1. Caffeine

Caffeine, found naturally in coffee beans and tea leaves, yerba mate, guarana berries, and cocoa can serve as an enhancer, increasing alertness and attention while stimulating dopamine release by your body. In addition, caffeine has also been proven to boost heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and urine loss rates as well as being shown to prevent depression in some people according to Harvard Health.

As much as caffeine may be considered a nootropic, it doesn’t work on its own. Therefore, other supplements, herbs and compounds are often combined with caffeine in an ideal coffee nootropic stack for maximum effectiveness. Popular examples include green tea, yerba mate and L-theanine; exotic options like Bacopa Monnieri for memory enhancement or Noopept for combatting cognitive decline are more exotic options that should always be tested cautiously when self-experimenting. Subreddits like /r/nootropics is great place to get new ideas when self experimenting; even placebo effects can have significant impacts – hence why some people act drunk even when given alcohol-free beer! /r/nootropics is an invaluable resource; beware when self-experimenting on yourself when taking any nootropic combination or dosage options – even placebo effects can have strong impacts; such as when given alcohol-free beer!

2. Theanine

Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, works to counterbalance the effects of caffeine by improving cognitive function without its adverse side effects like jitters, insomnia and anxiety. Studies have also demonstrated its ability to promote alpha brain waves associated with relaxation while at the same time improving focus and memory. Though found naturally in many foodstuffs such as mushrooms or milk products, only limited amounts are actually absorbed by the body so supplementation may provide more benefit than taking just foods containing this amino acid.

Theanine has been associated with decreasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This may be because theanine inhibits acetylcholine breakdown and reduces levels of inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine while simultaneously stimulating norepinephrine and dopamine release – all essential elements to optimal brain functioning and memory retention – particularly during memory formation or learning processes. Furthermore, studies suggest it can increase both short-term and long-term memory retention by strengthening both short-term and long-term memory retention significantly.

Combining caffeine and theanine together can be considered an effective nootropic that enhances alertness and performance during stressful activities, leading to improved concentration, focus, decision-making ability and fatigue relief. Furthermore, this combination can boost certain hormone production in the body which makes theanine an excellent option for students preparing for exams who require focus and study time.

One popular nootropic stack in the r/nootropics subreddit, called the Qualia Original Stack, combines theanine with caffeine and other supplements to boost memory, mood and energy levels. This nootropic is called GABA which regulates calmness, sleep patterns and alpha brainwave activity; Choline bitartrate which supports methylation reactions in the brain; Alpha GPC which aids memory formation; as well as yerba mate and Rhodiola rosea for additional benefits.

3. NAC

N-Acetyl cysteine, more commonly referred to as NAC, is a naturally-occurring precursor for glutathione–one of the body’s most potent antioxidants. As an oral supplement, NAC has demonstrated numerous health advantages including respiratory support, reduced oxidative stress levels and liver detoxification support.

NAC can help improve breathing by thinning mucus, making it easier to cough up and expel from the lungs. Additionally, NAC has been used to relieve symptoms associated with chronic bronchitis, asthma and cystic fibrosis as well as improve circulation by lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation/oxidative stress that contribute to heart disease.

As an effective anti-inflammatory, NAC can provide significant pain relief from conditions like arthritis and neuropathic pain. Furthermore, it may aid digestion by preventing constipation and bloating as well as possibly alleviating effects associated with irritable bowel syndrome by decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the stomach.

Prevent fatty liver disease by increasing glutathione production and detoxification processes. Furthermore, it reduces oxidative stress while encouraging new liver cell formation and growth. Furthermore, it has also been shown to improve brain function by decreasing oxidative stress levels and increasing dopamine levels, potentially slowing Alzheimer’s progression.

NAC has been proven to enhance fertility by decreasing oxidative stress and supporting ovulation for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Furthermore, NAC may enhance egg quality and increase motility of male sperm, and support an overall healthy immune system and combat viral infections by raising antioxidant levels and decreasing inflammation.

4. Tongkat Ali

Eurycoma longifolia, more commonly known by its acronym Tongkat ali, is an herbal medicinal plant with numerous health advantages. Tongkat ali can boost energy and libido levels while simultaneously decreasing stress and increasing fat burning capabilities of the body. Furthermore, Tongkat ali can boost cognitive function and alleviate mental fatigue – this combination can often be found as an ingredient in various nootropic supplements for an additional boost of mental focus and energy levels.

Tongkat Ali contains eurycomanone as its bioactive compound, and research has identified numerous health benefits it can bring. It affects the central nervous system by increasing dopamine production and improving mood; acting as an antidepressant and helping with anxiety; as an athlete it can even increase muscle mass and strength for improved performance – making this herb an excellent ergogenic aid!

One of the great things about Tongkat Ali is its relative safety for most individuals; however, some individuals may experience mild side effects like restlessness or increased aggression which should subside once their body adjusts to it.

Tongkat ali can also improve mood by decreasing cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol serves as the body’s main stress hormone and high levels can lead to various health issues; Tongkat ali can reduce cortisol and increase dopamine, improving mood and motivation while strengthening immunity against illness or infection.

5. Red Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy (RLT) activates the body’s natural healing processes. RLT facilitates four stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling to repair tissues damaged by disease or trauma. Furthermore, RLT can alleviate pain by activating anti-inflammatory molecules production and decreasing cell swelling.

Many users report improved sleep quality after RLT sessions. This can be attributed to its ability to enhance melatonin production, which plays an essential role in regulating the cycle. RLT may also help alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms by increasing serotonin levels; additionally it has been found to alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms such as flashbacks and mood swings by decreasing oxidative stress levels while increasing cell repair capabilities.

While research supports the benefits of Red Light Therapy, more work needs to be done on its long-term safety and efficacy. Furthermore, people with sensitive skin may experience discomfort. Lower intensity settings should be used and sensitive areas avoided for best results.

At first, it is best to start with shorter RLT sessions and gradually increase them based on individual response. Consultations with an RLT professional are highly advised in order to reduce risks and complications; RLT should not be undertaken while pregnant or with health conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.