Do you find it hard to focus on your work and concentrate long enough to finish your tasks? If so, there are a few natural supplements that can help. Here’s what you should know about the most popular ones: caffeine pills, ginseng, bacopa monnieri, and L-theanine.
Mental fatigue is not just something we experience when we’re very tired. It also happens when our brains get bored or overloaded with too many things to do at once. Mental fatigue causes us to have trouble thinking clearly and concentrating well on a task at hand – in other words, it makes us less productive! So if you want to avoid mental fatigue while working or studying for exams, here are some of the best ways.
Nootropic benefits
Nootropics are pharmaceuticals, supplements, or functional foods which improve focus and concentration memory, attention, and concentration. They are also available in different forms – pills, tablets, powders, and liquids. Nootropic drugs improve mental energy and alertness.
People usually take two or more nootropics combined that work by affecting the neurotransmitters in your brain – GABA and Acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is related to memory and learning and GABA is related to anxiety control and sleep quality. The substances that affect these neurotransmitters are called nootropics. It’s used to increase focus, reduce mental fatigue and enhance mood.
Caffeine is most frequent
Best known for its energizing effects, caffeine is one of the most popular and frequently used nootropics. This drug is effective in reducing mental fatigue during both short-term and long-term use.
Caffeine appears as a white crystalline powder, which dissolves easily in water or alcohol. Caffeine works as a stimulant by blocking adenosine receptors and mimicking the action of this neurotransmitter.
It’s also thought to enhance focus by improving blood flow to the brain, reducing muscle tension, and increasing the production of adrenaline.
Does it help?
Although caffeine is effective at relieving mental fatigue, some people may experience adverse effects which include headaches, dizziness, and an increase in heart rate. According to studies, caffeine can decrease attention capacity and performance in individuals who consume high amounts of caffeine regularly. However, this is most likely to occur when doses exceed 200-300 mg/day.
Ginseng effects
Commonly referred to as an energy booster or a stress reliever, ginseng does have some nootropic properties. However, this substance may not improve focus and concentration memory or focus, but it can have a positive effect on attention and concentration.
Ginseng is derived from the root of the plant species Panax ginseng and grows in China, Japan, and Korea. This substance has a stimulating effect due to its glycoside content that enhances cellular metabolism. It also has ginkgolides, which act as anti-inflammatory agents.
Does it help?
According to studies, ginseng has numerous side effects that include high blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, and mild depression. The same goes for taking too much ginseng at one time, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
Bacopa effects
Best known for its nootropic benefits, Bacopa Monnieri is a plant that grows in wetlands throughout the world. Its extracts are thought to enhance memory and increase the capacity of one’s working memory. Bacopa works by improving blood flow to brain cells while lowering cortisol levels which increases anxiety.
Does it help?
When taken at recommended dosages (300-500 mg), this supplement may cause nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea; however, these side effects should pass after taking bacopa for several days or weeks. There are also conflicting opinions regarding whether or not this supplement should be taken with food.
L-theanine benefits
Most popularly known as an amino acid in green tea leaves, L-theanine stimulates the production of alpha waves in the brain. It provides a relaxing effect and increases GABA levels by increasing natural dopamine levels.
Does it help?
Studies have shown that L-theanine may enhance concentration, attention, and cognition as well as reduce stress and anxiety. However, more research is needed to determine whether or not this supplement has any nootropic benefits. In addition, there are currently no known side effects from taking L-theanine at recommended dosages regularly.
Supplements should be used to boost concentration carefully. Some supplements like bacopa monnieri and ginseng can cause various side effects if taken in high dosages. So make sure to do some research before taking any supplements.
Everyone reacts differently to different substances so it’s important to take each supplement cautiously to avoid negative side effects. While there is still much more research needed in this field, it appears that caffeine, bacopa monnieri, and L-theanine are generally safe for healthy individuals when used properly.
Combined with physical exercise, caffeine tablets will certainly help your mental performance as you study for exams or finish some task that needs high focus and energy level. Ginseng will boost your mental capacity giving you better memory and attention. Bacopa monnieri and L-theanine will help you relax and maintain your new abilities, as well as prevent stress attacks that can damage your studies.