Everything You Need to Know About Nootropics

Nootropics are supplements made from specialized ingredients to help improve your brain health and support cognitive abilities. Do you find yourself struggling with alertness, mental clarity, and memory, or are having a hard time concentrating on important tasks? Do you sometimes feel confused and dazed, as if in a mental fog? If so, nootropics can help.

The term “nootropics” is relatively new, but the natural ingredients that constitute high-quality nootropics, such as Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™, have been around for thousands of years. It is important to differentiate between nootropics that are created primarily from proven and science-backed natural ingredients versus innumerable me-too companies that might offer low-quality nootropics with cheap or 100% synthetic ingredients.

This ultimate guide will show you exactly what nootropics are and how to use these brain-health-enhancing supplements to recharge your brain performance and achieve your life goals more effectively.

What are Nootropics?

Human beings have always needed nourishment of the mind, body, and spirit to be happy, healthy, and functional. Luckily, modern technology has made this goal far easier.

Think of it this way: without a solid foundation of diet, exercise, and lifestyle, your human potential is limited. You’ve probably already figured out that the perfect recipe for a positive life is a healthy weight and metabolism, optimal cognitive performance, and the right supplements. These days, with caffeine abuse, energy drinks, and prescription drugs, people are burning the candles at both ends and they are doing it quickly.

Enter nootropics: these cognitive enhancers can naturally revitalize your nervous system, making you calmer and focused, just as you were designed to be. Nootropics as brain health support supplements can become your secret weapon to change the way you think and perform when it comes to your personal, financial, and career goals.

Nootropics can be produced from natural sources (or created synthetically) for the following purposes:

• Improving your cognitive ability, attention, energy, and creativity
• Supporting memory, focus, mental clarity, and alertness
• Protecting your brain cells and preventing neurodegeneration (aka brain aging)
• Enhancing sleep and mood
• Enabling more productive thought patterns and much more

You may have heard the term “neuroplasticity” before. It simply means that you can change your brain's neural pathways over time. Addictions, habits, and other factors that may seem set in stone are actually quite malleable. People suffering from a slight cognitive impairment or mental illness may be able to reverse their conditions and improve their brain function over time.. 

With that said, it should be noted that nootropics don’t work as you have seen in the movies, where the protagonist takes a pill and can learn a new language in one sitting – but they can play a key role in helping you gradually enhance your ability to focus, be more productive, and think clearly.

Note: Many brands use the terms “nootropic” and “smart drugs” interchangeably these days, which is not completely accurate. Nootropics are supposed to refer to substances with no toxicity or side effects. Whereas smart drugs refer to synthetic creations that are made in a lab and almost always have various side effects and other potential drawbacks, which is why they may only be prescribed by a doctor. While nootropics can also refer to lab-made supplements, you will find that high-end nootropics, such as Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™ contain primarily “earth-grown” ingredients.

Are Nootropics Safe?

The answer is a resounding yes, as long as you take them as directed. A large number of brain function dietary supplements related to double-blind placebo studies have been carried out on a nootropic safety profile, which supports their effectiveness and validity. Depending on your body’s biochemical composition, diet, lifestyle, and other variables, results may vary.

One critical part of using nootropic supplements is understanding that they have an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve. This means that a little bit may be helpful; a little bit more may lead to a peak experience; but too much may result in anxiety, diminished performance, and other negative symptoms. When it comes to brain health supplements, if a little bit of something is good, it doesn’t mean more of that same compound will be better.

When two or more nutrients or chemicals are combined, it may lead to a synergistic or antagonistic effect. Take plastic, for example, there are many toxic chemicals in plastic materials, but one chemical by itself may not be that dangerous. But as you keep adding chemicals, you get an exponentially toxic effect.

This is especially true in the case of synthetic or man-made smart drugs. When several synthetic chemicals or drug compounds are combined, the risk of toxicity is increased. Be careful while choosing a nootropic and make sure you understand how each of its ingredients works.

Nootropics vs. Adderall

Adderall stimulates the central nervous system and may allow the user to focus better, which makes many people assume that it is a synthetic nootropic. Do not make this mistake – Adderall is a prescription medication commonly prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

It’s true that this drug is designed to help with focus and increased energy levels, but like any other medicine used to treat a mental health issue, Adderall is essentially a matter of trial-and-error. Plus, due to the amphetamines present in Adderall, it is significantly stimulating and may be dangerous for some. This is why a lot of people who take it regularly have difficulty coming off of it; Adderall might be quite addictive.

In non-ADHD patients, Adderall has minuscule cognitive enhancing effects. But it also comes with several possible side effects which cause changes in the central nervous, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems.

Nootropics made with natural compounds, like Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™, are a much safer alternative to Adderall if your end goal is to increase cognitive function.* Please keep in mind that you should only take drugs like Adderall and Ritalin if prescribed by your physician. If you suffer from ADD or ADHD and want to take nootropics to help regulate your symptoms, consult with your doctor first.

Who Can Take Nootropics?

If you mention the term “nootropic” to an elderly person who is hearing it for the first time, they might express surprise or raise doubts. Stemming from this, seniors are probably the biggest beneficiaries of nootropic brain health supplements. Research studies have focused on seniors to assess how far nootropics can help in fighting age-related cognitive decline.

Then there are professionals, entrepreneurs, and busy executives who simply want to squeeze more productivity out of their day and outperform their peers in a highly competitive world. Both of these groups make up a consistently increasing number of healthy individuals seeking nootropics for mental qualities such as focus, concentration, attention span, memory, and quick thinking as well as to help counter issues, such as depression, anxiety, brain fog, mild cognitive impairment, and other mood disorders.

Scientists and teachers are people who work very long hours, even skip meals at times, and sometimes live unsustainable lifestyles due to their busy schedules and passion for helping others. It’s not uncommon for these individuals to actually forget to eat because they are so focused on the task at hand. Similarly, students and athletes who aim to excel in their respective fields can benefit from nootropics for brain health enhancement. Regular but moderate use of brain performance supplements can be immensely helpful for them.

One smaller group of people who benefit from nootropics is mild brain injury victims. Think of people who have suffered a variety of brain injuries, such as from competitive boxing and taking repetitive hits to the head, playing varsity football, or serving in the military. Growing evidence shows that certain nutrients can help the brain recover from traumatic injuries and other types of cognitive deficits caused by mental, physical, emotional, or lifestyle damage.

Older Adults & Seniors

Do you ever walk into a room and suddenly draw a blank as to why you are there? Ever forget where you parked your car? Or run into an old friend and stammer as you desperately try to remember their name? These “senior moments” get more and more common with age. The cognitive decline may be chalked up to increased damage or loss of neurons in the brain.

The good news is, that certain nootropic compounds have been shown to improve memory, promote mental clarity, and regulate age-related mental decline.

Athletes

If you are an athlete, a bodybuilder, or someone who needs to consistently perform at the top of your game in your career, the attention-to-details are what separates the winners from the runners-up. After all, it’s not just about the competition; it’s about the nourishment and protection of your brain cells as well.

Continued use of nootropics like Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™ can help you enter a healthy flow state and “stay in the zone” for longer.* Look for supplements containing magnesium, choline (or AlphaSize^®), phosphatidylserine (or SerinAid^®) that can support your focus and physical and mental performance.*

eSports & Gamers

A recent study has indicated that eSport pros and elite gamers require the same level of mental stamina and agility it takes to be a top Olympian. If you’ve been relying on energy drinks to stay alert and focused during your online tournaments, it’s time to explore a healthier and more effective alternative.

You need to choose a nootropic that helps you meet the extraordinary demands on your brain and body while you engage in extreme hand-eye coordination, a high degree of tactical understanding, and motor skills. A carefully chosen cognitive enhancer like Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™ can support better reaction and reflex time, heightened focus, prevent physical and mental fatigue, and help you think and learn faster.*

Working Professionals

If your job often leaves you feeling drained and listless, downing multiple cups of coffee might not be enough. Nootropics can offer a safer, more effective way to combat the challenges of your career. Some formulations offer benefits for everything from daily productivity to long-term brain health. 

Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™ is an ideal supplement for high-functioning employees who want to improve memory, focus, and clarity.* This formula contains Rhodiola Rosea root extract, which has shown to increase focus; L-Theanine, which protects brain cells and promotes cognitive function; and Bacopa, which accelerates learning and thinking.*

Students

Considering the extreme level of competition in schools and colleges these days, talent and hard work may not be enough for students to score top rankings. A science-backed nootropic formula can support your efforts to concentrate, memorize, and analyze your courses and stay focused under pressure. Whether it’s an upcoming class project or test, staying alert and attentive throughout can become easy with a nootropic.

You don’t have to fit into any of these categories to use natural nootropics to boost brain function. You could be a regular person who just wants to improve your multitasking ability, have more energy, keep focus on your kids, enhance your metabolism, and so on. Just because you are not a high-powered attorney or athlete or gamer doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from nootropics.

Most Common Types of Nootropics

Nootropics can be divided into three broad categories:

• Natural Compounds: Ginseng, gingko biloba, ashwagandha, caffeine, and the amino acid Creatine are either found in nature or naturally occur in your body. These compounds have proven to improve brain function as well as make the brain healthier with continued use over time.

• Synthetic Compounds: Racetams (like Piracetam) fall in this category. These act on the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and glutamate, and are known to boost memory in people with age-related cognitive decline or brain injuries.

• Stimulant Drugs: Modafinil, Adderall, and Ritalin are the most well-known stimulant drugs that can make you feel more energetic, alert, and awake.

A vast majority of health-conscious people may want to avoid the use of synthetic compounds and stimulant medications because of the potential risks and side effects. For all these people in different age groups, natural compound-based nootropics, such as Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™ would be an ideal choice.

5 Signs Your Body Needs Nootropics

If you always seem to be struggling with fatigue, forgetfulness, and brain fog, it might indicate that your diet, sleep routine, and lifestyle are not giving you the support you need. While nootropics can’t replace these basics, they can help support a range of cognitive tasks and functions. The following are some of the signs that it might be a good idea to start a regimen of nootropics:

1. You Have Brain Fog Due to Neuroinflammation

Lack of motivation, fatigue and mental health issues can be symptoms of neuroinflammation, i.e., inflammation of the nervous tissue. This inflammation could be caused by infections, lack of restorative sleep, allergies and autoimmunity, unhealthy diets, nutrient deficiency, imbalance of the gut bacteria, or traumatic brain injuries.

2. You Have High Oxidative Stress

The neurons in your brain depend heavily on mitochondria (small energy powerhouses within the brain cells) for energy production. Oxidative stress can damage the mitochondria and the cells, reducing your body’s ability to produce energy and causing brain aging. If you feel perpetually tired and/or you’re also gaining weight for no apparent reason, oxidative stress might be the culprit.

Some of the causes of high oxidative stress include a hectic lifestyle, a diet that’s low in antioxidants, emotional stress, air travel, and chemical exposure. Oxidative stress can also lead to chronic inflammation in the body and biological aging (which is a common cause of cognitive decline).

3. You Are Regularly Exposed to Toxins

The majority of environmental chemicals and toxins you are exposed to every day are “neurotoxins”. If your home, office building, school, or gym has a mold problem, you may not realize it right away but you might start falling sick more often.

Mold and other environmental toxins can make your nervous system more sensitive, imbalance your hormones, interfere with your sleep and trigger chronic inflammation. Not to mention the hundreds of chemicals you are daily exposed to in the form of house cleaning products, personal care products, pollution, pesticides, etc.

4. You Have Anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

When you are stressed out, the level of oxidative stress and inflammation in your body increases. Mood-related disorders and traumatic experiences can also keep your stress response hyper-activated. Studies have shown that childhood traumas and PTSD are linked to cognitive dysfunction.

5. You Don’t Get Sufficient Sleep

Your brain processes new information and stores memories while clearing out the toxic waste when you are sound asleep. This is also the time when your body undergoes a circadian reset and hormone detoxification. Lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep is not only stressful for your body, but it also increases inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to impaired cognitive function.

Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™ Nootropic Formula

Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™ is a one-of-a-kind nootropic for two reasons:

• It is made from 100% vegan, non-GMO ingredients

• It has an alkalizing formula that increases the bioavailability of each “super ingredient”, so you can experience all the benefits faster and better than any other supplement in the market

This comprehensive and fast-acting formulation supports mental clarity, focus, and cognitive function regardless of your age. Whether you are a young online gamer or an aging adult looking to enjoy your golden years in peace, Brain Performance Plus™ has everything you need to get the most out of life.*

Our revolutionary nootropic is designed to support virtually all core functions of the human brain and help you maximize your natural cognitive potential in the shortest possible time.* Here are some of the notable benefits you may expect from continued use of Brain Performance Plus™:

• Improved long-term and short-term memory*

• Sharper focus and concentration*

• Mental clarity under stress*

• Mood elevation*

• Mental resilience to stress and anxiety*

• Amplified drive and motivation*

• Faster mental processing*

• Accurate thinking*

• Higher learning*

• Improved analytical reasoning*

• Lower procrastination*

• Creative thinking skills*

• Increased willpower*

• Shorter reaction times*

• Immersive flow state*

• Reduced stress due to regulation of cortisol levels*

• Slower brain aging*

Each ingredient in Brain Performance Plus™ has been chosen after years of research and its potential to help support your brain health and make you feel more mentally agile, alert, sharp, less stressed, and more productive.* The following two ingredients deserve a special mention:

AlphaSize^® (Alpha GPC)

Alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline or AlphaSize^® is one of the most critical compounds in Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™. It is a powerful cognitive enhancer that helps produce incredible amount of mental energy and aids in memory and concentration.* This form of choline is widely recognized for its ability to enhance mental alertness and clarity of thought.

What makes AlphaSize^® better than all the other types of choline compounds is its bioavailability. AlphaSize^® gets converted into acetylocholine in your body, which is the most important neurotransmitter. It is the brain chemical that athletes swear by for enhancing reaction time, endurance, hand-eye coordination, and focus. Each serving of Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™ contains 600mg of AlphaSize^® for best results.*

SerinAid^® (Phosphatidylserine)

There are thousands of studies on phosphatidylserine showing benefits in both animal and human trials. Some of the benefits of SerinAid^® include:

• Improved memory*

• Increased attention*

• Increased concentration*

• Improved learning ability*

• Balanced cortisol*

• Preventing stress and exercise damage*

• Boost in mood (primarily fights depression)*

A study from Clinical Interventions in Aging found that supplementing with phosphatidylserine every day considerably improved mental flexibility, executive functions, memory recall, and memory recognition. A side benefit was a reduction in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure and major improvement in immediate recall and total learning.

Discover the Power of Just One Scoop with Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™

You might take the most expensive nootropic bursting with the most exotic (probably synthetic) ingredients in the world, but it wouldn’t do you much good if your body is unable to absorb those ingredients.

Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™ has consistently produced results for users because of its properties of high bioavailability. In addition to the all-natural ingredients, our formula also contains an alkalizing compound that works to increase the efficacy of each ingredient.* This is why Brain Performance Plus™ delivers rapid effects on cognitive performance and brain energy, unlike traditional brain pills that work gradually.*

Get the much-needed support to fight age-related cognitive decline, obtain pre-workout mental strength, achieve mental readiness to prepare for a college exam, or hit a business deadline with an increment in focus and energy, without any crashes or jitters with Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™.* 

Alkalife^® Brain Performance Plus™ has an open source formula – this means we don’t hide behind a “proprietary blend”. We share all of the information that you need to make the best decision. To ensure that you know exactly what and how much you are putting in your body, we clearly identify each nutrient and dose in the supplemental facts panel on the product label.

While results vary from person to person, most people are able to start experiencing the mental performance effects within 30 minutes after taking their daily dose.* Continued use of Brain Performance Plus™ for 3 months has been shown to improve short- and long-term memory.*

Click here to buy now. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us online.