Can nootropics cause brain damage?

It is unlikely that any form of natural nootropics may cause brain damage. Being from natural sources, nootropics don’t possess the potency that you would get in an actual cognitive drug like Adderall or Modafinil.

If you’re interested in learning more about nootropics, you should check out our Best Nootropics page.

We haven’t heard of any cases or reports of natural nootropics causing brain damage. That said, if you have any concerns you should speak to your doctor before using them – and DEFINITELY speak to your doctor if you’re considering any drugs such as Adderall or Modafinil.

Although natural nootropics do not cause brain damage, they might actually help to reduce damage from brain injuries.

In this short article, we’ll be looking in more detail at how nootropics can help deal with brain damage and brain injuries and what you can expect from taking them.

Types of Brain Injury

There are two main types of brain injury:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

The best way to remember which one of these is which, a TBI is something that happens from an event outside of your body, and an ABI is something that comes from the inside.

For example, a typical Traumatic Brain Injury would be from a blow to the head , usually from a car accident, sport or violence. Other examples can be penetrations to the skull from blunt force that leads to bleeding on the brain.

Whereas an Acquired Brain Injury could come from an event inside your body like a stroke, brain infection, lack of oxygen, etc. These are factors that aren’t external but are manufactured from inside your body. This is even includes drug overdoses – as they occur after they’ve been absorbed by your body.

Natural nootropics are not effective as medicine to these conditions, but they do contain some nutrients which can help promote your recovery.

Symptoms of Brain Damage & Brain Injury

If you are suffering from some form of brain damage, there are numerous symptoms that accompany this. This is broken down into three different categories; physical, cognitive and emotional.

Physical symptoms include; headache, vision problems, ringing ears, nausea, trouble speaking, fatigue, light sensitivity, impaired movement.

Cognitive symptoms may be; blackouts, confusion, dizziness, memory loss, no concentration.

Emotional issues are potentially; personality change, irritability, mood swings, anxiety.

If you are experiencing any of these you should see a doctor immediately.

Nootropics that may help with Brain Injury and Brain Damage

There are several natural nootropics out there which contain a range of natural ingredients which can help improve recovery.

Below is our top list of nootropics which may help support the recovery from a brain injury.

#1. Citicoline

Citicoline is already used to help with strokes and traumatic brain injuries in several countries such as Japan and Europe. Research has shown that it may be able to support the neuro-cognitive state of sufferers of long-term Traumatic Brian Injury symptoms. There’s even some thought that it can help with cognitive decline after having a stroke.

59 countries are currently using citicoline for these reasons. They put this down to the research that shows Citicoline has regenerative properties which can help improve brain cell growth and regenerate damaged cells. This can help memory and focus, as well as generally with those who are have damaged brain cells.

Related: What foods contain citicoline?

#2. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Another good option is Lion’s Mane Mushroom, which can help with brain and nervous system growth and repair.

Research shows that ti may help to promote brain and nerve health with long-term supplementation, which could support movement, speech, breathing and swallowing – which can be affected from brain injuries.

Lion’s Mane also has the additional benefits of working as a mood booster which can help improve your outlook during a difficult scenario such as a brain injury.

#3. L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid with neuroprotective properties, and even induce calming theta waves from your brain. Research suggests that repeated use of L-Theanine may help lower risk of Acquired Brain Injuries.

One study in particular has shown that regular supplementation of L-Theanine and Green Tea can help improve memory and theta brain wave activity, while also increasing overall attention span.

Related: Mind Lab Pro Review

Nootropics and Brain Damage Summary

As you can see, there don’t seem to be any links between nootropics from natural sources and brain damage. That said, some of these nootropics may be able to offer some aid after experiencing a brain injury, such as a Traumatic Brain Injury or Acquired Brain Injury.

Some of the nootropics regenerative effects may be able to offer some benefit in those cases.

Pablo Garduno

Hi, I’m Pablo Garduno. I am a biohacking enthusiast, and Head Writer of SanDiegoHealth.org. I write the majority of the content on this site, and appreciate you taking the time to read my work.

Types of Brain Injury

Symptoms of Brain Damage & Brain Injury

Nootropics that may help with Brain Injury and Brain Damage

Nootropics and Brain Damage Summary

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