Nootropics - Omega 3

Omega 3 - or as it is called n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), are the following: linolenic acid, EPA and DHA, also known as fish oil fatty acids. Their properties are different than n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated  fatty acids (MUFA). Omega 3 fatty acids are believed to lower blood triglyceride levels, reducing V - LDL in liver and stimulating V-LDL metabolism in muscle and tissue. A bit of history: when the Inuit population was checked, they got a low occurrence of cardio-vascular diseases (CVD). Their diet is abundant in fatty fish and fish oil, so we reach the conclusion that this provides protection against different CVD. The following research discovered that this diet can provide a 0% to 40% reduction of CVD risk (again, the individual factor is prevalent) and decrease the risk of fatal CVD, but no effect was noted on heart dysfunctions (fibrillation and arrhythmia). In conclusion: we do not have enough data to gather strong evidence, but today we have excellent treatment options, so if you survive the first hearth attack, chances are that the second will never happen (we got statins, blood thinners, beta blockers, blood pressure lowering medicine).

N-3 PUFA, or Omega 3 as they are widely known, are effective for high triglycerides, likely effective for heart disease and possible effective for blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis and weight loss. They have potent anti-inflammatory actions. So, not only does our body need Omega 3 fatty acids to function, but they also delivering some important benefits.

It is good to be delivered by food, not by supplements. Sources of Omega 3 are: fish (wild salmon, tuna, sardines, trout), walnuts, flaxseed, canola oil, soybean oil. The fish is rich in Omega 3 but can also have higher levels of contaminants (mercury, PCB and other powerful toxins). Children and pregnant women should avoid fatty fish. All the foods containing Omega 3 are rich in calories, so moderation is recommended. Algae can be a good replacement if you do not eat fish.

Benefits:

• lower the risk of heart disease by lowering elevated triglycerides blood levels;
• can curb stiffness and joint pain, can boost the effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory drugs;
• lower the depression risk, boosting the antidepressant effects, may help with the depressive symptoms of the bipolar disorder;
• it is very important in the infant visual and neurological development;
• helps in asthma, lowering the inflammation and improving the lung function, cutting the amount of medication needed to control the condition;
• reduces the symptoms of ADHD, but should not be used as primary treatment;
• protection against Alzheimer's disease and dementia, positive effects on memory loss due to ageing.

Side effects:

• Omega 3 supplements can make bleeding more likely, if you have a bleeding condition and use medication like warfarin, you should ask your doctor before taking Omega 3 supplements.

Nootropics - Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba, also known as Maidenhair, is a living fossil, used in traditional Chinese medicine (seeds and leaves). Today we use Ginkgo extract, made from the leaves.

Benefits:

• contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids (both of them powerful antioxidants fighting the damaging effects of the free radicals - anti-ageing;
• has the ability to reduce inflammation caused by various conditions;
• can increase the blood flow dilating the blood vessels, helps with poor circulation;
• might help in some cases of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, especially if it is used alongside the conventional treatment;
• may improve mental performance in healthy people;
• may help to treat anxiety and had the potential to treat depression;
• may be effective for some types of headaches;
• may help with respiratory diseases due to its anti-inflammatory effects;
• may reduce PMS symptoms;
• may improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction.

Side effects:

• do not use in case of allergy to alkylphenols;
• can increase the risk of bleeding (do not mix with warfarin, aspirin, prozac, zoloft, ibuprofen and tylenol);
•  to some people can induce dizziness, headaches, nausea.

Dosage:

• 120-140 mg divined into several doses during the day (effects can be noticed after at least six weeks).

Nootropics - Ginseng

Ginseng

We have 2 different kind of Ginseng - The Asian one (Panax Ginseng) and the American one (Panax Quinquefolius). Both of them are supposed to boost energy, lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, help in diabetes treatment and with sexual dysfunction for men. The chemical components found in Ginseng, ginsenosides, are responsible for the clinical effect of the herb.

Benefits:

• may help stimulate physical and mental activity in people who feel tired (good results in helping cancer patients undergoing treatment with fatigue);
• may improve thinking process and cognition;
• the ginsenosides have anti-inflammatory effects;
• can treat erectile dysfunction;
• there is a link between ginseng and the treatment and prevention of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus;
• may help lower blood sugar and help treat diabetes as it is improving the insulin resistance;
• increase the general well-being of the one using it.

Side effects: 

• it is safe to consume but may give headaches, sleep problems, edema, diarrhea, dry mouth and can make changes in the blood pressure and the blood sugar level;
• do not mix with antidepressants (MAOIs class), heart medication, blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin);
• may increase the effect of caffeine;
• can cancel the effect of the painkillers like morphine.

Dosage:

• the recommended dose is 200-400 mg per day, but it is bio-active from a dose of 40 mg per day. 

Nootropics - introduction

Nootropics, also known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, are drugs, supplements or other substances that may improve cognitive function (executive functions, memory, creativity, motivation). The word nootropic was coined in 1972 by a Romanian chemist and psychologist, Corneliu Giurgea, derivate from the greek words nous (mind) and trepetin (bending). The most used nootropic is the well known caffeine.

While many nootropics may improve cognition, their effects are not fully determined or enough researched.

I will start tomorrow with Nicotinamide Riboside.

Nootropics

Most probably after the Christmas holidays, i will start a new series of articles related to nootropics.

How to use what we have in the best possible way?
This is a question that made me to check through lots of researches, old and new.

What i find out? You will know as soon as i go through all my notes and i make them readable.

Kind regards
G.