Seven Substances That Can Boost Your Brain

Advanced medicine makes some people expect the existence of a pill for everything — a panacea. This statement is not intended to criticize medicines or supplements. It is a wonderful thing that we can give someone a medicine rather than suffer or die. However, one should remember about the basic principles of healthcare and the wise use of various substances. A pill will not help us pass exams in college, and taking something from an unknown source can harm us.
Mineral Water
The basic substance without which there is no life. Water can be consumed in large quantities. Highly mineralized water can be a healthy substitute for a sweetened drink and can provide minerals. People with high blood pressure should be careful when drinking water with a high sodium (Na). If we are exhausted with work on a computer, it is worth drinking mineral water.
Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the favorite substances of computer maniacs. It can be found in coffee, energy drinks and tea (here called theine). In appropriate doses, it improves concentration and brain efficiency. It reduces weakness and fatigue. May cause dehydration and losing minerals such as magnesium. From my own experience, I can say that it can be addictive, though less dangerous than nicotine.
- Active: 3 – 6 hours (sometimes up to 9 hours);
- Overdose: over ~500 mg per day or over ~200 mg in one dose;
- Lethal dose: ~7 – 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight;
- Note: Do not mix with alcohol.
Creatine
Creatine supplementation is not just for bodybuilders. Adequate levels of creatine in the brain correlate with improved recognition memory and reduce fatigue. Remember to stay hydrated and do not drink alcohol.
- Sample dosage: 1 to 5 grams per day;
- Overdose: above ~10 grams per day;
- Note: Do not mix with alcohol. Limit caffeine intake.
Taurine
If we've ever read the label of an energy drink, we've probably noticed a substance called taurine. This substance, like creatine, is used in strength sports, but not exclusively. From my own experience, I can say that it reduces the negative effects of caffeine, such as hand trembling and excessive irritability.
- Sample dosage: 1 to 3 grams per day;
- Note: Do not mix with alcohol.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
We can find vitamin C in pharmacies as effervescent tablets of 1000 milligrams. Vitamin C, common and known to everyone, is really valuable for our body. It is a powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress. Increases immunity. It can reduce fatigue without causing sleepless nights.
- Sample dosage: 1000 milligrams daily in one dose in the case of stress and fatigue;
- Overdose: The substance was overdosed in the movie "Job, czyli ostatnia szara komórka".
Ginseng
A wonderful plant that comes in many varieties. Associated with alternative medicine and used to lower sugar level and bad cholesterol. It improves concentration and has a stimulating effect.
- Dosage: Depends on the supplement;
- Note: May harm people with hypertension. Do not mix with alcohol.
Nicotine[highly addictive]
Why did I put this substance here? I have been addicted to it. Nicotine is highly addictive and very dangerous. It brings a feeling of light stimulation and relaxation to an addicted person. However, addiction causes a person to intake it more and more often and in higher doses. Warning: Brain stimulation at the beginning will change to lack of concentration over time. This can lead to taking higher doses of nicotine, which can result in an overdose.
The first time we use nicotine to feel better, but eventually, we need it just to feel normal.
Help in Case of Poisoning
In case of poisoning by ingesting a harmful substance, it may be helpful to induce vomiting (if the person is conscious). The sooner this is done, the less poison the body will absorb.
Bibliography
- [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6247400/ [access: 2022-05-13]
- [2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/08/030813070944.htm [access: 2022-05-13]
- [3] https://www.drugs.com/npp/taurine.html [access: 2022-05-13]
- [4] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Vitaminc-HealthProfessional/ [access: 2022-05-13]
- [5] https://www.drugs.com/mtm/ginseng.html [access: 2022-05-13]