Image Source: Pixabay
Whether it’s increased sports performance or increased productivity, a boost is more than welcome from time to time.
Sure, it isn’t necessary… Humans are more than capable of achieving great things without external boosters…
Still, it’s difficult to be at your best at all times, which is why caffeine is one of the most consumed substances in the world in office spaces and gyms all over the world.
For many people, though, caffeine just won’t do it. Fortunately, there are other supplements that can help you be more focused and motivated:
1. Modafinil
Modafinil is one of the most popular cognitive enhancers in the world. It’s gained worldwide fame ever since the 2011 movie Limitless, being regarded as the closest thing to the real-life Limitless pill “NZT-48”.
Initially, it was designed as a treatment for sleep-related mental issues such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. In recent years, people buy Modafinil online from pharmacies that are located mainly in India, where FDA-regulated manufacturers are producing Modafinil and selling it at significantly lower costs than the generic Provigil that is available via prescription.
Modafinil is energetic in a similar way to caffeine and is incredibly effective at increasing productivity and helping people study and exercise for extended periods of time.
2. Phenylpiracetam
Phenylpiracetam was invented in 1983 in Russia for cosmonauts undergoing long space missions. Structurally, phenylpiracetam is piracetam with an added phenyl group, which makes it significantly more potent than piracetam.
Phenylpiracetam acts as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor and its action on dopamine explains its effects on motivation, memory, and attention. Also, like any other racetam, phenylpiracetam increases acetylcholine production, which is widely known as the “learning neurotransmitter”, responsible for memory retention and concentration.
3. Noopept
Noopept is also part of the racetam class of nootropics. It’s similar in its effects to piracetam and up to 1000 times more potent, meaning that you would have to take that many times less to experience similar benefits.
Noopept is mildly energetic in a manner that is lower in intensity than that of caffeine and slightly more potent than piracetam. It improves communication between the two brain hemispheres, making it effective when needing to accomplish creative tasks.
4. Phenibut
Phenibut is a synthesized version of the GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible for “shutting down” brain activity. It was designed as a cognitive-enhancing anxiety-relief for people working under stressful conditions.
Phenibut is also used for the treatment of depression and as a productivity and study aid due to its enhancement of mental clarity. Its activation of dopamine receptors also accounts for the improvement in mood and an increase in motivation.
5. Caffeine + L-theanine
Many people stay away from caffeine due to jitteriness and problems sleeping at night. L-Theanine is an amino-acid with relaxing and focus-enhancing properties.
Green tea contains both caffeine and L-theanine, although you would need to drink around four cups of green tea to feel the full effects of L-theanine. L-theanine and caffeine + L-theanine (also known as smart caffeine) supplements are available both in stores and on the internet.
L-Theanine and caffeine both enhance each other’s positive effects and cancel out the negatives in a very effective and safe way.
6. Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng literally translates to “True Ginseng” and usually refers to two out of eleven species of Ginseng: American Ginseng and Asian Ginseng. It’s one of the most extensively researched herbs and oldest tonics used by humans all over the world. [R]
Panax Ginseng is effective in boosting mood, immunity, cognition and energy levels. It’s also an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body and mind better deal with the effects of stress.
7. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a herb that grows in the arctic areas of Europe and Asia and is known for its tonic properties. It helps the body fight against the effects of fatigue and it’s commonly used in Scandinavian, Russian and Chinese medicine.
Rhodiola helps restore energy, improves mood and helps one perform better on work-related tasks, sports and study. Its adaptogen properties
Which one is best?
Our body and brain chemistry is different, and one may suit you better than others. There are sufficient positive reports regarding each supplement to make it worth a try.
Given the subjectivity surrounding cognitive-enhancing supplements, experimentation is necessary to determine which one suits you best. Visit this page.
Still, talk with your physician is a must when trying any new supplements, especially if you’re already taking medication. (See also: The Pros and Cons Of Health Supplements For Your Health)
About The Author:
Adrian Carol is a nootropics researcher and blogger. He is passionate about psychology, neurobiology, and music. Having a “carpe diem” attitude is one of the mantras that drives him daily.
