Do you find it hard to concentrate on your tasks, remember things, or tap into your creativity?
Are these mental challenges limiting your productivity at work, school, or in everyday activities?
If you deal with these difficulties, then you must be considering Nootropics. After all, these are referred to as the ‘smart drugs’ that can power your brain and help you become more focused, boost your creative juices, and ultimately make you more productive.
But…
There are so many Nootropics in the market, so how do you choose the best one for you? We understand your struggle, especially when you’re faced with numerous brands claiming to solve all your cognition issues.
We know these marketing claims are rarely ever transparent, and that’s why we’ve put together three of the best nootropics stacks we could find.
We looked closely at their ingredients and the research behind them to make sure that we only introduce you to products that can actually improve your cognitive abilities.
Nootropics stacks are supplements that utilize various ingredients that have cognitive-enhancing abilities. When put together, these substances work to improve various aspects of brain function.
Read on to find the 3 best Nootropics stacks that you should try today for efficient results.
Best Nootropics Stacks of 2020
#1. NooCube
Made by a pioneering company in the food supplements industry, Wolfson BERG Limited, NooCube is a nootropic stack that can enhance brain function in various ways.
It makes use of a blend of vitamins and amino acids that support the development of healthy neurotransmitters in the brain. It boosts executive brain function and also aids with learning, memory, and focus.
The recommended daily dosage is 2 capsules each morning. If you want, you can increase this to 3-4 capsules, but never exceed that.
NooCube takes about 30 minutes to work, with the effects lasting between 8-10 hours. Each bottle provides you with 60 capsules.
When you buy this supplement, you get a 60-day money-back guarantee that allows you to get a full refund of your purchase, shipping, and handling costs if you’re not satisfied with the product. You can check the Noocube review here.
The more bottles your buy, the more value for your money. Buy 3 bottles to get 3 for free, and 2 bottles to get an extra one free.
Features
On using NooCube, you can expect your cognitive functions to improve in the following ways:
- Improved memory and learning.
- Increased focus and concentration.
- Improved mental speed.
- Better resistance to everyday stressors.
NooCube produces these effects by protecting neurons against oxidative damage, increasing alpha waves in the brain, and supporting the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
Ingredients
These are the ingredients used in NooCube:
- Alpha GPC – Alpha GPC (Glycerylphosphorylcholine) increases the production of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine improves concentration, learning, and memory by acting as a neurotransmitter.
- Huperzine A. – This is a plant extract that inhibits the action of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain. AChE is a chemical that breaks down acetylcholine and diminishes learning, memory, and concentration.
- Cat’s Claw – Cat’s claw is used for its neuroprotective properties. It contains antioxidants that destroy free radicals in the brain.
- Bacopa – It contains bacosides, compounds that support cognitive function in various ways. Bacopa enhances communication between neurons and prevents age-related cognitive decline.
- Oat Straw – Sourced from wild green oats, oat straw increases alpha-2 waves in the brain. It stimulates creativity, triggers a feeling of calmness, and minimizes depression.
- L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine – These two are amino acids that aid with the production and function of neurotransmitters in the brain. They promote relaxation, alertness and reduce fatigue.
Pros:
- Stimulates blood flow to the brain.
- Increases focus and alertness.
- Protects nerve cells and neurons from oxidative damage.
- 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Fast and free shipping.
Cons:
- Only available for sale on the official website.
#2. Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro enhances all aspects of brain function by using 11 powerful nootropics with various properties. This supplement is made to benefit people in different occupations in life, from professionals, students, athletes, competitors, to active 55+ adults.
This formula nourishes the brain, powering it up and protecting it from degeneration. It promotes focus, strategic thinking, memory, optimizes motivation, and enhances mental clarity.
When you use 2 capsules daily, you can expect to experience improvements in your cognitive performance within 2 weeks. However, you can also take 4 capsules a day for more immediate results within a couple of hours.
Buying 3 boxes gets you the best value, plus free and fast shipping. Fast shipping is available for purchases of 2 or a single box, but you’ll have to cover shipping costs.
You have 30 days to use the supplement and judge its effects, within which you can seek a refund if not satisfied with the results. You can check Mind Lab Pro review here.
Features
Because of its powerful formula, Mind Lab Pro has several benefits. They include:
- Supports long-term memory.
- Promotes brain regeneration and plasticity.
- Enhances blood circulation in the brain, boosting nourishment.
- Fights against free radicals, minimizing oxidative damage to brain cells and neurons.
- Regulates mood.
Mind Lab Pro protects your brain from damage and enhances its nourishment to ensure improved memory, concentration, and focus.
It also boosts brain energy by facilitating the delivery of glucose, which is used as fuel by the nerve cells.
Ingredients
The 11 nootropics used in Mind Lab Pro are:
- Citicoline – Citicoline stimulates the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. It also optimizes their function and boosts the regeneration of neurons.
- Phosphatidylserine – This nootropic forms a coating on the brain cells, protecting them from various stressors. It aids with mental speed, thinking skills, and enhanced long-term memory.
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom – It keeps the brain growing until it reaches maturity, and then protects it from degeneration.
- L-Tyrosine – Mind Lab Pro utilizes N-acetyl-L-Tyrosine, which is a more bioavailable form of tyrosine. It helps synthesize epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
- Bacopa Monnieri – It provides bacosides, compounds that enable healthy brain function.
- Maritime Pine Bark Extract – Promotes the release of nitric oxide, aiding in the dilation of blood vessels in the brain. It improves blood flow and promotes the nourishment of brain tissue.
- L-Theanine – This is an amino acid that stimulates the activity of alpha waves in the brains, increasing relaxation and enhancing creativity.
- Rhodiola Rosea – Facilitates transport of neurotransmitters across the blood-brain barrier and protects against age-related mental decline.
- Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 – These vitamins aid with the synthesis of brain chemicals and enhance energy metabolism to support brain activity.
Pros:
- Boosts brainpower.
- Improves mental focus and clarity.
- Protects nerve cells and nerves from damage.
- It can be used by all healthy adults.
- It’s free of soy, allergens, gluten, caffeine, and synthetic additives.
- Has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Cons:
- Costly.
#3. Qualia Mind
Formulated by Neurohacker Collective, Qualia Mind contains an impressive natural formula that helps support and maximize cognitive function. This 100% vegan and non-GMO product is made to boost your mental performance.
It also contributes to long-term brain health, something that not a lot of nootropic stacks in the market can claim to do. Even better, it comes with a 100-day money-back guarantee.
It gives you a lot of time to use the supplement and decide whether it helps you or not. Another attractive incentive is a 50% discount for first-time buyers who subscribe for more than a one-time supply.
Each bottle contains 154 capsules, which is a 28-day supply for the recommended daily dosage of 7 capsules.
Features
Qualia Mind has the following benefits:
- It maximizes brain function.
- Supports long-term term brain health.
- Enhances neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.
Ingredients
Qualia Mind contains a total of 28 ingredients, all with cognitive-enhancing properties. Some of them are:
- Huperzine A. – It acts as a synaptic enzyme modulator, supports neuroplasticity, and enhances long-term memory.
- Clestrus Paniculatus Seed Extract – Has neuroprotective effects that prevent brain damage. It also enhances cognitive functions such as memory.
- Theobromine – It supports executive brain function and promotes alertness and attention.
- Niacin – This is a form of Vitamin B3 that defends against brain disorders.
- DHA – DHA is a fatty acid that supports learning, memory, and executive function. It protects the brain cells from damage by strengthening their membranes.
- Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract – This extract has nootropic, neuroprotective, and adaptogenic effects. It promotes memory and builds mental resistance against stress.
- Thiamine – This is Vitamin B1, a nutrient that aids cellular metabolism and boosts energy production in the brain.
- Taurine – This is an organic sulfonic acid with neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing functions.
- Cognizin® – A patented form of citicoline that boosts neural regeneration and increases brain energy, memory, focus, and attention.
- Vitamin D3 – Also known as Cholecalciferol, Vitamin D3 has antioxidant properties that protect the brain from oxidative damage by destroying free radicals.
- Vitamin C – This is a powerful antioxidant that destroys free radicals that would otherwise contribute to mental decline.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL – An amino acid with cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective properties.
- Vitamin B5 – Also referred to as pantothenic acid, it plays an important role in cellular metabolism that provides energy for brain activities.
- Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 also promotes metabolic processes that provide energy for various brain functions.
- Artichoke Leaf Extract – Boosts brain function by increasing communication between neurons and improving memory.
- Organic Coffeeberry – This is an antioxidant that acts against free radicals in the brain. Through this, it prevents oxidative damage which contributes to mental decline.
- Rhodiola Rosea – Has anti-anxiety properties and also combats mental fatigue by reducing inflammation in the brain.
- Bacopa Monnieri – Improves mental speed and ability to retain new information. It also has antioxidants that fight free radicals.
Pros:
- Supports concentration, memory, and clarity.
- Enhances willpower and motivation.
- Uses nutritive ingredients.
- Comes with a 100-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- It requires a dosage of 7 capsules each day, which is inconvenient.
- Expensive.
Best Nootropics Ingredients
Besides the pre-made nootropics stacks, you should also explore individual nootropics. These are substances that contain cognitive-enhancing properties, and which are used to make the stacks.
Understanding what each of them is capable of is an important step towards building your own stack. We have reviewed some of the most powerful and effective individual nootropics to simplify the search for you.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid that aids in the production of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
These are important neurotransmitters in the brain, with dopamine enhancing motor skills and memory. Epinephrine, also commonly known as adrenaline and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) are responsible for the flight or fight response when your body or brain is in a stressful situation.
Tyrosine is also an anxiolytic, which means it helps manage anxiety symptoms and reduces stress and depression. These are conditions that can impair cognitive function if not addressed.
This nootropic can also make multitasking easier as it improves your memory and boosts brain function under stress. Tyrosine supplementation can, therefore, help you perform well under stress or when fatigued.
The best nootropics to stack tyrosine with are Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, and citicoline. We’ll discuss these too so that you can see what properties they possess and how they can amplify the effects of tyrosine.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushroom is rich in compounds that has seen it used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. These compounds are capable of aiding with the growth of brain cells, which is why this is a vital nootropic.
This nootropic is notable for its ability to enhance the production of the nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is a neurotrophic factor that regulates the growth, modification, repair, and maturation of neurons in the brain.
Its actions promote the regeneration of brain cells and prevent their death, which is essential in avoiding memory loss and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases.
NGF also enhances brain plasticity, which is its ability to change and re-wire itself when necessary. This is what ensures that your brain keeps growing to reach maturity. It also aids recovery when the brain suffers injury or damages due to various stressors.
Lion’s mane mushroom can be used with maritime pine bark, tyrosine, and other nootropics.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb with adaptogenic properties that are very useful for brain function. As an adaptogen, it enables the body and brain to adapt and perform well under stress.
By dealing with mental stressors, this nootropic can promote your cognition by helping your brain perform optimally in less-than-ideal situations.
Ashwagandha also inhibits action by cortisol, which is a stress hormone. It means that it can play a role in managing stress and anxiety, and even reduce your risk of depression.
It can also improve mood and allow you to get through your daily activities in a focused mental state.
A dosage of 300-500mg per day can provide you with the herb’s benefits. To stack it, consider using tyrosine or lion’s mane mushroom.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko Biloba is an herb that aids with concentration, memory, and also increases blood flow to the brain. These abilities enable it to reduce the risk of age-related mental decline in elderly people.
It’s rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals and minimize damage to brain cells and neurons. It slows down aging and keeps the brain from degenerating.
It improves circulation and dilation of blood vessels, thereby increasing the flow of blood to the brain. It promotes the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and glucose to the brain cells.
A well-nourished brain is able to maintain executive functions, improve focus, memory, and learning capabilities. Enough blood supply also aids in the growth and development of neurons and promotes the production of neurotransmitters.
Gingko Biloba can also alleviate inflammation in the brain. Inflammation on the brain is a sign of nerve cell death, and it slows down communication between neurons. It leaves you feeling dull with a foggy mind.
Therefore, supplementation with Gingko Biloba can enhance mental clarity and protect your brain from the effects of nerve cell damage.
When stacking Gingko Biloba, consider using nootropics such as bacopa and citicoline for the best effects. 50-90mg of this herb per day can support your cognitive functions.
DHA
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that’s vital for brain function. It can be found in fatty fish such as salmon.
However, since most people don’t get to eat enough fish to provide an efficient amount of DHA to the body and brain, supplementation is necessary.
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in brain cell membranes, where they improve their health and functioning. They also enhance communication between nerve cells, thereby improving cognitive function.
DHA has cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective effects that promote learning, memory, and executive functions.
Executive brain functions are essential for behavioral control. They contribute to working memory, self-awareness, self-motivation, problem solving, among other brain-controlled activities.
DHA aids in mood regulation and can help manage depression. It can also help reverse mild brain function decline and inhibit accelerated brain aging.
This nootropic can be stacked with several others, including vitamin B12 and maritime pine bark.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is an herb that has been used extensively for medicinal uses thanks to its adaptogenic properties.
It improves mental tolerance when under stress, hence sustaining cognitive functions. Rhodiola Rosea stimulates dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
It aids their movement across the blood-brain barrier, thereby enhancing their functions. This nootropic also protects acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that aids with learning, concentration, and memory.
In addition, it has antioxidant properties that prevent oxidative damage in the brain and inhibit age-related mental decline. Anti-inflammatory activity by the same herb acts against nerve cell damage and prevents mental fatigue.
Finally, Rhodiola Rosea has anti-anxiety actions that help reduce symptoms associated with stress, depression, and anxiety. It helps improve your mood and keeps you motivated as you go through work, study, or handle other responsibilities.
Use a daily dosage of 100mg to benefit from the multiple properties of Rhodiola Rosea. You can stack it with DHA, tyrosine, and bacopa monnieri.
Bacopa Monnieri
Also known as water hyssop or brahmi, bacopa monnieri is a herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for long. It’s rich in both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which gives it neuroprotective abilities.
It contains powerful compounds known as bacosides, which aid with knowledge retention. It improves your ability to retain information and is a useful nootropic for spatial learning.
Bacosides have been proven to have antioxidant, antidepressant, and vasodilation abilities. So, they not only help manage stress and inhibit free radicals in the brain, but also improve blood flow.
Increased blood flow in the brain promotes healthy brain function due to nourishment with nutrients, oxygen, and glucose for energy. It also enhances neuron activity.
Studies have shown that bacosides have potential as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. They have also been shown to regulate the synthesis of numerous neurotransmitters in the brain.
Bacopa monnieri can be effectively stacked with Rhodiola Rosea, lion’s mane mushroom, or citicoline.
Citicoline
Citicoline is a drug that is used to improve various aspects of cognitive function, such as memory. It has been researched for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s diseases, Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia, and slowing the progress of brain aging.
It’s also used to manage bipolar disorder. It stabilizes cell membranes and optimizes their function while protecting them from damage.
Citicoline also fights free radicals, which are the precursors of oxidative damage in the brain. In the body, it’s converted to cytidine and choline, both of which are helpful to brain function.
Choline triggers the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that enables signaling between neurons. By promoting the production of neurotransmitters, citicoline boosts general brain function.
It also facilitates the regeneration of neurons and enhances brain energy, memory, focus, and attention. Stack citicoline with bacopa monnieri for better memory, or with Rhodiola Rosea to boost brain energy.
Maritime Pine Bark
Maritime pine bark promotes the production of nitric oxide in the body, which promotes blood flow. Nitric Oxide widens blood vessels, facilitating the flow of blood into the brain.
Increased circulation in the brain ensures the efficient nourishment of brain cells with vital nutrients, oxygen, and glucose. It facilitates the function of brain chemicals which support cognitive functions such as memory and learning.
This nootropic also supplies antioxidants that fight free radicals that accelerate the mental decline. It protects brain cells and neurons from degenerating and therefore helps reverse age-related cognitive decline.
Maritime pine bark can contribute to long-term brain health while also improving short-term memory, clarity, and focus.
For impressive improvements in brain blood flow, stack maritime pine bark with vitamins B6, B9, and B12. It can also be stacked effectively with the lion’s mane mushroom and DHA.
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that covers brain cells, creating a protective barrier over them. It also acts as a neurotransmitter since it enables the communication between nerve cells.
Levels of phosphatidylserine have been shown to decrease with age, which necessitates supplementation. Low levels of this phospholipid leave brain cells vulnerable to damage by free radicals and other stressors.
This nootropic can, therefore, help prevent or reverse age-related mental decline and also aid in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Phosphatidylserine also reduces cortisol levels in the brain. It prevents both anxiety and depression symptoms.
Stacking phosphatidylserine with Rhodiola Rosea can promote mental speed and clarity. It can also be used together with bacopa monnieri and citicoline.
How to Make Your Own Nootropics Stack?
If you would rather make your own nootropics stack instead of buying a pre-made one, you can try some of the individual nootropics that we have introduced here. Note that those are just some of the most commonly used nootropics, there are many more that you can use.
To make a functional nootropic stack, you need to keep several factors in mind. You especially need to pay extra attention to your ingredient selection, as this is what will determine how bioavailable your stack will be.
Factors to consider when looking for the best individual nootropics to use in your stack include:
Synergy
It refers to the ability of different substances to work together and amplify each other’s effect. To ensure a synergistic stack, look for nootropics that complement each other’s properties.
Possible Interaction
Natural substances can interact with each other, resulting in various reactions. Some of these reactions can affect the functioning of the ingredients and make a product ineffective.
Therefore, before adding any ingredient to your stack, research about its possible interactions with any of the other substances. Ensure zero interaction between ingredients for the best result.
Dosage
The dosage that you use for each ingredient determines whether it’ll have any noticeable effect, or simply be a useless filler. For instance, you’ll need at least 150mg of tyrosine in each daily dosage in order to benefit from its cognitive benefits.
Using a lesser amount of Tyrosine in your stack may leave you without its benefits. The same applies to every other ingredient.
You’ll also need to decide whether to use synthetic or natural nootropics. Natural options are the safest to use as they have no side effects and work well enough.
Finally, you’ll have to choose the format that you want your stack in. Do you prefer pills, capsules, or powders? Use the one that complements your lifestyle.
Nootropics Buying Guide
What should you be looking for when buying nootropics, whether individual or pre-made stacks? We’ve made a buying guide for you to help you each step of the way so that you can purchase the best product for you.
Identify Your Goals
What aspect of your cognition do you want to enhance by using nootropics? Would you like to be more focused at work, carry out multiple tasks simultaneously without losing concentration, or increase your mental speed?
Identifying what you want to achieve should be the first step towards choosing a nootropic. Each nootropic comes with properties that can help in a certain way.
By identifying the substances that can contribute to your specific needs, you’ll be able to choose one that actually works for you.
Do Research
Avoid choosing a nootropic stack-based in hearsay or what the marketing team tells you. This is something that you’re taking into your body, and you should take it upon yourself to ensure that it’s safe.
To do this, you need to do research on each nootropic that you intend to use. Find out whether it has any side effects on your brain or body.
Also, find out if it actually improves mental cognition. The best way to find such information is by looking at clinical trials and scientific research.
You can conveniently find these resources on the internet, which makes it easy for you to discover the truth.
During your research, also find out how much of each nootropic is required to provide good cognitive effects. It will allow you to cancel out pre-made Stacks that use too little dosages of important nootropics.
Lastly, educate yourself on the difference between natural and synthetic nootropics, and which can be of use to you. There are many of both that are used in the market, but not all of them are safe or of high quality.
Be Versatile
When you begin using a certain nootropic and find that it’s effective, it’s easy for you to relax and keep using it for long. After all, you’ve found what you were looking for, right?
However, by sticking to the same nootropic for years, you’re missing out on the benefits offered by others. Maybe stacking your favorite nootropic with another one can amplify its benefits.
Or perhaps there’s another substance that provides the same benefits in a more powerful way. Therefore, you should be versatile and try as many nootropics as you can.
Only in this way can you find the ones that work for you in the best way possible.
Start Small
It’s advisable to start with the smallest dosages possible when using nootropics. It allows you to work your way up until you find the amount that’s ideal for you.
At the same time, you’ll be able to observe any side effects or benefits caused by each nootropic that you use.
Brand Reputation
When searching for the perfect nootropic or stack, it’s important to consider the manufacturing company. This is because each product’s quality and safety are tied to the practices and ethics upheld by their creator.
Does the brand engage in lab testing of each of their products before releasing them into the market? Are their manufacturing facilities FDA and GMP approved?
Are they concerned about using ingredients that have been proven to have cognitive-enhancing effects through clinical trials and studies?
These are questions that can help you identify a trustworthy brand that provides high quality and effective nootropics.
Nootropics FAQs
What are Nootropics?
Nootropics are drugs or supplements that can enhance cognition processes. They boost functions such as memory, concentration, attention, and learning. They also promote brain energy and improve mental clarity.
These supplements can enhance neurotransmitter function by helping with their synthesis, protecting them against damage, and promoting their growth.
Other courses of action by nootropics include increased blood flow to the brain and inhibiting oxidative damage to the nerve cells.
How Often Should I Use Nootropics?
Most natural nootropics are safe for daily use. The best way to determine how to use them is by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
You’ll find that many brands advise usage during the morning. This is so that you can benefit from improved cognitive function throughout the day.
How Long Do Nootropics Take to Work?
Each nootropic takes a different period to work. It also depends on whether you’re using a single substance or a stack.
There are some stacks that take half an hour to provide benefits, while others can take a couple of hours. Yet, for some, you may need to use it consistently for a few days to start experiencing a cognitive boost.
After their effects have kicked off, they mostly last for several hours to support you through most of the day.
Are Nootropics Addictive?
Nootropics are not addictive and don’t pose any risk to your health when used appropriately. Once you identify a dosage that works for you, you can keep using it without growing tolerance or dependence.
Will Using Nootropics Keep Me Awake?
Nootropics are meant to keep you alert without messing with your sleep cycle. Otherwise, they would be having a negative effect on your brain since sleep deprivation slows down cognitive functions.
In fact, some nootropics can help you have a better sleep that’ll protect your brain from fatigue and keep it energized.
Conclusion: Are Nootropics Right for You?
Professionals, students, aging adults, and athletes can all benefit from using nootropics. The challenge is to find the best one for you, and we hope that this review has made that task easier.
Using your knowledge of the different individual nootropics, you can choose the most promising stack or make your own. With appropriate use, you’ll benefit from the boosted mental speed, energy, focus, and memory.
These will make you more productive at whatever you do because you’ll be able to tap into strategic thinking skills, creativity, and feel motivated.
While using these supplements to boost your cognitive performance, sustain a healthy lifestyle to limit damage to your brain. It will also keep it functioning optimally well into your senior years.
