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Post by ahmadirshad on May 7, 2017 3:44:26 GMT -4
I personally have tried Nootropics, I saw a commercial, heard a friend raving about and watched YouTube gurus swearing by it. In my experience it was more of a placebo effect for a short amount of time. A lot of these trends come and go, however, there is definitely a market for people looking for a “brain boost” and just trying to get an edge. Most successful fads like these have a heavy marketing campaign behind them where people like get convinced that if we have these new thing it will solve a lot of our problems. Unfortunately, most of these turn out to be nothing more than clever marketing. Health care professionals need to keep in mind their patients could be experimenting with such trends due to side effects and other medical conditions.
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Post by Alejandro Macias (MS3) UMHS on May 10, 2017 8:58:35 GMT -4
I think this article touches upon an important topic that is now affecting the generations of indiviudals who are working tirelessly to find ways to keep the brain stimulated for long periods of time. I found it interesting that the article’s main character Tomás Gutiérrez states that his intention for creating “nootropics” is not for humans to have long hours of hyperproductivity; however, he continues to create his morning cocktails of coffee, butter, BCAA, and MCT oil, and L-theanine. What concerns me most about the article is that investors are rallying to sell products that will “boost brain power” without truly knowing the long term effects to brain chemistry or neuroplasticitiy of the cells. It’s ironic Gutiérrez commented that he has tried meditating, because like all mindful practices, one can only produce focus after long periods and years of practice. I think individuals who are seeking brain stimulation need to understand the possible consequences of putting the brain on overdrive. I also question why individuals feel they need to be hyperproductive. Do these individuals fear if they do not do several things at one time this will devalue who they are? This article probes a deeper question of why there needs to be a product to help individuals stay alert and focused for long periods of time. Hopefully, research can be done to demonstrate to individuals the true brain chemical reactions taking place through these “nootropics” and provide data into what side effects can happen when taken for long periods of time without the proper management. Until someone can find a replacement for sleep, I do not believe that “nootropics” can help individuals achieve ultimate focus and hyperproductive. We are not machines and we are meant to rest. Most of all, WHY THE BIG RUSH? To where are we trying to go so fast (individually and societally)?
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Post by Shreyas Kanthadi on May 11, 2017 21:56:10 GMT -4
The whole concept behind Nootropics is interesting, as it has been gaining quite the popularity in modern culture. My main question is... Is really worth it tho? As a society these days we are so caught up in finding shortcuts to boost our productivity mental stamina throughout the day. I'm sure the people who are indulged in the concept of nootropics can say it works and that they have noticed a difference, but is it really worth the risk of developing health issues down the road? Considering there hasn't been much testing to back the nutritional and health effect of Noortropics I simply don't see the point in creating ways to develop a "Organic High" to get you through the day. Im sure I speak for many others when I say this, but I am certain there has been several legitimate studies stating that a a balanced diet, exercise/meditation and sleep is a much more effective way to enhance our mental and physical performance throughout the day.
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Post by Moriss on Apr 15, 2018 13:59:07 GMT -4
Agree with you, Shreyas. The topic around different nootropics is quite popular now and it's very difficult to find the best one for you. For example, I'm taking this nootropicboost.com , and I got memory improvement in the 2-week course, but for my friend it was different. He was doing full 4 weeks course and only after that got some effect. That's a strange stuff and I don't know how to explain it...
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Post by Justin Bricchi on Apr 21, 2018 15:08:03 GMT -4
Hello Class,
I found this article interesting; both for the science that can be implied and also for the lack thereof. What I mean by this is, the idea of nootropics and tweaking your body chemistry is a great concept on paper. Ever since I took biochemistry during my basic science education I was fascinated with the organized beauty behind thousands of biochemical processes that occur in the body at any given moment. The idea of putting in more substrate to push a beneficial reaction in the direction of product formation, in hopes of producing a body-enhancing effect, seems really ‘cool’ (even if we don’t consider negative feedback loops and so on). However, I think the reason why ideas like nootropics quickly fall by the scientific wayside is best summed up by the following statement within the article: “Like all dietary supplements, nootropics are only very loosely regulated; the manufacturers don’t have to prove safety or efficacy before putting them on store shelves”. So, looking at this practice scientifically, its hard to prove efficacy vs. placebo, because we cannot even be sure what compounds are actually in the supplements. Although, it is safe to say that many of these nootropic compounds, like fats and amino acids, can be found in a number of foods consumed in a regular/healthy diet. So, if nothing else, the article and its suggestions can be used to support a healthier diet. Although, I would be very interested in seeing what the targeted addition of chemically verified supplements could do to improve body function, when compared to the pharmacologic alternative (or does chemically verifying a supplement make it pharmacologic?).
All the best, Justin Bricchi
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