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Nootropics go by many other names including brain enhancers and smart drugs[1] . Nootropics can include synthetic medication and natural nootropics from roots and other plants. Nootropics can be used to boost brain function and cognition, and assist with the symptoms of disorders such as ADHD. Let’s take a look at the nootropics the World’s Second Smartest man takes to keep his IQ at a staggering 192 [2]. By the way, the average score on an IQ test is 100, with most people falling within the 85 to 114 range. A score over 160 is considered a genius IQ.
The Nootropics
The second smartest man in the world, Rick Rosner, uses many drugs, dietary supplements, and foods to keep his brain and body in good condition. Cannon found that seventeen of Rosner’s supplements have various nootropic effects [2]. Many of Rosner’s nootropics are natural nootropics found in food.
First Tier Nootropics (Real Smart Drugs)
These supplements have the most nootropic effects on the brain and are based on many different nootropic and brain studies [3] These include natural supplements such as Ashwagandha. This herb is very important in Ayurveda and has been used for thousands of years as alternative medicine based on Indian Natural Healing Principles. Ashwagandha has many benefits including reduced stress and anxiety, improved brain function and memory and reduced symptoms of mental health conditions [4].
Another First Tier Supplement is Fish Oil as well as Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These are well known as brain-boosting supplements and mental enhancers [1]. Fish, such as salmon, is high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Fish Oil can also be taken as a supplement to build membranes around neurons and repair and renew brain cells.
Fish also contains high levels of Phosphatidylserine. This amino acid derivative compound is fat-soluble and high amounts of Phosphatidylserine are found in the brain. Phosphatidylserine is known to improve cognitive functioning, and memory and lower cortisol levels in the elderly [5].
Second Tier Nootropics
These nootropics provide subtle effects based on various studies [6].
Caffeine is a common second tier nootropic. Many coffees, teas and energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine to promote a boost in energy levels, concentration and memory. Used in moderation, caffeine can also improve coordination, reaction time, alertness and mood [7] .
L-carnitine is known as the “anti-aging nootropic” as it assists with keeping the brain healthy and can assist with reversing the decline of brain function through aging [8] [9] . L-carnitine is naturally created in the body and can also be found in supplements and food. There are also four other types of carnitine; D-carnitine, Acetyl-L-carnitine [10], Propionyl-L-carnitine and L-carnitine L-tartrate, that assist with exercise, recovery and neurodegenerative diseases.
Alpha GPC (otherwise known as Alpha-Glycerophosphocholine), is a Choline-containing Phospholipid. GPC studies have also shown that it can improve memory and brain performance. [11] This assists with several neurochemical processes which deliver information to the brain. This compound is produced naturally in the body in small amounts but can also be found in a chemical reaction when fatty acids such as those found in Soy and other plants, break down [12]
Other Supplements with Health Benefits
Many of the other supplements in Rosner’s stack provide benefits for both mind and body.
Blueberries have been found to improve cognition in those going through a cognitive decline, studies are still ongoing to see the effect blueberries have on the cognition of people with healthy cognition. Blueberries also promote the growth of nervous tissue and reduce neurological inflammation. [13]
SAM-e (S-Adenosyl Methionine) is a coenzyme and has many benefits for the body. SAM-e assists with reducing stress and can reduce symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, depression and other mental disorders. It can also alleviate pain and other symptoms of arthritis. [14]
Some Nootropics That Need More Research
Some of the nootropics in Rosner’s stack do not have a lot of research to show whether the nootropics are effective or not.
Although horse chestnut has been proven to assist with inflammation and varicose veins, there is little research to show if it has nootropic benefits. [15]
The main benefits of Vitamin K is to thin the blood and prevent blood clots, it is a vital vitamin for overall health, but further research needs to be conducted to see if Vitamin K provides neurological benefits[16].
Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in joints and cartilage. It can assist with relieving joint pain and the repair of joints and cartilage. Studies have suggested that Glucosamine can have minor benefits on cognition, but no clinical trials have tested the theory. [17]
Wrapping It Up
The Nootropic Stack used by Rick Rosner does have many cognitive and mental benefits.
Supplements such as Ashwagandha and Omega 3 Fatty Acids have many cognitive and neurological benefits. However, there are a few vitamins and supplements in the stack that need further studying and research to prove if they assist with brain health and cognition.
This is why we at Savvy have just taken the most well-researched nootropics and put them into drinks, coffee and food for you to enjoy.
It takes out the guesswork and that way you know your brain will perform at its best.
References:
[1] What are nootropics (smart drugs)?
[2] The world's 2nd-smartest man says these 'brain drugs' make him smarter
[3] What are nootropics (smart drugs)?
[4] 9 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
[5] Summary of Phosphatidylserine
[6] Caffeine: Cognitive and Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug?
[7] Caffeine
[8] L-Carnitine: Benefits, Side Effects, Sources and Dosage
[9] L-carnitine for cognitive enhancement in people without cognitive impairment
[10] How Acetyl-L-Carnitine Burns Fat and Powers The Brain
[12] The Ultimate Nootropic — What is so good about Alpha GPC?
[13] Summary of Blueberry
[14] SAM-e
[15] 7 Health Benefits of Horse Chestnut Extract
[16] Vitamin K
[17] Glucosamine
