Nootropics for Design and Creativity
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There are certain dietary supplements you could take to potentially enhance your cognitive skills. Here is a golden list of nootropics and nutraceuticals. |
| First of all a disclaimer: I am not a doctor and please do consult a doctor before taking any of the supplements or drugs that I would list below. The following is my own research about some common supplements that you could buy without any prescription. If you buy or use them, you accept any and all risk. I accept no liability or responsibility at all, let this be known! |
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| That being said, I use nootropics, again at my own risk but I am buying the products from large companies and established brands just in case and I am only buying nutraceuticals and supplements for which the scientists were able to demonstrate they work. I accept the scientific method in which drugs are tested vs a placebo control group because otherwise internet is full of promises but science prevails. |
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| First of all, before listing my choices of supplements, I wish to explain why using nootropics make sense to me. Nootropics are drugs, supplements, or other substances that improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals. So, if I can increase brain power (and my mood), why not? |
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| I work at a creative sector, as a designer I am relying on my brain all day long to get my job done, it is only natural that I wish to get a better performance out of it. However, brain also gets tired, we all experience it when we start feeling dumb at the end of a tiring working day or week; especially when you work consecutively long days and got little sleep you get dumber for sure. |
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| When you are tired, you know better to take a coffee, did you know that coffee is a Xanthines type stimulant that could actually help you to increase your alertness, performance, and, in some studies, memory. So, if coffee works I thought there could be others and made a research to find out some supplements to help me get smarter and happier. My lists is clean and you can obtain all of them legally, from big companies. |
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| To remind you, I did the list based on drugs that were proven to be effectively when compared to placebo control groups; that means people who take these drugs, stimulants and nutrition supplements actually got smarter, without the placebo effect. That matters to me, because I was afraid to consume substances that would be ineffective and useless but also dangerous. |
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| There are many lists of items that you could find but I tried to use only things that were proven to work or proven to be harmless in case they did not. What I take is the basics, nutrition and dietary supplements instead of drugs or some other overall products. That being said, ok here is the list of what I take and why I choose them and which company product I am buying if I am buying (I make this list also to remember what I am buying) so here it goes: |
| Brainpower: Phosphatidylserine - This got a qualified health claim status from FDA for reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction. Phosphatidylserine is good for improving thinking skills, to help you focus on your task and also to enhance your mood and to reduce your stress levels and to get rid of that depression. Solgar company has Corti-Sol-PS or Phosphatidylserine 200 mg Softgels that you can buy. |
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| Cognitive Vitality: Rhodiola Rosea is a herb. I take it because it is highly neuroprotective against toxins, increases lifespan & longevity, makes you happy by increasing serotonin and reduces binge eating when you are stressed! Rhodiola Rosea is also used for increasing energy, stamina and mental capacity. Solgar has Fitorodiola - Rhodiola Root Extract Vegetable Capsules which I use. |
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| Boost Cognition: Acetyl L-Carnitine or Acetylcarnitine is an amino-acid that your body already produces. Acetylcarnitine is good for your memory and it helps brain circulation, Acetyl L-Carnitine helps your body produce energy, more energy to brain means more brain output and it also reduces depression and mental fatigue. Solgar has 1000mg Acetyl L-Carnitine tablets and I use these. |
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| Boost Memory: Phosphatidylcholine is a vital substance found in every cell of the human body. Some scientists believe that it could be used to slow down ageing and age-related processes. I use it because it is supposed to help with memory, fluid intelligence, anxiety, and calms you down. It is also good for eczema, high cholesterol and helps kidneys. Solgar has 840mg Phosphatidylcholine capsules which I take. |
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| Boost Immunity: Vitamin D3 - Cholecalciferol is one of the five forms of vitamin D. This one is good for bones, high pressure, skin conditions and kidneys. It is used for boosting the immune system and preventing cancer so count me in. It can even be good for maintaining a good weight. I use the Solgar 2200UI 55mcg capsules. I do not suggest higher doses but there are bigger doses available. |
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| Boost Resources: I use also multivitamins, as I am not having a good diet. I am using Omnium from Solgar which contains various different vitamins and minerals that are needed by my body, this way I do not worry about eating junk food every day. Omnium has: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B6, B12, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Molydenum, Sodium, Potassium, Choline. |
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| Boost Cognition: Ginkgo Biloba is a plant. This one is good for improving short term memory, keeping cognitive capacity and it further helps with vertigo, dizziness, concentration, and mood. It also helps with blood flow, anxiety, and vision, sleep quality and attention. Solgar has a product called Fitoginkgo which I use, it has 90mg Standardized Ginkgo Biloba inside. |
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| Reduce Inflammation: Curcumin - This is a chemical produced by some plants and sold as a herbal supplement, also called Turmeric. I take it because it is supposed to reduce inflammation and fatigue as well as to help my skin. Solgar has Full Spectrum Curcumin 40mg tablets. Do not overdose this one as it could lead to a series of side effects. |
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| Boost Heart: Omega 3 - Fish Oils. These are good to help with mood, concentration, blood pressure, inflammation, blood glucose. They help with your heart, blood circulation and vision. They are also good for your skin and bone. I am using Solgar, EFA, Omega 3-6-9, 120 Softgels as they are rich in DHA and EPA types. Omega 3 is scientifically proven to be good for your heart, you should take this one for sure even if you do not consider others. |
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| Cognitive Power: Panax Ginseng - the Korean ginseng is reportedly good for cognition, blood suger levels and overall well-being and some people even take it for athletic performance. I take this one to help with anti fatigue as well as to help with my thinking and concentration. This one has many scientific articles quoting its benefits, and it is even good for flu. I use Solgar Korean Ginseng 250mg. |
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| Brain Energy: Coenzyme Q10 is good for the push of energy your brain seeks. I take it to have more energy, and it also helps blood presure, fatigue, and blood flow. Coenzyme Q10 is similar to a vitamin and your body needs it, it also helps you recover fast. Q10 also works as an antioxidant protecting your body from damage. I take Solgar CoQ10 60mg or 120mg depending on the day. |
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| Stimulate Immunity: Beta Glucans are found in yeasts and thus quite natural and mostly safe. They are good to prevent infection as they boost immune system and are helpful for skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema etc. I take Solgar Beta 1,3 Glucans 200mg. They contribute to well-being by making sure you get sick less, and thus indirectly smarter; you think better when you are not sick. |
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| I think the best supplement is actually sleeping good and eating good, I suggest you to have a varied diet with good rest for best mental performance, however if you need support in those crazy workload weeks, you might consider the vitamins I listed above. I do not use them always; only when I feel really tired and worn-out from work. Always consult a doctor when using anything that could effect your health!. |
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This article was added on Thursday, 7th of July, 2016 at 06.03 pm by author 
