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Post by Kyle Christianson on Apr 7, 2017 12:24:42 GMT -4
This is basically an article about homeopathic medications parading in a slightly more scientific format. Because the people using it aren’t crystal wielding hippies, suddenly they must know some sort of secret. Two things: those compounds are very popular, and there is no evidence they work. I take a multivitamin with all of them in it. If they were special someone probably would have noticed and created a drug. People usually do studies when they notice something does something. Example: eating dirt doesn’t cure cancer, we don’t even need to do a study about it. These people are doing nothing but abusing a market of people that have low scientific standards and will do anything for a magic pill that gets them ahead. This is the millennials version of snake oil, pure and simple.
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Post by Victor Soto on Apr 7, 2017 19:29:35 GMT -4
The topic about "Nootropics and Brain Alteration" is very interesting, but there are still some things that aren't completely understood. N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, better known as NAC, is a nootropic that is currently used for numerous things, but mainly for the treatment of Acetaminophen overdose. It also serves as a neuroprotector since it is a potent antioxidant, free radical scavenger and anti inflammatory. This is a trial and error experiment. People only know what they read on the internet, especially from the websites of the Nootropic product/brand. Some of the information may be scientifically correct, but the rest may not. I have read from numerous forums about individuals who use these types of brain enhancements and the side effects tend to vary from individual to individual. Although these types of supplements may help some people to focus better, precautions need to be taken because of the possible side effects they may cause. I have tried NAC with other nootropics and noticed that my focus was better in certain occasions but it didn't last long enough.
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Post by James Fluss on Apr 7, 2017 23:58:49 GMT -4
It seems like "Nootropics" is one of those trendy, new things in the health field that has a gotten a lot of people doing things first, asking questions later. I think the more important question than "Do these actually work?" is the question "Should I be doing this?". I think the majority of young people today are more concerned about the get-rich-quick schemes and how to do the least amount of work possible, while attaining the highest return. The ethical and moral issues of these concoctions also should be discussed at some point. Whatever happened to just working hard, taking care of yourself naturally such as with good sleep, exercise and a well balanced diet, without all these other "enhancers". I'm afraid this sort of thing will continue to be on the rise at the sake of natural development. Maybe I'm just a little old fashioned when it comes to these things... but a great article nonetheless.
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Post by Amir Mullick on Apr 9, 2017 18:11:16 GMT -4
There are many commercials on Instagram and Facebook about buying these "juices" which increase mental capacity and brain function, bring awareness, or help study. I think the key concern is the part that says "...there's emerging evidence that some could be dangerous." Why mess with the brain using unnatural substances we dont need? The functions of the brain are understood but not tangible. You are literally a guinea pig testing out their products if you try it, and for the most part, a vast amount of "mental changes" will probably be due to some placebo effect of believing what you have ingested is going to help you think smarter. The laziness and difficulty humans face when it comes to paying attention and applying themselves is mostly a product of their own habits. Changing habits and developing new ones is not done by ingesting something, it is done by determination and focus while using realistic methods to help improve focus. Exercise and reading are two of the most critical necessary habits, but many people do not exercise, and even more do not read.
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Post by Amir Mullick on Apr 9, 2017 18:21:50 GMT -4
There are many commercials on Instagram and Facebook about buying these "juices" which increase mental capacity and brain function, bring awareness, or help study. I think the key concern is the part that says "...there's emerging evidence that some could be dangerous." Why mess with the brain using unnatural substances we dont need? The functions of the brain are understood but not tangible. You are literally a guinea pig testing out their products if you try it, and for the most part, a vast amount of "mental changes" will probably be due to some placebo effect of believing what you have ingested is going to help you think smarter. The laziness and difficulty humans face when it comes to paying attention and applying themselves is mostly a product of their own habits. Changing habits and developing new ones is not done by ingesting something, it is done by determination and focus while using realistic methods to help improve focus. Exercise and reading are two of the most critical necessary habits, but many people do not exercise, and even more do not read.
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Post by Seanne Facho on Apr 10, 2017 3:29:18 GMT -4
Nootropics is not something I have read about earlier. The idea to maintain a level of focus for a long period of time using natural products sounds interesting than using drugs. But just because something is natural does not mean its safe. Not knowing enough about these unregulated substance can be dangerous it might have a effect short term but is not tested to know the long them effect it can have on us. Its curiosity that makes people try this to help them be a better version of themselves especially people with stressful job or school. Caffeine is mostly the widely consumed Nootropic and even caffeine has weak affect in most people.
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Muzzammil Chaudhry (ms3)
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Post by Muzzammil Chaudhry (ms3) on Apr 10, 2017 12:01:23 GMT -4
After reading the article "Seeking an edge, these brain hackers mix up risky chemical cocktails for breakfast", i came to the conclusion of the source being invalid. Tomas Gutierrez is a 31 year old entrepreneur who runs his own coffee shop, as well as a user of "nootropics". Considering this, it seems like he would have a positive bias on "nootropics". Anyone can claim something is so called "working" with a few personal anecdotes. In the same breath the evidence can not necessarily be negated either. Many of the "nootropic" supplements can have positive effects but the dosage and interaction amongst other substances is not fully understood. In conclusion there is no substantial evidence to support his claims except a few personal accounts and life stories. We can all agree that this is not enough to recommend or support his so called "cocktails". "Nootropics" can have some beneficial responses in people but the evidence has not shown it to be consistently therapeutic in clinical trials. In the end, TRY IT AT YOUR OWN RISK!
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Post by Paulina Perez on Apr 10, 2017 13:53:53 GMT -4
I find this article interesting and conflicting at the same time. I agree that perhaps non-FDA supplements are not necessarily harmful, but that does not mean that harm has been completely ruled out. Since the use of these substances is so new, we should not be surprised to hear in the near future that they have been pulled from the market if they actually do cause harm. I think people need to be very careful with what they are putting into their bodies and how it makes them feel. I do not think that wanting to be more productive and focused is a bad thing. If anything, this need has been perpetuated by the daily pressures of modern life.
It goes without saying that people who are already on prescribed stimulants should be extra careful using these substances. I would venture to guess that they might experience a serious “crash” after the effects have worn off. This can be dangerous for our patients who work with heavy machinery or drive long distances in their workday.
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Post by Ronald Smith on Apr 10, 2017 16:29:17 GMT -4
This “body hacking” by use of nootropics is quite fascinating and I find it a refreshing twist. The typical drug abuser’s primary goal is to high, obtain euphoria, and avoid or mask their feelings and pain in life; while these “brain hackers” are motivated by the goal of improving their work ethic and increasing productivity. Perhaps some of the unnamed ingredients used in various recipes of their nootropic cocktails could cause harm to their body in the long run, and possibly even pose the same risks the typical drug user faces. I highly doubt it, however. I say let these intelligent, Silicon Valley hipsters continue to experiment.
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Post by Ankit Bindra on Apr 13, 2017 13:38:25 GMT -4
The idea of nootropics seems interesting but at the same time worrisome. The guys making nootropics really are just mixing up different natural stimulants in hope of making that " limitless" pill .The human mind was not made to be focused intensely on one task for extended periods of time. Coffee and Energy drinks already exist and they contain caffeine which people know helps make them alert but at the same time has its negative effects on our body. Adding any foreign substance to help maintain focus will have its toll on our body in the long game. Pharmaceutical stimulants already exist for those who are incapable of focusing without being disruptive on their own. As for the average man, I don't think a pill or potion or any concoction is really worth ingesting to gain focus but rather the brain can be trained to focus and relax.
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Post by Sneha Reddy on Apr 13, 2017 18:10:45 GMT -4
We need people venturing out to increase our knowledge on the natural options available to improve health. We know so little about what is readily available to us while we choose to spend millions mixing up our own chemical complexes. But the way nootropics are used, makes them similar to how people feel about already existing homeopathic medications. Too much is still unknown, undocumented and untested. This leaves a lot to fear about. There is the added expectations of faster and stronger effects as well. This greed is a stairway to misuse and overdose, especially in the unregulated methods nootropics are currently being used.
Experiences may be true and effective, but the knowledge claimed has no grounds or proof and such reports cant be used to endorse the properties of these natural products. What we need to do is close that gap in knowledge but in a controlled and safe environment. Modern day medication is put through multiple stages to check safety and effectiveness before being mass produced. By running these products through similar regimens, we might be able to conduct surveys and find natural substitutions to medicines like Adderall. Yes not everything natural is 100% safe, but neither are todays pharmaceutical drugs. Finding a less harmful medication that is just as effective is the goal.
Should people being experimenting in their kitchens? No. But the concept of nootropics shouldn't be completely dismissed. There might be potential here.
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Elizabeth Nagengast
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Post by Elizabeth Nagengast on Apr 16, 2017 19:06:24 GMT -4
The age we live in today is one of constant flux. It has become human nature to be lazy and to find the easy way out in any situation. This is just another example of the sad times we live in. We would rather ingest a substance that we really do not know the ramifications of, rather than invest the time and energy into studying, or practicing self-control with facebook and doing our jobs. The trend of nootropics is just another bandwagon, instead of the overweight looking for a diet pill, there are people looking for a quick fix to enhance their cognition and intelligence. ADHD is something medically treated. Nootropics are for individuals that want Adderall, but cannot be prescribed adderall because they do not medically need it, they want a "smart" pill.
It is great that this guy is trying to be experimental, but imagine if these people trying to find short cuts due to genius focused their attention on something like disease research, something real and not from a movie. That would be a much better use of his time even if it was time non-nootropic enhanced.
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Post by Branwen Felbel on Apr 22, 2017 19:35:08 GMT -4
As a physician , it is important to be aware of and educate patients on the risks and possible side effects of taking" Nootropic" supplements. Even though natural, these supplements are not regulated by the FDA and can interact with various medical conditions and medications . In this article, a combination of MCT oil, BCCA, coconut oil and l-theanine were being consumed to enhance cognition and memory. MCT oil is a form of medium chain fatty acid whose side effects include anxiety, digestive and liver problems, headache and diarrhea. MCT oil can also cause ketoacidosis in a type 1 diabetic. BCAA is a branched chain amino acid which studies have shown benefit to improving appetite in patients who have cancer and has also been shown to improve symptoms associated with hepatic encephalopathy or tardive dyskinesia ( However, their are not enough studies done in this area) However, some research has also shown that BCAAs can interfere with blood glucose levels during and after surgery and it could play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. BCAAs should also not be taken in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Lastly, L-theanine, commonly found in green tea can raise brain levels of serotonin, dopamine and GABA which can improve memory, however, irritability can result from high levels of caffeine. A knowledge of and awareness of their use is key to prevention.
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Post by Ankit Bindra on Apr 24, 2017 9:50:13 GMT -4
Nootropics are a new and emerging and can potentially have negative effects on our body as this article outlines. A cup of coffee or tea gives enough caffeine to start most peoples' day right. Nootropic drugs aim to give you a mental edge and heightened focus while potentially causing unknown side effects. These drugs are made using experimentation and can not emerge like most regular drugs as safety and hazards are not well understood. In this day and age where information and knowledge is so easily available, one could teach themselves how to concentrate and focus and better use their brain rather than taking pills that are not well understood. Performance enhancers were always banned in sports for the reason that they give you an edge over others in your field. Nootropics will most likely be exploited and be used to gain advantages in competitive fields and I just believe that till these drugs are made by well known pharmaceutical companies for specific reasons, they should not be made available to the general market.
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Post by Ankit Bindra on Apr 24, 2017 9:51:15 GMT -4
Nootropics are a new and emerging and can potentially have negative effects on our body as this article outlines. A cup of coffee or tea gives enough caffeine to start most peoples' day right. Nootropic drugs aim to give you a mental edge and heightened focus while potentially causing unknown side effects. These drugs are made using experimentation and can not emerge like most regular drugs as safety and hazards are not well understood. In this day and age where information and knowledge is so easily available, one could teach themselves how to concentrate and focus and better use their brain rather than taking pills that are not well understood. Performance enhancers were always banned in sports for the reason that they give you an edge over others in your field. Nootropics will most likely be exploited and be used to gain advantages in competitive fields and I just believe that till these drugs are made by well known pharmaceutical companies for specific reasons, they should not be made available to the general market.
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