Have you been a little moody lately? Or maybe you’ve been feeling down, or just a little sluggish and unmotivated. Your mood plays a huge role in how productive you are. When you feel sad, angry or depressed it’s much harder to function and focus. You end up getting very little accomplished. And most likely other people don’t want to be around you, either. So how do you get out of the funk you’re in?
Whether it’s a long-term downslide, or you’re just having a bad week – or even a bad day – you could give nootropics a try. There are several nootropics that have been shown to help improve your mood. Rhodiola Rosea, Modafinil, Lion’s Mane, L-Theanine and Tyrosine are just a few nootropics known to enhance mood. But which one is the best? We take a look at the following Nootropics:
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Noopept is a synthetic nootropic molecule grouped in the racetam class but structurally different from racetams.
This formula delivers organic mushroom mycelium to help improve mental clarity, memory, and your ability to focus.
This Rhodiola Rosea is perfect for physically active adults looking to help their body cope with stress in order to handle life's challenges.
Vinpocetine has been shown to enhance cerebral circulation, reduce inflammation and stress, and boost alertness, concentration, and mood.
Inositol Powder contains a great source of antioxidants, which may help protect the cells from free radical damage.
There is much scientific research and evidence that suggests L-tyrosine supplements help boost cognitive enhancement, mood and motivation, which all help reduce or eliminate the effects of stress.
This L-theanine reportedly helps increase serotonin levels in your brain, a well as dopamine, GABA, and glycine.
Why Take Nootropics for Mood?
People use nootropics for many different reasons. While most people take them to improve focus and concentration, many others take them simply to improve their mood. Others take them to treat depression and other mood-related disorders. People with mild mood issues generally benefit the most from taking nootropics.
How Mood Enhancing Nootropics Work
So how do mood enhancing nootropics work. Nootropics are effective at improving your mood because they work with your brain’s natural chemistry. Nootropics work based on real chemical science. They actually help reduce negative feelings and increase your overall feeling of well-being.
According to nootropic.com, “nootropics have a direct impacton some neurotransmission systems in our brain. Neurotransmitters tell our brain to feel happy, sad, motivated and a billion other things. Nootropics target neurotransmitters like serotonin, acetylcholine, and dopamine.”
It’s also important to note that there are two types of neurotransmitters: inhibitory and excitatory. When excitatory neurotransmitters are overactive, that’s when feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression occur, which can alter your mood. Under normal circumstances, excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters work which brings equilibrium. However, finding that balance is not always easy and sometimes people need additional help. That’s where mood-enhancing nootropics come into play.
For example, dopamine and serotonin are the two most important chemicals in our brain that affect mood. Nootropics help optimize the brain’s systems by increasing the brain’s natural production of these neurotransmitters and by increasing the receptors ability to receive them. This helps achieve that feeling of equilibrium again.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Taking nootropics to improve your mood is a common practice. And there are definitely proven results. However, not all bad moods can be improved by taking a supplement. People that suffer from serious depression or sadness, or might have a serious mental illness should strongly consider consulting with a doctor. Of course, taking a nootropic might help ease your symptoms, but if serious symptoms persist and you have any thoughts of suicide or harming yourself in any way, then seek medical help right away.
Nootropics can’t solve all symptoms of depression or lift you every time you’re in a bad mood. That’s why it’s important to seek experienced professional medical help if you don’t find any real relief with nootropics. Therefore, if you have persistent feelings of sadness, depression, hopelessness or despair, then be sure to visit with a doctor to further discuss and evaluate your symptoms.
Are Mood-Enhancing Nootropics Right for You?
There are many mood-enhancing nootropics and both their chemical compounds and quality vary greatly. However, it’s important to note that nootropics are non-toxic by definition, which means they are typically safe for you to take. In fact, some nootropics are even designed to help remove toxins from your body. However, you can’t take nootropics like candy. They do have recommended doses that you should always follow. It’s also a good idea to speak with a doctor before beginning any supplement.
It’s widely accepted that the best nootropics are not only safe to use, but also help improve your overall health, especially the health of your brain. Nootropics are effective because they reduce oxidative stress in your brain and they also target free radicals. That helps promote stronger activity in your brain.
As with any supplement, there are some possible side effects of taking nootropics. These are typically mild and not everyone experiences them. Some people that take more intense nootropics – like high-powered racetams – experience headaches. Other common side effects include nausea, upset stomach, or a tired feeling. If you have an existing heart condition you should avoid using nootropics. If you’re taking certain medications, like blood thinners, you should also avoid nootropics. Also, avoid using mood-enhancing nootropics if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Top 7 Nootropics for Improving Your Mood
Let’s take a closer look at the best nootropics for improving your mood and determine which one is right for you.
Rhodiola Rosea
This Rhodiola Rosea is perfect for physically active adults looking to help their body cope with stress in order to handle life's challenges.
What is it– Rhodiola Rosea, which is also known as “golden root”, is an adaptogenic herb. It has several benefits, including fat-burning capabilities, as well as enhancing energy and boosting brain power.
Dosage for improving mood– Rhodiola has been found to be both safe and effective in several different doses, including as small as 50 mg daily to as much as 680 mg daily. Tests have shown that it works best when taken on an empty stomach. So taking a 100 mg dose in the morning before you eat is a good place to start.
Why is it good for improving mood– Adaptogens, in general, have been shown to help your body adapt to chemical, physical and environmental stress. Rhodiola is considered one of the best adaptogens because it contains compounds that help balance cortisol, the chief stress hormone.
What to stack with– Rhodiola Rosea has been shown to stack well with several common nootropics, including Siberian ginseng, lemonwood, St. John’s wort, and cranberry water extract.
Our Recommendation – Gaia Herbs
Lion’s Mane
This formula delivers organic mushroom mycelium to help improve mental clarity, memory, and your ability to focus.
What is it– Lion’s mane is a mushroom that’s been shown to have medicinal qualities. Researchers have found lion’s mane to contain several substances, including beta-glucan and antioxidants, which promote better health. It has also been shown to improve overall brain function and for some people improve mood.
Dosage for improving mood– The strength of the extract will help determine the proper dose. For Lion’s Mane 10:1 extract (30% polysaccharide), the daily dosage is 500 – 1,000 mg taken 1 to 3 times per day. Other dosages of Lion’s Mane range from 300 mg to 3000 mg dosed 1 – 3 times per day.
Why is it good for improving mood– Lion’s Mane is known to make people feel good because it reduces levels of anxiety and depression. It also improves the ability to concentrate.
What to stack with– Lion’s Mane is generally very good for stacking with other nootropics. In fact, it compliments many other types of nootropics very well, including Aniracetam, Alpha GPC, and Omega-3’s. Together these stacks can help give an instant cognitive boost and enhance your mood.
Our Recommendation – Host Defense
L-Theanine
This L-theanine reportedly helps increase serotonin levels in your brain, a well as dopamine, GABA, and glycine.
What is it– L-theanine is an amino acid that naturally occurs and is commonly found in green tea leaves. This supplement has been proven to increase energy levels, increase focus and support brain health.
Dosage for improving mood– The typical recommended daily dose for L-theanine is 200 mg. However, it’s also easy to find 250 mg doses available in the market.
Why is it good for improving mood– L-theanine reportedly helps increase serotonin levels in your brain, a well as dopamine, GABA, and glycine. Studies have shown that taking L-theanine for mood-enhancement can help reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and improve positive mindset for those who take it.
What to stack with– It’s very common for people to combine L-theanine with caffeine. Even though caffeine is not a nootropic, it is a stimulant. So, when you take these two substances together you get the benefit of being mentally stimulated combined with a feeling of calmness.
Our Recommendation – BulkSupplements
Noopept
Noopept is a synthetic nootropic molecule grouped in the racetam class but structurally different from racetams.
What is it– Noopept is a powerful peptide nootropic. It contains anxiolytic properties, which help make it one of the most popular nootropics for mood enhancement. It is also much more potent than most racetams, meaning you can get the same results with smaller daily doses.
Dosage for improving mood– The typical recommended daily dose for Noopept is between 10mg to 30mg.
Why is it good for improving mood– Noopept has already been proven to have a positive impact on cognitive function. However, a recent study showed that Noopept also helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. Noopept helps because it increases dopamine and serotonin, which are the two most important mood-enhancing chemicals. When you decrease your levels of stress and anxiety that allows you to stabilize your mood and gives you an improved sense of mental well-being.
What to stack with– People have commonly stacked Noopept with several other nootropics. For example, piracetam helps enhance the effects of Noopept and Alpha GPC improves the effects of Piracetam. Choline, huperzine, aniracetam, sulbutiamine, and L-theanine are also common stacking substances with Noopept.
Our Recommendation – Pure Nootropics
L-Tyrosine
There is much scientific research and evidence that suggests L-tyrosine supplements help boost cognitive enhancement, mood and motivation, which all help reduce or eliminate the effects of stress.
What is it– A nootropic precursor, L-tyrosine is used to make the catecholamine neurotransmitters that are critical for mental performance, but often depleted by the negative effects of stress.
Dosage for improving mood– A good place to start is the typical tyrosine dosage, which is generally between 500 and 2,000 grams.
Why is it good for improving mood– There is much scientific research and evidence that suggests L-tyrosine supplements help boost cognitive enhancement, mood and motivation, which all help reduce or eliminate the effects of stress. According to nootropicsexpert.com, “N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) enhances working memory, executive function, creative flow states, stress reduction, better mood, anti-anxiety and lessens symptoms of ADHD.”
Our Recommendation – BulkSupplements
Inositol
Inositol Powder contains a great source of antioxidants, which may help protect the cells from free radical damage.
What is it– Inositol is a B vitamin that you can find naturally in nuts, grains, oranges, cantaloupes and leafy green vegetables. It’s often referred to as B8. The main use of inositol in the body is to store and metabolize amino acids.
Dosage for improving mood– There is no set recommended dose for taking inositol supplements. However, some research suggests using 14 – 18 grams daily for people taking inositol to overcome feelings of depression. Some studies have shown 6 grams to be enough to help overcome depression. How much inositol you take depends on the condition you are trying to treat. It’s best to consult a doctor first before taking inositol and always follow the recommended dosages printed on the supplement label.
Why is it good for improving mood– Some people who suffer from depression have lower levels of inositol in their spinal fluid. Taking an inositol supplement has been shown to help alleviate depression symptoms, as well as symptoms of stress, anxiety, insomnia and even panic attacks. Inositol has even been shown to help generally improve mood even if you don’t have serious depression.
What to stack with– It has been shown that stacking inositol with 5-HTP helps improve mood. Combining Caffeine and inositol has also been shown to increase a feeling of energy and an overall state of mind. L-theanine has also been shown to help boost your mood when taken together with inositol.
Our Recommendation – BulkSupplements
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine has been shown to enhance cerebral circulation, reduce inflammation and stress, and boost alertness, concentration, and mood.
What is it– Nootropicsexpet.com describes Vinpocetine as “a semi-synthetic derivative of vincamine, an alkaloid derived from the lesser periwinkle plant. Vinpocetine is mainly used to increase cerebral blood flow when used as a nootropic.
Dosage for improving mood– The typical dosage of vinpocetine is between 15 to 30 mg, divided into three daily doses. Most users report the greatest benefit with doses at the higher end of the scale.
Why is it good for improving mood– Vinpocetine has been shown to enhance cerebral circulation, reduce inflammation and stress, and boost alertness, concentration, and mood.
What to stack with– Vinpocetine has been shown to work very well with other nootropics, including Ginkgo Biloaba and Racetam. It’s often found in reformulated nootropic supplements.
Our Recommendation – Source Naturals
Final Thoughts
All of these mood-enhancing nootropics have been shown to improve your state of mind. So, if you’ve lost your mojo, or you’re feeling angry, depressed, sluggish or low in energy, then these supplements could help give you the boost you need to turn things around. However, our choice for the best overall nootropic for improving your mood is Noopept.
Noopept has been proven to give people a real boost even in small doses. It’s a powerful supplement that not only helps improve your mood, but has also been shown to give people an overall sense of well-being. It has even been associated with improving motivation and cognitive function, and reducing stress and anxiety. In fact, when you take Noopept for mood enhancement you usually receive additional benefits. Thanks to its antidepressant qualities and its ability to improve memory and increase motivation, noopept is very a well-rounded nootropic supplement. What’s not to like about that?
But remember, you might respond differently to Noopept than another person. That means one of these other mood-enhancing supplements could work better for you. Just be sure to choose safe and reliable nootropics that are approved and have been shown to work for your intended use. The bottom line is when you’re feeling down there are nootropics designed to give you the lift you need to improve your mood. And in the end, that’s what counts.