Nootropics for Memory: Things You Need to Know

Nootropics are drugs and supplements used for very specific purposes – mainly to increase cognitive function, such as memory, motivation, and attention.

It’s only within the last few years that nootropics for memory have become popular, with more people taking these supplements to reduce brain fog, improve productivity, and to no longer forget that item off their shopping list…

But just how good are nootropics for memory? Do they actually work? And are there any side effects? Well, here’s everything you need to know about nootropics.

What are nootropics?

Also known as “smart drugs,” nootropics are substances and supplements that can be used to improve brain performance.

Alongside their fun name, “smart drugs,” they’re also sometimes referred to as cognition enhancers or memory supplements.

But let’s face it, “smart drugs” sounds like something straight out of the film Limitless, starring Bradley Cooper.

Anyways, back on topic…

The most common type of nootropic you likely already consume daily is that morning cup of joe. 

Or, you know, morning, early afternoon, mid-afternoon, and late afternoon cup of coffee. 

No judgment here, though. 

Aside from coffee, other nootropics include amino acid supplements such as L-theanine, Omega 3 fatty acids, creatine, and even racetams – a synthetic compound that affects the neurotransmitters in the brain.

What are the best nootropics for memory? 

Many nootropics help improve short-term memory (think the last sixty seconds).

Whether you struggle with brain fog or you’d just like to remain alert, there are a few nootropics you can try, including:

  • Caffeine
  • Omega 3 supplements
  • L-Theanine
  • Ashwagandha
  • Alpha GPC

We will now discuss a little more on each nootropic below.

Caffeine 

Caffeine is the most widely used nootropic – nothing quite beats a cup of coffee to get the brain going in the morning.

Whether you’re a fan of coffee, sodas containing caffeine, or RedBull, caffeine increases alertness and focus, boosts energy levels, and may support brain health, as stated by Healthline

Omega 3 supplements

Omega 3 is found in fish and other seafood, nuts and seeds, and plant oils.

Yet many of us don’t eat enough oily fish to receive the optimal amount of Omega 3. Instead, Omega 3 supplements are a great way to increase your intake, providing you with many other benefits, too. 

Not only does Omega 3 improve immune system function, reduce inflammatory responses, and may even improve sleep, but it’s also important for our brain.

Omega 3 is thought to improve brain function and health, improving memory, cognitive thinking, and other processes. 

L-Theanine 

You’ll find L-Theanine in black tea and some mushrooms. But mostly, it’s available in supplement form.

L-Theanine may reduce stress and anxiety and in some cases, might also reduce insomnia cases. 

Furthermore, an article in the Journal of Medicinal Food mentions that L-Theanine also affects brain function, improves behavior under stress, and improves learning ability and memory impairment. 

Ashwagandha 

Ashwagandha is commonly used to treat stress, but it may also boost memory and increase task performance.

There are many other benefits of the supplement too – you can read up on them and more on another popular supplement, Sea Moss, in another blog post.

Alpha GPC

L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine is a naturally occurring compound found in the brain. 

Alpha GPC is a nootropic for memory, increasing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which facilitates learning and memory.  

Nootropics side effects – are there any? 

As there are many best nootropics for memory retention, there is also an abundance of potential side effects that you may experience.

Some people may experience no side effects from caffeine but may suffer side effects from Alpha GPC, for example.

Nevertheless, potential side effects of some nootropics include:

  • Insomnia
  • Blurry vision
  • High blood pressure
  • An increased heart rate
  • Nootropics can be addictive (to some people) 

Before taking any new nootropics for memory, we’d suggest consulting with your doctor beforehand – better to be safe.

Nootropic Xtreme – boost your memory

If you’re looking for an all-in-one nootropic supplement to boost memory and cognitive performance, then we recommend checking out the GridIron Nootropic Xtreme.

It contains L-Theanine, Alpha GPC, Ashwagandha, and Noopept – ingredients known to improve memory function. Nootropic Xtreme may also reduce stress and boost mental alertness. 

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