Nootropics, or “smart drugs”, are currently on the rise because of their powerful effects on the brain and ability to enhance overall cognitive function.
While many of the best nootropics, such as Mind Lab Pro, are safe and effective with minimal side effects, there are still some things to consider to ensure you’re getting optimal results and are at the least risk of adverse effects.
It is important to note that the improper use of any supplement or medication can have adverse side effects, even if the supplement is known to be safe. The devil is in the dose, as they say!
Nootropics do not cause brain damage if they are used properly.
However, misusing nootropics may cause adverse effects on the brain, so it is very important to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplement to ensure you are suitable to take it, particularly if you are on any other medications.
Following on from this point, the proper use of nootropics can actually have protective effects on the brain. For example, citicoline has been shown to protect against brain damage and help recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Let’s explore nootropics and their brain-protective benefits!
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics are drugs and supplements claimed to enhance cognitive performance through many means, such as improving working memory, attention, clarity, motivation, and many more.
Many nootropics are taken as isolated substances for their specific brain benefits.
For example, lion’s mane mushroom has been shown to boost cognitive function by increasing NGF (nerve growth factor), and Bacopa Monnieri is known to enhance brain antioxidants.
However, the best way to take nootropics is as part of a “stack” or supplement formula. This way, they all work together to improve cognitive functions via many brain pathways, which would provide more effective results.
An example of one of the best nootropic formulas on the market is Mind Lab Pro.
Why Would You Take Nootropics?
We have all been through times where a nootropic may have proved very useful.
Have you ever found yourself struggling to concentrate, forgetting small things, being less productive, and feeling unmotivated?
These are examples of times when you may have wanted to enhance your brain function.
Are you a student with exams coming up? Or an athlete preparing for a big sporting competition?
These are just a couple of examples of the typical demographics who often consider nootropics for their cognitive-enhancing effects.
Some general benefits of taking nootropics include:
- Stabilizing mood
- Improving memory
- Boosting energy (without the stimulants)
- Improving attention and focus
- Regulating stress
- Support learning
- Drive motivation
- Brain regeneration
- Neuroprotection
Brain-Protecting Nootropics
There are various nootropics readily available these days, all offering different protective benefits for the brain and its constituents.
Here are some examples of the best nootropics for brain protection and cognitive enhancement, which are also key ingredients in Mind Lab Pro:
Citicoline
Citicoline is a nootropic compound that helps deliver choline and cytidine to the brain.
Choline is a basic building block of acetylcholine, the key neurotransmitter involved in executive functions such as speech, working memory, and muscle contractions. More acetylcholine means enhanced overall cognitive function.
An increase in citicoline would also help synthesize phosphatidylcholine, a building block of brain cells.
For these reasons, citicoline is one of the best nootropic compounds to exist due to its unique ability to promote brain cell regeneration and repair, and supply brain-protective antioxidant activity.
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
PS is a phospholipid found in the brain, mostly in brain cell membranes. Its job is to help maintain fluidity, optimize receptors and promote neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine (the feel-good hormone).
PS has also been shown to increase nerve growth factor (NGF), much like lion’s mane mushroom, which means more support for brain cell maintenance and repair.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri contains bacosides, which have been shown to have powerful antioxidant effects, thus protecting our brain cells from free radical damage.
In addition to this, long-term supplementation of Bacopa is known to boost dendrite growth, also known as arborization, which leads to better neuron to neuron signaling.
As a result, Bacopa appears to boost your brain’s capacity to process data faster and more efficiently, which is why this is such a popular nootropic for learning.
Conclusion: Do Nootropics Cause Brain Damage?
As we have established, nootropics do not cause brain damage provided they are being taken properly and are not being misused.
Mega-dosing, mixing nootropics with certain medications, and poor stacking techniques are some examples of misuse, which could lead to adverse effects.
Lion’s mane mushroom, citicoline, Bacopa Monnieri, and Phosphatidylserine are among the best nootropics for brain protection and overall brain health.
Proper use of nootropics could actually boost your brain function and promote overall brain health and protection.
Combining different nootropic formulas appears to be the best way to reap the cognitive-enhancing, brain-boosting effects, such as Mind Lab Pro!
