If you prefer crowdsourcing in choosing your brain-boosters you'll probably find your way to the question-and-answer platform Quora. Reading about nootropics on Quora can give you a general idea of the benefits and side effects of nootropics, as reported from the actual experiences of people who take them. This guide explains in detail how to use Quora to find the best nootropics for you.
Quora Nootropics: Community Terminology Guide
Quora is a platform which has its own share of community terminologies. If you're new to Quora, here are some terms that will help you understand the platform:
- Quoran - A user in the Quora platform.
- Spaces - Quora community of shared interests and tastes.
- Upvote - Users upvote answers because they are in favor of it. In addition, people also upvote to support their favorite Quoran whether or not they entirely agree with a post.
- Downvote - Quorans can downvote answers that they dislike or disagree with. In addition, downvotes make answers sink to the bottom of the thread. If too much downvotes are received by an answer it may also collapse to make it more difficult for readers to see, if they don't click its link.
- Question - A thread which you can start with your own question or link.
- Answer - User's response to the questions. Oftentimes, answers are based from personal experience, insights and views.
Are you new on Quora?
Quora is a platform where people all over the world can learn from each other by asking questions and getting answers. In Quora spaces, you can find different topics that you might be interested in, including the topic of nootropics.
You can also find the best answers which are often at the top due to the number of upvotes of the answer.
If you read through entire threads, you'll also encounter collapsed answers due to the number of downvotes by Quorans. You can still read collapsed comments, but these answers are the ones which must be taken with a pinch of salt considering that several Quorans downvoted the same answer in a thread.
Definition of Nootropics vs. Nootropics on Quora
So how does Quora define nootropics, when compared to the definition of nootropics by the world at large?
In general, the development of nootropics is believed to have begun in 1964 by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, a popular psychologist and chemist during his time.
Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea initially developed Piracetam to ameliorate motion sickness. However, the use of Piracetam led to other favorable side effects, such as cognitive enhancement and mental processing speed improvement. Eventually, Dr. Giurgea used Piracetam as a framework for the classification of nootropics. As defined by Dr. Giurgea, nootropics must have these attributes:
- Ability to enhance your cognition
- Combats the effects of degenerative agents in the brain
- Facilitation of interhemispheric transfer of information
- Protect the brain from physical and chemical damage
- Improve your brain's stress resistance
- Increased tonic cortico-subcortical control mechanisms
- Without harmful pharmacological side effects of most psychotropic drugs
In addition, nootropic substances are safe for long-term use, because a nootropic must also be able to protect your brain or otherwise support healthy brain function as you use it.
In some spaces in Quora the term "nootropic" is used interchangeably with "smart drugs." However, in Quora the views of the community are also divided. Some Quorans correctly acknowledge that there are notable differences between smart drugs, which are typically relegated to Big Pharma; and nootropics, which are legal nutritional supplements available without a prescription.
Here is a snippet of an answer in Quora from 2016 regarding smart drugs and nootropics:
From What are Smart Drugs? Thread in QuoraExperimenting with Nootropics on Quora
Quorans often share their experiences with various nootropics for research and reference purposes.
Quora is a website where you can learn about nootropics. However, if it means that you're going to make yourself a guinea pig with a DIY nootropic stack or nootropic ingredient, it is always best to check what science has to say about it. If you are about to experiment on nootropics for the first time, you may check this guide on Nootropics for Beginners.
If you are looking for effective nootropics ingredients or stacks, it is advisable to check out scientific data before you even consider a supplement. Some Quorans may not have enough references about certain nootropics, but this won't stop them from trying a nootropic that they view as effective. In the Quora community, anecdotal evidence is often enough for experimentation, although this approach is not always advisable.
Quorans aren't always driven by anecdotal evidence only. Some also use good research to select ingredients for their DIY stacks. Some answers even have links to websites with reliable results regarding clinical trials to further strengthen their answers.
However, it is worth noting that some DIY stacks in Quora are also combined with synthetic smart drugs (obtained with a prescription). Some Quorans think that this practice can further improve their cognition. But, this may put them at risk of unwanted ingredient interactions, as well as carrying potential abuse and addiction risks. This is another reason why you have to be cautious when experimenting with nootropics on Quora.
Placebo Effects of Nootropics on Quora
The effects of nootropics may vary depending on the use and other factors which may affect the effectiveness of the supplement. Researchers are able to combat placebo effects and control other factors during the clinical trials of nootropics with these scientific methods:
- Placebo-controlled study - The mind is very powerful in manipulating the effects of any substance administered during a study. That is why in placebo-controlled studies, one group receives the actual substance being tested, while another group receives a placebo substance. This scientific method aims to gauge the actual effects of the substance vs. the perceived effects of the substance.
- Double-blind experiment - This type of trial eliminates biased results because the participants are not made aware of the substance that they are receiving. This can be used to test a single ingredient or a stack of multiple ingredients.
- Similar Demographics - People from similar groups may yield similar experiences from the same ingredients. This is due to similar variables which exist in people with similar demographics.
- Reducing the margin of error - Larger sample sizes reduce the margin of error in clinical trials. More participants mean that the impact of subjective results in the trial can be reduced, if not entirely eliminated.
Nootropic community in Quora reviews numerous nootropic stacks and ingredients all the time. However, individual reports can't really rule out placebo effects.
To improve information reliability, check out several threads in Quora so you can increase the sample size of your personal research on nootropics. Then, you can compare and contrast the effects that Quorans have reported, so you can determine whether or not you can expect similar effects for the same ingredient or stack.
Nevertheless, Quora answers still contain plenty of positive placebo reports. That is why it is best to compare the user reports with actual scientific evidence, just so that your expectations will not get tainted by some dude who thinks that he is experiencing benefits of a nootropic.
In fact, some Quorans are probably reporting a positive user experience due to the placebo effect and also because they can't accept the fact that they spent countless dollars on a supplement that doesn't work at all. Real scientific data and clinical trials are still your best bet, if you're looking for reliable answers.
Responsibility and Accountability
Nootropics on Reddit and Nootropics on Quora talk about various nootropics. From individual ingredients to DIY nootropic stacks and premium nootropic formulas -- if you can think of an ingredient, the Quora community is probably talking about it already.
However, when you're experimenting on nootropics based on user accounts in Quora's questions and answers thread, you can't really be sure whether or not these nootropics would do the same for you. There are plenty of factors to consider before expecting the same result for yourself once you use the same nootropics that you find on Quora.
When you buy nootropics on Quora information, you have to keep in mind that you are solely responsible for your choices. In addition, you have to be responsible in your decision making, especially when using DIY stacks.
Mind Lab Pro® Nootropics on Quora
Mind Lab Pro® is mentioned several times in Quora.
Quorans even list Mind Lab Pro® as one of the best stacks in the market today. In addition, individual ingredients which are found in Mind Lab Pro are also recommended by Quorans.
It is quite rare for Quorans to include a specific nootropic stack in their answers. However, it seems that Mind Lab Pro® is really worth mentioning, as evidenced from this 2017 answer:
From What are the best or most effective nootropics or smart drugs? from QuoraIn Quora, it is notable that Mind Lab Pro® has never received a negative user experience. No significant side effects have been reported.
In fact, Mind Lab Pro® is a highly recommended stack in Quora. Quorans also give upvotes for threads containing the individual ingredients of Mind Lab Pro®.
Now, let's talk about how individual ingredients of Mind Lab Pro® are discussed on Quora.
The newest formula of Mind Lab Pro® has been tweaked to give you better cognitive benefits. Quorans have feedback on the formula's ingredients. Let's find out about the popular answers in Quora regarding Mind Lab Pro®'s individual nootropics :
Citicoline
In Quora, citicoline is known as a superior choline-source nootropic for increasing brain phosphatidylcholine to support healthy brain function. It has endless possibilities as a neuroprotective agent. Citicoline is able to preserve the health of your brain cells and help restore phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) levels in your brain. Here is a diagram about the mode of action of citicoline in patients with cerebral ischemia, which is found in one of the answers in Quora:
Citicoline neuroprotective mechanisms in cerebral ischemia: (a) acetylcholine, PtdCho, AdoMet and GSH biosynthesis and, (b) sphingomyelin synthesis.More on Mind Lab Pro® Citicoline
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a fat-soluble nootropic which supports cognitive function while combating the effects of stress. PS naturally occurs in the brain, but as you age, its level also decline and be linked to age-related cognitive disorders. Regular intake of PS is recommended to maintain cell membrane integrity and youthful synaptic plasticity. Quorans also mentioned some scientific evidences to support their answers regarding PS.
More on Mind Lab Pro® Phosphatidylserine
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri is a popular natural cognitive enhancer among Quorans. It is known to improve improve memory, concentration, and focus. In addition, this Ayurvedic herb also helps reduce the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Bacopa Monnieri is also reviewed by Quorans as a safe and effective herb for cognition. The best form of this herb, according to Quorans is the standardized extract, because it eliminates the possible side effects of gastric discomfort and nausea.
More on Mind Lab Pro® Bacopa Monnieri
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion's Mane Mushroom is not a popular nootropic in Quora. In fact, there are some questions about Lion's Mane Mushroom which were left unanswered. This is likely due to Lion's Mane being a relatively new and emerging nootropic. However, some threads acknowledge that Lion's Mane Mushroom promotes nerve growth factor in humans. There are few links posted in Quora about clinical trials involving Lion's Mane Mushroom, but plenty of Quorans believe that it improves brain cell regeneration.
More on Mind Lab Pro® Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Maritime Pine Bark Extract is a rare ingredient which is known for its rich Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin (OPC) content. Its potent antioxidant properties make it a great nootropic ingredient since the brain is also susceptible to oxidative stress, due to high amounts of free radicals. In addition, Quorans are aware that pine bark extract synergizes with other nootropic ingredients to form a more potent stack.
Learn more about Mind Lab Pro® Maritime Pine Bark Extract
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid which acts as neurotransmitter precursors. It is an essential amino acid for overall health. L-Tyrosine modulates the level of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, to give you better mood, focus, concentration and motivation. Quorans also compare the effects of Phenylalanine vs. L-Tyrosine. However, Quorans seem to prefer the use of L-Tyrosine.
Learn more about Mind Lab Pro® N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
L-Theanine
This compound is a popular choice of Quorans for focused relaxation. In addition, it is a good nootropic for beginners because it is safe and effective for cognitive enhancement. You can obtain L-Theanine from green tea or dietary supplements. Quorans also recommend that you obtain the standardized form of L-Theanine to experience its best benefits.
More on Mind Lab Pro® L-Theanine
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is an herb which is tagged by Quorans as the best nootropic for stress relief. Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb which is recommended by Quorans for natural physical, sexual and cognitive performance enhancement. In addition, it is known to alleviate mood and combat certain brain concerns. There have been several clinical trials in recent years which demonstrate the benefits of Rhodiola Rosea to your body and mind.
Learn more about Mind Lab Pro® Rhodiola Rosea
Vitamin B6, B9, B12
These vitamins are essential for normal body functions. Most of the Quorans know this and they also recommend to take enough daily or obtain these nutrients from dietary supplements. Cognitive issues may arise when there is deficiency or insufficiency of these key brain health vitamins.
Learn more about Mind Lab Pro® Vitamin B6
Learn more about Mind Lab Pro® Vitamin B9
Learn more about Mind Lab Pro® Vitamin B12
Conclusion
Researching Nootropics on Quora will lead you to the ingredients and stacking strategies that comprise Mind Lab Pro®, the Universal Nootropic™.
When user reports and scientific evidence coincide, you can probably expect the same or similar results if you use the same nootropic ingredient or stack. Nootropics on Quora provides a good balance between the voice of consumers and manufacturers and the community determines which answer is more plausible. It is a good source of information if you want a good mix of scientific data and individual user's reports.
In addition, Quorans and supplement manufacturers are able to interact directly on Quora, so nobody gets left out in the latest nootropic trends.
Mind Lab Pro® is one nootropic on Quora that is consistently lauded, both as a premade stack and in the context of its individual ingredients. Its reputation on Quora continued to strengthen in 2018, and it appears for even more growth in the biohacker community in 2019 and beyond.
