5 Most Asked Questions About Nootropics
The term “nootropics” has turned into a bit of a buzzword.
Nootropics are very attractive to students having trouble concentrating, professionals trying to get that promotion and older adults worried about their memory, everyone wants a piece of the nootropic cake.
But hold on! Before you jump on the bandwagon, make sure you understand Nootropics.
In this post we answer the 5 questions we get asked the most about nootropics.
So, let’s dive in.
1. What are nootropics, anyway?
Corneliu Giurgea coined the term “nootropics” in 1972. He was very clear that to be counted as a nootropic, a substance should have these 6 features:
- "Enhancement of learning acquisition" - learn faster and better
- "Resistance to impairing agents" - support your brain’s health
- "Facilitation of interhemispheric transfer of information" - process information faster
- "Enhanced resistance to brain 'aggressions'" - improved defense against threats
- "Increased tonic, cortico-subcortical 'control'" - better focus
- "Absence of usual pharmacological effects of neuro psychotropic drugs" - no harmful or side-effects
But since then, the term has been stretched in its use, so it can be difficult to separate the real from the fake.
In short, think of nootropics as enhancing brain function. That could be increased focus, feeling more calm, improved memory, less stress… the list goes on.
Nootropics can be natural (from nature) or synthetic (made in a lab), an important distinction for the following sections.
2. Are they safe?
Going by item 6 in Giurgea’s definition, nootropics should always be safe. If they aren’t, then they should not be considered to be nootropics.
If you take natural supplements, you generally can’t go wrong as long as they are within the safe prescribed dose. So be sure to check the list of ingredients in your supplements and the dosage.
Prescription drugs are also considered safe, but because they are lab-made they can sometimes interact badly with other prescription drugs, conditions, or alcohol. That’s why you should always check with your doctor/practitioner before taking nootropics.
Onnor products contain only high-quality ingredients that are backed by research, so you can rest assured you’re feeding your body only the best from nature.
3. Are they legal?
Because the term “mind-altering” is often used when referring to nootropics, many people rightly ask the question, “are they legal?”.
After all, marijuana is mind-altering. So is LSD. And Opium.
In reality though, most nootropic ingredients are totally safe and legal across the globe, because they are completely natural.
Plus, it’s not in nootropics manufacturers’ interest to use illegal ingredients in their formulas. After all, they want to be accessible to customers around the globe!
Let’s not forget Giurgea’s definition: according to criteria number 6, nootropics should completely safe. Safe=legal. Right? Well, as a general rule, anyway...
Overall, it’s a good idea to check the law and food standards for the country you live in.
Bare in mind, some might be prescription-only.
And buy from a brand you trust.
Needless to say, Onnor products contain only natural ingredients that are completely legal. Click here for a full list.
4. Do nootropics work?
So are nootropics really worth the hype?
Do they work?
Well, the truth is, this will depend on several factors:
- Some ingredients work better when taken only over a short period of time, while others increase in efficiency over time.
- Some ingredients have been more researched than others. You’ll want to do your own research around the nootropic you’re considering.
- Make sure you’re taking good quality nootropics. Again, do your research around the ingredients, as well as the brand you’re buying from.
We base our formulations on a wide range of research and science is at the heart of all our products. You can access this research here.
5. Which ones should I take?
This’ll depend on the effect you’re looking for.
For example, take L-Theanine for clarity and reducing anxiety by increasing Alpha brain waves.
Or Acetyl-L-Carnitine to increase mental energy and fighting fatigue.
Maybe even Lion’s Mane to help support healthy brain function.
You just need to do a little research and find out what’s best for what you need.
Click here to view a list of the nootropic ingredients we use in our products, and what they’re good for.
You can also make magic combos! Ever heard of stacking? It’s the concept of combining two or more nootropics strategically. Some ingredients’ individual effect is enhanced when combined when another ingredient. They balance each other out.
For instance, the combination of energy-boosting caffeine and calming L-theanine is a match made in heaven, proven by research to enhance cognitive performance, mood, and alertness.
(We’ve known that for a while, which is why we created our Genius Coffee blend).
That Concludes the 5 Most Asked Questions About Nootropics
We hope you found it helpful.
We think nootropics are totally worth your attention, and if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out our store to get started.
We have nootropic supplements in Game ONN and Genius drinks. Because we believe in keeping it simple. And we want to harness the power of a few key ingredients to support you in achieving your goals, whether those are:
- Taking your mental and physical performance to the next level
We also offer two products to improve your sleep & boost your immune system.
- Relaxing and restoring high-quality sleep
- Boost the body’s immune system while lowering stress
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