No matter your age, we all want to think clearly, have a positive mental attitude and productive energy. The pressure of daily life, work stress, and environmental toxins can easily lead to fatigue, brain fog and anxiety. Natural supplements are an easy way to add specific brain and health boosting nutrients to optimize your health. This is where nootropics come in.
Nootropics enhance brain function. Whether you are looking to improve creativity, focus or short term memory, natural nootropics are a great option.
What Are Nootropics?
Many of you may already be using nootropics and not realize it. Do you drink coffee or tea to start your day? If so, you are consuming nootropics. Nootropics work with your central nervous system, enhancing one or more aspects of your mental well-being. They specifically target memory, learning, motivation and alertness.
Nootropics can affect the brain in many ways. Some promote the growth of new brain cells, others offer protection from free radicals and toxins, and some help to increase oxygen, blood flow and nutrient levels in the brain.
14 Natural Nootropic Supplements
Ashwagandha–This adaptogenic herb, helps the mind and body to manage stress and anxiety, as well as increase energy. This amazing herb offers numerous additional benefits including reducing inflammation, lowering blood sugar, and increased immune support. Click here to learn more.
Bacopa monnieri–This is another commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine, Bacopa protects the brain from free radical damage and boosts signals in the brain that process memories. Bacopa enhances reaction times, memory and helps with processing information.
BioPQQ-Pyrroloquinoline is a naturally occurring complex in the body. It boosts the brain’s nerve growth factor and supports brain focus, memory, alertness and overall brain health. BioPQQ is one of the most studied supplements.
Caffeine-You wake up feeling tired or with brain fog, so you have a cup of coffee, tea or cocoa. You start to wake up and think more clearly…that’s what nootropics can do for your brain. Caffeine is naturally found in cocoa, tea and coffee. It reduces fatigue, enhances energy, concentration and mental alertness.
COQ10-While the body produces CoQ10 naturally, its production decreases as we age. This antioxidant helps to neutralize free radicals as well as reducing the damage they cause in the body. COQ10 helps to create mitochondrial energy. Combined with BioPQQ it is one of the most effective nootropics available.
Ginkgo biloba–The ginkgo leaf is commonly used in Chinese medicine. Many individuals use this supplement for its ability to improve focus and stimulate brain performance. Ginkgo is an antioxidant that improves blood flow to the brain, as well as improving the brains ability to process information and improve memory, It also has a calming effect on the body.
Lion’s Mane-This mushroom has been used in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine for centuries to support longevity and overall health. Many users show improvement in verbal fluency, memory, clarity and cognitive function. Lion’s many is available in capsules, powder or fresh at your local grocery store. Read more about lion’s mane here.
L-Theanine–This is an amino acid and is found in moringa leaves, green and black tea. It is also available as a single dietary supplement. L-Theanine helps to regulate neurotransmitters and hormones. It also increases alpha waves in the brain, which is linked with deep relaxation, causing a relaxing effect on the mind, without causing you to feel drowsy.
Mucuna pruriens–This Ayurvedic herb is also known as velvet bean. Science has discovered that Mucuna contains L-dopa, which is a precursor to numerous transmitters which affect cognition and mood. It also contains numerous antioxidants that help to counteract oxidative damage in the brain.
Rhodiola rosea-This herb is an adaptogen, which combats fatigue and boosts your mood. The natural compounds in Rhodiola help to manage stress. Rhodiola also contains salidroside an antioxidant which helps with inflammation.
“Brain” Minerals
Calcium-Calcium is a message transmitter for the nervous system. In addition is has a role in how you retrieve and store memories. You can find calcium in leafy greens, beans and in supplement form. For 15 dairy free sources of calcium click here.
Lithium Orotate-This is an essential trace mineral. It helps to calm daily stress and is connected to new brain cell growth.
Magnesium– Magnesium is present in all the cells of the body and is vital for more than 300 different functions. More than 80% of us are mineral deficient, is it any wonder that so many of us are sleep deficient and have muscle aches? Magnesium is a partner to calcium and helps to improve memory, mood, focus, energy and overall brain function. For a list of 35 magnesium rich foods click here
Zinc–This easily obtained mineral is found abundantly in beans, pumpkin seeds, grains and greens. Zinc supports healthy brain function, cognitive performance, as well as helping the body make protein and DNA. Have you had your zinc today?
Which Nootropic is Right for Me?
We are all unique individuals and we each respond differently to foods and supplements. Consider discussing your options with your practitioner. Be sure to start with a low dose to see how your body responds.
Consider the effect you are seeking. Do you need something relaxing or stimulating? Are you looking to increase your energy or improve your memory? Are you looking for a supplement or something you can add to your smoothie or juice?
No matter what you choose, I always recommend organic products whenever possible.
Here are some of my favorite brands for the supplements mentioned in this article.
