Nootropics and energizing drinks are among the most consumed energy and brain function enhancement products.
Both can improve your mental performance and focus, but which one is more effective?
To obtain the differences and their effectiveness, I worked with my dietitian to study my clients.
We placed them into two groups: the nootropic drink group and the energy drink group, and here is what we found out.
Quick Summary
- Nootropics and energizing drinks can improve your cognition and overall health.
- Both nootropics and energy drinks have side effects; however, nootropic side effects are significantly less common and far less severe than those associated with long-term energy drink consumption.
Energy Drinks And Nootropics: What They Do
Nootropics, sometimes known as "smart drugs," are a type of compound that can improve brain performance [1].
They are also known as cognitive enhancers or memory boosters.
Nootropic drinks are thought to improve the function of the brain's neurotransmitters, enzymes, and hormones, enhancing how the brain and mind work.
A nootropic smart drink contains many substances, most of which have been studied, and numerous others are produced daily. Although precaution is advised, many are natural and do not have serious negative effects.
Prescription nootropics are stimulant-like medicines. They can alleviate the symptoms of medical diseases like attention deficit disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and Alzheimer's [2].
Non-prescription drugs that can improve cognitive function or attention, such as coffee and creatine, are also considered nootropics.
They are not intended to treat illnesses, although they may influence cognition, memory, and other mental processes.
"Nootropics are known as cognitive enhancers, substances that magnify how the brain's many cognitive functions operate and how we interpret information."
- Amira Guirguis, Pharmacist
On the other hand, energizing drinks are becoming an increasingly popular drink choice among young people, both as a caffeine supply for completing work and for recreational purposes.
These beverages may appear harmless, and several companies even sell them as healthy products containing natural nootropic ingredients.
These drinks have various beneficial ingredients that increase the consumer's alertness and involvement in the tasks.
Caffeine is among the most commonly used substances to keep the brain active and awake.
Many energizing drinks also contain taurine, which improves cognitive function, and vitamin B and amino acid, which enhances other biological processes [3].
Nootropics And Energy Drinks: Which Is Safer?
Nootropics are a safer option than energy drinks. Nootropic side effects are infrequent and far less severe than those linked with long-term energy drink intake.
Both, though, are common sources of increased "GO" power.
These great pick-me-ups can deliver that much-needed boost and maintain the body and mind for hours straight.
Energizing drinks and nootropics contain carefully formulated nootropic natural and synthetic ingredients that are intended to increase brain performance.
Nootropics And Energy Drinks: Advantages
They have both produced certain advantages that may benefit cognitive performance and overall well-being.
Here are some of the benefits of taking nootropics and energy beverages.
Benefits of Nootropics
- Improved Focus: Piracetams are a typical nootropic substance that can boost energy and promote focus [4]. This is an essential first step toward improving your memory. This works well for students and employees who need to stay attentive during long periods of mental work.
- Improved Mood: It has been shown that negative moods are among the most significant impediments to our ability to absorb and retrieve information. Sulbutiamine is, however, one nootropic that has received great praise for its ability to boost mood and overcome diseases such as stress, depression, and anxiety, which may substantially impair cognitive thinking [5].
- Memory Enhancement: A wide range of nootropics boost memory retention and recall by promoting cell growth and strengthening neural connections.
My clients on nootropics reported having experienced increased memory and focus, where they could recall the tiny details of their day.
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Benefits Of Energy Beverages
- Improve brain function: Among the most prominent reasons for drinking these beverages is to enhance cognitive function and boost mental performance. Multiple studies demonstrate that energizing drinks can increase cognitive parameters such as memory, focus, and response speed while lowering mental fatigue [6].
- Boosts energy: People also use these drinks to help them operate when they are sleep-deprived or exhausted. The carefully chosen components have been shown to increase alertness and offer the energy required to push through the last hour and accomplish deadlines on time.
The clients on energy drinks experienced a boost in energy and a slight increase in our focus on training.
Health Concerns Of Energy Drinks And Nootropics
Despite all the benefits of energizing drinks and nootropics, they may cause severe side effects on overall health.
Let's look at the health concerns in detail.
Nootropics Side Effects
- Physiological Disturbance: Excessive usage of some "natural" cognitive enhancers can have negative health consequences, but these are usually small and infrequent. St. John's Wort is an example; in big doses, this ingredient can cause restlessness, sleep deprivation, diarrhea, and even drowsiness [7].
- Dependency: Like any performance booster, too much of a good thing may be detrimental. While taking an enhancer does not have any major negative health impacts, it is possible to build a tolerance for its nootropic effects after repeated usage.
My clients experienced mild headaches and insomnia after utilizing nootropics for three weeks.
Energizing Drinks Side Effects
- Heart Concerns: Studies have shown that using these drinks daily might contribute to cardiovascular problems early in life. This may include hypertension, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), and even heart failure [8].
- Metabolic Issues: Because an energizing drink includes so many additives, minerals, and sugars, the body may go into overdrive attempting to metabolize it.
- Psychological Impediment: While an energy drink might be a good physical performance booster, drinking too much can also impair your ability to think and operate.
After drinking these drinks daily for two weeks, some of my clients reported having experienced feelings of irritation, anxiety, and nervousness.
FAQs
Do Energy Drinks Have Nootropics?
Yes, energy drinks have nootropics such as caffeine, that stimulates brain function and increases focus.
What Is the Best Nootropic For Energy And Focus?
The best nootropics for energy and focus include caffeine, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, and Ginkgo Biloba, that stimulate the alpha brain waves associated with concentration.
Which Energy Drink Is Good For The Brain?
The energy drink that is good for the brain is Raize. Its key ingredients have been well crafted and backed by scientific studies.
What Happens If You Drink Energy Drinks Everyday?
If you drink energy drinks everyday, you may experience effects such as heart arrhythmia, anxiety, headaches, and high blood pressure.
Which One Should You Use?
Nootropics provide all of the benefits of energy beverages without the concerns. The risks of drinking energy drinks include obesity and the likelihood of a heart attack, which are far more severe than the risks linked with nootropics.
That said, it's high time you quit energizing drinks and try our best high-quality nootropics.
After months of subjecting various nootropics to our routine test, we came up with a list of the ones that produced the best effects without crashes. They have well-researched and clinically tested formulas that will improve your focus, creativity, and motivation within no time.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9415189/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6482530/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4682602/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16007238/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15951087/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15549275/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92750/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5714807/
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