Nootropics are the big thing right now.
Some even call them “Silicon Valley’s Secret.”
I became interested in nootropics myself around a year ago when I began hearing about them on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
He mentioned them constantly, but it never sparked my interest until I researched these supplements myself.
I’ve always exercised daily, had a strict meal plan, and taken things like fish oil and multivitamins, so it naturally peeked my curiosity.
In fact, a marketing strategist named David Richmond stacks nootropics for big projects, claiming “They keep me clear-headed and alert without anxiety. It’s something I can take at 6pm and not worry about being jittery at bedtime.”
That’s why today I’m going to speak about the different nootropics I’ve tried and why they’re amazing for entrepreneurs.
First, what the heck are nootropics?
I’m sure some of you have no idea what I’m talking about, so let me explain.
Nootropics are a fancy way to say brain supplements.
They’re also known as smart drugs.
These supplements provide a variety of benefits, including:
- Focus
- Attention
- Less mental fatigue
- Emotional balance
- Mood improvements
- Increased testosterone
- Motivation
If you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know that all of these things can get out of whack when you work 16 hour days, have piles of projects to work on, and the stress that comes with it.
Imagine waking up every morning energized and flying out of bed to get the day started.
You feel alert, calm, focused, and sustain a consistent level of great productivity all day.
That’s possible with nootropics.
But here’s the deal.
Smart drugs are awesome. I’ll use them for years to come, but you need to make sure that you have your ducks in a row first.
That means exercising, having a good diet, sleeping properly, and implementing proper time management.
A pill you order off of Amazon isn’t going to fix all of your problems, but it can enhance your strengths and improve weak points.
With that being said, here are some entrepreneur nootropics you need to try.
Nootropics for business
5-HTP
5-HTP stands for 5-Hydroxytryptophan, and naturally occurs within the body.
It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter Serotonin.
It is sold over the counter in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
I got my bottle off of Amazon.
It’s typically marketed as an anti-depressant, sleep aid, and cognitive enhancer.
A study from 2016 analyzed whether or not Tryptophan, which 5-HTP converts into, and Serotonin can help improve mood and brain function.
They concluded that Tryptophan did have a direct affect on sleep quality, improving sleepiness and providing a decrease in wakefulness.
I never noticed this effect while taking 5-HTP myself, but some do take it right before bed and feel amazing the next day.
If you find yourself feeling groggy in the morning, this supplement might be for you.
Research has also found that morning alertness and attention increases after taking this smart drug.
Overall it’s subtle but provides a clear head space, makes you sleep better, and uplifts your mood.
Ashwagandha
Also known as Indian ginseng, this plant is from the nightshade family.
I’ve noticed that when I take the extract version that I feel energized, focused, and in a better mood very quickly.
It’s also commonly used before exercise, which I have tested, too.
Before the gym, taking Ashwagandha definitely gave me more strength and acted as a pre-workout.
If you’re an entrepreneur, you should be working out on a consistent basis already. It’s amazing for confidence, focus, emotional balance, and more.
There was an eight week randomized double-blind placebo study that took 57 young males and split them into two groups.
One group took 300mg of ashwagandha root extract like I did, and the others received a placebo.
Both groups performed resistance training for eight weeks to determine if there was a difference in strength and muscle mass by the end.
Those that were given ashwagandha experienced significant improvements in muscle strength, muscle size, recovery, and testosterone levels.
This is a nootropic that will forever remain on my desk because of its effectiveness and cheap price point.
Choline Bitartrate
Choline is a water soluable vitamin that is naturally produced by your body.
But here’s the catch: it only produces roughly 40% of what you need every day.
That means if you don’t get more choline through foods like eggs, fish, or broccoli you’ll be missing out on the benefits it has to offer.
Here’s a full list of choline sources:
It’s main purposes in the human body is to improve the function of cells, produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and act as a source for methyl groups.
The Institute of Medicine declared that choline is an essential nutrient back in 1998.
This is because it plays a role in about every function within the body, and deficiency can lad to neurological disorders, liver disease, and other illnesses.
Studies have also shown this nootropic to have long lasting positive effects on memory, reduce inflammation, decrease the risk of cancer.
It’s very affordable as you can pick up a bottle for $10-15, as well.
Green tea extract
One of the first nootropics you’ll probably hear about is green tea extract or EGCG and L-theanine, both of which naturally exist in green tea.
I personally drink one or two cups of green tea every day, but I thought I’d see if I noticed a difference by taking the extract.
Some of the benefits of green tea include:
- A calm but focused feeling.
- Reduced inflammation in the body.
- It prevents cancer.
- It protects your brain.
- Protects the body from free radicals.
Frankly I didn’t notice any difference between taking green tea extract versus drinking a freshly brewed cup.
If anything I prefer to drink green tea because it’s nice to have a hot drink in the morning while working, and for some reason I feel the calming effect more potently.
Final thoughts on entrepreneur nootropics
I believe as an entrepreneur that you need to exercise, eat healthy, and sleep well to maximize your productivity.
Late nights, eating poorly, and not moving enough will deteriorate you mentally and physically.
However, if you keep up good habits you’ll feel incredible every day.
Nootropics can be seen as a cherry on top. A little something extra to give you added focus, happiness, and clarity.
I wouldn’t rely on them or try to use them as a replacement for living a healthy lifestyle.
Have you tried smart drugs? What was your experience?
