“Limitless” Pill: Is it Real?

The existence of a pill that would allow us to unlock the full potential of our brain is fun to dream about, but unfortunately no such pill truly exists – at least not like it does in the movies. That said, there are tons of supplements that you can utilize to improve you’re the cognitive functions of your brain, including memory, focus, concentration, and creativity. Even better, unlike the movies there are not terrible side effects. Here are some supplements, often referred to as nootropics, that can potentially help your brain function at its highest level:

Ginkgo Biloba

A supplement that is derived from the ginkgo tree, native to parts of Asia, but it is also now grown in Europe and the United States. The supplement has a long list of potential uses, but it is most notable for its ability to treat memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. It functions as a focus and memory booster by increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain. In order to function at its cognitive best, the brain needs a constant flow of oxygen, and even a slight disruption in that flow can create issues and have a profound effect on the brain’s ability to function. Studies have found that using Ginkgo along with a healthy diet and regular exercise will improve your ability to retain information as well as your memory recall. In addition to treating serious issues like Alzheimer’s, the supplement can also improve short-term visual memory, mental processing, attention spans, and concentration, particularly in older people.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

An amino acid that is produced naturally within the body and used to treat several different memory related disorders. It is one of the more popular brain boosting supplements and is often referred to as “Brain Super Fuel”. The supplement works by helping to maintain the health of the brain cells, and has been found to be particularly effective as a daily low to medium dosage for those who suffer from mild memory issues. One benefit of the supplement is that it works fairly quickly, and users should start experience some of the benefits within days. It works by increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain, and can be utilized to treat any number of different memory disorders or diseases. It has been used to treat Alzheimer’s, age-related memory loss, memory loss related to alcoholism, depression, poor circulation to the brain, memory problems that are related to Lyme disease.

Adrafinil

An alternative to the prescription drug Modafinil, Adrafinil is a cheaper supplement that is one of the strongest of the synthetic nootropics. It provides many of the same benefits as drugs like Adderall and Ritalin, but does not come with the same side effects that can accompany those drugs. It has stimulant effects and enables users to deeply focus on whatever the task at hand is, and doesn’t come with eventual crash and fatigue that is common with many stimulants. Technically, Adrafinil is a stimulant, but unlike other stimulants it does not cause hyperactivity, instead it can be used to treat those who suffer from sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. The intense focus it provides also has a beneficial effect on memory. Unlike some of the other supplements on this list, Adrafinil is not supposed to be taken as a daily supplement, and should only be used as needed, because it can have a negative impact on the functionality of the liver if taken too much.

Piracetam

Another synthetic nootropic, Piracetam is the basis or prototype for many of the racetam nootropic supplements. It was the first nootropic to ever be discovered and as a result is the most well-researched and widely used of the nootropics. The supplement works by increasing the uptake of oxygen into the brain cells and modulating the receptors in the brain for the neurotransmitter. It is often used to treat cognitive impairment and according to studies will improve cognitive function when used by subjects that are in a cognitive decline, like many people suffer with aging. It is more effective for people who are suffering from some kind of cognitive disorder than those who are general healthy, and simply looking to improve their cognitive function. It is most effective for older subjects and can also be used to prevent blood clotting.

L-Theanine

An amino acid that is generally extracted from green tea, L-Theanine functions by crossing through the blood-brain barrier and increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. It is often utilized by combining it with coffee, which can allow the user to improve their depth and mindfulness in their thinking, and are able to focus more acutely for hours after ingestion. Additionally, it has no known side effects currently and can offset some to the crash that is associated with drinking coffee. It can also be used to treat anxiety and high blood pressure, while also preventing Alzheimer’s disease.