Smart Medicine

For years, scientists (and vested interests) have been trying to develop a smart pill capable of raising focus and performance to super hero status. Currently there are several on the market that are mostly synthetic based (Adderall, Ritalin, etc) however natural ingredients could be in the mix enabling false advertising of an alternative or natural remedy.

Cognitive enhancement drugs continue to emerge each year as one gets better than the next. It is called the science of ‘nootropics’ or smart medicine and it is gaining a foothold on those looking for the next best thing to assist them in rapidly surpassing their counterparts.

PIED “Science”

Nootropics are a class of drugs amongst a wide category of PIED, performance and image enhancing drugs. However, the term ‘drugs’ is not entirely accurate as many of these formulas fall under ‘dietary supplements’ hawked on the internet with a significant rise in popularity after being portrayed in major motion pictures such as Limitless starring actor Bradley Cooper.

The problem is that there are no regulations when it comes to many of these formulas which often gives the term ‘natural’ a suspect label once someone misuses it. Yet, recently, new smart drugs are receiving high marks, even if it is just the result of observational studies.

Viagra for the Brain

Some doctors are referring to PIED as “Viagra for the brain” given some remarkable results from its newest addition. It is called Intelleral and it claims that its special ingredients are able to significantly amplify brain function. So much so that Big Pharma had distribution shut down three years ago due to its super powerful capability making everyone suspect of its unknown applications. In fact, this drug is becoming as controversial as physical performance enhancing drugs which have stripped professional athletes, such as cyclist Lance Armstrong, of their title and career.

Some are calling for tests to determine if someone, those taking a test, participating in a game show or attending a gambling establishment is on a PIED thus giving them an unfair advantage.

Regardless of the rising controversy, now it seems that Intelleral is back and available prompting students, athletes and business executives to line up, throw down their cash and get on the PIED bandwagon.

Firsthand Account

Recently, Health & Science Editor, Alan Frasier from NBC News put Intelleral to the test. Here is an abbreviated version of his account.

Week One

Intelleral was sold out on the net prompting sales upwards of $300 per bottle from opportunist entrepreneurs. Eventually, a bottle was procured at a reasonable price.

“About 30 minutes after taking my first pill, I felt the effects kick in. It started with a pleasant wave of calmness that washed over my entire body like a warm blanket. The mental fog and stress I’d been carrying around vanished instantly. Soon, I reached a level of alertness and concentration I’d never experienced before. Sounds didn’t even register. It was like walking around on a winter day after it just snowed. It became easy for me to ignore distractions and outside noises. Best of all, there weren’t any of the negative side effects like I get when taking Adderall.”

Week Two

“After a 10-hour work day my energy levels were still high, and I was focused and determined to finish all tasks for the day. Intelleral improved my ability to focus and function, and I made absolutely no change to my diet, exercise or work schedule.”

Week Three

“Intelleral has me laser-focused on the job at hand, and I am suddenly able to get things done before I move on. I noticed throughout the week I was hardly ever stressed, and I was able to control my emotions without losing focus.”

Week Four

“My mind is crystal clear and I’m able to recall stored memories with near perfect accuracy. It’s unbelievable how much has changed in just 4 short weeks. It’s not like I became a genius overnight after taking Intelleral, but it’s definitely improved my memory and the speed at which I process new information.”

The future of medicine seems to be upon us. From artificial limbs performing better than natural appendages to smart pills enhancing brain function beyond what was once considered limited natural capability. Maybe we are only using a certain percentage of our body and brain and all we need is a nudge from science to help us surpass earthly restrictions. Maybe, we need to concentrate on other factors, namely diet and planetary decimation.

The concerns of such enhancement technology still weigh in.

• What long term negative effects loom on the horizon?
• How will such science be controlled so as not to push aside those who would rather not take a drug or supplement for the rest of their lives?
• At what time do we stop meddling with nature?

Maybe, in due time, science will be able to mesh its technology for the greater good rather than individual attainment perpetuating a narcissistic result rather than one that includes all.