What are Nootropics?

Nervous System Health

Nootropics are non-addictive compounds, commonly described as ‘smart drugs’, ‘brain boosters’, or ‘memory enhancers’ responsible for the enhancement of mental performance.

They increase mental functions including memory, motivation, concentration, and attention. There are two different nootropics: natural plant/food based but concentrated, or synthetic, a lab created compound. Of course, I would recommend the natural, plant based compounds, as the principle of using our ‘food as medicine’ as Hippocrates, father of Western Medicine, proclaimed centuries ago!

Nootropics are cognitive enhancers that lead to an improvement in focus, mental clarity, memory and verbal fluency/acuity.

They improve vasodilation with more blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to brain, heart, nervous system, cardiovascular, lymphatic – immune modulator

Examples: Lion’s mane, Ginkgo biloba, Ashwagandha – COMBINED with Vit C, L-theanine, B-complex vitamins in sufficient quantities. I’ll discuss some of these below.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom indigenous to Asia. It has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. This well researched mushroom (fungi) has antioxidant, neuro-protective and immunomodulating properties, which creates numerous health benefits for humans. It can be grown quite easily and used in foods like soup (combine with Shiitake and other safe, edible mushrooms), salads and stews.

It has been used to help repair nerve damage to protect against dementia, reduce anxiety and depression. Its strong immune boosting and anti-inflammatory abilities have beneficial effects on various systems in human bodies.

Studies have shown that it contains an exceptionally large amount of different physiologically important bio-active components that has the potential to treat, prevent, or alleviate some of the major global diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, auto-immune and neurodegenerative diseases in particular.

As the brain ages, the ability to grow and form new networks may also decline. However, Lion’s mane contains two particularly special compounds, namely hericenones and erinacines, that stimulate the growth of brain cells, reducing symptoms of memory loss and preventing neuronal damage.

Studies have shown that consuming Lion’s mane 800-900 mg daily as a supplement, improves mental functioning, especially in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. It may therefore help in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, because it promotes nerve growth.

It can also help accelerate recovery of nervous system injuries, because the mushroom stimulates nerve cell repair and growth, which is often damaged after a stroke for instance. From my personal experience, it helped me (and still does), with brain recovery after my stroke.

As a result of the anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which is often related to chronic inflammation. In particular, Lion’s Mane has been shown to improve the functioning of the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for processing emotions that can influence the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The antitumor activity may be related to the activation of different immune responses in humans by components in the mushroom that can trigger strong support (modulation) of the immune system. The immune system can then function better to protect against pathogens (disease causing), balance the inflammatory reaction and the over-response to harmless allergens that cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Lion’s Mane helps to stimulate the body’s Nerve Growth Factor protein (NGF), which has the following benefits:

Enhancing cognitive function, helping to slow down the onset of dementia and brain dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions.
Helping to prevent nervousness and forgetfulness.
Lion’s Mane also supports the process of myelination (the formation of the phospholipid myelin insulation layer around nerve cells), which helps the nerve cells to transmit information more effectively and at greater speed, allowing for more complex brain processes and healthy nervous system functioning.

Summary of Lion’s Mane Health Benefits:

Promotes better focus and mental clarity
Prevents the growth of tumour cells
Supports a healthy cardiovascular system
Helps to lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels
Acts as a digestive aid
Helps to improve digestion and prevent constipation
Helps to relieve stomach ulcers and gastritis
Acts as a general nervous system aid
Supports the nervous system to help your body cope with stress, anxiety and fatigue
Immune system modulator

B-Complex Vitamins

The B complex vitamins include: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate/folic acid), B12, choline and inositol.

All the B-complex vitamins assist the enzymes in all our cells to function optimally and are therefore important for a wide range of cellular functions.- they are therefore often called co-enzymes.
Each B vitamin has its own specific benefits. Below the main benefits of all the B vitamins are listed.
This supplement combination contains sufficient quantotes for optimal health.

Possible Benefits of B-Complex Vitamins:

Increase energy levels
Supports brain and nervous system function
Supports the metabolism of all cells

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is also called maidenhair tree and known as a living fossil (it was
discovered in rock fossils dating back to over 200 million years ago). The leaves look
like the human brain, therefore the ancients knew where its main benefit lies and this
has also been proven by science.

Main Benefits of Gingko:

Supports brain and nervous system health
Assists with memory and concentration
Supports the cardiovascular system (heart and bloodvessel)
Supports all organs
Supports the endocrine system (responsible for hormone production)
Prevents damage from abnormal glucose metabolism and free radical formation*

Click here for our Neuro Balance supplement, containing all of the above.