Fueling your Brain: A quick guide to herbal Nootropics and how they can help produce the best version of you
One of my biggest fears is losing the full function of my brain. It is sadly something I saw happen to my grandfather in his fight against Alzheimer’s. Losing my mind before my physical body is gone, creates a physical burden that I never want to impose on anyone. This powerful supercomputer that we are blessed with is our most precious possession and such a dynamic tool.
Like any machine or tool, our brain needs specific nourishment for its billion different functions to work properly and efficiently. When I describe our brain “functioning efficiently,” I am referring to things like: remembering everything we need to accomplish this week, remembering every detail of a math equation in preparation for a test, being creative, processing ideas faster and performing activities like sports and games with more focus and at the highest level. I’m also referring to storing long-term memory and better dealing with stress and anxiety. These activities are all commanded and dominated by the function of our brain.
I understand we all are aware of that previous statement, but thinking about the brain’s impact on every executive function we have, I wonder why there is rarely discussion about getting great brain fuel. The goals of proper nourishment always seems to focus on how the physical body looks and feels. While your body needs nourishment and a variety of it to have energy and maintain health, your brain needs it as well and I would argue to a greater degree if you want to be functioning at your highest level. Remember, EVERY executive function or thought that comes to you is powered by that organ between your ears. It, more than anything needs to be fed well.
Nootropics Defined
A nootropic is specifically a substance that improves cognitive function. There are a variety of nootropic supplements and naturally found substances that improve very specific types of brain processes. The most common that you may recall is coffee. There are others like coffee that are less often found in nature and have vastly different effects on our cognition. In studying nootropics, I found that diet with a wide, healthy variety of natural foods will improve both brain and bodily function. More specific brain functions can be improved by less-common but naturally occurring nutrients from plants.
It is hypothesized by scientists that evolutionary substances found in plants were created by certain species to interact with the world around them. For example, bees and flowering plants have a symbiotic relationship in the case of pollination. What has been discovered is there are certain substances in pollinating plants that give off a specific scent or hormone that has a profound impact on the arousal of the insect and will attract the pollinator. How examples like this potentially pertain to us, is the fact that insect brains are descendents of our own human brain and some of the functions of these substances have the same or similar molecular effects on our modern-day cognitive function. 1
Due to the stunningly wide array of micronutrients found in some of these plants, it has been difficult to produce specific isolated studies thus far. But there is anecdotal evidence and early research to support the efficacy of a handful of nootropics. I believe there are plenty more that do not yet have good research backing them, but have the potential to replace many western medicines.
Reservations
Before I go any further, I want to discuss everyone’s reservation to new things that seem performance enhancing…Is it safe? Is it addictive? Are their long-term consequences? These are great questions that I always ask before I try any new supplement.
In the world of nootropics, abuse can exist and you can get caught up in recreational drugs that are not well researched, or just synthetic and not found naturally in your body or in nature. This leads to potentially negative short and long-term effects and can be addictive. What I would encourage is to replenish you body with things that are both found naturally in the world and already found in your body as a functional component of your brain processes. In this way, you are using the same method you use to fuel your body: Consuming a wide variety of naturally occurring healthy nutrients that contribute to processes that are already happening.
It’s important to remember that too much consumption of anything has the potential to be bad for you or physically addicting. Moderation and variety will ensure you are always staying safe and getting what you need. Refuel your brain like you refuel your body and always do your research!
Here is a list of common herbal nootropics that have nutrients found in nature and our brains. This is a small list in comparison to what is out there:
Vitamin B
Green or Black tea
Ginkgo Biloba
Arctic Root
Lion’s Mane
Valerien root
Rhodiola Rosea
Bacopa Monnieri
L-tyrosine
5-HTP/L-Tryptophan
Ashwagandha
For more information about specific effects of these common nootropics and a larger list of nootropics read here,
I take a stacked nootropic called Momental Mind for daytime energy and mental focus. It also is packed with essential greens, collagen protein and MCT fat to ensure I am getting balanced nutrition to both my brain and body.
I also take a restorative stacked nootropic called Momental Mend. It is very effective at storing memory and restoring my brain from high volumes of functioning during long work-weeks. It has the potential to improve memory, help deep sleep and help reduce stress any anxiety without making you super drowsy.
*All of the products are from the substrates of naturally found substances.
*I am ecstatic about these products and have the opportunity to share them with you all.
-Get 10% off a purchase of Momental Mind or Mend, using offercode: DRBAGS10 .
Stay Healthy Everyone!
-Dr. Bags
Work Cited:
1. Kennedy, D.O., &Wightma, E. L. (2011). Herbal Extracts and Phytochemicals: Plant Secondary Metabolites and the Enhancement of Human Brain function. Adventures in Nutrition. 2(1), 32-50. Doj: 10.3945/an.110.000117
