Nootropic supplements are the newest obsession in the health and wellness industry – and for a good reason! These substances show strong evidence of supporting mental function and boosting cognitive health.
For millennia, humans have used natural herbs and medicines to maintain their overall health and prevent diseases’ potential development. However, thanks to the rapidly growing biohacking trend, this health management model is coming back. And with so many people turning to natural, plant-based health solutions, this approach is more popular than ever.
With this understanding, how can the nootropics weight loss pill aid people who want to reduce their weight? Let’s find out!
What are Nootropics?
Nootropics are commonly referred to as “smart drugs.” This is because these substances contain chemical compounds that can enhance cognitive performance. The word “nootropic” was coined from two Greek words: “noos,” which means “mind,” and “trope,” which can be loosely translated to mean “turning.”
In the past, the term nootropics were used to refer to a particular set of substances that meet specific criteria, including:
- Ability to enhance cognitive activity to aid learning
- Ability to resist impairing agents
- Non-toxic with few side-effects
- Enhances cortical and subcortical functions
- Protects the brain from physical and chemical harm
This is nothing new. People have used nootropic plants for thousands of years – with abundant evidence of their use in Eastern traditions – to influence mood and mental function.
These days, students might use a nootropic to enhance their study sessions, or a business professional might use them to focus in a demanding work environment. Recently, people have been paying more attention to the weight loss capabilities of nootropics.
Types of Nootropics
There are two types of nootropics, synthetic and natural:
Synthetic Nootropics
Synthetic nootropics are manufactured in the lab. Lab-created nootropics include racetam, piracetam, and other dietary supplements. Most of these aren’t FDA-approved because they aren’t classified as drugs, but some are approved prescription nootropics.
Natural Nootropics
Natural nootropics are primarily plant-based, with studies showing efficacy in acting as vasodilators within the body. Vasodilators increase blood flow in the circulatory system – and anything that boosts blood supply to the brain can enhance mental performance.
Nootropics for Weight Loss
The brain is central to all body functions. When this vital organ operates at full capacity, you will feel rejuvenated and energized. This can help you reach maximum productivity in your day-to-day operations.
At the same time, there are a couple of ways to approach weight loss – eating healthy and consistent exercise. So, where do nootropics come into play? Keeping up with a complete health regimen can be overwhelming, and many people tend to revert to poor eating habits and irregular exercise routines over time.
If you want to succeed in weight loss, these proper exercises and diet may not be enough to sustain you. Besides strengthening your vitality and mental focus, some nootropic substances can also help suppress your appetite.
While a lack of appetite may affect your productivity, the nootropic supplement you choose should still be able to keep your brain active and motivated.
Does Mental Performance Affect Weight Loss?
Losing weight isn’t a short-term process – it is an undertaking that affects every aspect of life, and for many, this can be a taxing experience. Several studies show a link between obesity and cognitive impairment.
Your weight loss journey will require your attention, focus, concentration, willpower, and motivation. For instance, when you set a weight loss goal, you can’t get anywhere without the proper focus and motivation. In addition, you will need to focus on your plan to prevent cheating on your meal plan and missing your workouts. Motivation plays a significant role in maintaining a wholesome diet and sticking to an exercise program.
How do nootropics relate to motivation? You need dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps manage the reward program in your brain, allowing you to feel good about the goals you do reach. Nootropic supplements that promote increased dopamine production in the brain can help you keep up with your self-determination to stay committed to your fitness goals.
Additionally, dopamine can help control your appetite and increase the temperature of adipose fat tissue, thus further aiding in weight loss.
Can Good Memory Help Manage Your Appetite?
Your memory is a big part of appetite control. You remember when you ate, how much, and when. Your brain also helps you remember whether some foods, such as junk food, are necessary during your weight loss journey.
Your brain is also responsible for implicit memory. This type of memory represents storing a particular crucial lesson learned. For instance, you don’t need to keep relearning how to ride a bicycle once you figure it out. Implicit memory helps you complete tasks efficiently.
A good memory can positively affect your ability to regulate your appetite and help you sustain healthy habits for your fitness and weight loss goals.
Fatigue, a Hinderance to Weight Loss
Chronic fatigue causes bad habits such as daytime sleepiness, a primary gateway to obesity. However, fatigue isn’t necessarily due to laziness – sometimes, factors such as chemical imbalances can bring about this issue.
Chemicals such as cortisol, melatonin, and dopamine play a significant role in causing chronic fatigue. Sorting out this imbalance may help set you on the right track in your weight loss journey.
Stress and fatigue are killer combinations that can hinder weight loss. Stress also contributes to a lack of motivation and focus, which leads to a cortisol imbalance left unchecked. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can affect one’s willpower, mood, and overall motivation – all internal tools you’ll need to access if weight loss is your goal. Address the sources of stress in your life to manage your weight effectively.
Examples of Nootropics for Weight Loss
We have established that nootropics can serve multiple purposes, and we have also covered the types of nootropics.
Natural nootropic agents for weight loss
Bacopa monniera
Bacopa monniera is a nootropic herb that has been used in traditional medicine to enhance memory, a key component in weight loss. However, this herb is also thought to manage stress, which we know can cause rapid weight gain. Stress triggers higher cortisol production, which in turn triggers abdominal fat creation.
This herb also counteracts fatigue and is rejuvenating, helping you exercise for more extended periods.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is mainly known for its antioxidant properties and increasing metabolism. Antioxidants help burn fat in your body by decreasing inflammation.
To top it all off, ashwagandha can help decrease your blood sugar levels, reducing insulin production in your body. This is because insulin causes weight gain by triggering the storage of excess glucose (sugar) in your fat cells.
Mucuna Pruriens
This natural nootropic produces L-dopa, both a mood and libido enhancer. Mucuna Pruriens increases dopamine levels which will help you burn fat and improves your mood to motivate you to stick to your fitness plan.
Ginkgo Biloba
We can trace the origins of this herb to traditional Chinese medicine. Ginkgo biloba is known for its memory enhancement properties and its ability to restore serotonin, a quality that can help reduce obesity. The herb is also an effective antioxidant that can aid in insulin management.
Synthetic Nootropics for Weight Loss
Adderall
Adderall is mostly an ADHD drug, but you can use it for weight loss if your doctor prescribes it. The drug decreases appetite and promotes weight loss in both adults and children. However, the FDA hasn’t approved the drug.
Although Adderall is effective in weight management, it also has serious side effects such as headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, and mood swings. It can also cause be aggravating for people with heart problems. Adderall can also be addictive and should be taken with caution.
Adrafinil
Adrafinil is another stimulant and is a common component in weight loss supplements. The drug gives you an energy boost, can enhance athletic performance, and is also a great way to lose weight. However, like Adderall, adrafinil can be habit-forming – use with caution.
Modafinil
Lafon Laboratories in France created modafinil. The drug was shown to be quite effective in increasing concentration and energy levels in patients. This can be useful if you want to boost your exercise routine. In addition, Modafinil is excellent in weight management as it decreases your appetite, lowering your daily caloric intake, which can lead to weight loss.
Citicoline
Citicoline naturally occurs in the body, although you can increase it with oral supplements or injections. The substance is used to treat memory loss and aging, among other medical conditions.
This drug can reduce food cravings and help you to feel fuller. With this drug, patients experience less desire to eat because they have a suppressed response to food images.
Despite its effectiveness, citicoline also has numerous adverse side effects such as constipation, headaches, insomnia, and stomach problems. Therefore, you will need a prescription for this drug.
Conclusion
So now you know what nootropics are and how you might use nootropics for weight loss. Like any supplement or medication, these substances have their benefits and side effects, so consult your physician and use your best judgment before dabbling in these “smart drugs.” Thank you for reading!