cognition Archives |

ALCAR/ALA Stack: Benefits and Side Effects

ALCAR and ALA can help combat the effects of aging on the brain.

When studying nootropics, you will discover that these supplements have several nuances. You can educate yourself thoroughly on the exact mechanisms of pretty much every available compound, trial them individually, and still barely scratch the surface of smart drug supplementation.

The reason?

Nootropic stacks, or cross-nootropic potentiation. Basically, combine any two or more substances, and you’re going to see effects that go above and beyond what you’d simply expect from one or the other.

Nootropics are complex substances, and the brain is a complex piece of biological machinery. The more compounds you’re ingesting at the same time, the better the chances that you’re going to trigger some unexpected effect.

ALCAR/ALA Benefits

This combination is the concept behind recent trials which suggest that combining ALCAR (acetyl l-carnitine powder) and ALA (alpha lipoic acid) could have dramatically boosted benefits for health and cognition. Continue reading “ALCAR/ALA Stack: Benefits and Side Effects”

Inositol and Choline Combo: A Winning Team

Both choline and inositol supplements can positively impact health. The body is capable of producing both of these nutrients. However, many people today are considered to be deficient in one or both of these ingredients. This deficiency is due to a high amount of stress, poor diet, or lack of exercise. Nevertheless, taking both of these ingredients especially in combination can lead to a number of very positive benefits.

What is Inositol?

Inositol is a form of niacin. This naturally-occurring substance aids in converting the food we eat into energy. It is also especially helpful in the metabolism of certain minerals including calcium (which is very important for brain function as well as other processes). Studies have also shown inositol to be vital in the efficient formation of cell membranes. This nutrient is found in a number of foods including nuts, beans, wheat, oranges, and cantaloupes.

What is Choline?

Choline is also a member of the B-vitamin family. Choline is also believed to be a precursor to the important neurotransmitter Acetylcholine which plays a key role in memory, learning, and other cognitive processes. Aside from this, choline also plays an important role in heart health and in the growth of strong and healthy hair cells.

The Choline-Inositol Combination:

When taken together, high quality inositol and choline supplements help to form lecithin. Lecithin is a lipid used in the formation of all living cell membranes. Interestingly enough as we age our cell membranes become more and more rigid and we produce less and less lecithin. Rigidness in cell membranes can lead to all types of harmful effects and conditions such as cognitive decline and heart issues.

This supplement combination helps aid the development of brain functions. The inositol helps to calm the central nervous system and may even help to boost mood. Choline helps to support memory and learning.

Herbal Teas with Nootropic Effects

Introduction:

These days it seems like we are seeing more learning-related issues than ever before. These issues include general brain ‘fogginess’ and lack of clear thinking ability. We could all use a little extra boost or a brain pick-me-up. One of the ways this boost can be accomplished is by choosing the right herbal teas.

Huperzine:

Huperzine is an extract from the Chinese moss huperzia serrata. This substance has been known to increase memory and recall speed due to the fact that it increases Acetylcholine levels within the brain. Acetylcholine is a powerful brain chemical thought to play a key role in memory, learning, and other cognitive processes. This supplement has been receiving increased attention and is beginning to be added to certain types of teas, so be on the lookout for it.

Ginkgo Biloba:

Another interesting herb that is also found in many teas is Ginkgo Biloba. Used for thousands of years in traditional Indian and eastern herbal remedies, this supplement has a well-known history of cognitive enhancing benefits. Research indicates that it can be helpful at improving memory and may also reduce anxiety. As an added benefit, it also acts to improve circulation within the brain and body, as an anti-inflammatory, and as a way to improve visual acuity.

Ginseng:

Another well-known and researched herb with potential cognitive-enhancing properties is Ginseng. In fact, a major part of its current popularity is due to the potential improvements in memory, concentration, focus, and overall clarity of thought. It has also been shown to improve working memory and support feelings of relaxation and calm in healthy individuals. This herb is added to many teas and should be very easy to find. It also is thought to act as an anti-oxidant and provide immune system support.

Conclusion:

Simply drinking tea can be an excellent—and easy—way to increase nootropic effects like enhanced cognition, reductions in stress, lessening of anxiety, and improved brain health and function. Of course, knowing which specific herbs to look for in the various tea formulations is also important. Watch for a few of the herbs listed above and try them for yourself.