A four-day weekend is more than reason enough for this crew to binge drink. So, I’m guessing no one wants to hear about working out. But you might be interested in getting your brain working again. Let’s revisit Nootropics.

Nootropics, commonly called smart drugs, are claimed to make you smarter or boost cognitive performance. In reality, none of them are going to make you a genius. Good ones can make you feel more like yourself on a good day.

We will start with the unsexy ones. Depending on how you eat, you may or may not be getting enough necessary vitamins and minerals. Getting enough can have a profound affect on how you feel and function.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D boosts your testosterone and improves sleep. We have sort of beaten it to death here but getting enough high quality sleep is hugely beneficial.

Zinc

Zinc benefits brain plasticity.

Magnesium

Magnesium benefits sleep and brain plasticity.

B Complex

B complex is a precursor to many neurotransmitters and improves blood flow to brain.

Omega 3

Omega 3 improves cell membrane permeability in the brain and testosterone production.

Creatine

Creatine allows your body to recycle ADP. This allows you to get more energy out of the ADP stored in your body. In your brain, it gives your neurons more energy. There are studies showing higher scores on IQ tests by those taking it.

Caffeine

Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in your brain, making you feel less tired.

A low to moderate caffeine intake increases your alertness and attention and decreases your reaction time.

Everything above is well studied and shouldn’t be controversial. Take them or don’t. As R.J. reminds us, everything is voluntary.

Now let’s get to some of the more esoteric stuff.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance brain function.

Several studies have found that Bacopa monnieri supplements can speed up information processing in your brain, reduce reaction times and improve memory.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that helps your body handle stress more effectively. Several studies have found that Rhodiola rosea supplements can improve mood and decrease feelings of burnout in both anxious and highly stressed individuals. Taking small daily doses of Rhodiola rosea has been shown to reduce mental fatigue and increase feelings of well-being.

Nicotine

Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical found in many plants, especially tobacco. It’s one of the compounds that make cigarettes so addictive. It can also be consumed through nicotine gum or absorbed through your skin via a nicotine patch.

Studies show that nicotine can have nootropic effects, such as improved alertness and attention, especially in people with naturally poor attention spans. It has also been found to improve motor function.

I was a bit surprised to learn how effective nicotine is. I don’t want to understate the effects of addiction, but I can’t help but wonder if it deserves further study. I would think a safe delivery method with some sort of monitoring could be quite beneficial.

Modafinil (Provigil)

Commonly sold under the brand name Provigil, modafinil is a prescription drug that is often used to treat narcolepsy, a condition that causes uncontrollable drowsiness. Its stimulating effects are similar to those of amphetamines or cocaine. Yet, animal studies suggest it has a lower risk of dependence.

Several studies have shown that modafinil significantly reduces feelings of fatigue and improves memory in sleep-deprived adults. It also enhances the ability to properly manage your time and resources to accomplish your goals.

I am putting on my tinfoil hat while speculating the military must be testing to see if this would be useful for pilots, special forces operators, and possibly other personnel.

This week’s music. I’m also including this one for Mike S.