Nootropics may seem a very peculiar word sounding something like a type of hot jungle. In fact these are supplements designed to improve and benefit mental performance with a view to better alertness. Even though body fitness is highly desirable, mental agility and alertness is too.
Nootropics can improve a variety of brain functions which include cognitive functions, mental focus and alertness, better reaction times and speeded up neuromuscular connectivity and communication.
In many quarters, nootropic supplements are sometimes called ‘smart drugs’ but they do not actually improve intelligence. Their beef is to really improve the mind to the body so that the whole physical well being is appropriately balanced with the brain. here we look at some of the supplements which are reasoned to be essential for improving mind and body connectivity.
The Top Five Nootropics
Theacrine
A typical stimulant which is a natural alkaloid but fortunately one that doesn’t produce over stimulation. Theacrine is taken to improve reaction times and improve the ability to multitask. Very often taken with other compounds such as cognizin, nitrosgine (see below) and caffeine. The optimum dose is 125 to 200 mg. The compound has a synergistic effects with caffeine and complements these other nootropics.
Caffeine With L-Theanine
The first one is caffeine. Caffeine is a well known stimulant and one of the reasons people drink coffee. When combined with L-Theanine we have a powerful mixture which also incorporates a compound that helps with relaxation. Caffeine has adverse effects for some but L-theanine calms things down. That means the body and brain can be more relaxed whilst at the same time allowing for quicker reaction times, an ability to perform more and all with a raised pain threshold. For the sportsperson that means greater focus on tasks with less wastage of energy. It means goals and objectives are going to be achieved more effectively. If you are looking to take a supplement based on these two compounds, then between 100-200 mg caffeine combined with 50 to 250 mg of L-theanine should be ideal.
Cognizin
Cognizin is a compound based on citicoline which is converted by the body’s cells into acetylcholine. This type of compound helps nerves to function properly and more effectively. If nerve impulses are faster then the whole reaction time and cognitive function axis is more efficient. Most sportspeople take between 200 and 1000 mg on this basis.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) With Iron
There are elements which are commonly found in meats, meat organs and offal. They are not nootropics but why consider them here ? As nutrients they have a significant role to play in nervous function. They are part of that axis where the nervous system interacts with our muscles – what is commonly called the mind-body connection.
These two should be supplemented by hard playing vegans and vegetarians because most natural sources are commonly available from meat tissue.
A typical dose is 2.4 micrograms of Vitamin B12 with 8 mg of iron for men or 18 mg for women. Those figures are based on an RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) value.
Nitrosigine
Not very well known but a derivative of arginine which is often taken as a supplement by body builders. The compound is claimed to improve our ability to do highly complex mental tasks. For the sports person that might mean simply playing a better game with improve mental alertness. Most supplementation will offer between 500mg to 1.5g but it depends on availability.
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