Nootropic supplements are renowned for their ability to increase various cognitive functions. This can mean enhanced memory, larger learning capacity, prolonged attention span, sharper focus and better concentration. Another, a more indirect benefit, provided by nootropics is an increase in energy levels.
Once you have more mental energy and higher alertness, other performance factors will be optimised. Therefore, using nootropic supplements for energy can be useful for virtually any of us. Even if you have never considered using nootropics, this article may change your mind (pardon the pun).
This is an area where a well-balanced nootropic stack can be really helpful, especially if you feel your energy levels going down throughout the day. There may be many reasons causing this, including wrong nutrition, ever-growing stress levels, and live and work environments.
This has resulted in an unprecedented growth of the market offering different products, such as energy drinks, supposedly designed to boost the energy levels. Truth is, most of those products either cause unnecessary side effects or simply do not deliver the promised results at all.
This is why nootropic supplements are fundamentally different. They are designed to work by affecting the neurons in the brain to ensure that they are ready for extra workload. Of course, before you can develop your own nootropic stack for energy, you have to gain a bit of an understanding of how individual nootropics work.
Today the market can offer over 150 various supplements that would be classified as nootropics. This also means there is a significant number of ways they affect the brain. In terms of precise mechanisms of action, some nootropics work by affecting different processes and systems in the brain.
Majority of nootropic supplements work by activating different neurotransmitters (e.g. acetylcholine) in the brain. These chemicals are used by the brain neurons to communicate between themselves and pass on messages. A large number of mental processes, such as our memories, thoughts, and actions are all largely governed by these neurotransmitters.
The second common function of nootropic supplements is the increase of blood flow to the brain. With this comes a larger oxygen uptake and glucose metabolism.
“Both of these effects are essential for optimal energy levels in the brain cells.”
Many other processes would not be possible without a sufficient supply of oxygen and glucose. As the brain cells are properly nourished, the individual instantly feels signs of improved cognition as well as reduced fatigue. As the mental energy goes up, so does the physical one. The effects combined also result in more motivation and an increased sense of well-being.
Nootropics in a stack:
Regardless of the reasons for taking nootropics, be it for mental energy or specific cognitive function, different supplements can be combined into a “stack”. The main reason for doing this is amplified effects of synergistically working compounds. For example, stacking a nootropic which increases cerebral blood flow with the one that boosts levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters, is likely to result in a much more intense stimulant effect than if the two were taken separately.
Thus, the aim of this guide is to provide choices of different nootropic supplements if you are specifically looking to boost mental energy levels. However, as with any supplements there is no one-size-fits-all formula, thus you will have to do a bit of experimenting with them yourself before the perfect stack that works for you is found.
Piracetam:
Piracetam is the original nootropic, which was originally developed back in the 1960s. It was Piracetam that started the nootropics craze. Even though this nootropic is not specifically designed to enhance energy levels, users often report increased energy as part of the experience.
Piracetam improves the blood flow to the neurons, which increases oxygen uptake, glucose metabolism and the cell membrane fluidity. This supplement is mostly recommended as a starting point for beginners. It can also be a great foundation for a more diverse stack.
Pramiracetam:
Metaphorically, Pramiracetam is a cousin of Piracetam. They are both closely related members of the racetam family. Pramiracetam, though, is believed to be the most potent nootropic for increased mental energy. It helps with focus, motivation and mental drive. Tackling your daily tasks will be much easier on this supplement.
Pramiracetam
- Heightened memory and clear thinking.
- Reduced stress, anxiety and depression
- Enhanced focus, mood and perception
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Adrafinil:
Adrafinil is a synthetic nootropic, believed to be one of the best alternatives to Modafinil. It is classified as an eugeroic. Adrafinil is the central nervous system stimulant that specifically targets the chemical processes within the brain, thereby improving mental focus and increasing alertness. Adrafinil users have reported the ability to stay alert and focused for long periods of time. It also improves the overall productivity by stimulating the cerebral metabolism, which results in a better delivery and uptake of glucose (the main fuel source in the brain).
Adrafinil
- Increased alertness and wakefulness
- Reduced fatigue and tiredness
- Enhanced mental energy and productivity
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Caffeine:
Caffeine probably needs no introduction. Caffeine is the most popular central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that increases alertness and boosts energy. Due to such effects it is often used in different nootropic stacks. Caffeine appears to activate noradrenaline neurons and release of dopamine neurotransmitter. In terms of sensitivity some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you do not get any negative side effects (e.g., anxiety, headaches and jitteriness) use caffeine for mental and physiological benefits.
L-theanine:
L-theanine is a non-dietary amino acid, which originates from the leaves of green tea. This natural compound has very similar stimulating effects to caffeine, but without the nervousness commonly associated with the latter. In other words, L-theanine causes a relaxed yet alert mental state. Interestingly, L-theanine lessens the side effects of caffeine. That is why L-theanine is a synergistic with caffeine in improving cognition and attention.
L-theanine
- Stress relief and mood enhancer
- Elevated concentration and mental alertness
- Immune system and memory support
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Vinpocetine:
Vinpocetine is a potent herbal nootropic that was derived from Vincamine. As a vasodilator, it increases the cerebral blood flow thereby delivery important nutrients and energy to the neuronal tissues. Consequently, more energy can be produced which is crucial for all cognitive functions, including short-term memory, focus and concentration.
Vinpocetine
- Improves mood and memory
- Increased brain oxygen and glucose
- Reduces mental fatigue and tiredness
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Creatine:
Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in the world, traditionally taken by strength and power athletes. It is renowned for its ability to replenish the creatine stores in the muscle after an intense workout. Consequently, creatine reduces fatigue, improves memory, attention span and general energy levels. Though not necessarily the primary product for this purpose, it is likely to help you with concentrating on the job at hand.
Omega-3 fatty acid:
Omega-3 fatty acid is the essential acid usually found in fish. There are two kinds of Omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acid is important for a general health. Add it to your nootropic stack for a better balance and stronger effects from other supplements. Fish and Krill oil are known to protect the brain, slow the aging process, decrease inflammation, reduce anxiety, depression and the symptoms of ADHD.
Omega 3
- Optimal brain functioning
- Improved mood
- Cognitive enhancer
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