Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs” or “cognitive enhancers” are taken to improve brain function. They are becoming increasingly popular, and a growing number of different nootropics are now available, including natural and synthetic versions. This article will examine the scientific evidence behind the best nootropics available and evaluate if they’re actually able to produce their desired effects. Nootropics are drugs, supplements or other substances taken with the intention of improving cognitive function. Cognitive function refers to a host of brain activities, including memory, motivation, attention, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving. Now, an increasing amount of healthy people with no cognitive issues are taking nootropics in order to improve mental performance. Though it’s difficult to judge exactly how prevalent recreational nootropic use is, an informal poll by The Genius Switch Review journal Nature found that 20% of their readers had taken some form of nootropics for non-medical reasons. People mainly used the drugs to stimulate their focus, concentration or memory. Natural nootropics include herbs, vitamins or other nutrients such as fatty acids or antioxidants, while synthetic nootropics contain artificial substances created by chemical synthesis in a laboratory.

Natural nootropics tend to be used in traditional medicine to nourish and protect the brain. You may even be consuming them in smaller quantities as part of your daily diet. On the other hand, synthetic nootropics are often pharmaceutical agents, such as prescription drugs. They tend to be stronger and have more rapid and noticeable effects, but may also come with increased risks of adverse reactions. Summary: Nootropics are a diverse group of drugs, supplements and other substances taken to improve cognitive function. While traditionally used in clinical trials and medical settings to treat cognitive deficits, they are now increasingly being used by healthy individuals looking to improve their mental performance. Natural nootropics tend to be slower-acting but are less likely to produce side effects compared to synthetic versions. Let’s take a look at some of the best nootropics available and their effects on cognitive function. L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid commonly found in green or black tea, or taken in supplement form.

Some claim that L-theanine can induce a state of calm focus, similar to that achieved by meditation. In one randomized controlled study, 44 participants were administered a 97 mg dosage of L-theanine in combination with 40 mg of caffeine while they completed a demanding cognitive task. Compared with a placebo, the L-theanine/caffeine supplement improved accuracy, alertness and tiredness. However, no significant effects were found for other cognitive tasks such as visual search, reaction times or mental rotation. Elsewhere, L-theanine has been shown to increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and GABA in animals. These properties suggest a potential beneficial effect on learning and memory, but this has yet to be demonstrated in humans. Administration of L-theanine has also been shown to alter brainwave patterns. Specifically, it can increase alpha waves, which indicate relaxation while remaining alert. A recent review of 49 human tea drinking trials found that a combination of L-theanine and caffeine improved performance in attention-switching tasks and alertness, but to a lesser extent than caffeine alone.

L-theanine improved participants’ self-reported levels of relaxation, tension and calmness, but only at high doses of 200 mg (equivalent to eight cups of black tea). L-theanine is not directly associated with any side effects and is generally considered safe to use. However, people consuming L-theanine in tea form should be mindful of The Genius Switch mental clarity caffeine content. Over-caffeination can cause problems such as nausea, palpitations or insomnia. Summary: There’s some evidence to suggest that L-theanine in combination with caffeine can have a beneficial effect on mental function, specifically in promoting a balance between alertness and relaxation. Drinking five cups of black tea (or 400 mg caffeine) is considered to be a safe amount. Choline is important for brain development, liver function and the nervous system. It’s an essential nutrient which means that it cannot be made in sufficient amounts by the body, so you need to obtain The Genius Switch brainwave audio majority of it through your diet.