Cognitive enhancing supplements can bring about better brain health for many people. In some cases, this class of supplements is known by another name of nootropics. They have the ability to help you with memory, make you more alert, and make you better able to concentrate. Continue reading to learn more.
What are Cognitive Enhancing Supplements?
As mentioned, sometimes cognitive enhancing supplements are also called nootropics. They are taken in order to improve a person’s cognition in terms of memory, concentration and alertness. The drugs are also able to help people in feeling more awake overall and feeling more energized throughout the day. There are many types of cognitive enhancing supplements that are available to you to take that are sometimes used for other conditions such as narcolepsy. It is important to speak with a professional about your needs before starting to take these supplements though.
There is a chance for side effects when taking cognitive enhancing supplements. It is possible that there could be health risks such as dependence on the supplement, so stay in close contact with a professional throughout your use of the drug. If you are young and want to take a cognitive enhancing supplement, you should speak to a professional as you may be more likely to experience side effects. You will experience some results on greater awareness and wakefulness when taking these supplements, however.
How Do Cognitive Enhancing Supplements Work?
There is not a clear indication of exactly how these drugs work as of yet. It is assumed by many researchers that cognitive enhancing supplements work by influencing many different bodily functions at the same time, however. One possible item of research suggests that the cardiovascular system is influenced, along with the neurological system. This is possible by an increased blood flow going to the brain in order to increase brain awareness and brain stimulation for you, but this is inconclusive.
Other researchers have indicated that these supplements influence the endocrine system. The amount of adrenalin in the blood stream may be increased in order to increase alertness and wakefulness in the body. The same effects of caffeine may be seen when using cognitive enhancing supplements. It is possible that certain neurotransmitters are also increased in the blood stream. One neurotransmitter that has tremendous effects in terms of alertness and wakefulness is dopamine, but this drug is able to cause dependence so please talk to a professional before using these supplements.
Eugeroics
The first type of cognitive enhancing supplement is a eugeroic. This type of drug is used to make individuals more alert and to make individuals feel more awake for longer periods of time. Originally, one of the most common eugeroic called Modafinil was used for sleep problems such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea. It is important to note that it is possible that this class of drugs can cause side effects such as anxiety, headaches, paresthesia, dizziness, insomnia, nausea and more.
It is important to note that it is not certain how long this drug should be used for long-term use either. The side effects could become worse over time if the drug is not taken very carefully. It is possible that you cold have no side effects though as it affects everyone in a different way. This is something that you should talk to a professional about though to ensure you are suitable to take this class of drug. It it known, however, that it is unlikely that you will become dependent to a eugeroic, however.
ADHD Medicines
Another type of medication that can be used as a cognitive enhancing supplement is an ADHD medicine. There are many types of ADHD medicines such as Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse and more. Ritalin, for example, used to be used for fatigue and depression and is now used for children who have ADHD. It, as well as the other ADHD medications, helps children in staying more alert, remaining concentrated, remaining attentive and much more. As one can see, this can be extremely useful as a cognitive enhancing supplement.
There are some side effects associated with taking ADHD medications, however, which can range from serious to mild. Again, everyone will be affected differently so it is important to talk to your doctor about potential side effects. Some of the temporary side effects include fevers, euphoria, heart failure, paranoia, hyperactivity, headaches, nausea, dry mouth, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate just to name a few. There are also long term side effects including skin problems, stomach ulcers, mental health problems, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, tremors, coma and even death.
Natural Supplements
There are also cognitive enhancing supplements that come from nature and are seen in the natural world. These are more than likely much more safe to take, and you can, for the most part, avoid any dangerous and life threatening side effects. These natural supplements include vitamins, herbs, oils and much more. These items are much safer, though if you would like you can still talk to a professional to ensure your safety while using the supplements.
Vitamins such as B vitamins are the most useful to take for a natural cognitive enhancing supplement. You can also take oils like fish oils and herbs such as Gingko biloba and Bacopa monnieri extract. You will not feel results as soon as you take them as you do for pharmaceutical drugs, but you will obtain results that last longer without any of the harmful side effects that you mot likely do not want to face. There are cognitive enhancing supplements that already contain these ingredients as well in order to make taking them easier for you.
Final Thoughts
If you are in need of cognitive enhancing supplements, there are many options available to you. The safest options are natural supplements that are able to bring about the same effects. For better alertness, cognition, concentration and more, consult with a professional about these supplements.
