Today’s world demands staying on the top of your game with peak mental performance. This quest to achieve cognitive enhancement has led to the discovery of nootropics and smart drugs. These substances are used as a tool to naturally enhance cognitive function, memory, health, focus and energy levels. For this reason, nootropics and nootropic supplements gained popularity over the past few years. Nootropics, when taken with a healthy diet and lifestyle, are proven to produce the desired results. But this constant use of nootropics also gave rise to the suspicion that these are addictive. In general terms, nootropics are proven to be safe and well-tolerated by the body, but this blog discusses this topic in detail.
Understanding the Science of Nootropics
Nootropics, in general, are natural cognitive enhancers known to positively impact memory, concentration, and focus and increase cognitive processing. The term ‘Nootropic’ was coined by Romanian psychologist Dr Corneliu Giurgea, who provided a list of criteria to identify the true nootropics:
- Enhances memory
- Enhances ability to learn
- Assists brain functions
- Protects the brain from toxins
- Enhances cognitive process
- Increased cortico-subcortical control
- Absence of pharmacological effects
- Safe for humans
As per this definition, nootropics are entirely safe, well-tolerated and neuroprotective substances that usually have no side effects, which clarifies the doubt about the risk of addictiveness.
However, nootropics are often colloquially classified as smart drugs, and some ignorantly intermix these terms or use them as synonyms for each other, but the facts prove that these are different and have different properties. First, let’s discern the differences between these two. ‘Smart Drugs’ refers to any synthetic or natural substances that have immediate effects to enhance cognitive functions, including prescription medications like modafinil and stimulants like Adderall. Nootropics are a specific category of natural substances that meet the specified criteria and not only enhance cognitive functions but also provide long-term health benefits. Unlike smart drugs, this supplement has no side effects because it contains natural compounds such as Bacopa Monnieri and Rhodiola Rosea, as well as amino acids like L-theanine.
Can Nootropics or Nootropic Supplements Be Addictive?
Most people use synthetic smart drugs, confusing them with nootropics, but as mentioned above, nootropics have distinct properties and abilities than stimulants and medicines. Most of them are safe and well-researched and do not exhibit addictive properties. Let’s discuss some other concerns regarding these substances and supplements:
- Tolerance
Tolerance refers to the body’s reduced response to a substance over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Tolerance is not the same as addiction, and prolonged use of any medicine or nootropic supplement can result in tolerance, which can be avoided by “cycling’’ in which, for example, you take supplement for five days and then skip for two days and again continue.
- Withdrawal and dependence
Dependence on nootropic substances is not common, but habitual dependency on substances like caffeine can be developed. Prolonged use of certain nootropic supplements may lead to physical and psychological dependence therefor abrupt discontinuation can result in experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms like brain fog.
- Lack of control.
Psychological dependence can develop when users believe they cannot function optimally without the intake of any medicine. This can be avoided with responsible use of nootropics, consuming prescribed and moderate dosages and a balanced approach.
- Negative impact on health
Nootropic supplements are considered safe for long-term use if taken as directed, and no studies or reports prove any long-term health issues as the result of nootropics use. However, there are numerous health benefits of nootropic supplements on your cognitive and physical health, including boosting immunity, energy, digestive health and insurance.
- Impacting social life and abilities
Isolation, anxiety, or social discomfort may arise if an individual becomes overly reliant on any medicine. Still, as nootropics are natural and contain substances that regulate your emotions and improve your mental abilities, there are no such known risks involved.
Nootropic addiction is rare. However, if it occurs, the common side effect that may happen is called ‘brain fog’. This side effect is not fatal, but it can occur because your body is trying to adjust without the intake of nootropics. It’s important to note that taking other smart drugs besides nootropic supplements can produce adverse health results or even result in addiction. Therefore, it’s always essential to check the ingredients and consult a healthcare expert before starting any new supplement or smart drug.
How to Keep Balance & Minimise These Risks?
- Consultation with Health Professionals
It is advised to consult your healthcare professional before incorporating any nootropic supplements into your routine so they can suggest what is best for you as per your medical history, current medications and health concerns.
- Stick to the Recommended Dosage
Make sure you research well and take nootropic supplements that are entirely natural and free from other synthetic compounds.
- Maintain Healthy Lifestyle
Nootropics cannot compensate for an unhealthy lifestyle or diet. These work best when taken along with an active lifestyle and healthy diet.
Hyati Nootropic Supplements
After years of research and numerous studies, we have created Hyati Nootropic Supplements with 100% natural and pure mushroom-based nootropics. Our range of products includes Hyati Energy, made from the amalgamation of cordyceps, Siberian ginseng and green coffee powder to provide an energy boost; Hyati Calming, which is a combination of magnesium, apigenin, and reishi calms your mind to help you manage anxiety, insomnia, depression and other mental health issues; Hyati Digestion to enhance your gut health and prevent digestive health issues with chamomile flower, turkey tail and apple pectin; Hyati Stimulate combination of ashwagandha, caffeine, loin’s mane, which enhances your focus and concentration and Hyati Immune with vitamin D, chaga and zinc to enhance your body’s ability to fight against diseases.