Nootropic stacking is a fast-growing trend among professionals and academics looking for that much needed mental boost to keep their competitive edge. Let’s look at what nootropic stacking means, the benefits, how to combine nootropics, and the best nootropic stacks of 2021.
A nootropics stack refers to a combination of two or more nootropics. These can be supplements of the same class or nootropics from different classes. Nootropic stacking refers to the act of combining nootropic supplements to maximize their benefits.
Combining nootropics has several well-known benefits and is more effective than taking only a single nootropic. Here are some common reasons why people combine nootropics.
Piracetam and choline are probably one of the most well-known and popularly used nootropics stack on the list. Piracetam was first developed in the 60s and has since gone on to be one of the industry’s most popular nootropics.
This particular stack is great for sharpening focus and improving memory. Piracetam is well-known for being a neurotransmitter potentiator, especially in the glutamine pathway of the brain. It also has another important function. It stimulates the synthesis of acetylcholine, which is important for maintaining optimal memory and focus.
However, using piracetam may cause headaches, especially at high doses. This is because the drug uses up choline within the brain, a precursor of acetylcholine. Therefore these choline-deficiency-induced headaches can be avoided by including a choline supplement into your stack.
The relationship between caffeine and L-theanine also strongly supports the benefits of combining nootropics to negate each other’s negative effects. Coffee on its own is a well-known nootropic known for its ability to stimulate alertness and focus.
However, coffee can also have some unwanted side effects like anxiety and irritability, especially when taken in high doses. That’s where L-theanine comes in. L-theanine has a soothing effect but with the advantage of not causing drowsiness.
Combining both caffeine and L-theanine allows you to enjoy caffeine’s stimulant effects without having to worry about the side effects. Studies have shown that combining the two nootropics significantly boosts your performance in cognitively demanding tasks like problem-solving.
PAO stands for piracetam, aniracetam, and oxiracetam. These are three well-known members of the racetam family, and a great example of how combining nootropics creates synergy among a particular class.
Members of the racetam family have similar structures and similar benefit profiles, but they are certainly not identical. Each member has particular areas where it outperforms the others.
By combining these nootropics, you can create a synergy among their shared benefits and increase their potency. You also get a wider benefit profile, as each drug covers the deficiencies of the other.
Citicoline is a 2-in-1 nootropic. It breaks down within the body to give two very important nootropics:
Bacopa Monnieri is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Acetylcholinesterase is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine within the body. By preventing its action, Bacopa Monnieri increases the level of acetylcholine available within the brain.
These two nootropics complement each other nicely and are great memory boosters. By increasing the level of available acetylcholine and uridine, they enhance learning and synaptic plasticity.
This is known as the ultimate “motivation stack.” When associating motivation with the brain, the most important neurotransmitter is dopamine. Reduced levels of dopamine can quickly lead to burnout or a serious lack of drive.
“Dopamine burnout” is usually due to high levels of stress. L-tyrosine is a dopamine precursor and supplements natural sources. This allows your dopamine stores to replenish more quickly.
Another smart way to get the most out of your L-tyrosine is to combine it with the B vitamins. The B vitamins are important cofactors in the conversion of L-tyrosine to dopamine. Therefore the two nootropics complement each other nicely.
Nootropic stacking is an effective way to get the most out of your nootropics. It allows you to safely combine the best qualities of different nootropics and eliminate any unwanted side effects. Just follow the basic principles of nootropics stacking and try out well-known stacks for optimal results.
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