What is the key to having a razor-sharp memory, flawless articulation, and radiating calm and zen?
Celebrities including Gillian Anderson, Bella Hadid, Joe Jonas, Kourtney Kardashian, and Travis Barker claim that nootropics—which are available in bottled, canned, and supplement form—are the solution.
Each of the aforementioned celebrities has created or invested in a company that sells so-called “smart-drugs” that promise a variety of feel-good effects during the past several years.
There is G Spot, an alcoholic, caffeine-free, and sugar-free sparkling drink brand recently introduced by actor Anderson to “celebrate self-care, self-awareness, and the freedom to be who you are.”
Similar to this, the non-alcoholic alternatives offered by Kin Euphorics, co-founded by model Hadid, range from canned “heart-opening joy” in the shape of Bloom to “made-to-mix” beverages promising “social magic” and “soothing serenity.”
Meanwhile, Mindright, a company that sells “brain-boosting” snack bars, popping chips, and coffee boosters, counts Jonas and Barker as two of its prominent investors.
Additionally, the oldest Kardashian sister sells Lemme Focus, a gummy vitamin that focuses on nootropics, as part of her supplement line, Lemme.
So what are these magical substances exactly? Nootropics are “substances designed to improve mental functions such as memory, focus, creativity, and motivation,” says dietitian and health influencer Emily English (@emthenutritionist).
Natural dietary supplements, artificial pharmaceutical medications, and even certain foods can fall under this category.
Their main goal is to target our brains, boosting our mental acuity and improving the functionality and performance of the brain.
And many of them, argues English, we know already rather well.
Although the phrase may sound unfamiliar, caffeine is one of the most widely used nootropics that most of us take on a regular basis.
Understanding the distinction between the natural and pharmaceutical varieties is essential, according to G Spot nutritionist Natasha Draycott, who developed the line alongside Anderson.
“Some nootropics, like Ritalin, are prescription-only pharmaceuticals.
While you don’t need a prescription for natural nootropics like bacopa, L-theanine, and medicinal mushrooms found in G Spot drinks.
There is a wide variety of nootropics available, says Draycott.
Some have received a lot of research, while others remain largely unknown.
Nootropics can have a variety of physiological and psychological impacts, and curiously, these effects can range from person to person, just like they can with any drug or dietary supplement.
Cordyceps, theanine, lion’s mane, bacopa, chaga, reishi, ashwagandha, and maca are among the supplements that Draycott personally advises seeking out because research has shown that they help reduce stress, fight inflammation and infection, as well as boost energy and libido.
For attention and concentration, Kardashian also suggests lion’s mane, B12, panax ginseng, L-theanine, and citicoline.
English thinks that the rise in interest and investment in nootropics-focused brands is a result of the fact that our society is becoming more and more performance-oriented.
“People are growing fixated on improving their physical and emotional wellbeing.
People are constantly looking for advantages and strategies to enhance their wellbeing.
Just such is promised by the nootropic pill industry.
Additionally, she argues, we’re talking about mental health more than ever.
“We also have a far greater understanding of our mental health.
People are looking at ways to improve mental clarity and mood, lessen brain fog, and improve cognitive function as society becomes more aware of the importance of mental health and the prevalence of conditions like anxiety and depression.
Draycott concurs.
“Neuroscience advances have improved our understanding of how the brain functions, and the prevalence of social media and podcasts has increased public access to the research and findings.
As a result, more individuals are becoming aware of ways to improve cognition and desire to organically boost energy and productivity.
In essence, more and more people are becoming aware of the idea of “biohacking,” which, according to Draycott, is “the practice of using technology and science to find ways to optimise health and longevity.”
“The nootropic, adaptogen, and mushroom industries have all benefited greatly from the growth of the biohacking movement,”
While these famous items are safe to consume, English advises against deviating from the path because there may be false information nearby.
Observe nootropics communities carefully.
Communities on websites like Reddit allow people to exchange information and discuss their experiences, but just because something has worked for someone else doesn’t guarantee that it will work the same way for you.
What method of research is most effective? The most important stage, according to English, is to look for scientific proof.
It will be safer to use a nootropic that has undergone extensive testing and peer-reviewed research.
The more research proving the effectiveness and safety of nootropics, the better.
Additionally, English advises looking for purity, educating oneself about potential side effects, and avoiding promises that seem too good to be true.
“For me, a nootropic raises an immediate red flag if it claims to be able to treat all of your diseases.
Numerous businesses, in my experience, rely on statistics to support the benefits of their goods, but the dosage they employ is insufficient.
It may be seriously deceptive.
Otherwise, I suppose we might enjoy living the life of an A-list celebrity? Get to Holland and Barrett quickly.