After the movie Inception was released, there was a lot of talk about potential ‘smart drugs.’ Although the supplements and drugs currently on the market do increase cognitive ability, they do not work in the same way as the Hollywood portrays.
Although smart pills have become more popular in recent years, the concept is nothing new. Technically, people have been taking supplements to boost brain power for thousands of years. Many of the more traditional, herbal supplements are still being used today.
Since we now have a more thorough understanding of the brain, we are able to target specific processes in terms of cognition. Smart pills will not make you a genius overnight, but they will help elevate your potential. Your natural cognitive abilities will be amplified, which leads to significant improvements.
How Does a Smart Pill Work?
The brain is a highly complex organ, with many components. Chemical reactions are responsible for a wide variety of actions and behaviors. Chemical signals influence anything from stress responses; to mood control; to memory formation; and even muscle movement.
Many of these chemicals are reliant on hormones that are either found in our body or are consumed through our diet. The supplements known as ‘smart pills’ tend to enhance these processes. They work by either producing, inhibiting, or regulating chemicals to yield a desired effect.
What Are Smart Pills Used For?
When taking smart pills, you may experience a number of benefits. Each supplement is unique in the way it interacts with your brain, as well as the results it creates. There are a number of ways in which smart pills benefit users.
Mental Performance
Smart pills are commonly taken to improve one’s focus, energy levels, and mental clarity. They can help regulate mental energy, allowing the user to focus more effectively. For example, Modafinil increases dopamine, allowing for increased levels of concentration. Due to these effects, Modafinil and it’s equivalent Adrafinil, are recommended for ADHD patients.
Mood disorders also affect mental performance, because they’re associated with poor energy. Smart pills help boost energy levels, combating symptoms of depression and anxiety. In order to perform to the best of your ability, it’s important to maintain steady energy levels, while improving mental focus and clarity.
Memory
Memory enhancement is a common benefit experienced amongst smart pill users. This is especially true for individuals who are trying to study and retain information. Piracetam was the first nootropic supplement to be released, and is known to enhance one’s memory. Users experience increased reasoning and memory skills, without experiencing any serious side-effects.
Since Piracetam was developed, there have been many derivatives released. As we learn more about the brain, we’re able to adjust these smart pills. Oxiracetam for instance, belongs to the same family as Piracetam. It is commonly used amongst students, as it boosts working memory and aids in calculations.
Reduce Feelings of Stress
High levels of stress can severely hinder one’s cognitive abilities. When we feel stressed, we actually inhibit our abilities to respond, learn, and adapt to the challenges we experience in life. Think about when you’re stressed out and focused on a single problem. How does this affect your intellectual abilities?
When smart pills lower stress levels, they indirectly improve one’s intelligence. Users are able to think more clearly and focus on the task at hand. Anti-anxiety supplements target GABA, allowing the user to feel more relaxed. Taking supplements such as L-Theanine will create a calming effect. This benefits both your mental and physical health.
Long-Term Effects of Smart Pills
Although the short-term effects are experienced quickly, they’re short-lived. By taking smart pills, you can also experience various long-term effects. You can take smart pills for long-term neural health. As we age, our cognitive health declines. It’s important to be aware of the ways in which you can protect your neural health.
Many smart pills are choline-based, which stimulates the production of an essential neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is not only responsible for cognitive benefits, but it also encourages long-term growth regarding brain connections.
The way our brain grows and adapts over time, is known as neuroplasticity. Taking supplements such as Alpha GPC and CDP Choline help improve these conditions. In some cases, they may even help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
What Side-Effects Can I Expect From Smart Pills?
There are hundreds of smart pills on the market, so it’s hard to generalize. Since they are unique in terms of their benefits, their also unique in terms of their side-effects. With that being said, majority of smart pills create very few, minor side-effects. Smart pills work with the brain’s natural mechanisms, so they’re not harsh on one’s body or mind.
Before you begin taking any smart pills, consult with your doctor. There will be recommended doses, so stay inside these recommendations. Start with the minimum dose and she how it affects you. Many smart pills require experimentation.
If you begin experiencing any symptoms that include pain, nausea, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or sleeping issues; stop using that pill. There are also many natural supplements available, which is the preferred route by many.
