Do nootropics and prebiotics actually do anything? Here’s what the experts say

food drink

From the Associated Press

Functional drinks, or drinks that are touted to provide mental or physical benefits beyond hydration, are growing in popularity around the world.

Hundreds of companies have entered the market, hoping to make waves with trendy and sometimes unfamiliar ingredients.

Here are some of the latest functional drinks included in functional drinks and what scientists think about them.

adaptogen

Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that can help your body respond to stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and can increase your sense of well-being.

Examples include American and Asian ginseng (herbs), ashwagandha (evergreen shrub), eleuthero (shrub), Rhodiola (flowering plant), and chaga (mushroom).

According to the Cleveland Clinic, adaptogens are known to trigger chemical reactions that return the body to a more balanced state.

Side effects from adaptogens are rare but vary by plant.

Research shows that adaptogens are most effective in the short term (less than 6 months). This is because the body builds up a tolerance to adaptogens and they become ineffective over time.

nootropics

Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs”, are substances that can improve thinking, learning, and memory in humans.

The most common nootropics include caffeine, L-theanine (an amino acid found in tea), creatine (an amino acid naturally found in meat and fish), bacopa monnieri (an herb), ginkgo biloba (a tree), and lion’s Mane (mushroom).

Some adaptogens, such as ashwagandha, may also have nootropic properties.

In a study published last year in the journal Plants, researchers found that most plant-based nootropics do not have immediate effects after a single dose and must be taken over a long period of time before visible improvement occurs. said.

One of the challenges in researching these natural substances is standardizing their intake form and dosage, the study said.

Side effects are rare and usually mild, but users should consider their overall health and whether nootropics may affect other medications before taking them.

Probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics are foods or supplements containing live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the “good” bacteria in a person’s intestines and other parts of the body.

These are naturally found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, kombucha, and sauerkraut. Prebiotics are food for bacteria and other microorganisms that live in your gut.

Prebiotics are found in whole grains, bananas, vegetables, onions, garlic, soybeans, and artichokes.

Probiotics theoretically work together with your body’s beneficial microorganisms to fight harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Researchers know that an unhealthy microbiome can contribute to chronic diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.

It can also affect your mood, pain tolerance, and fatigue.

The Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic conclude that although there is much active research on the microbiome and the effects of probiotics and prebiotics, there is not enough evidence to draw firm conclusions about their effectiveness. states that there is no.

Side effects are rare, except for people with weak immune systems whose bodies may not be able to fight off probiotics that accidentally contain harmful microorganisms.

CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the active ingredient in cannabis. Although CBD is one of hundreds of components found in marijuana, CBD itself does not cause a high.

CBD has been used to treat epilepsy and may also help reduce anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and addiction.

Possible side effects include nausea, fatigue, and hypersensitivity.

In an article published in April, Harvard Medical School said that CBD can help manage anxiety and other issues and appears to be a relatively non-toxic option.

However, he said more research is needed to pinpoint the effective dose.