Nootropic Effects of Caffeine

Many people are not familiar with nootropics. They’re hesitant to use ‘smart drugs,’ yet many of those same people consume a cognitive enhancer everyday. Your morning cup of coffee contains caffeine which increases cognitive function. It is an enhancer that is commonly taken in a stack, due to the effects it produces.

Caffeine itself is not technically a nootropic, but it most certainly improves mental performance. It is not considered a nootropic, because it is a stimulant. Due to its stimulating effects on the central nervous system, it increase one’s alertness.

History of Caffeine

Caffeine is nothing new, as it has been around for thousands of years. Depending on the country, each has its own story. Caffeine was first extracted from cocoa beans in the 1820’s by Friedrich Ferdinand Runge. This extraction was a white powder, as this is caffeine in its purest form. Today, it is easily extracted and used in a number of products on a daily basis.

How Is Caffeine Extracted?

There are three main processes used to extract caffeine. A few processes are no longer being used due to the environmental effects of solvents. The current processes include:

  • Water extraction: Raw coffee beans are soaked in distilled water. Once soak for an extended period of time, the water is passed through a charcoal filter. The charcoal removes the caffeine, leaving behind flavoured compounds. The remaining solution is put back in with the beans, allowing for evaporation. This is how decaffeinated coffee is produced. The caffeine is collected from the charcoal and used in a variety of products.
  • Carbon dioxide extraction: Carbon dioxide is an effective and safe solvent to use, especially in comparison to previously used solvents. Carbon dioxide is passed through the beans at a specific temperature and pressure. It then reaches a ‘supercritical’ state, having gas-like properties. This allows it to penetrate deep into the bean, while maintaining its liquid properties. It then dissolves approximately 98% of the caffeine. The carbon dioxide now contains caffeine compounds, which are sprayed with water. That water is then filtered, isolating the caffeine.
  • Organic solvent extraction: Certain organic solvents such as ethyl acetate, are used to dissolve caffeine. The solvents are rinsed, leaving decaffeinated beans.

Sources of Caffeine

When we think of caffeine, we think of coffee. Although this is a main source, you can find caffeine in a number of other items. It is located in many natural sources, as it is found in more than 60 different plants.

You may consume caffeine without even realizing it, as many products will list it as another ingredient. It may be listed as coca, Camillia, guarana berries, or a number of other ingredients. It is also found in a number of diet products and energy drinks.

You will often find caffeine within nootropic stacks, as it promotes wakefulness, enhances energy, and improves concentration. The most common stack is caffeine and L-Theanine.

How Does Caffeine Work?

Caffeine works as a replacement to the chemical called adenosine. Adenosine’s main role is to ensure that your nervous system does not become over excited. Caffeine mimics this chemical, but in reverse. Whenever adenosine and caffeine target the same receptor site, caffeine wins.

When caffeine targets receptors, dopamine is often released. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is known to activate the pleasure centres of the brain. It also improves concentration and attention. This is helpful in terms of cognitive function.

Benefits of Caffeine

No matter what source you obtain caffeine from, the structure does not widely differ from source-to-source. Whether you drink a cup of coffee or take a supplement pill, you will experience the same benefits. The following benefits are seen when consuming caffeine:

  • Increased alertness is the most well-known benefit. This benefit is only short-lived, and the effects decrease after the second consumption. This why many drink coffee in the morning, it gives you that extra mental boost.
  • Caffeine may have neuroprotective properties. In a study, 80% of regular coffee drinkers were less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
  • Research is still ongoing, but it appears as though caffeine helps to protect against memory conditions, such as Alzheimer’s.
  • In younger participants, caffeine has been found to improve mental performance when individuals are distracted. In elderly individuals, it was shown to improve mental performance during more complex tasks.

Caffeine and L-Theanine Stack

This stack is one of the most common and is recommended for beginner users. L-Theanine is found within green tea, helping to counteract some of the potential side-effects of caffeine. It helps to reduce restlessness and anxiety which is sometimes caused by caffeine.

This stack is so effective because the caffeine increases concentration and attention, while the L-Theanine helps increase feelings of calmness. Therefore, you gain mental clarity and brain energy, while eliminating withdrawal effects and feelings of anxiousness associated with caffeine.

Recommended Dosage

The average American consumes different levels of caffeine daily. It’s hard to say what the average consumption is. Each person will have a different tolerance regarding caffeine consumption. It is advised that you do not exceed 300 mg. This is around three to four cups of coffee.

You can build a tolerance to caffeine, so if you’re taking it for its cognitive enhancing abilities, cycle it within your stack. This will ensure that its effects continue to work over time.

Possible Side-Effects

Caffeine is well tolerated and consumed often by the general population. It is fairly safe, but it does yield a few potential side-effects. Side-effects are usually experienced during long-term or continuous use. When used properly, side-effects are extremely limited. However, caffeine can cause; restlessness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, nervousness, and increased respiration.

As mentioned, it is not recommended that you exceed 300 mg a day. If you do exceed this dosage, you may experience an increased heart rate and difficulty sleeping. Due to the six hour half-life of caffeine, a large cup of coffee at dinner would more than likely affect your ability to sleep. Deep sleep is crucial for your well-being, so this can harm your health.

5-HTP Capsules & Mental Wellness

History of 5-HTP

5-HTP supplements were approved in 1995 for over the counter use. You can find tryptophan in a number of foods, but 5-HTP is extracted from Griffonia simplicifolia (a native African plant). Since its release, there has been further research conducted regarding treatment for anxiety, depression, and pain.

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What is 5-HTP and What Does Is Do?

5-HTP is a metabolite of Tryptophan, which is an amino acid necessary for the human body. Amino acids are essentially protein building blocks. 5-HTP is a compound that is involved in the biosynthesis of both serotonin and melatonin. 5-HTP helps breakdown tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid within our diet. Tryptophan is found in red meat, fish, turkey, and seeds. This breakdown yields both serotonin and melatonin.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) increases serotonin levels. This helps to reduce the feelings of anxiety and depression, while helping users sleep. This supplement is generally taken in a stack, providing calming benefits.

Due to the neurotransmitter and hormone that are produced, 5-HTP is commonly used as an anti-depressant and sleep aid. In terms of nootropics, it is often used in a stack to improve relaxation and combat lucid dreams.

What Is Serotonin?

As mentioned, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is derived from tryptophan. It contributes to feelings of happiness and overall well-being. It is also associated with both appetite and sleep. This is why 5-HTP is sometimes used to help with obesity and insomnia.

Not only does serotonin improve mood and one’s ability to sleep, but it contributes to some cognitive functioning. Memory and learning are positively affected by an increase in serotonin. If you’re taking nootropics in a stack, refrain from taking nootropics that also increase serotonin levels. Serotonin can not cross the blood-brain barrier, which is why 5-HTP is so effective.

How Does 5-HTP Work?

5-HTP is broken down in the liver and is then partially broken down into both Vitamin B6 and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. The 5-HTP that is left, travels to the brain where it effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Once inside the brain, 5-HTP is converted into serotonin. As mentioned, serotonin can not cross the blood-brain barrier, so taking serotonin on its own will need help achieve the results you’re after. Melatonin is then produced from serotonin, as it is a precursor. Once both serotonin and melatonin are increased, you will experience lower levels of stress, less anxiety, a greater feeling of well-being, and have an easier time sleeping.

L-Tyrosine and 5-HTP Stack

Taking L-Tyrosine and 5-HTP in a stack produces a greater effect, significantly boosting your mood. L-tyrosine is an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin. It is also believed to block hormones that are related to feelings of stress.

When taking this stack, a time-released serotonin effect is experienced. This stack helps produce additional serotonin, rather than preventing re-uptake. The prevention of re-uptake is what is experienced when taking anti-depressants. This stack is much safer, and more natural in comparison.

Benefits of 5-HTP Capsules

There are many benefits associated with 5-HTP capsules, especially in terms of one’s mental health. Although it is naturally occurring, sometimes our bodies do not make enough. Outside sources are sometimes necessary, allowing for an increase in serotonin.

5-HTP creates many positive benefits, but the most widely known is aiding depression and anxiety. These two conditions are extremely hard to manage and can have a large negative impact on one’s life and overall health. When taking a 5-HTP supplement, you can lift your mood and improve anxiety. This is due to an increase in serotonin levels.

If you have trouble sleeping, 5-HTP will reduce the effects of insomnia. Once you take 5-HTP, you will feel more relaxed and calm. This is due to an increase in melatonin, which helps induce sleep. This is a great alternative to sleeping pills, as they’re much safer. Due to this calming effect, it has also been recommended for individuals with ADHD.

Taking 5-HTP has been shown to reduce headaches. When serotonin levels are low, migraines and headaches may be experienced. Once again, this is a great way to avoid painkillers and other drugs that may make you experience dangerous side-effects.

You can also read up on mood enhancing nootropics here. This will give you a better idea of how these supplements work with your brain to produce positive effects.

Possible Side-Effects

Majority of users experience no side-effects when they take the correct dosage. However, some users will experience diarrhea, heart burn, nausea, and stomach pain. If you’re a healthy adult, there are generally no serious side-effects involved when taking 5-HTP on its own.

You should not mix 5-HTP with any other sleeping supplements, depression, or anxiety medication. If you’re taking 5-HTP in a stack, avoid taking other nootropics that increase serotonin levels. Once again, speak with your doctor if you are already taking medication.

How Much 5-HTP Should I Take?

You can obtain 5-HTP over the counter from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. These capsules tend to come in either 50 mg or 100 mg. Depending on why you’re taking these capsules, the dosage will vary.

You should not be taking extremely high doses of 5-HTP, as this can be very dangerous. Before you begin taking 5-HTP, seek medical advice from your doctor. Your healthcare professional will be able to help you with dosage, depending on the condition you’re trying to treat.

Best Guide to Improving Memory

When it comes to nootropics, improved memory is a common benefit. There are a wide variety of choices regarding memory enhancement. Depending on what you’d like to achieve, you can take various supplements for different aspects of memory. For example, you may want to target the way your brain forms memories, or you may want to target your ability to recall information. Nootropics are available for a variety of needs.

How Can I Improve My Memory?

The key component regarding improved memory is synaptic plasticity. Basically, this is how effective your brain is at building new brain connections, while maintaining the old connections. When your plasticity is improved, you are able to recall information and learn more effectively. So, how do you increase your plasticity?

Increase Levels of Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is so important regarding memory. It is a neurotransmitter that helps with connections throughout the brain. These connections involve both neurons and synapses. When acetylcholine levels increase, plasticity improves. Not only do the best nootropics produce higher levels of acetylcholine, but they also break down acetylcholine at a much slower rate.

When it comes to acetylcholine production, racetams are most effective. These include; Piracetam, Oxiracetam, Aniracetam, Phenylpiracetam, and Pramiracetam. Racetams produce benefits on their own, but it is a great idea to take a choline supplement to create an effective stack. Acetylcholine relies on choline levels, so it’s highly beneficial that you take Alpha GPC or Citicoline.

Increase Glutamate Uptake

Glutamate is essential when focusing on the communication between neurons. This neurotransmitter also has an effect on plasticity. Once again, this will determine how easily you can form new connections, while recalling old memories. Too much glutamate can be toxic, but when taken in the right amounts, attention and memory improve. Ampakines are the best types of nootropics to increase glutamate levels.

Improve Oxygen Flow

Oxygen is essential for your brain to work effectively. When you have higher levels of oxygen, you will experience higher levels of brain energy. Oxygen reaches your brain via blood, improving your ability to perform mental tasks.

It is beneficial to find nootropics that will increase blood flow, ultimately increasing oxygen levels. Oxiracetam, Piracetam, and other racetams, have shown to increase blood flow.

What Are the Best Nootropics for Memory?

As mentioned, racetams are known to improve memory. If experienced, it is a great idea to create a nootropic stack. Choline supplements are always a great option to take with racetams. If you’re a beginner, you can purchase pre-stacked capsules. There are many nootropics available, the following are some of the best options.

L-Theanine + Caffeine

This is a great stack, especially for beginners. Caffeine on its own is actually not the best cognitive enhancer. When caffeine is taken with L-Theanine, benefits are longer lasting and stronger. It has been found that this combination helps to increase working memory, while increasing visual processing and reducing distractibility.

L-Theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier, combatting the negative effects associated with caffeine (e.g. increased anxiety). Generally, this stack is taken in a 2:1 ratio. Begin with 50 mg of coffee (approximately one cup of coffee), and 100 mg of L-Theanine. Although L-Theanine is found in green tea, you will not consume enough by drinking it. You will need to order a L-Theanine supplement.

Piracetam + Choline

This combination is highly popular, as they work well together regarding acetylcholine. As mentioned, acetylcholine is essential for memory and other cognitive abilities. Piracetam boosts acetylcholine levels, while choline is the precursor for acetylcholine synthesis.

When taken together, not only do you improve spatial memory, but you reduce the risk of headaches. You can take equal doses of each to experience positive benefits. Many users will take approximately 300 mg of each, three times daily.

Lifestyle Changes

Although nootropics help enhance memory, your lifestyle also plays a vital role. The diet you follow plays a large role in your mental health. It is important to consume a nutrient-rich diet, high in healthy fats and protein.

It has been found that eating foods that are high in omega-fats, help maintain a healthy brain. It is important to eat a lot of fish, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils (e.g. olive oil). You should also eat items that are packed with antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables provide a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients, so try and consume a variety of colours.

Exercise is important, as well as getting enough sleep. High stress levels are not only hard on your mental health, but your overall well-being. There are a number of nootropics that help decrease stress and anxiety. L-Theanine for instance, is great for calming the mind and increasing relaxation. This is highly beneficial for your brain health, in turn improving your memory.

Who Is Using Nootropics to Improve Memory?

Many nootropics were developed to treat various disorders and conditions. Alzheimer’s for instance, has been targeted through various ‘smart drugs.’ Due to the benefits that are experienced regarding memory, research is continually being conducted.

With that being said, more and more casual users are surfacing. Many individuals are experiencing the benefits that nootropics bring. So, who’s using these cognitive enhancers?

College Students

‘Study drugs’ are becoming increasingly popular amongst the college crowd. Learning abilities are improved, and memory recall is strengthened. Adderall is still very popular, but various nootropics provide the same memory enhancing benefits, without the risks and associated side-effects. Although some nootropics require a prescription, most nootropics can be purchased online.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients

As mentioned, Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients have used nootropics for an extended period of time. As we age, our brain begins to age as well. It is important to maintain your brain health, while targeting areas that are not working as efficiently.

Racetams for instance, target the acetylcholine receptors in our brain. It is believed that there’s a direct link to Alzheimer’s and these acetylcholine receptors. If they’re not functioning properly, complications arise. Increased acetylcholine, improves one’s memory. Although it is not a cure, nootropics may help to reduce various symptoms. Noopept for example, has yielded some great results regarding Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Top 5 Most Effective Nootropic Stacks

What are Nootropic Stacks?

A nootropic stack is when two or more supplements are taken in combination with one another. Stacks allow users to achieve better results, while increasing potency. Each user is different, so it may take a while to build your perfect stack. There are so many nootropics available, so it’s important to know which supplement does what.

Mostly all nootropics will increase one’s memory and learning ability. However, once you begin to experiment with other supplements, you will be able to achieve more specific results. Certain nootropics compliment each other well, increasing the strength and provide lasting effects.

Are Stacks Beneficial and Safe?

Taking nootropics in a stack can be highly beneficial. Although nootropics provide benefits on their own, effects can be greatly increased when taken in conjunction with other nootropics. If you’re new to nootropics, you should learn about each supplement before you begin stacking.

Generally, a racetam and a choline supplement are a good place to start. Choline is essential for acetylcholine production, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for increased cognitive functioning. This not only improves the effects, but reduces possible side-effects.

As mentioned, stacking nootropics provides more effective results. With that being said, you should know which supplement you’re taking and what they do. Knowing potential side-effects is crucial, especially if you’re taking other medications or suffer from any other conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, speak to your healthcare professional.

The Top Five Most Effective Stacks

Not everyone will take the same stacks. Everyone is different and looking to achieve different results. However, the following five stacks are highly effective and are used by many.

Caffeine and L-Theanine

This stack is great for a beginner, allowing you to achieve results fast. Due to its natural ingredients, this stack is also highly safe. When taken together, these two supplements increase energy levels, promote alertness, and increase levels of concentration. Another large benefit is that this stack is easy to get and is cheap to buy.

When you take L-Theanine, you actually block some of the potential side-effects of caffeine. For example, caffeine can increase levels of anxiety and disrupt sleep patterns. L-Theanine (which is found in tea), counteracts these side-effects. It helps users relax and achieve a sense of calmness.

Once taken together, users experience increased energy, awareness, and focus. Although this is a common stack, it is not the most effective regarding brain plasticity and cognition. In order to achieve these benefits, you may need to add another supplement to the stack. Racetams for instance are a common addition to this stack.

Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, and Piracetam

This stack contains all three of the most popular racetams, increasing the benefits achieved. Each supplement in this stack improves mental performance, as each supplement plays its own unique role.

When they’re combined, the effects are more potent.

For instance, Piracetam is good for learning and improving memory. When stacked with Aniracetam, mood is improved, while Oxiracetam tends to improve one’s ability to process information. This stack provides a wider range of benefits in comparison to taking one supplement on its own.

Pramiracetam and Alpha GPC

This stack is popular due to its benefits and affordable cost. Regarding racetams, Pramiracetam is a well-rounded nootropic and increases intelligence. Some find that taking Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, and Piracetam is expensive. When you take Pramiracetam, it is similar to taking this racetam stack.

This stack is popular amongst students, as it improves mental performance. It is a great tool for studying, and the effects are amplified when taken together. Pramiracetam on its own helps to boost concentration levels, as well as one’s ability to focus.

Due to the effects Pramiracetam has on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, its important to get enough choline. Alpha-GPC is a great example of an acetylcholine precursor. This helps to increase acetylcholine levels, providing better results.

Noopept and Citicoline

Although Noopept may be more expensive to buy, you need much less per dose. It is 1000 times more potent than Piracetam, while offering similar effects. Once again, this stack focuses on cognitive enhancement and effective acetylcholine production.

Due to the effects of Noopept, some users experience headaches. When you take Citicoline, this supplement helps to reduce this potential side-effect. This is because a lack of acetylcholine can create headaches.

Acetyl L-Carnitine and Choline

This is a common stack to take on its own, but this stack is also often taken with racetams. Acetyl L-Carnitine helps to produce acetylcholine from choline in the brain. Although we can obtain choline from our diet, a choline supplement is highly beneficial.

Alpha-GPC is the most common choline supplement, but you can also take Citicoline and Centrophenoxine. All three are effective when trying to increase acetylcholine levels. This stack will be beneficial on its own, but will have an even greater effect when taking a racetam as well.

The Best Adderall Alternatives

What Is Adderall Used For?

Adderall is a psychostimulant that is generally used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Just like nootropics, is it often used as a cognitive enhancer. When individuals take Adderall, the neurotransmitter dopamine increases. This allows users to focus more effectively while producing a calming effect.

What are the Possible Side-Effects?

Due to the high level of possible side-effects, many are replacing Adderall with safer and more effective nootropics. The following are possible side-effects which are serious and should be approached with caution:

  • High blood pressure and stroke are a possibility when taking Adderall. This is especially true for individuals that have a history of heart disease or other heart conditions. Due to its effects on the heart, sudden death is a possibility.
  • Mental health problems may increase. This issues include; depression, mood swings, or aggressive behavior.
  • Adderall can be habit forming, which may lead to withdrawal symptoms. If you have a history of drug abuse, you should avoid using Adderall.

If you are currently taking Adderall and are experiencing any serious side-effects, stop using Adderall immediately. Side-effects range from hallucinations to tremors. Due to these possible side-effects, nootropics are an excellent substitution as they’re non-toxic. The most common side-effect regarding nootropics is headaches. However, this is generally counteracted by taking supplements (mainly racetams), with choline supplements.

Best Adderall Alternatives

Due to the risk of addiction and the associated side-effects, exploring other nootropics is beneficial and safer in comparison. Adderall is also a controlled, prescription drug. It is much harder to obtain Adderall in comparison to available nootropics. The following are some great alternatives:

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Piracetam was the first racetam to be developed and distributed. Once taken, it crosses the blood-brain barrier where it targets the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This specific neurotransmitter is responsible for our ability to focus, concentrate, form memories, and our learning abilities. Unlike Adderall, Piracetam is non-toxic and actually helps to increase brain health.

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Another nootropic is Aniracetam, which is considered one of the best alternatives. It is more potent than Piracetam and also works much faster. Aniracetam works the same way as Piracetam regarding acetylcholine. Once this neurotransmitter is increased, cognitive enhancement is experienced.

Aniracetam creates high levels of brain energy, which increases one’s focus and concentration. Not only is one’s cognitive abilities increased, but it works to improve mood. This is due to the influence on dopamine and 5-HTP receptors.

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This nootropic is a peptide, that works in a similar fashion to Piracetam. Although they share similarities, Noopept is approximately 1000 times stronger. This nootropics have an affect on one’s memory and concentration.

Brain health is also improved through increased levels of Nerve Growth Factor. This chemical maintains healthy brain cells. Due to aging, brain cells begin to deteriorate. This is generally seen in conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is believed that this type of cellular damage is also related to conditions such as ADHD.

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This is another racetam nootropic, which has a direct effect on both acetylcholine and glutamate. This increases cognitive abilities regarding focus, reasoning, memory, and concentration. You do not need to take as much Pramiracetam in comparison to Piracetam, as it is 30 times more potent.

The effects of Pramiracetam last longer than those effects experienced by Adderall. When taking Adderall, one’s focus is only temporarily improved. When you take Pramiracetam for instance, there are more long-term gains associated with this nootropic.

Modafinil and Adrafinil

Modafinil is a prescription nootropic that is fairly new and extremely popular. It is used to treat ADHD, increasing wakefulness and improving concentration. This was originally used for narcolepsy patients, but it now used for a variety of purposes. This is a great alternative to Adderall because it does not affect one’s sleeping patterns or create dopamine withdrawals.

Due to the restrictions and control over Modafinil, many users are buying Adrafinil legally without the need for a prescription. Adrafinil provides the same cognitive benefits as Modafinil, without needing a prescription.

How Do I Know Which One to Pick?

Choosing the right nootropic depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Once you become more experienced, you can build your own effective stack. Building a stack allows you to access all the benefits at once. For example, a choline supplement generally helps with the headaches associated with racetam use. This is directly related to acetylcholine levels. When acetylcholine levels are low, headaches may be experienced. Choline is the precursor to acetylcholine, therefore choline supplements ensure that acetylcholine is available.

The nootropics listed above are just a small fraction of the supplements available on the market. The nootropic you take will depend on your needs and your personal preference. There are many different types of nootropics, so it’s a good idea to get familiar with your options. No matter which nootropic you do choose, you are making a positive choice regarding your brain health. Nootropics generally improve brain health, while Adderall deteriorates your brain.