In the world of sports, every millisecond counts, and the slightest edge can make all the difference. 

As athletes push their bodies to the limit, they're constantly searching for ways to enhance their performance, recover faster, and gain a competitive edge. 

Enter nootropics, a class of supplements that promise to improve cognitive function, memory, and focus, while also boosting physical endurance and reducing fatigue. 

In this article, we'll dive into the fascinating world of nootropics and explore how these "smart drugs" can revolutionise sports performance.

What are nootropics?

Nootropics are a class of supplements known as cognitive enhancers. 

Many people ingest them everyday, as things like caffeine, L-theanine (found in tea), Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, and Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to enhance things like focus, memory, and mental clarity. 

These substances are often referred to as "smart drugs" or "brain boosters" because they are believed to enhance brain performance.

Nootropics work by influencing various neurotransmitters, enzymes, and receptors in the brain to provide benefits such as increased alertness, improved learning ability, enhanced memory retention, and even mood enhancement.

While not all substances claiming to be nootropics are safe or effective, genuine nootropics are typically well-researched, have a low risk of side effects, and provide measurable cognitive benefits. 

Synthetic nootropics (like Adderall) are popular and effective but often come with a range of unwanted side effects. 

However, many natural compounds and herbs also possess nootropic properties, offering a more holistic approach to cognitive enhancement.

Ultimately, the goal of using nootropics is to optimise brain function and unlock your full cognitive potential, allowing you to perform better in mental tasks and improve your overall mental well-being.

Can they actually help you perform better?

Yes, nootropics can potentially help you perform better in sports. 

As mentioned earlier, nootropics are a class of supplements that have been shown to improve various aspects of brain function, such as focus, concentration, memory, and mental clarity.

Here are some ways nootropics can help you perform your best:

• Improved reaction time

Nootropics can improve reaction time, which is a critical aspect of sports performance, and any improvement in this area can have a significant impact on overall performance.

Lots of research shows caffeine can significantly improve reaction time. Additionally, the herb Bacopa Monnieri has been shown to improve memory, learning, and reaction times by increasing the levels of neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain.

• Enhanced focus and concentration

Some nootropics, like caffeine and L-theanine, can help athletes maintain a laser-like focus during training and competition, allowing them to stay in the zone and perform at their best.

• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving

Nootropics like lion’s mane can help athletes think more creatively and solve problems more effectively, allowing them to overcome obstacles and stay one step ahead of their opponents.

• Increased endurance

Nootropics like caffeine and cordyceps have been shown to improve exercise performance by increasing endurance and reducing fatigue.

• Enhanced recovery

Some nootropics, such as creatine and beta-alanine, have been shown to improve recovery time, allowing athletes to train harder and more frequently.

• Improved strength and power

Nootropics like creatine and beta-alanine have been shown to increase muscle strength and power, which can translate to better performance on the field or track.

• Reduced muscle damage

Nootropics like curcumin and resveratrol have been shown to reduce muscle damage and inflammation, helping athletes recover faster and perform at a higher level.

My favourite nootropics for performance

Caffeine

Caffeine, found in various sources like coffee and tea, is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world.

It blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, reducing tiredness and making you feel more awake.

A moderate intake of caffeine also enhances alertness, attention, and reaction time, making it particularly beneficial for fatigue.

Although it improves reaction time, studies suggest it doesn't typically impact learning and memory performance.

Caffeine is one of the main cognitive enhancers in our Super Nootropic Mushroom Coffee, which you can check out here. 

Lion’s mane mushroom

Lion’s mane is a unique-looking mushroom, with long, white spines that give it a shaggy appearance that's reminiscent of a lion's mane (hence the name!).

Compounds in lion's mane, known as hericenones, stimulate the production of neurotrophic factors in the brain, which are essentially proteins that support the growth and survival of neurons. This can lead to improved cognitive function and overall brain health.

Consuming lion's mane has also been linked to improvements in memory and concentration. In fact, some studies have suggested that it may even help prevent or alleviate symptoms of cognitive decline in ageing populations.

Finally, lion's mane may offer some mood and emotional benefits as well, with research suggesting that it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

We have included lion’s mane extract in our Super Nootropic Mushroom Coffee, which you can check out here. Or you can buy high grade lion’s mane extract here. 

Read: Is Lion’s Mane A Nootropic

L-theanine

L-theanine, an amino acid present in tea and available as a supplement, is a powerful nootropic compound.

A dose of 200 mg of L-theanine promotes a calming effect without inducing drowsiness.

Even a smaller dose of 50 mg, equivalent to two cups of brewed tea, enhances alpha-waves in the brain, associated with increased creativity.

L-theanine works synergistically with caffeine, often combined in performance-enhancing supplements, as they both naturally occur in tea.

We have included both L-theanine and caffeine in our Super Nootropic Mushroom Coffee, which you can check out here. 

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, and is well-known for its cognition-enhancing properties.

Scientific studies indicate that Bacopa monnieri supplements can accelerate information processing, reduce reaction times, and enhance memory.

The herb contains bacosides, active compounds that protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve signalling in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory processing.

Bacopa monnieri is also in our Super Nootropic Mushroom Coffee here. 

Cordyceps mushrooms

Cordyceps, a type of fungus known for their unique appearance and fascinating lifecycle, is often used as a natural performance enhancer by athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Studies have suggested that cordyceps may improve physical performance and endurance, as well as reducing fatigue and improve energy levels, making it useful for athletes anc active individuals. 

Cordyceps is included in our Super Nootropic Mushroom Coffee. 

Creatine

Creatine is an essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis. However, it offers benefits beyond its well-known use in bodybuilding.

When consumed, creatine enters the brain and combines with phosphate to create a molecule that provides quick fuel to brain cells.

This increased energy availability is associated with enhanced short-term memory and reasoning abilities, particularly in individuals who follow a vegetarian diet or experience high levels of stress.

Research supports the safety of a daily intake of 5 grams of creatine, showing no adverse effects. While larger doses are also effective, long-term safety data is currently lacking.

Nootropic Coffee

Our fan-favourite Super Nootropic Mushroom Coffee features a variety of unique ingredients, each chosen for their remarkable nootropic properties. They include:

• Arabica instant coffee powder 
• Gelatinised red maca powder 
• Cordyceps mushroom extract powder 
• Lion's mane mushroom extract powder 
• Chaga mushroom extract powder
• L-Theanine powder 
• Micronised resveratrol powder 
• Bacopa Monnieri powder 

We developed it specially to provide natural energy and focus thanks to compounds proven to support concentration, memory, learning, mental energy.

Learn more here. 

Final thoughts

Nootropics have the potential to revolutionise sports performance by improving cognitive functions such as focus, concentration, memory, and mental clarity, while also enhancing physical capabilities. 

So, if you're ready to take your performance to the next level, give nootropics a go!

And our Super Nootropic Mushroom Coffee is the ideal place to start.