Depression is a mental condition with a biological side, and certain supplements can be used to help ease the tensed neurons or supply the inadequate hormones. Nootropics have been used widely in aiding depressed individuals to supplement counseling and psychology. However, finding the best nootropic for depression can be a challenge. Remaining safe when using nootropics is a concern that makes finding the best nootropic supplements even more difficult.
Here are the best nootropics for depression:
- Arazo Nutrition 5-HTP
- Elemental Origins Bacopa Monnieri
- BulkSupplements Taurine Powder
- BulkSupplements L-Tyrosine
- Nature’s Trove L-Theanine
How to Choose Safe and Reliable Nootropics
When looking for the best nootropics for your depression, you need to consider the factors discussed below. Moreover, buying them from a trusted supplier not only guarantees you of a cost-effective purchase but also safety and reliability. Here is what to look for;
Certification for Analysis (CoA)
Nootropic supplements are tested for toxicity, quality, and potency by several qualified independent labs. In the US, pharmacopeia provides a seal for labels to verify that the supplement is USP verified. On the other hand, nootropic companies provide Good Manufacturing Practices. You can also check for NSF certification on nootropic products to make sure you buy the best smart drugs For depression.
Quality Assurance
Safe and reliable nootropics supplements are manufactured and tested for their safety for human consumption. In the USA, FDA is responsible for detecting adulterated supplements and frequently updates the list. As such, you should consider choosing reputable brands that have a good track record of providing safe and reliable nootropic supplements. Supplements that have USDA certification are free from any toxins and thus safe to use.
Therapeutic Dosages
Although there is no proven dosage therapeutic dosage level for every individual dietary supplement, most nootropics provide frequently used and safe dosage approvals. It’s important to follow the dosage guidelines for each nootropic you buy. However, when you’re a first-time user, it is recommended that you kick off with the lowest recommended dose and see your reaction.
Benefits of Nootropics
Since nootropic came into public limelight in the early 70’s, they have become widely used for various health reasons. Also referred to as cognitive enhancers or the best smart drugs for depression, nootropics have the following benefits.
Stress and Depression
Stress and depression are conditions that are linked to the functions of the brain and can be improved with nootropic supplements. Depression is caused by unbalanced brain chemicals, inadequate resistance to stress, and poor brain energy among other effects. Nootropics play a greater role in enhancing overall brain activity and health while inhibiting depression and stress causes. L-Theanine is considered to encourage an anxiety-free state of mind, calming the heart rate, and lessening stress markers.
Increase Concentration
The inability to concentrate has various effects on memory retention and brain functions. For instance, learners require optimum concentration, which is difficult to come by. A suitable nootropic can help enhance brain function by boosting motivation and mood, which in turn leads to better focusing and clarity hence higher concentration.
Brain Health
Nootropic supplements are a great brain booster that will help in keeping brain health. The worries over workplace, money, and the urge to make ends meet on a daily basis can knock out your brain into detrimental health risks. However, taking a nootropic can greatly improve oxygen circulation to the brain to improve its health and efficiency. In fact, some nootropics can increase brain cell growth.
Memory Boost
Typically, we can read and understand concepts quite well but when it comes to retrieving them it might prove difficult. This is because of the various stages of involvement in putting down a memory in the correct format for easy retrieval in later days. However, some individual does suffer from poor memory retention especially as we get older. Nootropic supplements have been shown to enrich neuron connectors as well as brain cell growth that are important in recalling long-term memory.
What should I look for when I buy a nootropic?
There are lots of considerations to take when choosing a nootropic supplement. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones.
Dosage
Dosage is one of the attributes that differentiate nootropics. There are those taken in the mornings alone while others are taken at least thrice a day.
Blend
Nootropics are blended with different ingredients that are specific for each brand. By reading through the ingredient section, you will find out that blends are not the same just like they are meant for different effects.
Effect
The effects brought about by nootropics can also be used to differentiate them. There are those that can improve your brain health, memory, and concentration while others can effectively reduce stress and depression. As such, nootropics can be differentiated by what they help your body with.
What is the best way to use nootropics?
Best practices for using nootropics are varied. However, it is important to check information and way of using a particular nootropic not only on the product’s website but also from the general public. People like to share their opinions on what nootropic brands worked for them and how best they used to get such credible results.
Additionally, ensure that your nootropic supplements are pure and you got them from a high-standard and trusted supplier. Moreover, use your nootropics with other excellent natural food supplements.
What are the best nootropics for depression?
BulkSupplements Taurine Powder
Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in dairy, fish, and meat while in the human body it’s found in the heart, muscles, and brain in high concentration. It’s considered a natural antioxidant that reduces the free-radical damage of the body and regulates the immune system.
Taurine is a great nootropic for depression due to its antidepressant effects that interfere with the GABA receptors to reduce depression effects. Moreover, it plays a major role in improving brain cell health, boosts energy, and improve the general performance of the neuron system.
Pros
- Safe and reliable depression nootropic
- Great for oxidative stress
- Improves brain function
- Affordable
Cons
- None
BulkSupplements L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that is used in the body to synthesize dopamine. It’s also used to nourish the adrenal glands that produce dopamine and epinephrine, which ensure a healthy and functioning body. Moreover, it improves mental energy and appetite in addition to boosting pleasure that can aid in tackling depression periods.
L-Tyrosine is a great nootropic for depression and stress since it helps balance norepinephrine, the chemical that regulates mood and stress. It is a valuable nootropic since it encourages a constant reuptake of norepinephrine, thus balancing the hormone. The daily intake of L-Tyrosine can effectively keep off mild depression before it aggravates to major depression. It can be taken along other nootropics like Alpha Brain without any effects.
A daily dosage of 500 mg of L-Tyrosine can be good enough to mitigate negative moods while some users claim that 5 grams of the product can be helpful in extreme cases. However, such a high dose can cause some side effects like jitters and nausea.
Pros
- High quality for depression
- Affordable
- Great supplements for stress
- GMO-Free
Cons
- No working prescriptions
Elemental Origins Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri is an extracted nootropic capsule that is manufactured in the US and tested for purity. Commonly referred to as water hyssop, Bacopa Monnieri is a herb frequently used in Ayurveda. Using bacopa is seen to improve cognitive abilities by reducing anxiety. It also enhances the growth of nerve endings- dendrites to improve memory. Moreover, it is believed to reduce brain aging as an individual gets older.
According to the national college of natural medicine, Bacopa Monnieri was discovered to be effective in reducing depression and anxiety in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. When tested on elderly individuals age 65 and above with 300 mg of bacopa for twelve weeks, the participants showed a greater improvement in memory recall as well as reduced anxiety and depression after using the supplement.
A dose of 900 mg of 20 percent extract of bacopa is recommended for each day. However, one ought to take the supplement on a full stomach to deter side effects such as diarrhea and nausea, which are a frequent occurrence when one takes the supplement on an empty stomach.
Pros
- Instant results on anxiety
- Help on memory retention
- High-quality with non-GMO and gluten-free
Cons
- Not taken on an empty stomach
Nature’s Trove L-Theanine
This is an amino acid that occurs naturally in green tea leaves. It is well-known for its great nootropic elements such as boosting memory recall, learning abilities, and calming effects. With a glutamate-like structure that is responsible for transmission of the nerve impulses in our brain, L-Theanine nootropic comes with a host of benefits to brain health.
In most cases, L-theanine is recommended for patients suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, it has also shown great positive improvements in brain health. Owing to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, L-theanine has the capability to reach the brain cells directly.
In addition to the above benefits, L-Theanine has also shown positive effects on reducing stress and depression levels by improving serotonin levels in the brain, which is one of the feel-good chemicals in the brain. As a result, teas blended with L-Theanine are effective at helping individuals to relax.
Pros
- Very convenient in reducing anxiety
- Highly recommended for depression
- Great for an overactive mind
Cons
- Not a sleep aid but a calmer
Arazo Nutrition 5-HTP
This is a drug-free amino acid that occurs naturally to help the body synthesize serotonin, a neurotransmitter that greatly assists in improving mood. Serotonin also plays an important role in improving appetite, better sleep, endocrine regulation, memory, and cardiovascular function.
The 5-HTP formula is designed to improve your well-being by providing natural ingredients that help to reduce stress, and depression while minimizing high-blood pressure. Usually, serotonin production reduces as one ages and its deficiency can result into stress. When serotonin is at low levels, an individual is often in a depressed mood and anxiety. However, with a dietary supplementation by 5-HTP nootropics, the serotonin production will improve hence decreased depression.
Pros
- Great at improving mood and positive outlook
- Enables relieve of anxiety and stress
- Enhances mind relaxation and the general body.
Cons
- May loss effectiveness over time
Final Thoughts
The clear winner of the five best nootropics for depression is the Arazo Nutrition 5-HTP. Besides being a great nootropic supplement for depression, it also comes with a host of other benefits such as enhancing healthy sleeping patterns, providing a positive outlook, boosting the immune system, and improving memory and learning abilities among others. Moreover, it is naturally extracted and produced in FDA and GMP Certified facilities in America. It is also tested for purity by a third party.