NOOTROPIC THUNDER

Corey Boutwell

Mar 27, 202120 min read

Nootropics don’t treat dumb

“When you stare into the abyss the abyss stares back at you.”

― Friedrich Nietzsche,

COREY BOUTWELL 27/03/2021

Nootropic Simple Definition = Forward Mind

INTRODUCTION

To find the right nootropics for you it is first most important to understand how your own brain chemicals work and knowing your personality and lifestyle enough so you can choose the correct nootropics for you.

Nootropics can essentially be drugs so this is of most importance.

Number One: complete the Braverman test here: https://www.bravermantest.com/. This test will help you realise what chemicals your brain runs off your can find more about it by listening to the podcast here: https://www.muscleintelligence.com/18-2/

Number Two: Complete this personality test: https://www.16personalities.com/

Number Three: DO YOUR RESEARCH! You can do your in-depth research on these two links:

Nootropics AKA Smart Drugs definition:

Nootropic Simple Definition = Forward Mind

Nootropics are drugs, supplements, and other substances that are claimed to improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals. While many substances are purported to improve cognition, research is at a preliminary stage as of 2021, and the effects of the majority of these agents are not fully determined.

Nootropics are also commonly known as cognitive enhancers meaning a greater ability to acquire knowledge and understanding thought through mental actions, experiences or experiences through the senses.

Why Use Nootropics

It’s important to know that nootropics may be a relatively new term however natural ones have been used for 1000’s of years.

It is also important to know that nootropics are not just supps, pills, and liquid blends.

Nootropics have been used since ancient times as rituals and ceremonies and were often a way of life simply through eating food, diet, and drinks.

Alot of the time nootropics and blends of nootropics were added to daily diet and routine.

They have also been used by ancient herbalists, traditional Chinese medicine masters, etc in order for different users from healing to optimisation and learning (coffee, green tea and matcha, Chinese herbs and ayurvedic medicine are good examples of this).

WHAT DO THEY DO

The term "nootropics" first referred to chemicals that met very specific criteria. But now it's used to refer to any natural or synthetic substance that may have a positive impact on mental skills. In general, nootropics fall into three general categories:

Dietary supplements
Synthetic compounds
Prescription drugs.

The research is still inconclusive on exactly how the drugs work to stimulate the mind, but early research indicates they may act on a variety of different systems within the body simultaneously. One explanation is that they may increase blood flow to the brain, which allows the brain to use more oxygen. (You can use a NOS booster like beetroot extract for this instead).

Some nootropics may raise the body’s adrenaline levels and produce effects similar to drinking large amounts of caffeine, which means people can stay awake for extended periods of time.

Some drugs increase the number of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as dopamine, which are released in the part of the brain associated with dependence.

IMPORTANT: Nootropics work simultaneously using different brain and body chemical pathways.

It is important to know which nootropic you want to use and when.

It is also important to know that when using a Type 1 nootropic that you are borrowing from tomorrow's energy if you do not facilitate the experience effectively or carefully.

THOUGHT BOMB:

As you may be aware your neurotransmitters, stomach bacteria, and genetics are completely different from everyone else.

Therefore, different nootropics and blends will affect you differently than everyone else.

Hence, it is so important to use a single nootropic to find out what works best for you and then slowly add in other single nootropics together in blends that work best for you in order to get optimal results.

Overall: find the best single nootropics that work best for you prior to using or combining blends.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Limit caffeine

Like sugar, coffee gives you a temporary energy boost, but it can deplete dopamine in the long run. Minimize coffee consumption or switch to decaf to counter dopamine deficiency.

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency can lower dopamine levels, and experts estimate over half of Americans don’t get enough magnesium from their diet.

Common symptoms of magnesium deficiency include:

salt or carbohydrate cravings
high blood pressure
constipation
rapid heartbeat
sore muscle
fatigue
headaches
poor mood
anxiety.

Vitamins

The antioxidants contained in vitamins like C and E protect brain neurons that use dopamine. Eating or supplementing with the right vitamin nutrients for you can help protect neurons from free-radical damage and ensure an ample supply of key nutrients needed for healthy cognitive function. Omega 3's are also essential for this too.

Peak mental performance begins with good nutrition.

The brain requires an extensive amount of a wide range of micronutrients for proper cognitive functioning.

Without the right amount of these essential nootropic vitamins and minerals, our cognitive power can fade, while overall brain health weakens.

Poor self-regulation can destroy you

Poor self-regulation can result in weakness of will and the classic negative reinforcement of giving in to feel good.

Self-regulation is essential. Reflecting, journaling, knowing about yourself mentally, knowing how your body and brain works, knowing how your emotions work, your moods, your brain chemistry, your impulses & urges, and your personality can influence your life.

If you do not partake in any self-regulation exercises or activities then experimenting with nootropics that can influence your neurotransmitters is quite frankly…..dangerous.

High performers and those who partake in self-development and self-regulation who are willing to track and be responsible for their own biology are the best people to take advantage of this.

Self-regulation failure may manifest as:

Emotional eating
Binge drinking
Shopping sprees
Problematic gambling
Procrastination

In hindsight, get your shit together then crush it.

Be Aware of the Overall Neuroexcitatory Effect. This effect relates to the feeling of pure mental stimulus. The best nootropics for high performance are not the ones that make you feel awake, they are the ones that allow you to get into your high memory, learning, and decision-making brain for long periods of time.

These nootropics are a good blend of being healthy, using fasting, eating quality fats, using NOS boosters, and then mindfully adding in some healthy nootropics staying away from the too excitatory type ones.

The following study quotes: “This review explains how the main classes of cognitive-enhancing drugs affect the learning and memory circuits and highlights the potential risks and concerns in healthy individuals, particularly juveniles and adolescents. We emphasize the performance enhancement at the potential cost of brain plasticity that is associated with the neural ramifications of nootropic drugs in the healthy developing brain.”

Performance enhancement at the cost of potential brain plasticity: neural ramifications of nootropic drugs in the healthy developing brain

Sometimes nootropics can simply be too much especially for the development and neuroplasticity of the brain. These largely relate to synthetic nootropics like modafinil and Ritalin, not the natural herbal ones.

The following study quotes “Our objective is to raise awareness among physicians in general and psychiatrists and addiction specialists in particular of the potentially dangerous phenomenon of unsupervised nootropic use among young adults who may be especially vulnerable to nootropics’ negative effects.”

Probable Nootropic induced Psychiatric Adverse Effects: A Series of Four Cases

NOOTROPICS DON’T DO ANYTHING

Before even using nootropics, it is of MOST importance to get your brain and body at peak performance and neuroplasticity first.

Give your mind and body the best chance possible to get after it and feel amazing, then add natural nootropics on top.

Otherwise, nootropics are like putting a soggy bandaid over a wound and potentially infecting it and making it worse. But you think the wound is okay because you put a shitty soggy bandaid on it… analogy/10.

This is what happens when people feel like they NEED coffee or drugs etc.

When you know you do not NEED any of these things, you feel great, you can get into high-performance flows at least once a day. If you eat, sleep, drink, move and hydrate well then now it is time to start experimenting with these bad boys.

Possible Stimulant Drawbacks

The true benefits of stimulants for attention are often short-lived, followed by a reliable, fast-acting crash. Some stimulant benefits may even degenerate into harsh, long-term side effects when engaged too frequently.

BRAIN NEUROCHEMICALS & PATHWAYS

The 5 Main Pathways Are:

Acetylcholine
Adenosine
Dopamine
GABA
Serotonin

Acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh) plays a leading role in alertness, focus, memory, and mood. ACh also contributes to neuroplasticity that supports the long-term potentiation needed to form long-term memory. And for a healthy, optimized brain.

Alpha GPC
Choline Bitartrate
Choline Citrate
CDP-Choline

Acetylcholine cannot be taken as a supplement. You can only provide the fuel for it from food, liquid, or a supp which is known as choline to your body and brain so that your brain can convert it to Acetylcholine.

Choline is found naturally in eggs, liver, beef, salmon, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and breast milk. Eggs are often considered “brain food” because they supply high amounts of choline.

Choline is needed by your body for liver function, normal brain function, and development, nerve function, muscle movement, cellular energy, and metabolism.

Choline assists in methylation involved in genetic expression and the repair of DNA, nerve signaling, and detoxification.

Choline benefits cognition by supporting memory and learning, attention and focus, brain energy, brain regeneration, and muscular performance.

Choline is one the best supporters for brain enhancement for cognition and is best acquired through food, however, there are some supps that provide an extra boost for this.

Nicotine receptors are also linked to acetylcholine receptors and the majority of other nootropics also activate these pathways, mostly, natural nootropics.

Adenosine Pathways

Adenosine is essentially your sleepy time chemicals and pathways. Caffeine’s primary role is to block adenosine as adenosine essentially reduces the activity of Type 1 dopamine allowing your brain to feel tired.

However, the body adenosine helps make up ATP and ADP

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the source of energy for use and storage at the cellular level meaning, it allows you to spend energy like performing a bench press, ADP is the molecule left after energy excursion that essentially needs some recharging.

In the brain adenosine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This means adenosine can act as a central nervous system depressant. In normal conditions, it promotes sleep and suppresses arousal. When awake the levels of adenosine in the brain rise each hour.

Protecting your adenosine or using supplements to increase adenosine after using stimulating nootropics can be beneficial.

As caffeine blocks adenosine it can prevent you from needing an afternoon nap but it can also prevent you and your brain from getting the necessary sleep you use.

Please read my article on COFFEE & CAFFEINE HERE which shows you how to use caffeine effectively.

THE MAIN PATHWAY - Dopamine

There are essentially two types of dopamine pathways nootropics influence:

Type 1: Stimulating > increase energy, feeling of awake and alertness usually when substances convert and breakdown into or up-regulate glutamic acid or dopamine (like caffeine, nicotine, and cytidine).

Type 2: Zen Focus > increase brain activity, memory, attention, impulse control, high performance, learning, and flow states (L-theanine - GABA -CDP-choline (citicoline) )

Here is a real quick snapshot of an in-depth look at dopamine pathways:

There are 5 dopamine pathways however, D1 and D5 receptors group together, and D2, D3, D4 are together in a separate subgrouping.

D1: memory, attention, impulse control, regulation of kidneys and adrenal glands, locomotion
D2: locomotion, attention, sleep, memory, learning
D3: cognition, impulse control, attention, sleep
D4: cognition, impulse control, attention, sleep
D5: decision making, cognition, attention, renin secretion

From here on out we will refer to D1 and D5 and Type 1 dopamine pathways and D2-D4 Type 2 dopamine pathways.

What I’d like you to understand here is that dopamine can affect you in multiple different ways, a calm, memory-focused state and also a hyper awake and alert state.

Dopamine is the precursor for noradrenaline in the sympathetic nervous system. This means when dopamine pathways are activated, especially the Type 1 dopamine pathways it is more likely the body will start to use noradrenaline which can give you a feeling of a rush as it is essentially your body using adrenaline.

Adrenaline is pumped from the adrenal glands on the kidneys.

Adrenaline, in a very simple way = cortisol, and your stress hormone gets released. Adrenaline is used in the sympathetic nervous system this is when your body is stressed and is using cortisol. It's like a cycle that just keeps running until you cut it off.

Hence, when you first wake up using foods, fasting or natural nootropics or a good combination of both to get you a really good sufficient stimulation and use of dopamine which means you are supporting your body naturally, which is the goal.

As a population we are all slightly or chronically sleep deprived or addicted to dopamine, a coffee first thing in the morning (activates dopamine pathway Type 1) and it feels almost impossible to give it up.

The graph below shows you need just the right amount of dopamine to perform at optimal levels.

Norepinephrine Definition - Or noradrenaline, the "attention" chemical; associated with sleep-wake cycle regulation, peaking during states of stress or activity.

Epinephrine - Or adrenaline, the "fight or flight" chemical; increases blood flow to muscles, heart rate, and blood sugar levels.

Type 1 Dopamine Pathway Activators:

Caffeine
Sugar
Nicotine
Naughty Nootropics (mentioned below)
Racetams
Adderall
Modafinil
Mostly synthetic uppers that can overstimulate you

It’s important to note that due to the 2021 westernized world it is easy to already be dopamine D1 addicted. Our body and brain are so used to firing this off people turn to use cocaine, caffeine, and addicted to social media just to feel a hit.

What is SO interesting to look at is that the majority of natural nootropics like Bacopa Monnieri or L- Theanine to downregulate the Type 1 dopamine pathways and enhance Type 2.

Really handy to have when also having a coffee or two ;).

Type 2 Dopamine Pathway Activators:

Meditation
Exercise
Sunlight
L-Theanine
Ginseng
Bacopa monnieri
Uridine
Forskolin
Matcha
Rhodiola
Ginkgo biloba
Lions mane mushroom
CDP-Choline (Citicoline)
ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine)
Cordyceps
Tyrosine
NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine)

GABA Pathways

GABA receptors are different from the molecule or amino GABA and its role in the brain.

These receptors can switch on to either fire something else on or off. They are also used to shut things down.

As a molecule in the brain, GABA is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks, or inhibits, certain brain signals and decreases activity in your nervous system. When GABA attaches to a protein in your brain known as a GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect. This can help with feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear.

Fun Fact: GABA helps the uptake of magnesium and magnesium supports GABA.

What does GABA do:

Reduces mental and physical stress
Eases feelings of anxiousness
Decreases muscle tension
Creates a calmness of mood
Supports balanced blood pressure
Helps to induce sleep
Increase human growth hormone (how good)

Supplements:

GABA can be taken in its own form as an amino acid
Kava (Kavain)
Magnolia Bark
Valerian root
Skullcap
Lemon Balm
Passionflower
Black seed oil
Ashwagandha
L- Theanine
Matcha + Green tea
Apigenin (found in chamomile)
Magnesium (which binds to GABA receptors)
Serotonin can increase GABA activity so serotonin precursors like Tryptophan and 5-HTP can increase GABA action in the brain.

Serotonin Pathways

The most important thing to know about serotonin is that you must handle nootropics with care.

Being strict with cycling is extremely important.

Serotonin nootropics are essentially mood enhancers. Serotonin causes happiness and a lack of serotonin causes depression.

Serotonin also creates melatonin.... your main sleep hormone.

Furthermore, if serotonin receptors are healthy your brain can use serotonin well but if the receptors are damaged, or have been overused, or are not healthy, your body can’t use serotonin as well which can increase the chance of feeling depressed, unhappy, unmotivated or “moody".

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter made from the amino acid tryptophan. The human body cannot make tryptophan so you must get it from the food you eat. Tryptophan is most abundant in meat, fowl (turkey), and cherries.

To be on the safe side I’d suggest not using tryptophan or 5-HTP as they have the potential to use too much serotonin.

Generally, our serotonin will get used naturally without the use of anything. Stimulation and high dopamine levels increase serotonin. Therefore, the effect of using dopamine nootropics can enhance serotonin naturally especially if you are getting things done and are feeling proud of yourself or with your performance etc.

Hence, using supps and foods like:

Low dose vitamin B6
Vitamin D
Omega 3 fatty acids
L-Theanine

May allow you to best regulate and give yourself the best chance to allow serotonin to flow.

FIRST THINGS FIRST.

Before even trying nootropics try a natural NOS booster like beetroot powder. This simply allows more blood flow to get into your brain.

If you eat well, your digestion is good and you choose brain-rich (high choline) foods in your diet then you have just increased all of that goodness to get into your brain x 10.

This means, better dopamine (Type 1 & Type 2), acetylcholine, serotonin, and GABA get a boost which can all happen simultaneously.

You could try using a natural or an amino-based NOS booster (citrulline malate) for a week to a month before cycling off to allow your body and brain to reset and get sensitive again.

So if you are reading this and your routine is weak, you experience regular sadness or depression, you find it hard to stick to a meal, exercise, and sleeping schedule.

Please, sort that out first. You got your work cut out for you.

All those are symptoms or are causing unhealthy brain pathways and non-optimal neurotransmitter levels = nootropics being void.

NOOTROPICS ARE OVERWHELMING

There are so many different types and uses for nootropics that do certain specific things.

Certain nootropics may need to be balanced out with other nootropics in order to work properly and it could be specific for you.

Certain nootropics will affect your energy, mood, alertness, and focus compared to others.
Some nootropics may do nothing, others may make you feel numb from emotion.
Others can make your brain healthy and some can make your brain weak.
Some nootropics recharge you, others drain you.
The message I want to get across is to BE MINDFUL WITH YOUR NOOTROPICS!
For the love of god keep an eye out for what makes you feel good and what makes you feel like shit.
Note that different nootropics will also work for you for certain periods of time.

Some may benefit you greatly for 6 months then stop working. As your body and brain chemistry change and grows so will the effects of nootropics.

Therefore, it is best to actively try some and become your own potions master in regards to this.

Assess yourself on:

Mood
Alertness
Focus
Zen
Wiredness
Overstimulation
Memory and learning

Easy to try nootropics and give yourself a score on these.

You will start to realise what activates Type D1 dopamine pathways (alert, awake jitters caffeine) and Type D2 dopamine pathways (zen, learning, memory, high performance, focus) and what gives you a good mix of both.

ESSENTIAL NOOTROPIC GUIDELINES

USE SINGLE NOOTROPICS FIRST

See how you react
Choose what works well for you
Make up for sleep using anti stims and getting to bed early
You’re taking out of tomorrow for today
Take time to Re-Sensitise dopamine receptor

Below are the main rules to follow when assessing nootropics.

Don't mix central nervous system stimulating nootropics unless absolutely necessary or you rest and reset the day before or the day after (great for a large big productive event or day you need to get stuff done)
Try not to use too many Type D1 dopamine nootropics after midday
High-performance states and flow states usually come when you are present and your brain is neuroplastic…….this means you want to take advantage of Type 2 dopamine nootropics (you don’t have to feel a buzz to be incredible at high performance)
Nootropics are a supplement to a healthy body and mind, it may be pointless to use nootropics unless you optimize yourself first
Nootropics can enhance the brain benefits of a lower-carb diet
Stick to natural and healthy single strain nootropics to find your ultimate potion
Try to use fat-soluble or mix your nootropics with fats like a Bone Broth to get the most out of them (Quality fats transport nutrients into your brain)
Try using fasting and a high-quality fat diet prior to nootropics, you can also try starting with MCT oil, bone broth, eating lots of salmon, walnuts, berries and dark green leafy vegetables first
1. Link for fasting program: https://aboutwellbeing.net/aboutwellbeingfasting
2. Link for bone broth discount: https://theherbaldoctors.com/discount/Corey1

MUST KNOW NOOTROPIC POTIONS FOR YOU

After you have completed:

Braverman's test
personality test
perhaps a blood test
stress analysis
Work-life balance
Goal assessment

You should have a great idea of how your routine and current needs for high performance are.

I recommend finding three of the best nootropic potions you need for different areas of your life and when you need to take them.

One: Zen Potion

This would be the most important potion to use and find
This would be to use Type D2 dopamine pathways, serotonin pathways, etc to allow you to get blood flow into the front part of your brain to access the best memory, learning, decision making flow state possible
A hack for this would be to practice meditation prior to taking this potion (meditation allows blood flow to the front part of the brain)
Examples would be to use L-theanine, ginkgo, mushrooms, bacopa, matcha, berberine, astragalus, ginseng variations, tyrosine, keto salts, MCT oil, choline supps & Chinese herbs.
Try mixing these into a quality bone broth: https://theherbaldoctors.com/discount/Corey12
My current example of this is a large matcha, acetylcholine (Alpha GPC) + tyrosine

Two: U Potion

This potion should be the mix that is currently perfect for you that is your favourite blend of both dopamine pathways
I also recommend that you thoroughly enjoy this potion taste-wise
It could be something like mixing or blending a coffee with MCT Oil, mushroom extracts, some choline and matcha
It could be doing a little shot of a few things mixed together with lemon or hydration tablet.
Take your time to figure out which single nootropics make you feel great and are sustainable
Note how often you may be able to use this blend it could be once a day it could be a couple of times a week. The frequency, potency, and tolerance awareness is key
This potion should not be too stimulating
My current example of this is a black coffee, a bone broth with mushroom extracts, and a quick shot of L-theanine, tyrosine, and keto salts.

Three: Unlock Potential Potion

This potion should be a blend of potions that get you to an 8/10 stimulation feeling
Anything over 8/10 will take too much out of the next day
This potion should only be used once a week or when absolutely necessary
This potion should be similar to your You Potion but have either a larger dose or another Type D1 dopamine pathway nootropics
An example of this may be adding some nicotine to your nootropic stack or even just the substance itself.
For this potion notice the assessment you have given single strain nootropics and stick to the ones that give you good stimulation of all areas that are most essential to y9ou (mood, alertness, focus, zen etc.)
My current example for this is a black coffee, matcha & 2mg of nicotine

QUESTION FOR YOU

If you have found any amazing supps, single nootropics, and blends for either of these three godly potions that you would like me to try please let me know and send me a quick email on; boutcore@gmail.com

MY MOST STANDARD COGNITIVE ENHANCER

On a 14 hour fast I break it with a bone broth, Chaga, lions mane and matcha :)

I use

Bone Broth: Best of the Bone bone broth concentrates - Grass-fed & finished
Matcha: www.ithriveorganic.com
Lion's mane & Chaga www.thesourcebulkfoods.com or www.thehouseofhealthcollective.

POPULAR NOOTROPICS

Citicoline

Citicoline increases mental energy-enhancing attention, concentration, and focus.

These versatile brain-boosting bioactivities may help to spark motivation and confidence, especially when stacked with other nootropics for procrastination. And, studies suggest citicoline may also help improve self-regulation through cognitive inhibition.

Citicoline has been shown in human research to enhance attentional performance, improve attentional deficits and reduce impulsivity in study subjects ranging from middle-aged women to adolescent males.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea supports a positive mood by optimizing dopamine and serotonin levels, so you can feel good about taking on a task you were not too excited about. It also fights the mental fatigue that can drain motivation, restoring energized cognitive performance that makes it easier to tackle daunting tasks (instead of avoiding them).

In addition, natural herbal nootropic Rhodiola Rosea helps sustain acetylcholine, a brain chemical that augments cognitive flexibility and inhibits excitatory feedback in cortical circuits resulting from the stress response that can lead to procrastination.

Rhodiola Rosea is a root herb that is classified as an adaptogen. In theory, adaptogen herbs help the body to “normalize” body functions that are off-kilter.

More specifically, adaptogens help the body to adapt to any and all stressors, which are defined as any factors that force the body’s normal physiologic functioning to change:

Physical stressors: Extreme cold, loud noise, exhaustion, toxins, excessive sun exposure
Mental Stressors: Mood imbalance, worrying, tension, fear, anxiety

L-Tyrosine AKA (NALT)

Tyrosine is essentially the juice for dopamine, it is a precursor to it that helps prevent procrastination. If your personality type or your brain runs often off of dopamine and tyrosine is essentially the fuel tank.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to improved focus, alertness, and mood.

I believe if you even get your brain optimise the use and conversion of tyrosine to dopamine will increase your dopamine use.

Tyrosine converts to dopamine via:

Converts to L-DOPA
L-DOPA converts to Type 1 or Type 2 Dopamine

With these attributes, NALT may help to promote an active, productive, and energized mindstate before you can procrastinate.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is a natural amino acid that is known for being one of the nootropics compounds in green tea. L-Theanine increases Alpha brain waves – thereby promoting a calm, clear, and creative mind state that is often described as “wakeful relaxation.”

Human research suggests L-Theanine can calm excitable neurons reflected by a slower heart rate and lower stress chemical markers when dealing with high-pressure mental performance tasks.

This nootropic offers even more benefits for stressed-out brains:

L-Theanine eases the nervousness and jittery side effects of excessive caffeine consumption.

Green tea naturally supplies the prized "Theanine + Caffeine" nootropic stack.

L-Theanine indirectly helps other nootropics for stress by supporting restful sleep…...ever go to bed stressed and wake up groggy and brain-foggy?

Clinical study has shown that L-Theanine is a safe, natural, and effective sleep remedy that may significantly improve sleep quality.

Alpha GPC

Alpha-GPC seems to increase a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This brain chemical is important for memory and learning functions.

These data indicate that a single 600 mg dose of A-GPC when administered 90 minutes prior to resistance exercise, increases post-exercise growth hormone (40%) and peak bench press force (14%).

Alpha GPC boosts acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter tied to memory and overall brain function. Alpha GPC is a precursor to acetylcholine. Improving the efficiency of communications between neurons in your brain. This increase in neural signaling boosts memory, learning, cognitive processing and mental clarity.

Alpha-GPC supports the nervous system by boosting acetylcholine and cholinergic activity. It may also raise the levels of other brain-protective messengers such as:

GABA
Dopamine
Serotonin
Inositol phosphate
As mentioned, it might boost growth hormone levels as well

Sport performance coaches can consider adding A-GPC to the diet of speed and power athletes to enhance muscle performance.

In short Alpha GPC makes you alpha allowing you to perform better mentally and physically.

However, it is quite expensive and can taste not the best depending on where you get it from.

It is also a common ingredient in nootropic stacks.

Bacopa Monnieri

Widely researched and highly valued for its versatile brain benefits, Bacopa Monnieri is an ancient Ayurvedic herbal adaptogen perhaps best known for its cholinergic memory enhancement effects. While some nootropic enthusiasts supplement Bacopa for its stress adaptive benefits, this brain botanical holds a special place in students' hearts (and brains) as a learning accelerator and exam performance-enhancer. The research behind this reputation:

Chronic Bacopa supplementation has been shown to improve "higher-order cognitive processes that are critically dependent on the input of information from our environments such as learning and memory.

B-Vitamins

B-Vitamins are semi-essential co-factors in catecholamine synthesis and thus reliable sources of mood and motivation enhancement.

Of the B-Vitamins, vitamin B6 is the most important for brain function -- yet, other B vitamins, such as B12 and folate, may help with neurotransmitter metabolism as well. The specific motivational neurotransmitter pathways facilitated by B6 include:

This is why B-Vitamins are often stacked with L-tyrosine: they enable the ultimate conversion of dietary L-tyrosine to catecholamines. And there are other key neurotransmitters affected by B vitamin levels: e.g., GABA, norepinephrine, and melatonin.

B-Vitamins regulate various neurotransmitter conversions, including for the Motivation Molecule, dopamine.

HERE, IS A GIANT LIST OF CATEGORISED NOOTROPICS TO FIRST RESEARCH AND THEN DECIDE IF THEY WORK FOR YOU.

My Current Shelf I Am Experimenting With:

Tyrosine
Gaba
Digestion supps
Astaxanthin
GABA
Panax Ginseng Extractum (pine brand)
Organic fair trade freshly roasted coffee (same with a decaf)
Keto salts
Citrulline malate
Beetroot powder
Reishi, lions mane, ashwagandha
A shit load of www.ithriveorganic.com matcha powder ✅🚀🍵
L - theanine
Passionflower
Omega 3 Supp
MCT oil
Nicotine
Magnesium
Adrenal Support
Alpha GPC

Natural Nootropics

Bacopa

Bacopa Monnieri is used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine to improve memory. Meta-analysis and reviews of clinical studies found evidence that the herb may improve cognition. It is thought that Bacopa Monnieri primarily works by stimulating neuron dendrite branching, thus facilitating inter-neural communication. This view is contested, with others suggesting that Bacopa Monnieri's nootropic effects are the result of its status as an antioxidant and adaptogen.

Panax ginseng – A review by the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that "there is a lack of convincing evidence to show a cognitive enhancing effect of Panax ginseng in healthy participants and no high-quality evidence about its efficacy in patients with dementia."[61] According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, "[a]although Asian ginseng has been widely studied for a variety of uses, research results to date do not conclusively support health claims associated with the herb.

Ginkgo biloba – An extract of Ginkgo biloba leaf is marketed in dietary supplement form with claims it can enhance cognitive function in people without known cognitive problems, although there is no high-quality evidence to support such effects on memory or attention in healthy people.

Salvia officinalis and lavandulaefolia (sage) – Some research has suggested certain extracts of Salvia officinalis may have positive effects on human brain function, but due to significant methodological problems, no firm conclusions can be drawn.[65][66] The thujone present in Salvia extracts may be neurotoxic.[66]

Centella Asiatica – A 2017 meta-analysis with 11 studies (5 RCTs with placebo, 6 using other herbs as a comparison group) showing no significant improvement in all cognitive function, however may have some use in improving mood and anger. Overall dosages were smaller than the typical 3 grams used traditionally.

BEN GREENFIELD SUPPS

Nicotine
Lion's Mane Mushroom, Bacopa monnieri, Ginkgo biloba
Chinese Adaptogenic Herbs Tianchi
Nicotine
Qualia Mind
Maca root
Yerba mate
Green tea
Methylene blue
YouTrients Test
Quercetin
Curcumin
Tulsi, Astragalus, L-Theanine

Naughty Nootropics - Central Nervous System Stimulating + Dopamine D1 Receptors

Caffeine
Nicotine
Modafinil - Eugeroics
Adderall - Amphetamine
Ritalin - Methylphenidate
Racetams

Ayurveda Supplements

Andrographis paniculata
Ashwagandha
Bacopa monnieri
Black Seed Oil
Curcumin
Gotu Kola
Lemon Balm
Green Tea
Milk Thistle
Oroxylum indicum
Rhodiola
Tulsi

Natural Plant Extracts

Berberine
Beta Caryophyllene
Cocoa
Methylliberine
Piperine
Pomegranate
Sage
Sesame
Tart Cherry
Tongkat Ali
Quercetin
Curcumin
Astragalus

Amino Acids

Agmatine
L-Arginine
L-Carnitine
L-Carnosine
L-Citrulline
L-Theanine
L-Tyrosine
Phenylalanine
GABA

Mushroom Extracts

Great link and supplement for mushroom blends and nootropics: https://www.superfeast.com.au/ and https://lifecykel.com/
Great site for individual nootropics https://observer.com/2021/01/best-nootropics/

Chaga Mushroom
Cordyceps Mushroom
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Reishi Mushroom
Shiitake Mushroom
Turkey Tail Mushroom

Flavonoid Supplements

7,8-DHF
Epicatechin
Hesperidin
Quercetin
Amentoflavone

Traditional Chinese Herbs & Mushrooms

Magnolia Bark
Panax Ginseng
Polygala tenuifolia
Schisandra chinensis
Tian Qi
Cistanch

Choline Supplements

Alpha GPC
Choline L-Bitartrate
CDP Choline
Cytidine
Citicoline

Quick Notes:

Combo Option 1: Forskolin, tian qi and cistanch

Combo Option 2: Chamomile (increases autophagy + trifela = great for digestion > flavonoid >apigenin > amentoflavone

Combo Option: 3: L-Theanine + tulist astragalus is a great combination also mixed with homotaurine.

Combo Option 4: Bacopa + Panax Ginseng (great idea)

Combo Option 5 For Testosterone: Sistench + ginseng + magnesium + Schisandra

REPLACEMENT FOR MODAFINIL: Corex Labs Supplement https://www.livecortex.com/product/cortex-gen-1/?ref=1731

Simple Nootropic Hack: Lecithin - a baking powder you can get cheap in bulk anywhere that emulsifies (breaks down fats).

Fats are lipids you can see them if you put oil or butter in oil informs into large droplets.
The lecithin turns this larger droplet into tiny droplets = way easier to digest.
Fats digest into lipids, lipolysis your body's state of running off of fats lecithin can aid this process or speed it up.

Dopamine has 2 receptors: