Plants possess natural superpowers! This has long been known in science, as certain ingredients have a positive effect on health. But what if they could also help you achieve greater concentration and performance? With nootropics, you can harness these superpowers for better focus. Learn all about herbal brain doping here.
Table of Contents
What is a nootropic?
There is no single definition for the term nootropics. They are usually understood to be dietary supplements, but also medicines, which are intended to enhance cognitive abilities. Simply put, nootropics are concentration pills, i.e., products for better concentration.
The terms neuro-enhancers and brain doping are understood similarly and are therefore often mentioned in connection with nootropics.
For us, nootropics are plant-based ingredients, vitamins, and minerals that can be taken, for example, as dietary supplements. This is clearly distinct from the illegal use of prescription medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®) or even prohibited substances, such as cocaine.
Advertisement
Who are nootropics suitable for?
In one study, about 11% of students at an Italian university reported having used illegal drugs for brain doping. However, trying to improve concentration with such prohibited concentration pills can be dangerous. For a natural and legal increase in performance, however, nootropics are definitely an option for students.
But people with ADHD often also desire better focus and concentration. They, too, can benefit from the effects of herbal nootropics. Their use can be helpful for an easier everyday life.
In general, herbal concentration pills, as well as vitamin B and natural minerals, are recommended for all people who are under great pressure to perform. Stressed parents, people in leadership positions, and competitive athletes are just a few examples.
How do nootropics work?
There are various ways in which nootropics work. For some substances, the exact processes in the body have not yet been sufficiently researched. Nevertheless, there are fundamental mechanisms that can demonstrably increase cognitive performance:
- Improved blood circulation in the brain leads to more oxygen and glucose for nerve cells.
- A protective effect against inflammatory processes in the brain slows down the aging of the organ.
- A natural increase in neuroplasticity (the brain can continuously adapt its structures and organization to new demands).
- Increased release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine or dopamine, which can have a stimulating effect on the nervous system.
- B vitamins like vitamin B5 can support normal brain performance.
What nootropics are there?
Nootropics can be found in both food and medicinal plants. Here is an overview of natural concentration boosters:
- You probably start your day with the most well-known nootropic: Coffee. The caffeine it contains wakes you up and can thus increase concentration. You can consume it as a beverage or in the form of caffeine pills. But beware: you should not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. Side effects such as irritability or heart rhythm disturbances could occur.
- Tea also contains caffeine (also called theine), which is bound to tannins. It is absorbed more slowly and therefore lasts longer. Green tea in ground form, also known as matcha, is particularly recommended.
- Guarana is a climbing plant from the Amazon. It also contains the useful combination of caffeine and tannins. In addition, this nootropic acts as an antioxidant.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has been used as a medicinal plant for millennia. In Europe, too, this natural remedy is no stranger. For several years now, Ginkgo has been increasingly studied in research. For example, it is used in the treatment of dementia. It contains flavonoids such as kaempferol or quercetin, as well as tannins. These substances can improve blood circulation and increase the ability to absorb oxygen into the blood.
- Speaking of oxygen in the blood: the mineral iron is essential for the transport of the vital oxygen. Therefore, a sufficient supply is a prerequisite for your natural brain doping. You can absorb it through your diet. For a vegetarian or vegan diet, it may be useful to supplement iron with dietary supplements.
- Bacopa Monnieri, a plant from Indian medicine, also belongs to the nootropics. The effect of its secondary plant compounds is still being scientifically investigated. This nootropic is said to prevent the death of nerve cells, for example.
These substances and other natural brain boosters are available in convenient concentration pills. When choosing, however, you should rely on a responsible manufacturer. This is because the extracts in the dietary supplements are not standardized and can therefore show large differences in quality.
Tips for better concentration
By using simple tricks, you can additionally enhance the effect of concentration pills:
- Get out into nature: fresh air for more oxygen
- Water, please: drink enough, about 1.5 liters per day
- Off to dreamland: healthy sleep
- More action: sports and exercise
- Coffee chats, phone calls, etc.: social contacts
In addition, a ketogenic diet can put the body into a state of ketosis. Researchers have linked this to increased cognitive ability.
Advertisement
Conclusion: Nootropics
If you are looking for a herbal remedy for more concentration, then nootropics are perfect for you. Their natural effect can improve blood circulation in the brain and thus ensure increased performance.
You can absorb these substances either from foods like coffee or in the practical form of concentration pills. Choose a high-quality product to truly benefit from the nootropics it contains.
With the right nootropics, nothing stands in the way of your next exam or challenging task.
Other interesting blog articles for you:
Increase concentration - these tips help
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5584082/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321578631_Doping_fur_das_Gehirn#pf5
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5021479/
- https://www.thieme.de/de/ergotherapie/neuroplastizitaet-gehirn-lernt-immer-114416.htm#:~:text=Neuroplastizität%20ist%20die%20Fähigkeit%20des
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6815946/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4399916/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27568199/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20236541/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5448442/
All our articles are written by nutritionists and checked for content quality by subject matter experts.
DE-ÖKO-006
