The top 5 Nootropics for Peak Performance

19 Jul The top 5 Nootropics for Peak Performance

If you’re reasonably tuned in to today’s supplement market, chances are you’re familiar with the latest craze to take hold: Nootropics, otherwise known as “brain drugs”.

The term itself is more of a catch-all phrase than a legitimate medical designation, including everything from over-the-counter natural supplements to options only available with a doctor’s prescription, but all are united by a single goal: making you more cognitively functional. These substances can improve everything from your memory, motivation, or creativity, and many now swear by them when it comes to their day-to-day operations.

While there are numerous options out there, we’ve compiled a list of options that the market has deemed to be the most effective, depending on what sort of function you’re looking to improve.

Aniracetam (Draganon, Sarpul, Ampamet)

Aniracetam is related to the popular racetam nootropic, but is considered quite a bit stronger than its pharmacological relative. Benefits of this nootropic include the following:

• Sold over the counter
• At around $20 for a 100-capsule supply, it’s extremely affordable
• Not only does it increase cognitive function, but it has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in clinical studies

Phenylpiracetam (Carphedon)

Like aniracetam, phenylpiracetam is derived from racetam, but has also been deemed to be quite a bit stronger—thirty to sixty times stronger, to be exact. Phenylpiracetam has similar benefits to aniracetam as far as cognitive function goes, but its effects might even be more powerful. It was discovered about thirty years ago in Russia, and many people absolutely swear by it.

• Has been linked to increased learning ability, but also tied to euphoria and the potential for a crash
• Has been linked to stress reduction, which is particularly useful when it comes to nootropics, as increased brain function can potentially increase stress levels
• Has successfully been used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

OptiMind

This is a newer nootropic development, and deviates from the single-substance formula of the racetam family. The creators of OptiMind analyzed a half-century of neuroscience research before creating their product, incorporating the latest developments in nootropics with many age-old herbal techniques purported to increase cognitive function. The result is:

• A supplement that is rich in Vitamin B and D
• Inclusion of Serinaid, a phospholipid found in a person’s cells and supposedly responsible for increased brain function
• A chemical formula designed to not only increase one’s focus, but also enhance their creative abilities as well

Modafinil (Alertec, Provigil)

Modafinil is marketed as a wakefulness agent used to treat conditions like narcolepsy and sleep apnea, but more recently it’s been touted for its noorotropic properties. Some have compared it to drugs like Adderall, but its lack of amphetamine properties mean its abuse potential and risk of withdrawal symptoms are significantly lower.

• Prescribed by a doctor
• Has been shown to increase alertness and energy levels, but in a cleaner and less stimulant-like fashion than other nootropics
• In many cases, can increase short-term memory
• Utilized by the American military to help soldiers stay awake

Caffeine

Okay, so caffeine isn’t some miraculous new nootropic discovery, but it certainly does have properties that can lead to relatively significant cognitive benefits. While it’s true that caffeine is an ingredient in many other products marketed in a nootropic capacity, it can also hold its own benefit-wise. While caffeine is a stimulant, it has also been shown to increase levels of activity in brain centers linked to memory function and motivation. Benefits include:

• Increases alertness and reduces fatigue
• Available virtually everywhere
• Increased levels of neurotransmitter function
• Can also decrease risk of other health conditions, such as heart disease

When a new term is introduced, it’s often met with a fair amount of skepticism, but many nootropics have been around for decades now. If you’re in the market for a way to take your cognitive abilities and function to the next level, it’s definitely worth considering one of these options.