Be a Brainy Badass

You could be content with an average brain, but why?

Let’s pump it up with nutrients that make your brain repair, focus and function better.

Nootropics for Your Noggin

What are Nootropics?

Whether they are called cognitive enhancers or smart drugs, nootropics are substances that are believed to improve cognitive function, including memory, creativity, motivation, and executive functions, such as decision-making and problem-solving.

Nootropics can include both natural and synthetic substances, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals, as well as prescription drugs and compounds developed specifically for cognitive enhancement.

Some nootropics contain caffeine, which is a common stimulant found in many popular supplements. But caffeine has a downside. It lowers blood flow to the brain, increases anxiety, disrupts sleep and can contribute to headaches and migraines.

Here we will explore some natural caffeine-free nootropics that can help you improve your cognitive function without the jitters or other side effects associated with caffeine.

Laser Focus Brain

Magnesium L-Threonate was mentioned in our Calm the Chatter post.

Here Magnesium L-Threonate gets the spotlight again.

Not only can it calm the brain it excels in improving cognitive and executive function.

Cognitive function refers to learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem solving, decision making, and attention.

Executive function are the processes that enable us to plan, focus, pay attention, remember, and juggle multiple tasks.

Bacopa monnieri (or Brahmi) is an herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety.

It has been shown to enhance memory, learning and attention span.

It is believed to work by increasing the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and improves mood.

Bacopa monnieri works by increasing blood flow to the brain and promoting the growth of nerve endings. It also increases the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is essential for memory and learning.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. DHA helps with attention and focus. It helps get information where it needs to go.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that are found in fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, as well as in flaxseeds and walnuts. They are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce anxiety and depression.

A deficiency of DHA is shown to cause ADD/ADHD symptoms. It is a precursor to dopamine which keeps you on task.

If you take DHA during pregnancy, your baby’s IQ can be 4 points higher at age 4. It is so important to take while pregnant and nursing because the baby is taking all the nutrient from the pregnant or nursing mama.

It also reduces the risk of depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

Rhodiola rosea is an herb that has been used to reduce stress and fatigue.

It has also been shown to improve cognitive function, particularly in the areas of attention and memory.

Rhodiola rosea works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain.

These neurotransmitters are essential for mood regulation, attention, and memory.

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that has been used to improve cognitive function. It has been shown to improve memory and attention span.

Ginkgo Biloba works by increasing blood flow to the brain and promoting the production of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine.

It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect the brain from damage.

Ginkgo Tea

To make ginkgo tea from the leaves of a ginkgo tree, pick green leaves in late summer.

You can then use 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves in one cup of boiling water to make a tea.

Add a sweetener if you wish.

Choline is an essential nutrient that helps form cell membranes. It is also participates in the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Choline helps with:

• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Cognitive Issues
• Learning disabilities
• Muscle aches
• Nerve damage
• Mood disorders

It’s superpower is helping the brain with plasticity, which is the ability to learn new things.

Alpha Lipoic Acid helps control blood sugar.

In the Brain Bruisers post we talked about the damage that sugar can do to the brain. Insulin resistance can be found in the brain and can cause Alzheimer’s disease which has also been called type 3 diabetes.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant that is found in every cell of the body. In the cell it helps turn glucose into energy. It’s antioxidant ability neutralizes the waste products that are created in this process.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a type of mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

It has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, meaning it can help protect the brain from damage.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom contains compounds called erinacines and hericenones, which have been shown to stimulate the growth of nerve cells and enhance the production of the neurotransmitter nerve growth factor (NGF).

NGF is essential for the growth and maintenance of nerve cells.

There are many natural caffeine-free nootropics that can help improve cognitive function.

The ones above are just a few examples of natural nootropics that can provide cognitive benefits without the use of caffeine.

If you are looking to improve your cognitive function, these natural nootropics may be worth exploring.

It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting.

I am here to help. Make an appointment today to get your brain Supercharged!