants, but they can naturally release happiness hormones to help you feel lighter.
Rhodiola Rosea. Balances serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol levels
Bacopa Monnieri. Modulates serotonin and amino acids responsible for maintaining a good mood. Has neuroprotective properties
Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Increases Nerve Growth Factor (NGF); supports neurogenesis. By helping create new neurons, this drug reduces the chance of depression
Best Nootropics for Migraines
Hormonal changes and stress cause migraines. Brain drugs help alleviate the symptoms and save you a lot of pain. Literally.
L-Theanine. Calms the brain, reduces glutamate, and promotes alpha waves
Feverfew. Has anti-inflammatory properties. Stabilizes serotonin and prostaglandin levels.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Supports nerve regeneration, reduces inflammation, and promotes neuroplasticity
When to Take Nootropics
When is it better to use brain drugs, and when is it better to leave them? Of course, it depends on the current mental and physical state, environment, and goals.
If you have a lot of work and you feel drained, maybe it’s time to take a brain drug.
When you feel anxious/stressed and need to get away from it all, you can take a smart drug.
When you have a bad migraine or a restless night, maybe it’s time for a smart drug.
Remember to take them in the appropriate dosage. Some nootropics need a doctor’s prescription due to side effects. Still, they’re all effective and generally safe. For example, some of the best over the counter nootropics for adhd compete with their prescription-only variants.
Mind Elevate
Do you know what else can boost your brain, other than supplements? An app like Mind Elevate.
Mind Elevate offers Brain-training games, Music games, Memory games, Math games, Logic games, and Attention games.
Brain-training games are especially fascinating. They are said to enhance memory, attention, and speed of thinking. Just like some of the best smart drugs. Games like “Dot Connector” and “Rocket Race” are very fun and effective.
Mind Elevate was made with the help of scientists. The app is free for iOS/Android.
FAQ
Are Smart Drugs Safe?
Nootropics are generally safe, if used responsibly, appropriately, and with awareness of your health status. But not all smart drugs are created equal, though. Some come with more drastic side effects and risks. All of our best-7 picks are on the safer side.
Where Can I Buy Nootropics?
You can find reliable smart drugs both online and offline, in pharmacies and general stores. Modafinil might need a prescription, but L-Theanine, Magnesium Threonate, Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha, Rand Rhodiola are quite common.
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