Quick Summary
- #1 Best comprehensive & Overall best smart pill for focus/natural ADHD supplements : Mind Lab Pro and Brain Pill
- #2 Most side-effects free and safe to consume daily: Performance Lab Mind
- #3 Best value for money: BulkSupplements individual nootropic ingredients– eg. Phenylethylamine, Alpha GPC, Reishi mushroom, Lion’s Mane (Use coupon save5 on BulkSupplements)
- #4 Best customizable nootropic stacks for different goals : Performance Lab Mind Stacks (combine Performance Lab Mind with Energy or MCT oil or Sleep or Stim or Sport Pre)
Introduction
If you’ve been exploring Nootropics supplements for any length of time, you’ve most likely run across a lot of lofty promises. Claims like:
- Controversial Limitless pill used by the 1%
- Viagra for the brain
- Miracle Brain Pill Stuns Hollywood
are not too unheard of, and can make it difficult to decide what to believe.
Well, nootropics do work, some better than others but they are no magical pill. And don’t expect to become that NZT celeb disrupting entire stock market. But they can provide unfair advantage.
But, what nootropic ingredients work best for you can also be a matter of trial and error. Different ingredients in nootropic supplements serve different purposes.
The Best Nootropics Can Unleash Great Potential – : a Nootropic is a compound word made from two Greek words NOUS- “brain” and TROPOS- “changed or altered”.
A nootropic is a supplement or drug which is usually designed to boost intellectual functioning by altering certain chemicals/neurotransmitters. Most natural nootropics maintain very few unwanted side effects and are mainly geared towards lasting cerebral development. Several benefits comprise bettered memory, awareness, attention, determination, attention, behavior, and mental dexterity.
For example, piracetam and citicholine (CDP-choline) are very well-known now in the silicon valley. Their wide-spread usage by professionals, top level executives, investment bankers and students is getting increasingly common. Several newspapers started writing up trend pieces about college kids, programmers, and young bankers taking these “smart drugs” to stay focused and productive.
Whenever last chance is hanging in the balance, any favorable position makes a difference. A solid nootropic can deliver that “unfair advantage!”.
Similarly, Nootropics that act as Natural Adderall alternatives (for ADHD) are beneficial too. They aim not just at suppressing symptoms of ADHD like prescription drugs do but instead have the potential to go to the root of the problem. Alternative methods are holistic in nature and attack the disorder from different directions.
In alternative ADHD therapy, a lifestyle change is often in order. Many parents look for a cure-all when it comes to treating their child with ADHD but if you want to see lasting results your best bet is to incorporate dietary control, natural remedies, relaxation techniques, and behavioral therapy to treat the problem holistically.
By utilizing these psychological enhancers, performance at work and sometimes basic personality traits like leadership, risk calculation and risk-taking behavior also get enhanced.
Some people like taking their daily cocktail — which contains vitamins, minerals, muscle-building compounds, some little-known research drugs or even a microdose of LSD — in almost a single gulp. Even simple substances, for example, fish oil, krill oil and ginkgo biloba affect focus and memory.
How do Nootropics function?
“It’s not like every tech worker in Silicon Valley is taking nootropics to get ahead. It’s the few who are getting ahead who are using supplements to do that.”
As medications like Adderall and Modafinil enhance the level of adrenaline and dopamine production in our mind, Nootropics also influence these psychological capacities.
Your mind has of billions neurotransmitters and also billions of synapses that join all of these neurons. These are the things that control your mind as well as your retention, mood, mental quickness, and ability to focus.
Boosting or lessening certain chemicals within your mind can improve the circulation of information as well as the manufacturing of these neurotransmitters, resulting in better intellectual performance in the areas of awareness, memory recollection, behavior, mental alertness and more!
The upkeep of your neurons in addition helps to prevent old age related mental fog and even mental diseases like dementia.
List of top 10 best nootropics/brain supplements/smart pills
A number of companies now market nootropic “stacks,” or formulas, some of which include piracetam, herbal remedies, amino acids and citicoline, a naturally occurring brain chemical that can be taken orally as a supplement or a drink.
Because they are sold as nutritional supplements and natural products that refrain from making health claims, they avoid close government scrutiny.
However, if you decide to venture out in your journey of nootropics, the following are your best bets-
1. Brain Pill
Brain Pill is without doubt the most comprehensive nootropic on the market right now. It delivers an awesome combination of effective, powerful nootropics. Each ingredient has been thoroughly tested in clinical trials. Brain Pill enhances focus, memory function, increases learning capacity, reduces stress, promotes neurogenesis, and protects the brain from oxidative stress. This is total brain optimization.
- 1. Better equips your brain with the ability to handle stress
- 2. Helps you focus more
- 3. Helps you minimize distractions
- 4. Sharpens your memory
- 5. Makes you a fast learner
The product, according to the manufacturer, has a simple mechanism. It is made from powerful natural ingredients. Almost all of them have been subjected to clinical trials. And experiments declare them to be effective brain-boosters. Following are the most important among them.
· Cognizin: A derivative of citicoline, Cognizin is perhaps the most effective natural brain booster. It raises the levels of dopamine, noradrenaline and acetylcholine neurotransmitters. These play a vital role in the smooth functioning of the brain. It also helps the proper functioning of neuronal cell membranes. As a result, the generation of energy in brain’s frontal lobe increases. Greater concentration, improved memory and the ability to respond faster follow suit.
Phosphatidylserine: Phosphatidylserine is a chemical that plays a key role in maintaining cellular function in the brain. PS is proven to improve attention, language skills and memory… even in older folks with declining cognitive abilities. It’s also been tested and shown to help adolescents with attention problems. That’s why Brain Pill includes this attention and focus enhancer in their unique nootropic blend.
· Vinpocetine: For the brain to function properly, it should have increased blood circulation. It should also be able to flush out toxins and get the nutrients it needs on time. Did you know that vinpocetine is so powerful that it’s only available as a prescription drug in Germany? Vinpocetine increases blood flow to the brain… improving memory and thinking skills. It’s been clinically used in several countries for more than 30 years… with an absolute impeccable track record for being one of the safest cognitive enhancers available.
· Synapsa: This, according to experts, improves the brain’s ability to process information.
· Huperzia Serrata: It helps your brain to perform well under pressure.
· Ginkgo Biloba: This is an ingredient popular among brain supplement manufacturers. It boosts your blood flow to brain & cognitive performance & thereby intelligence.
Combine all these with the substances like vitamin D. The supplement is a must-have in your diet.
2. Mind Lab Pro
Do you forget things easily? Notice that you can’t solve problems as rapidly as you used to? Do you find it hard to remember names, dates, or events?
For those that are looking for something to help improve short and long term memory, as well as slow cognitive decline, Mind Lab Pro is the right choice for you.
However, it is also one comprehensive formula that is increasingly getting used by & recommended for students, investment bankers, traders, stock markets professionals, athletes, fitness & bodybuilders enthusiasts and more.
This product is also recommended for older individuals who are suffering from age related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, and even to victims of stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Mind Lab Pro is made up of ingredients like:
- Citicoline – Which has been shown in studies to help with neural regeneration, mental energy, and attention span.
- Phosphatidylserine – Proven in studies to help improve cognitive function in aging subjects.
- Vinpocetine – Which is an effective nootropic that increases cerebral circulation.
- Bacopa Monnieri – Supports retention of new knowledge, and enhances brain chemicals and circulation.
- And more…
Nootropic enthusiasts have also tested Mind Lab Pro with pretty surprisingly positive results.
- Enhanced focus
- Faster information processing
- Greater mental clarity
- Reduced stress & anxiety
- Greater stress resistance
- Improved memory recall and retention
- Neurogenesis
- Brain cell protection
Mind Lab Pro ingredients
B6 – 2.5mg
B9 – 100mcg
B12 – 7.5mcg
Citicoline – 250mg
Bacopa monnieri – 150mg
Lion’s Mane Mushroom – 500mg
Phosphatidylserine – 100mg
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine – 175mg
L-Theanine – 100mg
Rhodiola rosea – 50mg
Maritime Pine Bark – 75mg
Mind Lab Pro is also recommended because of its two unique ingredients, not found in most other nootropic supplements.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom usage affects the release of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain. NGF is amongst the most significant neurotrophic factors in the human brain. It has the potential to influence the growth, differentiation, maturation, and repair of neurons.
Higher NGF levels in the brain is to say your neurons are repairing faster, they’re growing (increasing in number), and they are maturing much more quickly.
Experts believe the long-term effects of having higher NGF levels might be beneficial to brain’s overall health. Scientific tests have found that repeated, regular supplementation with Lion’s Mane Mushroom significantly improves multiple aspects of cognitive function. Mind Lab Pro supplies 500mg of full spectrum Lion’s Mane extract.
It also has Rhodiola rosea, a natural anxiolytic. Rhodiola rosea is one of the finest natural substances for lowering anxiety and relieving the physical symptoms of stress. It gets the job done promptly, decreasing blood pressure, reducing muscle tension, and offering a calm, clear mind. When used in conjunction with other anxiolytics like Tyrosine or Ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea’s efficiency is increased.
Rhodiola rosea usually works very well for everybody. It isn’t just effective in people suffering with severe anxiety – 50-150mg per day should help everybody.
3. Bulk Supplements’ Brain Supplements
Brain Supplements & Nootropics from BulkSupplements.com provide incredible value for money.
While BulkSupplements.com is an established supplement retailer that offers a wide range of supplements (not just nootropics) at an affordable price, every manufacturer has its ups and downs. Here, we’ll go through the pros and cons of buying from this company.
Pros
- You have a wonderful range of supplements/individual nootropic ingredients to choose from.
- The company checks products for purity and runs a cGMP certified laboratory.
- Their products are significantly less expensive than most retailers, especially if you buy a large amount.
- You can purchase specific individual ingredients to completely customize your supplementation regimen.
Cons
- If you purchase from outside the United States, delivery may take awhile.
- If you only require a very small amount of a given supplement, you may not be able to buy less than a certain weight.
Few Nootropics from BulkSupplements.com that you must try:-
L-Theanine: As a nootropic (a cognitive enhancer and 100% legal) — L-theanine may help strengthen cognitive function. However, it’s most distinctive benefit is it’s ability to reduce mental fatigue and stress in humans. By itself, l-theanine is effective nootropic. However when coupled with caffeine…there’s a pronounced synergistic effect. This means you would encounter heightened focus, awareness, and energy, as well as reduced stress and improved mental endurance to even higher levels.
Lions Mane : Lion’s Mane Mushroom usage affects the release of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain. NGF is amongst the most significant neurotrophic factors in the human brain. It has the potential to influence the growth, differentiation, maturation, and repair of neurons.
Phenylethylamine : Phenylethylamine enhances working memory, executive function, creative flow states, stress reduction, better mood, anti-anxiety and lessens symptoms of ADHD. It helps-
Anxiety & Depression. PEA triggers TAAR1 and TAAR2 receptors which in turn stops the uptake and increases the release of the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
Neuroprotector. Monoamine oxidase suppresses the catecholamines like dopamine and norepinephrine. Reductions in dopamine levels are suggested as a factor in diseases like Parkinson’s. PEA helps boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Reducing the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD). PEA stops the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine and inhibits their transport. Like the process of action provided by ADHD stimulant meds, people have found supplementing with PEA as a nootropic has decreased the symptoms of ADHD.
ALCAR: Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an acetylated form of L-carnitine that has anti-aging, neuroprotective and nootropic effects. It diminishes exhaustion, tiredness and boosts focus, memory, learning and executive function.
Alpha GPC : Alpha GPC has received a comparatively remarkable reputation in the nootropics niche with features like cognitive enhancer, neuroprotective agent, and ergogenic associated with its performance. In spite of its promising potential, the limited research done on this compound leaves a lot to be desired. However, people have reported nootropic benefits with it.
Alpha GPC (alpha glycerophosphocholine), like citicoline, may also help neuroprotective activity. It’s a compound composed of glycerophosphate and choline. Alpha GPC is an organic compound that will also work perfectly with other nootropics. Alpha GPC gets results fast and assists in delivering choline to the brain and actually enhances the production of acetylcholine along with cell membrane phospholipids. It’s quite practical that the compound may also increase the release of dopamine and calcium.
Reishi mushroom: Reishi mushroom intake has a tendency to activate brain cell growth. One study even recommended that Reishi mushrooms might be a potential medication for neuro-degenerative diseases. It also has a long background as a Chinese medicine intended for preserving and enhancing health. It is traditionally used in China, Japan and several other Asian countries. In China, it is considered as the “herb of spiritual potency”. It is also a well known health supplement frequently given to cancer patients to enhance their immune system. In clinical studies, Reishi Mushroom was recognized as an antioxidant-rich plant that aids you to avoid many chronic diseases.
4. Qualia Mind
Qualia Mind is a top of the line, premium quality nootropic supplement that has comprehensive formulation. Neurohacker Collective have done wonderfully here. If you’re looking to buy fast-acting nootropic product to enhance focus, information processing, and mental energy, this nootropic is a great option. However, it is also overpriced compared to our top recommended products in the list. Better value for money can be had elsewhere.
More specifically, Qualia Mind claims to do the following:
- Lift brain fog
- Boost concentration and focus
- Increase energy levels
- Increase “brain nutrition”
- Promote mental clarity
Clearly Qualia Mind is a nootropic focused on improving immediate, short-term executive mental functions.
It seems to not have specific focus on long-term brain health, neuroplasticity, or protecting against cognitive decline. Rather, Qualia Mind’s selling points are quick improvements in concentration, alertness and mental stamina.
Even so, Qualia Mind is not totally side-effect free. Each daily serving does provide around 90mg of caffeine and caffeine comes with side effects like jitters, insomnia etc.
It is crucial that you keep an eye on your daily caffeine intake to ensure you are not taking in too much caffeine. Long-term misuse of caffeine leads to dependency, chronic insomnia, and hypertension. It;s good idea to skip a cup of coffee if you start using Qualia Mind. If you are very sensitive to caffeine – or you happen to be working with various other stimulants at the same time – you should think about using a caffeine-free nootropic.
5. 4HFL’s Body Brain Energy
Body-Brain Energy™ from 4HFL is a Nootropic formula, containing 21 clinically researched ingredients. It’s designed to help maximize your physical energy and optimize your mental performance resulting in a whole-body energy boost, with anti-aging benefits.
Like Brain Pill and Mind Lab Pro, 4HFL’s Body Brain Energy is also a comprehensive formula.
Body-Brain Energy™ is designed to optimize specific health and longevity markers in your body, which help maximize both mental and physical energy levels, resulting in better performance.
Body-Brain Energy™ also helps protect against cerebral aging and neurological problems with regular use. In fact, the clinically validated ingredients may show dramatic improvements in only 14 days.
6. NooCube
In accordance with the Noocube website, this nootropic is a “synergistic combination of nootropics which helps support and enhance your focus, mental speed and memory”. Noocube is supposed to offer all of the “essential building blocks for a healthy, well-functioning brain”.
Noocube is a kind of enhanced version of Alpha Brain. It is made up of a lot of the same ingredients; the difference is, Noocube essentially discloses the ingredient serving sizes rather than hiding behind proprietary blends.
When it comes to performance, we believe Noocube will strengthen short-term memory function and reduce performance-anxiety. Most buyers will see an upsurge in learning capacity after about 8 weeks. Yet apart from that, Noocube offers little as compared to other top players in the nootropic industry.
L-Tyrosine, 250 mg
Cat’s Claw, 175 mg
Bacopa Monnieri Extract, 250 mg
Alpha GPC, 50 mg
L-Theanine, 100 mg
Huperzia Serrata (0,5 % Huperzine-A), 20 mg
Oat Straw Extract, 150 mg
Resveratrol, 14.3 mg
Pterostilbene, 140 mcg
It offers a decent dose of Bacopa monnieri, a good amount of Tyrosine, and some antioxidants. Jointly, these ingredients can decrease anxiety, enhance focus, and significantly improve memory function over the long-term.
The product also seems to be weak on focus and short-term brain power – just 50mg of Alpha-GPC is ridiculous for this price. There are better nootropic supplements out there, in the market.
7. Doublewood Supplements
Double Wood Supplements website comes with a vast range of different nootropics, ingredients, supplements and even legal smart drugs.
Considering user reviews and company’s reputation, we are satisfied that Double Wood Supplements is a very reliable online nootropic vendor.
Get $15 Off Of Purchases Over $100 at Doublewood Supplements! Use The Code HEALTH15.
Like BulkSupplements, they also have a fairly big range of individual nootropic ingredients , vitamins, and other supplements. Customers seem to be satisfied with the ordering process, shipment, nootropic quality, and overall support.
They have a beginner Nootropics stack that we recommend you check out in case you are a newbie starting out with nootropics.
Pros
Double Wood Supplements offer a broad variety of nootropics
High-quality products & fantastic customer support
Competitive pricing
Plenty of positive user reviews
Cons
Lack of information about the team & company’s background
No social media pages
Best Nootropic Stacks
1. Performance Lab Stim & Mind : THE BEST NOOTROPIC STACK OF 2020
- Great short & long-term effects
- Amazing formulation
- Great user experience
- High-quality supplements
PROS:
11 scientifically researched ingredients
Great short- and long-term effects
High-quality ingredients and production
Outstanding customer support
CONS:
You need to buy 2 separate supplements for optimal results
2. BulkSupplements individual ingredients stacks
Best Natural Nootropics ingredients you can get at BulkSupplements.com (use coupon save5) For:
Focus – Stack Citicoline(or Alpha-GPC/Choline bitartrate), Caffeine, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Memory – Stack Bacopa monnieri, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Phosphatidylserine, Ginkgo biloba, Citicoline/Alpha-GPC
Anxiety & Stress – Stack Tyrosine, Rhodiola rosea, Ashwagandha, Theanine
Brain Cell Formation, Protection & Repair – Stack DHA, Phosphatidylserine, Uridine, Citicoline, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Bacopa monnieri, Reishi Mushroom, Pterostilbene, Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Vinpocetine, PQQ. You can also get Brain Pill and Mind Lab Pro for this stacking, as they have all ingredients.
Energy – Stack Alpha-GPC, Caffeine, B6, B12
Mood – Stack Tryptophan, 5-HTP, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea