The Top 5 Things To Watch Out For When Choosing A Nootropic

Are you looking for a way to increase your focus, and productivity? Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed or unable to keep your calm? Are you looking to improve your cognitive function and mental clarity, and break free from brain fog?

If so, exploring the world of nootropics may be the perfect solution. Also known as “smart drugs” or “cognitive enhancers,” nootropics have become a go-to for biohackers and soccer moms alike, and it’s easy to see why. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to keep up with the demands of work, family, school, etc, and many people are looking for a way to get an edge.

The sharp increase in the demand for nootropics has led to a near overwhelming number of brands entering the marketplace. While they all promise to deliver benefits, here’s the reality: Not all nootropics are created equal… And some may even be dangerous.

For all the facts... Keep reading to discover the top 5 nootropic landmines to avoid so you can make an informed decision about what you're putting into your body.

Nootropics: Magical Elixirs or Marketing Smoke and Mirrors?

As a category, nootropics claim to offer an impressive list of benefits including:

• • Improved memory and focus
  • Increased productivity and motivation.
  • Reduced stress levels
  • Improved mood
  • Enhanced performance
• • Limit age-related cognitive decline
  • Better learning ability and creativity
  • Enhanced alertness
  • Improved speed of recall
  • Peak mental clarity (no brain fog)

But it’s not just the brain-enhancing benefits that make nootropics so popular. People are quick to give nootropics a try because they’re so easy to use. Unlike pharmaceuticals, many nootropics are available without a prescription and can be purchased online.

This is a huge benefit if you’re looking for a simple way to address cognitive struggles but don’t want the hassle of dealing with a doctor.

Another main draw for nootropics is that they are generally considered to be safe. Unlike some pharmaceuticals with their laundry list of potential side effects, most nootropics claim to be free of unwanted results. Unfortunately, as you’ll see below, this claim may not be based in truth.

Nootropics: The Top 5 Things That Could Hurt You

Choosing the right cognitive support supplement can be a tricky task - and it's important to be on the lookout for potential warning signs of a low-quality and/or dangerous product. To ensure safety and effectiveness, here are the red flags to avoid:

1. Misleading Claims

Unfortunately, some nootropic manufacturers make false or exaggerated claims about the benefits of their products. As an example, some products claim they can improve IQ, or even cure serious medical conditions, such as Alzheimer's or dementia. Not only are these types of claims illegal, they can be dangerous. If you think you have a serious medical condition, talk to a doctor – don't rely on a nootropic to fix it!

2. Lacking Scientific Evidence

Many nootropic formulations have zero clinical proof that they work. Why is this? Oftentimes, it’s a financial decision. It’s common for brands, especially smaller companies, to opt not to scientifically validate their products because clinical studies are costly.

3. Regulations? What Regulations?

Unlike pharmaceuticals, nootropics are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, and do not have to prove product safety and efficacy. Without any kind of oversight, some manufacturers use questionable ingredients and adulterate their products with synthetic chemicals. The result? Ineffective, and potentially harmful products.

4. Suspiciously Cheap Formulations

Your cognitive health is crucial to your wellness and quality of life, so why take any chances? Suspiciously priced products can be a major red flag for low grade products. Quality matters, and the old maximum holds true: You get what you pay for!

5. Suspicious Supplement Labels

A study from the Centre for Pharmacognosy in London found that some nootropic products contained contaminants and/or other ingredients not listed on the label. As you might imagine, this can make it difficult to know exactly what you’re putting in your body... Which may leave you vulnerable to potential issues like allergies or sensitivities.

How to Choose an Effective Nootropic

While the nootropic landscape is full of ineffective options, you can still find safe, clinically proven effective products – If you know where to look. Here’s a quick guide for cutting through the clutter:

Research the Ingredients

One of the most crucial steps when deciding on a nootropic is to familiarize yourself with the ingredients. To steer clear of questionable formulations – Always check if the ingredients have been studied for effectiveness and safety.

Demand Clinical Proof

Make sure to look for clinical proof to back up any claims a supplement makes. Clinical proof is the most reliable evidence of a supplement’s efficacy and safety. Search for studies (ideally on humans) to verify any claims.

Look for a Quality Brand

Don’t take chances when it comes to your health. Always choose a reputable brand known for its top-notch ingredients, high standards in manufacturing, and quality customer care.

Bonus: The One Thing That Makes All Nootropics Better

Quality nootropics are an attractive solution for anyone seeking to get a cognitive edge. And while they can be beneficial, when it comes to your brain, many people forget about one crucially important player. In fact, this oft-overlooked puzzle piece is so important, that addressing it may be the key to unlocking the full potential of both nootropics and your cognitive health.

Cortisol, affectionately known as “the stress hormone,” gets released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Cortisol regulates a number of important processes in the body… But when cortisol levels become elevated due to high stress (and who isn’t stressed these days) it can have detrimental effects.

High levels of cortisol can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which can lead to impaired concentration and focus.It can also reduce your likelihood of forming new memories, and even interfere with your ability to recall previously learned information. Plus, elevated cortisol levels can disrupt your sleep, which can lead to fatigue, sluggish thinking, and brain fog.

And did you know? High levels of cortisol can actually make any nootropic supplement ineffective. See, nootropics work when their compounds bind to receptor sites in the brain. But if cortisol is too high, the binding mechanism gets disrupted.

Think of it this way: If nootropics have the potential to be like Superman, then stress and high cortisol are like Kryptonite. They basically render nootropics powerless. If you want to get the most out of your supplement protocol, it's important to take steps to keep your cortisol levels in check.

There are many ways to reduce stress, such as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and taking time for yourself. However, these practices can be hard to maintain and if you lead a busy life, may not be enough to balance overactive cortisol. That's why the best and easiest solution is to find a product that can both reduce stress AND give your brain the nourishment it needs to stay sharp and energized.