{"id":401,"date":"2020-09-09T14:57:19","date_gmt":"2020-09-09T14:57:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lumultra.com\/blog\/?p=401"},"modified":"2021-11-05T04:58:59","modified_gmt":"2021-11-05T04:58:59","slug":"nootropics-and-alcohol-risks-and-precautions-to-consider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lumultra.com\/blog\/nootropics-and-alcohol-risks-and-precautions-to-consider\/","title":{"rendered":"Nootropics and Alcohol: Risks and Precautions to Consider"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"NootropicsNootropic supplements are popular for a reason: to enhance cognitive performance and help users undertake their tasks, whether for school, work, or other aspects of everyday life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alcohol, on the other hand, is mostly taken to dull the senses and increase a sense of confidence. In many cultures, it is a way to socialize, hence the term social drinking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nootropics and alcohol together is generally not considered an ideal combination, with potentially opposing effects. Some, however, argue, that this depends on the type of nootropic that\u2019s taken. These brain enhancers, for instance, can be classified into synthetic and natural, e.g, herbal extracts and nutrients found in nature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Examples of Nootropic-Alcohol Interaction<\/b><\/p>\n

Modafinil, often referred to as a real-life Limitless pill, is contradicted by alcohol due to GABA. It reduces GABA levels and lightly increases levels of serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and glutamate. While Modafinil\u2019s benefit might be significantly decreased, side effects may also be worsened.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, both of these substances can make you dehydrated, thus the likelihood of thirst and headaches if you don\u2019t follow through with enough water intake.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s L-theanine and alcohol. L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea. It\u2019s used in the nootropic arena to produce a relaxed state and therefore better focus and productivity. Higher doses, on the other and, can have a sedative effect but without affecting cognition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are those who consume L-theanine to lower social anxiety and become more clear-headed. L-theanine is also consumed after a night of drinking to help reduce brain fog and incite optimum performance the following day. Sometimes, L-theanine and alcohol are mixed to minimize the setbacks of a hangover.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Why Drinking Is Bad News for Cognition After All\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t take a genius to figure out that a state of being hung over affects cognition and mental performance adversely. Surely, a glass of healthful red wine might be helpful due to its antioxidants, but it\u2019s very easy to transition to unhealthy drinking and hangover. The factors that affect this include:<\/span><\/p>\n