Nootropics and CrossFit®: What Are Nootropics and What They Do?
Looking for the best supplements to boost performance? Read this post to learn about nootropics, the best supplements for performance, and their benefits!
The demand for supplements that can boost brain functioning has been increasing tremendously in recent times. People whose career and goals are basically affected by their brain activity are particularly interested in getting the right supplements that can work as brain enhancers. Nootropics (1) was introduced by Romanian chemist and psychologist as a treatment for people suffering from motion sickness.
In recent years, extensive research about nootropics has declared them effective for many other health and performance concerns. Here you'll find a brief introduction to nootropics, their functions, and the best nootropics available on the market.
What Are Nootropics and Their Function?
Nootropics are known as the drugs, superfoods, and supplements that enhance mental function (2). They affect the receptors in the brain to boost brain performance in the following ways:
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Improves memory
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Increases motivation
By providing these benefits, these supplements can positively impact the overall brain function.
Best Nootropics for Boosting Performance
Choosing the best nootropics might be challenging for someone who has never used them. Not all the nootropics are similar in their function, mechanism of action, and composition. Some will enhance your performance and adaptations directly, while others help you achieve your goals indirectly. Here are the best nootropics that you can consider for boosting performance:
Caffeine
You might have heard about caffeine (3) before, but did you know it’s a nootropic? If you haven't heard about caffeine as a nootropic, then you'll be surprised to hear that it is one of the most researched and used nootropics worldwide. Caffeine is excellent for activating both the mind and neurons. This supplement does so by slowing down the activity of adenosine receptors which are responsible for transferring sedation and relaxation signals to the brain. Due to the inhibition of these receptors, stimulation of dopamine, adrenaline, serotonin, and acetylcholine occurs, which boosts your brain's performance.
We strongly recommend to use natural caffeine, not synthetic caffeine coming from most of the energy drinks in the market.
Natural caffeine comes from tea, guarana, coffee or chocolate. Always recommended to stop using caffeine 8-12h before going to bed.
Rhodiola Rosea
Vikings first used this herb around a thousand years ago, and it is considered beneficial for physical and cognitive functioning. It helps you by reducing fatigue during stressful conditions. When you're doing challenging training sessions on repeat, it's pretty normal to feel demotivated at some point. Your mind can distract you by making you feel the situation hard. To keep yourself motivated toward to goals, you need a clear mind and should get rid of the stress. Rhodiola Rosea provides both these benefits and hence is often recommended.
Alpha-glycerophosphocholine - A-GPC
Alpha-glycerophosphocholine is a cholinergic drug that is a famous nootropic due to its "brain-enhancing" benefits. It directly affects the performance when used. Besides boosting performance, alpha-glycerophosphocholine can increase the production of growth hormones (4). The levels of growth hormone were increased shortly after the consumption of this nootropic, and many studies confirmed it. So, it not only helps your brain function better during training, but also helps in quick body building.
L-theanine
L-theanine is a natural nootropic that is found in tea leaves and is well-known for its relaxation benefits. Cognitive performance and focus can improve tremendously if you combine this nootropic with caffeine. It reduces stress, promotes sleep, and increases alpha brain waves. All these actions collectively bring peace to your mind leading to better performance during training and in life.
Bacopa Extract
If you struggle with meditation and remembering things, you need this nootropic. Bacopa extract is considered an excellent nootropic for enhancing memory, supporting meditation, and rejuvenating the mind. The use of bacopa extract dates back to more than 3000 years, and due to the potential benefits for mind rejuvenation, it's known as the plant of universal consciousness.
It combats stress while increasing clarity to help you learn and remember things in a better way. Studies say that bacopa extract can act as a shield against Alzheimer's disease, a brain disorder that destroys memory.
Are Nootropics Safe for Long-Term Use?
Most athletes are recommended to take a break from nootropics due ensure that these supplements are not being accumulated in the body. The gap is essential to reduce the body's tolerance against nootropics, improving their safety, even if used for a long time.
Bottom Line
Nootropics are helpful supplements if you want to boost your cognitive and physical performance quickly. Most of the compounds recommended as nootropics have been used since old times, and studies prove their benefits. But be careful if you're using nootropics for the long-term, as continuous use and high dosage can make them unsafe!
References
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34315377/
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