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Post by Admin on Apr 5, 2017 12:21:12 GMT -4
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Post by Kellie Aarons on Apr 5, 2017 15:39:10 GMT -4
The idea of taking nootropics is quite an interesting topic. It's like taking Adderall or Ritalin without actually taking them. Apparently, it gives the brain a boost for the day and helps with concentration. However, is it actually worth the risk to ingest multiple substances when such little research has been done? These brain-hackers are most definitely risk-takers. As the dietician, Kamalini Mukerjee, stated "Just because it's natural, that doesn't make it safe". Maybe the rush of adrenaline they get from taking nootropics is part of the reason they enjoy taking those substances in the first place. Then again, maybe not. Either way, more research needs to be done to support the benefits of taking nootropics.
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Post by Omose O on Apr 5, 2017 17:23:51 GMT -4
"Just because it is natural doesn't make it safe"; this for me is the key phrase in this article. So many people believe because it is natural it will certainly do the work which obviously is false. Some other school of thought will say if we don't try how then do we know, learn and discover things. The idea of nootropics is fascinating as on a short term is almost always effective but the major concern is the long term effects and possible side effects. My strong opinion will be: without proper research on the effects of these nootropics, people should be strongly advised against such.
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Post by Rod Teichroeb on Apr 5, 2017 17:38:50 GMT -4
I find this trend of trying to get "legally high" a bit disturbing. People are constantly trying to gain some kind of edge by ingesting everything under the sun without realizing that their body is hard at work trying to maintain homeostasis. This is quickly discovered when the person tries to skip their "uppers" for a few days and can't drag him/herself out of bed and has a pounding headache to top it off.
I think the key message in this article is at the end where Gutierrez mentions getting more sleep and occasionally taking time off of work to unwind. There's a lot of research to back that up!
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Mwamba Malekani, MSIV-UMHS
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Post by Mwamba Malekani, MSIV-UMHS on Apr 5, 2017 19:28:21 GMT -4
A few of us were actually discussing American culture today and the obsession with productivity. Ultimately, I don't see the benefit of making concoctions for brain boost. It is almost trying to find a quick fix but could ultimately be detrimental. I think American culture has an obsession with quick fixes. Nootropics is another fad like paleo dieting, juicing, etcetera. I do think it is important as a future clinician to not be dismissive though of individuals trying to do these fads. It shows that that person has an interest in nutrition and self-improvement. That sort of behavior is commendable. Ultimately, with the internet, patients can learn about these fads from less than credible sources and try them out. It is important as a future physician to establish a good rapport with patients because I think what could be a potential risk is patients doing one of these fads, like the nootropics or how Gutierrez explained making bullet-proof coffee for a brain boost and as a physician missing this in the history taking. As a physician, it is important to check in with patients regarding nutrition and exercise too.
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Post by Mythri Samboju on Apr 6, 2017 0:53:40 GMT -4
This article reminds me of the movie called limitless with Bradley cooper in it where his friend offer's him a substance to "improve his mind" The movie is about the effects of the drug and what happens to people on it and the consequences of it. As for my opinion, I think these nootropics are a bad idea not only have they not been tested people just make up whatever substance they like and it could be filled with different things depending on the person. There is no stable nootropic that you can buy on the market at least from my understanding I think it's extremely dangerous to put things in your body that you do not know off. I also think this might come into the category of addictive substances just like the movie talked about when your brain just think's it is normal to be thinking that way and when you are off it can cause withdraws. It's more dangerous because we don't know how to treat any type of overdoses that may happen due to this stuff. I think a lot more research needs to go into this topic because it could be hurting a lot of people without it being noticed.
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Post by Cynthia Okoro on Apr 6, 2017 1:19:55 GMT -4
Not much research on Nootropics, not well regulated, and whatever effect anyone wants from nootropic can be gotten from regulated and well researched substances, and from what i gathered whatever effect most of the users are looking for from nootropics, if they don't want to use prescription drugs can be gotten from life style change, provided they are not people with severe psychological issues and need actual prescription drugs, any one else that wants to attain a slight improvement in brain power i will say, no need for substances to hack your brain, a good old fashioned lifestyle change and brain exercises can do the trick.
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Jose Berrios Mendez MS3-UMHS
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Post by Jose Berrios Mendez MS3-UMHS on Apr 6, 2017 11:17:37 GMT -4
The concept of "brain hacking" just seems too light, the chemicals that they are adding to their drinks have an effect on the whole body, not just the brain, so a term like "body hacking" would be more suitable. They experience an increase in concentration and alertness, but that effect is also complemented by your heart rate, respirations, & your muscles as they aren't getting as fatigued. Eventually, the body stores of epinephrine, endorphins, and so on would run out and your body would respond accordingly. This is an interesting concept and the people who are willing to put their bodies at the mercy of "brain hacking" should be very commended for their drive to push the limits but they should be weary of the toll it would take on their body.
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Post by Gurbir Dhaliwal on Apr 6, 2017 12:07:49 GMT -4
Firstly, if you want to experiment with your body you should really do your research. Personally I also take a few natural supplements, one being Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg almost everyday. Does it work for me, yes but it was not over night and I gradually saw improvements in my long term memory. However prior to starting any supplement, I did my research. For example, Ginko should not be taken with blood thinners like Warfrin. Secondly, you should consult with your PCP to see there opinions. Some people may have predisposition to having more side effects because they have some sort of occult medical conditions. It would be smart to get a blood lab value prior to starting Nootropics or any supplement for that matter to see your baseline values. If after 4+ weeks there are significant changes in your "normal" lab values, discontinue these supplements and possibly find something else that may work for you. Besides, we all have different genetics and will react to medications/supplements differently. Thirdly, we live in a very competitive world today with 7+ billion people. If you feel nootropics give you the edge and no major side effects, why not take them to enhance work ethic to get things done on sooner giving you more free time to work on becoming an even better version of yourself. Next, don't always follow trends. For example, protein shakes and BCAAs are very popular among the fitness industry. Just because a big name companies promotes them doesn't mean they will work. These companies are out to make money and don't care about your health. Finally, It could all be a placebo effect. Bottom line. If you ever take any natural supplement like nootropics; do your research of possible adverse effects, talk to your PCP to obtain baseline lab values to monitor for short and long term adverse effects and do not follow trends just because "successful" people are taking these substances.
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Post by Blair Smith on Apr 6, 2017 14:24:29 GMT -4
This reminds me of the movie and the TV show Limitless. As humans we have a constant desire to be better or at least to be seen as better. Being still and just enjoying who we are and what we have already accomplished isn't a place many are able to find. That's why there is a market for all of these products that claim to have the power to make us better physically, mentally, and emotionally. The truth is nootroptics aren't a new thing, we've been using them for thousands of years. Are they healthy? That depends on what aspect of health you give priority to. If it's operating at your highest capacity then sure they can be extremely healthy. If it's longevity, then it's probably not because just like in Limitless, operating indefinitely on our highest capacity will indeed leave the body broken. We must accept ourselves, find our priorities, and seek balance in our lives to be healthy; with or without nootropics.
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Post by Khadeja Chowdhury on Apr 6, 2017 14:30:21 GMT -4
This article brings into attention the alarming social construct of "productivity" and the American need to "get ahead of the game" in business and in life. There are constant pressures surrounding us all both at work and in the home. A businessmen or scientist is often over-concerned with discovering the next big thing or next game changer, and even a single mother of 3 may seek a way to avoid the fatigue and gain just a bit of extra stamina to get through the day. Using nootropics to do this has its appeals, the potential gain of unlocking the full power of the human brain, but the risk at this point may be far greater than the benefit. With such little research done and so many potential side effects and complications, is it worth the risk, possibly even death, to get that edge up against your co-worker to increase your productivity? In the article, even Gutierrez admits that it is risky and he does not negate the need for the scientifically proven benefits of extra sleep, taking time off from work, and eating healthy. Regardless of what outside substances we put into our body, these factors are critical in keeping up our everyday productivity and avoiding fatigue. Those that wish to experiment with nootropics do so at their own risk and must be proactive in researching the chemical compounds effects, but they are still limited in what the internet can teach them. I believe we should all continue reaping the benefits of proven methods of keeping our mind's enhanced, such as exercise, and avoid falling into the everyday wall street pressures that can push us into seeking dangerous or unknown substances to be successful.
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Post by Ercan Sozen on Apr 6, 2017 15:53:44 GMT -4
One of the individuals in the article is taking medium chain triglyceride, branched-chain amino acids and L-theanine with his morning coffee. L-theanine is an amino acid found in certain tea plants. Although scientific data on L-theanine's long term effects on human health is weak, rest of the ingredients are widely consumed within an average diet. As we live in a society that heavily relies on coffee to sharpen our focus, I find it interesting to single these individuals out as risk takers or hackers who are simply trying to increase their focus and boost their intellect. Similarly, should we consider those who drink 6-7 glasses of alcohol per week as hackers who are in pursuit of happiness? I admire these individual's curiosity and willingness to sacrifice their health by taking a certain level of risk.
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Post by Lisa Lin PCOM PA-S on Apr 6, 2017 17:33:07 GMT -4
This new article posted, it is interesting how many who are not scientist but are willing to experiment as if they are experts. This goes back to the own saying "do it yourself" in other words, if there are certain food products you don't enjoy because it doesn't include a few of your favorite ingredients such as store brand cookies uses white sugar and you prefer brown sugar so you make your own cookies instead. Similarly, Tomás Gutiérrez is experimental with "natural" ingredients around the house such as butter. coconut oil, green tea, etc... to create a new "wake up coffee". I believe this can turn out in two ways: being lucky and creating a new line of coffee favor that increase stimulates with "natural engery you find in foods" or create an unsafe product due to over-mixture of ingredients that normal doesn't go together which may cause GI upset such as: mixing citrus fruits with milk. However, it is indeed how amazing the brain works in overdrive and the passion of wanting to create something new and unique to share with the world, whether it is safe or not, one needs to experiment like Tomás Gutiérrez to find out.
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Post by Katharine Patrick on Apr 6, 2017 18:19:57 GMT -4
I hadn't heard of this nootropic fad but I'm not surprised it's on the rise. It also sounds scary and holds much danger. I find it fascinating how some people are okay taking that risk, getting the "feel good" buzz of "natural supplements" without knowing the dangers. Others are more risk adverse and the unknown harms outweigh the benefits. I tend to be more of the latter, and therefore I would do my research heavily before trying nootropics. In the article, Gutierrez even said he likes to research things, yet he didn't discuss if he'd researched what he puts in his coffee. If he had, I'm curious to know what he found out and how he weighs the benefits and risks. It's always great to be knowledgeable about supplements on the market. Maybe we'll see more patients on it in the future or start to see long term effects.
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Post by Syed Ali Karim on Apr 6, 2017 22:32:18 GMT -4
This is the first time I've been aware of these "Nootropics" and I think this is the scientific equivalent of playing with fire. Many patients who utilize stimulants from childhood or young adulthood to now don't realize that the brain eventually will become fatigued and could cause long-term consequences that aren't appreciated until they occur. From chewing candies infused with coffee and a hint of an amino acid active in Green Tea to mixing cream with coconut oil powder, you can definitely achieve a heightened state for your brain activity but the crash in my opinion would be worse than taking Adderall or any prescribed stimulant. Not everybody shares the same physiology, so it isn't concrete that these concoctions will have the same effect for anyone that takes it. In my opinion, these so-called "brain-hackers" should be more careful with the information that they disseminate to social media outlets like Reddit because you never know when these Nootropics can cause irreversible harm to people and next thing you know, we can't find these guys for a justifiable explanation as to why they practice these habits. But should they persistent on using different combinations of substances, then roll it into a study worldwide and allow scientists to partake in these experiments.
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