Best Nootropics 2021 (Updated) Nootropics Expert

My newsletter subscribers frequently ask me what the best nootropic is for _________. Fill in the blank with your choice for decision-making, memory, learning, anxiety, depression, energy, motivation, or

You get the idea. There are so many things that can go wrong with the human brain. And a group of neurohackers will offer a variety of opinions on the best solution for each thing.

But take a step back and you notice something. People generally sort their brain hacking goals into a few well-defined categories. Then look for the best nootropic to address each one.

Another thing we learn quickly is that there is no one-pill solution for cognitive optimization. It often takes a stack of several supplements to get to where we want to go.

And our categories and list look something like this

Processing speed, Decision-Making, Focus, Flow, & Thinking

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), Aniracetam, Caffeine, CDP-Choline, Lions Mane Mushroom, NALT, B-Complex

Aniracetam, Bacopa Monnieri, CDP-Choline, DHA, L-Theanine, Phosphatidylserine (PS), Pine Bark Extract

Aniracetam, CDP-Choline, Bacopa Monnieri, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, Sulbutiamine, B-Complex

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), Alpha Lipoic Acid, Caffeine, CDP-Choline, Rhodiola, CoQ10, PQQ

Brain Repair & Maintenance

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), Aniracetam, Caffeine, CDP-Choline, DHA, Phosphatidylserine (PS), Vinpocetine, Rhodiola Rosea, Pine Bark Extract

I have a couple of new favorite nootropics this year after 14-years of trial and error. And chances are that what works for me may work well for you too. The nootropics Im talking about here are what I use every day.

Youll notice in the categories above that some nootropics work in multiple areas of cognitive enhancement. This means fewer nootropics in a well-rounded stack.

And once you dive into the neuroscience behind each nootropic, youll find synergy with how many of these ingredients work together. This may result in smaller doses of each for a bigger benefit.

Brain optimization comes with a lot of experimenting to find what works best. Trying different compounds, keeping a log of what works and how well, and a considerable investment.

Naturally, Im on the lookout for how to save money without cutting corners. So once Ive narrowed my stack choices, the search begins for quality pre-made nootropic stacks that will save me buying individual nootropics.

Fortunately, I found what is in my opinion the best pre-made nootropic stack in late 2015. Which uses most of the nootropics Id selected for my stack. All packed into 2-daily capsules in a nootropic supplement stack called Mind Lab Pro.

Ill talk more about Mind Lab Pro in a few minutes and how it ties into my brain hacking goals.

The company that makes MLP also produces a line of supplements called Performance Lab. Offering even more options for brain optimization. More on that later as well.

Before I go into detail how my stack works, here are what many of our fellow biohackers worldwide consider the best nootropics available in 2021.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Aniracetam

Bacopa Monnieri

B-Complex

CDP-Choline

Coconut & MCT Oil

Caffeine

DHA

Lions Mane Mushroom

Quercetin

L-Theanine

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT)

Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Pine Bark Extract

Rhodiola Rosea

Sulbutiamine

Vinpocetine

get Mind Lab Pro

get Performance Lab

To learn more about what goes into designing a personal nootropic stack, check my other posts:

Beginners Guide to Nootropic Stacks

How to Create the Best Nootropic Stack

Here well do a quick review on some simple steps you can follow for building a great nootropic stack.

It could be boosting learning & memory, eliminating brain fog, tackling anxiety or depression, improving focus, or increasing energy & motivation. You can use the first table in this post for ideas on how to define your goals.

But the more we learn about the nootropics that have been used for thousands of years for cognitive enhancement. The more we realize that natural compounds are often as good as or better than some modern synthetics or prescription meds.

At times youll know within an hour of taking something how well (or not) its working. Sometimes it may take days, or a couple of weeks, before you can decide if something is working as you thought it would.

Each nootropic has a u-shaped response curve. And synergy when taken with other nootropics in your stack. More is never better. And too much of one nootropic can be dangerous.

As you gain experience, youll also come to realize that some pre-made nootropic stacks simply dont make sense. Because the amount of certain key ingredients are well below therapeutic doses to provide a benefit you can feel.

How important is it to you to optimize your brain? Would you risk shortening your lifespan by a few years for optimized cognition now? While its highly unlikely, this is something only you can decide.

Understand that no one is a master of the art and science of nootropics. Dont believe anything I have to say, or what you read on other websites. Find out for yourself if something is true. And change course when you need to if you want to achieve your neurohacking goals.

Next, well take a closer look at each of the nootropics recommend above and that I use every day.

get Mind Lab Pro

get Performance Lab Mind

get Performance Lab Stim

get Performance Lab Omega-3

Each of the nootropics covered below links through to a complete review. When you click through to each individual nootropic supplement review youll find more detail on what it is, why we use it, how it feels, its mechanism of action in your brain, side effects, forms available or types to buy, and dosage recommendations.

Youll also notice in the table above and each nootropic listed below that many of these ingredients are conveniently encapsulated in the Mind Lab Pro formula of two capsules per day. Or in Performance Lab Mind, or Performance Lab Stim.

Each of these nootropics are generally regarded as safe and non-toxic at the recommended dose. But your mileage may vary. How you respond to each of these compounds depends on a host of variables including:

So please click through to each nootropic and read the side effects, prescription drug interactions and any other notes or warnings. But in general, these are among the safest cognitive enhancers we know of.

Read more about Nootropics Safety and Side Effects

ALCAR helps transport fatty acids into mitochondria where theyre needed for energy metabolism.[i] Fueling your cells power plants can boost physical and mental energy.

ALCAR is a necessary cofactor for acetylcholine synthesis.[ii] Which boosts memory, mental alertness, and fluid thought.

The antioxidant properties of Acetyl-L-Carnitine provide neuroprotective qualities, boosts Brain-Derived Nerve Growth Factor (BDNF) and promotes cerebral blood circulation.

Aniracetam is one of my favorite nootropics. Its well-known among experienced nootropics users for reducing anxiety, depression, fear and improving sociability.[iii] But it does so much more.

Aniracetam enhances your brains ability to repair damaged cell membranes. It desensitizes glutamate (AMPA) receptors in your brain.[iv] Which boosts neural signaling by increasing the effectiveness of glutamate. Resulting in better focus and concentration.

Aniracetam also improves memory and recall by releasing 200 300% more acetylcholine in your brain.[v] Which increases focus, and clarity of thought.

And Ive found that the combo of Aniracetam and Sulbutiamine is better than any antidepressant Ive even tried.

Bacopa Monnieri is one of the best nootropics for studying. Researchers at Banaras Hindu University in India showed Bacopa as effective for anxiety as the benzodiazepine drug lorazepam. And unlike benzodiazepines, Bacopa did not cause memory loss. In fact, it boosted cognition.[vi]

Another study conducted in Portland Oregon demonstrated that 300 mg of Bacopa Monnieri per day for 12 weeks:

Caffeine is an adenosine antagonist which helps prevent you from getting sleepy. And in turn influences acetylcholine, epinephrine (adrenaline), serotonin and boosts the use of dopamine. Providing the stimulant effect experienced when consuming caffeine.[viii]

Caffeine assists in the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which boosts neurogenesis.

And caffeine increases the density of GABA receptors, potentiates dopamine, and causes some serotonin receptors to be more responsive. Which in turn improves mood within an hour of consumption.[ix]

A valuable addition to any great nootropic stack, CDP-Choline is a multitasker which improves cognition and brain function, improves focus and motivation, and reduces fatigue.

CDP-Choline aids in the synthesis of acetylcholine, and the release of dopamine.[x] Both neurotransmitters involved in learning and memory.

CDP-Choline also helps repair brain cell membranes. The cytidine in CDP-Choline converts to uridine in your body. And works as a bridge between choline and neuron membrane synthesis. Uridine is needed to synthesize phosphatidylcholine (PC) which is needed to repair damaged neuron membranes.[xi]

Choline is so vital to cognition and nerve function that without it, we couldnt move, think, sleep or remember anything. And one the best ways to provide your brain and body with the choline it needs is supplementing with CDP-Choline.

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is crucial for the healthy structure and function of your brain. Your brain is made up of 60% fat. And much of that fat is DHA.

DHA can turn on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Improving neuroplasticity leading to better learning and memory. And DHA acts as an anti-inflammatory by reducing the enzyme COX-2.

If you suffer from chronic depression, within a few weeks of adding DHA to your nootropic stack, you should feel the depression lift. Your cognition will be better. Youll think clearer and quicker. Your memory and ability to learn will improve. And youll likely have more energy and motivation.

But it is very likely you wont think to attribute these improvements to adding DHA to your nootropic stack. Something else will get the credit.

The thing is you cannot get these benefits from fish oil or most Omega-3s on the market. Because the dosage of DHA is far too low. And purity is an issue. Best to get your DHA from the source. The same place fish and other marine life get their DHA. And thats from algae.

The latest addition to my nootropic stack, and thousands in our community, is the Performance Lab Omega-3. It provides 600 mg DHA and 300 mg EPA made fromAlgal Oil (from lifes Omega 60) in twoNutriGels vegan softgels.

Lions Mane Mushroom is an ancient Chinese remedy for improving cognitive performance, and overall health.

In our modern world, Lions Mane makes it into some of the best nootropic stacks. Why?

Because Lions Mane stimulates enzyme production that releases Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).[xii] It stimulates the repair and creation of neurons (neurogenesis). Boosting neurotransmitters and signaling that affects memory, learning, recall, and mood.

And Lions Mane helps eliminate brain fog. Restoring memory and mental alertness. And lowers anxiety and depression symptoms.[xiii]

Lions Mane is a great compliment to any nootropic stack including Aniracetam, CDP-Choline and DHA (Omega-3s) for an immediate cognitive boost.

Quercetin is flavanol from the flavonoid group of polyphenols found in many plants.

As a nootropic, Quercetin boosts mitochondrial function and decreases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which improves learning and memory.

Quercetinhas the unique ability to increaseclaudin-4which sealsTight Junctionsand healing aleaky gutorleaky blood-brain barrier.[xiv]

Quercetinmade the Best Nootropics for 2021 list this year because it has recently been found to help reduce symptoms ofCOVID-19.

A Chinese study showed thatQuercetinbound with the spike protein in thecoronavirus, reducing its ability to infect cells.[xv]

Some of the most recent comments byQuercetinusers report a significant reduction inCOVID-19symptoms.

Those infected with the virus reported usingQuercetinwithVitamin C,Vitamin D, andzinc. Their breathing was easier, and this combo helped them recover faster. And this is beginning to bebacked by clinical studiesas well.

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine produces the catecholamine-triad of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. As your dopamine levels increase, youre better able to concentrate, organize your thoughts, and stay productive.

NALT can be an effective treatment for ADHD symptoms. NALT works in synergy with stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall by boosting extracellular levels of dopamine. Helping these drugs be more effective. And mitigating side effects like crashes when the stimulant wears off.

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine also improves memory and cognition under acute stress.[xvi] It helps improve decision-making, flow state and creativity, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.

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Best Nootropics 2021 (Updated) Nootropics Expert