Have you ever taken some supplements known as brain boosters when you were cramming for your college exams? These brain boosters are an example of nootropics. From the Greek words, ‘nous’ and ‘trepein,’ which mean mind and to turn respectively, the word nootropic literally means mind-turning. A nootropic is any substance that enhances mental condition. Aside from being known as brain boosters, nootropics are also referred to as brain enhancers, smart drugs, and memory enhancers.
At present, nootropics are defined as any substance that helps the brain in any way. They can be prescription drugs and non-prescription substances. Prescription nootropics are used in clinical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, and narcolepsy. Non-prescription drugs are used as dietary supplements with diverse goals of improving the mental state of the one taking them.
They can also be synthetic chemicals or sourced out from natural herbs. Typically, nootropics boost brain function by providing energy, protection, circulation, and regeneration to the brain. They can also alter brain chemicals and brain wave frequencies that result in increased mental performance.
In individuals with depression syndrome, brain cognition, and mental performance are significantly decreased. As brain boosters, nootropics to help depression are helpful in the following manner.
Nootropics Help in Neuron Growth
Decreased memory and slower learning capacity are evident among depression patients. This is because there is little neuron growth as integral proteins such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors (BDNF) and New Growth Factors (NGF) are reduced. Studies show that stress and depression impair the release of these essential proteins for neuron growth. With regular intake of nootropics, an increase in BDNF and NGF are evident.
They Enhance Concentration and Memory
Among depressed individuals, attention, focus, and concentration are impaired. This is due to neurons’ inability to communicate with each other and the decrease of brainwave frequencies. Nootropics facilitate inter-neuron communication by increasing neurotransmitters while raising frequencies to stimulate brain cognition. This can also help in improving short memory impairment among depressed individuals
They Aid in Fighting Stress
Succumbing to stress is one major factor why individuals get into depressed states. Nootropics have anti-stress that can help improve moods and lowly feelings that can elevate the performance of chores.
They Increase Motivation
One manifestation of depression is the inability to find pleasure in what used to be an enjoyable activity. This is because dopamine, which is the brain chemical for pleasure and reward, is at low levels. By raising the levels of dopamine, nootropics can bring back the feeling of self-worth and contentment of a depressed individual.
Indeed, nootropics can help individuals with depression. Choosing safe and potent nootropics should always be our utmost consideration to ensure the best results in achieving over-all cognitive performance.