Nootropics: Yes, No, Maybe and Why (or Why not)?

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  • May 21, 2013 4:25 am at 4:25 am #609384
    Derech HaMelech
    Member

    I’ve heard about a class of drugs and supplements that purportedly have the ability to enhance a person’s mental capabilities. These can include such natural supplements as Ginko Biloba and Omega 3/6, L-Theanine (tune your radio to 97.5 on any Thursday at 12 if you don’t know what that is), to certain drugs given to people with dementia.

    Ultimately, the problem with these “smart drugs” is that there is little to no research done to validate their effectiveness. They might be effective…but maybe that’s just in rats. But the idea is interesting…

    My first thought was that we are each given our mental tools to work with and leave the narishkeit alone. But then I thought (assuming these things actually worked), why would it be different from drinking coffee for a boost in the morning (or afternoon)?

    So what are your thoughts: If there was a supplement that was proven to improve your ability to understand or focus on a blatt gemara, would you say one should take it, could take or shouldn’t?

    May 21, 2013 5:31 am at 5:31 am #953987
    WIY
    Member

    Derech

    I wouldn’t take such things unless there are guaranteed to be no side effects and since these drugs areso new and there hasn’t been enough research yet there’s no way to guarantee safety at this point. Maybe it will make me smarter now or improve my memory but 40 years down the road cause brain problems or make me more susceptible to certain conditions. No thank you.

    May 21, 2013 6:18 am at 6:18 am #953988
    Mammele
    Participant

    WIY: so what about more mainstream stuff like fish oil (omega Derech mentioned) or B complex? The benefits of some supplements are easier to understand than others, especially if one is deficient. And the risks seem negligible. I don’t bother, but I wouldn’t laugh off someone that does.

    May 21, 2013 2:10 pm at 2:10 pm #953989
    Derech HaMelech
    Member

    WIY: Some of the supplements like Ginko Biloba, Ginseng, Omegas, etc. have some research and experience behind them. For instance, Ginseng is contraindicated for people on Coumadin (I think because it has blood thinning properties). And that is aside from the fact that some of those have been used for long enough to establish their safety. Other drugs, like those certain drugs used for dementia have very low toxicity- at least in the short term.

    Either way though, that wasn’t my point. My question was if there was a supplement that was proven safe and effective one day, what might be the right hashkafa towards it?

    May 21, 2013 2:29 pm at 2:29 pm #953990
    WIY
    Member

    DY

    If its safe and it improves your mind why would it be a problem? Id probably buy it if it was proven to work and not just hype and if its reasonably priced.

    May 22, 2013 11:21 pm at 11:21 pm #953991
    Derech HaMelech
    Member

    If its safe and it improves your mind why would it be a problem?

    I don’t know, it just seems to me like there might be a reason to say we were given certain keilim and if they’re not broken, don’t over-reach.

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