Benefits of Nootropics: Ease Stress, Boost Focus and Improve Mood.

Self-reflection:

• Can the toothpaste I use benefit both my oral and brain health?
• Is there a toothpaste that could help me improve my mental performance?
• Can brushing my teeth help me stay more active during the day or get better sleep at night?

Key takeaways:

• Nootropics are substances that optimize brain functioning, making you smarter, focused, motivated, and productive.
• Nootropics are growing in popularity as people strive to improve their mental performance.
• Consuming nootropics may help support better focus, memory, improved sleep quality, and reduced stress 

We live in a busy and competitive world today in which peak mental performance is crucial. Being able to learn faster, craft more effective sales pitches, score higher in games, and boost productivity in general has become a longing desire for us all. 

It's no surprise therefore that so many people are looking for ways to enhance their mental capabilities.

If this is you, you might want to consider nootropics. Nootropics promise to make you smarter, sharper, and happier. But do they work and are they worth the hype?

This article will explore the benefits of nootropics, provide examples, and highlight where you can find these powerful compounds in everyday products.

What Are Nootropics?

Nootropics are substances that may help improve cognitive functions including memory, focus, and motivation. They are also sometimes referred to as cognitive enhancers or brain boosters. 

Originally used to treat mental conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, narcolepsy, schizophrenia, ADHD, and age-related cognitive decline, these substances have shown great success. Today, many people turn to them to enhance their brain function.

There is a growing interest in nootropics, especially as people seek natural ways to improve their productivity and mental performance. While some nootropics are available as dietary supplements, others can be found in food or natural sources.

5 Benefits of Nootropics

Taking nootropics could have some positive effects on your health. Here are five benefits of nootropics.

1. Boost Cognitive Performance

One of the most common reasons people use nootropic supplements is to promote brain health. Research shows that nootropics improve mental functions such as memory, attention, motivation, and creativity.

Nootropics may enhance mental performance because they:

• Improve blood flow to the brain
• Stimulate the action of neurotransmitters such as glutamate by binding to their receptors
• Suppress depressant neurotransmitters such as GABA (a chemical in your brain that helps you relax, otherwise known as Gamma-aminobutyric acid).

Apart from boosting mental performance, nootropics may also slow down age-related cognitive decline. Older adults usually experience symptoms of cognitive decline such as memory loss. Nootropic supplements can come in handy in delaying these symptoms.

An excellent, regular source of nootropics is Karmicare’s Awake Morning toothpaste. Awake Morning toothpaste is rich in guarana, a nootropic that will spark your mind to life and keep you active throughout the day.

Infused with lime and mint flavors, Awake Morning toothpaste tastes and smells zesty and fresh, giving you the confident smile you deserve.

2. Improve Sleep Quality

Good sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. Taking a nootropic could help you sleep better.

Research published in the National Library of Medicine supports the use of nootropics like valerian to enhance sleep quality and reduce the symptoms of insomnia. Nootropics promote relaxation and help release anxiety.

This sets the stage for quality sleep. A good night’s sleep comes with other cognitive benefits such as memory formation

Again, with Karmicare’s Asleep evening toothpaste, you can enjoy the best quality sleep just by brushing your teeth before bed. Asleep Evening toothpaste is enriched with valerian, orange essential oil, and cinnamon, three ingredients that help you relax and get in the right state of mind for quality sleep.

3. Increase Attention Span and Concentration

Scientists have proven that nootropics can enhance attention and concentration in kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a mental condition that makes it difficult to sustain one’s attention on a task.

Aside from their clinical indications, you can use nootropics to enhance your focus and concentration.  According to a 2023 publication in the Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences, nootropics are instrumental in increasing learning performance and improving attention and concentration. 

In recent times, the internet has popularised the use of nootropics as “study drugs” because they enhance focus, wakefulness, and creativity. Many learners around the world are familiar with the attention-enhancing benefits of drugs like Adderall and modafinil. 

These drugs modify the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and GABA. By doing so, they improve your brain’s alertness and focus.

However, it is important to note that you are more likely to experience side effects while using these drugs. Hence, natural nootropics are advised.

Natural nootropics are the safer alternative because they are free from toxic synthetic compounds and lack side effects associated with high dosages.

4. Ease Stress and Boost Mood

Nootropics can boost your mood and reduce the symptoms of mental anxiety and stress. This is mainly because nootropics increase the level of dopamine, the mood-enhancing chemical in the brain.

Dopamine is the brain’s “reward chemical” and is closely linked to feelings of contentment and pleasure. With little dopamine, you are likely to experience mood swings, lack of focus, or lack of motivation.

Nootropics Help Improve Mental Fatigue

5. Reduce Mental Fatigue

Your brain is a busy factory that uses a lot of energy. It’s common to feel mentally drained to the point where you can barely focus. Mental fatigue affects decision-making, short-term memory, and productivity.

Taking nootropics help keep you moving. 

• Nootropics improve blood flow to your brain.
• Facilitate energy production by your brain cells. 
• Reduce stress hormones that cause fatigue.
• By relieving brain fatigue, they supercharge your performance and improve your overall quality of life.

Where to Find Nootropics in Everyday Products

If you’re ready to boost your brain power, mood, sleep quality, and focus, here are a few rich sources of nootropics.

1. Guarana

Guarana, also known as Paullinia cupana, is a Brazilian plant found mostly within the Amazon basin. It produces fruits that are harvested for their seeds. One guarana fruit is the size of about 4 coffee beans. Guarana fruits contain black seeds that are usually processed into a powder form called guarana extract.

Guarana is famous for its health benefits. For millennia, Amazonian tribes have used guarana powder to promote good health. Today, guarana extract is a common ingredient in many energy and soft drinks.

Guarana extract is rich in stimulants such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine.

The health benefits of guarana are:

• Improves brain power: Guarana consumption has been shown to boost learning and memory. A study comparing guarana to ginseng, another popular nootropic, showed that guarana was superior in enhancing brain function.
• Lowers the risk of heart disease: Similar to green tea, guarana contains antioxidants like tannins, saponins, and catechins. Antioxidants lower the risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure and possibly, by helping to control blood sugar.
• May promote weight loss: Guarana may help you lose weight and avoid obesity. Studies show that compounds in guarana may suppress genes that take part in fat production.
• May reduce mental fatigue and help you focus: Guarana is an awesome source of caffeine. Caffeine has stimulating effects that can help you focus and stay alert.

Without a doubt, guarana is one of those healthy foods you want to consume to help you improve both your mental performance and physical health.

But since guarana is mainly added to energy drinks and soft drinks, you risk consuming too much processed sugar and other unhealthy additives in your quest to enjoy guarana benefits.

So where can you find a healthy and regular source of guarana in everyday products? 

Toothpaste is an easy and effective means to add guarana to your routine. Karmicare’s Awake Morning toothpaste is rich in guarana to help you boost your energy levels as you gear up for the day.

For a boost of guarana, choose Karmicare’s Awake Morning toothpaste to ensure you don’t miss out on the awesome benefits of this nootropic.

2. Valerian

Valerian is an herb native to Europe and Northern Asia. It’s a common herbal nootropic used to induce sleep, especially in people with insomnia.

Research shows that taking valerian can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. In addition, unlike other sleep aids, you can consume valerian without having to worry about side effects.

Apart from promoting healthy sleep, valerian helps to reduce stress and anxiety. We've all had those days where being tired, you can’t seem to fall asleep. Your thoughts are racing and you can't seem to recover from the pressure and anxiety of the day.

Valerian-infused Asleep Evening toothpaste from Karmicare will help you drift into slumberland in no time. 

With superior minerals like nano HAp along with active nootropics, Karmicare helps you achieve an optimum mind and mouth.

Unlike fluoride-based oral hygiene products that disturb your wake/sleep cycles, Karmicare actually harmonizes with your body's circadian rhythms.

3. Caffeine

You’ve probably used caffeine before to stay alert and enhance your performance. Caffeine boosts the activities of both the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, energising your body and brain.

Common sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, guarana, soda, and energy drinks. While taking caffeine-containing products, ensure you keep your caffeine content in check. Consuming too much of substances with high caffeine content can result in dependence and other side effects like insomnia, dehydration, and dizziness.

Other nootropics you should take note of are:

• L-theanine: Found in tea, L-theanine will help you improve your cognitive performance, boost your immunity, lower your blood pressure, and aid in weight loss as noted in the Journal of Medicinal Food.
• Creatine: Creatine supplements are mainly used by athletes because they enhance athletic performance, but they may also improve brain health, lower blood sugar, and reduce fatigue as cited here.
• Bacopa monnieri: This is an herb that may also boost brain function, reduce anxiety, and ease inflammation as highlighted in Neurocognitive Effects of Herbal Extracts.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances that are believed to make your body more resistant to stressors. Panax ginseng may also enhance mental performance, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity and energy levels
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba extract may improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, enhance brain health, and lessen anxiety.
• Rhodiola rosea: Also an adaptogen, rhodiola rosea may help manage stress and anxiety, reduce the symptoms of depression, and improve brain function.

Are Nootropics Safe to Use?

Yes. Nootropics are safe to use in the correct dosage and with guidance from a health care provider.

It’s important to note that prescription and over-the-counter nootropics will almost always have side effects, especially if consumed in large doses. Therefore, always consult your healthcare provider before using these substances.

The potential side effects of nootropics are:

• High blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Addiction
• Insomnia

Natural nootropics are generally safer because their actions in the body are more subtle compared to pharmaceuticals. Ensure you get your nootropic supplements from reputable manufacturers and distributors. 

In the U.S., for example, the FDA regulates dietary supplements differently from other foods and drugs. It’s easier for unhealthy products to reach the market. Look out for products that undergo independent testing to ascertain their safety profile.

Bottomline

Nootropics are substances that improve cognitive function. They can be used to improve memory, focus, concentration, sleep, and mood.

Generally, natural nootropics are safer than drugs because they are less likely to cause side effects. Be sure to only purchase quality products from reputable manufacturers and sellers.

If you’re looking for a healthy, mild/moderate source of nootropics, choose Karmicare’s Biorhythmic Oral Hygiene Set. With different formulations for  morning and evening, Karmicare’s toothpaste set contains nootropics tailored to help you maximize your performance during the day and get quality sleep at night