Brain Wiz

14 Best Fidget Toys To Keep Your Mind Focused

Sat, 25 Feb 2017 19:45:39 -0500

What is fidgeting?

Whether it’s tapping your foot on the ground or playing with your pen, we all have a tendency to fidget once and a while. Fidgeting could be a symptom of boredom, inability to focus, or even ADHD. Regardless, you may be wondering, “Why do I have the urge to fidget?” The truth is, as human beings, we aren’t meant to be still. While we are awake, our brains want to be stimulated. We want to move and experience new things. However, modern life has a tendency to keep us in one place, usually at a desk working. Fidgeting is a release from these boring, mundane tasks that our minds tend to hate.

The truth is, fidgeting is good for you. In addition to keeping your mind slightly stimulated, it also keeps your muscles stimulated as well. What’s more, fidgeting doesn’t only stimulate your mind and muscles, but it actually may help keep you focused. A 2015 study found that students with ADHD were more focused when they were allowed to fidget at their desks.

The Best Fidget Toys

As you can see, there are a lot of benefits to fidgeting. If you’re looking to take your fidget game to the next level, you’re in the right place. Below we have outlined the best fidget toys to keep your mind stimulated and help you have fun in boring, mundane, and even stressful situations.

1. The Ultimate Fidget Rings

If you’re a fidgeter, you probably want something that you’ll easily be able to put in your pocket and play with during lulls in your day. The Ultimate Fidget Rings are perfect for that.

This fidget toy has eight aluminum rollers and is connected by two different metal rings. What’s great about this fidget toy is that you can play with it in a variety of different ways. Some may find it soothing it roll it around in their hand, while others may flip it between their fingers. Unlike a lot of fidget toys on the market, this is one of the rarer ones that also improves your dexterity.

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2. Galactic Globe

While not as small as other fidget toys, the Galactic Globe (sometimes called a “Toroflux”) certainly is just as fun.

If you’re looking at it, you may be a bit confused as to how it works but it’s actually pretty simple. You put the rings on your arm and let gravity slide it up or down. Based on some people have said in their reviews, this is one of the best big fidget toys you can purchase. Apparently the sensation of it going down your arm is unlike anything else.

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3. The Friendly Swede Egg Shaped Hand Exercise Ball

Another odd-looking fidget toy, these hand exercise balls actually work perfectly for fidgeters.

The Friendly Swede Egg Shaped Hand Exercise Ball comes with three, different colored balls. Each of them have a different firmness. They can be used in a variety of different ways. Some people use them during stressful situations and squeeze them, while others use them for dexterity exercises when they’re bored.

This fidget toy may be a bit harder to keep in your pocket so I recommend only purchasing it if you want to keep it at your desk or home.

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4. Freddy’s Fidget Toys

This might be one of the most versatile fidget toys on the market. With Freddy’s Fidget Toys, you have a lot of options for how you can use it. In fact, it really comes down to your imagination.

The toy is weaved together to make a long cylindrical shape with a mushy ball sewn inside. While it may seem a bit confusing as to how this may work as a fidget toy, its reviews have been astounding. Many parents have successfully used this toy to keep their autistic children calmer. One woman found that by giving this fidget toy to her son, he stopped biting his nails so much because Freddy’s Fidget Toy kept his hands busy.

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5. Tri Spinner Fidget Toy

One of the most popular fidget toys available these days is the Tri Spinner. This toy comes in a variety of different styles and is made by a lot of different fidget toy companies. However, the one we’ve linked to here is known for being the most reliable and best reviewed (that we’ve seen).

Here’s how it works. There are three bearings that stick out, giving it the “tri” in its name. In the center there is one main bearing. You hold the spinner with your thumb and pointer finger and use another finger to give it a spin. Amazingly, this spinner will keep going for a few minutes. The best part is it spins quietly. That means if you’re sitting in class or at a meeting at work, you can fidget away without anyone knowing.

What’s more is that the Tri Spinner fits perfectly in your pocket so you can take it with you anywhere.

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6. EDC Spinning Top

Unlike other fidget toys, which require you to be holding them to use them, the EDC Spinning Top is exactly what its name implies — a spinning top.

This fidget toy is perfect for those who don’t exactly like to fidget with their hands but still want to keep their brain occupied during periods of boredom during the day. What’s great about this spinning top is that it connects to your keychain so you don’t have to worry about keeping it with you or losing it (unless you lose your keys).

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7. Spiky Sensory Ring Fidget Toy

Also called a Monkey Ring, the Spiky Sensory Ring Fidget Toy works much like other smaller fidget toys in that you can roll it around in your hands of around your fingers. However, like the Galactic Globe, it gives users an extra level of stimulation by adding a “spiky” sensation when played with.

These fidget toys can be played with in a variety of different ways. Go ahead and twist, pull, squeeze, or toss them around. They are incredibly durable.

Based on reviews, these fidget toys have been very helpful in classroom settings. One reviewer stated that they work as a school administrator and deal with children that have ADHD on a regular basis. They use the Spiky Sensory Ring Fidget Toy as a means to help those children sit and listen for extended periods of time.

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8. KCHKUI Fidget Cube

You may be familiar with this fidget toy from going viral after its Kickstarter campaign launched. Today there are tons of different types of fidget cubes available, all helping solve peoples fidgeting issues. Why this fidget toy made this list is simple, it can be used in tons of different ways. You’ll notice that it’s a cube, giving it six sides. Each six of those sides provides you with a different fidget activity. No other fidget toy comes close to the versatility of this fidget cube.

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9. Pencil Set with Fidgets

If your child is a fidgeter, it could be a big distraction to others. Teachers or friends may have made comments about their behavior. If trying to calm their fidgeting behavior hasn’t worked, you may have to compromise. This pencil set is the perfect way to do that.

On the end of each of these pencils, you will see there are plastic screws, nuts, and bolts that can be fidgeted with during school. This helps keep their mind occupied while they sit in an environment where they may not want to be sitting in. Many reviewers are parents of children who have ADHD and have found this fidget toy to be very helpful in keeping their kids from acting up while in class.

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10. Spiky Slap Bracelets

Much like the Spiky Sensory Rings, these bracelets work in a similar way. You can put them on your wrist, push them around, or do really anything you’d like with them. The thing that makes this fidget toy a bit different than the others is that it is also a slap bracelet. If you aren’t familiar with slap bracelets, the work like this. First you make the bracelet rigid by making it straight. Then you slap it against your wrist. The action of slapping will make the bracelet curl onto your wrist. It’s fun to do and can add to the fidget experience.

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11. Spiral Glitter Wand

This may be one of the more unique fidget toys you’ll see. That is because it looks more like a magic wand than anything else. If you aren’t the type of person who likes to fidget with your hands but you get stimulation from visually fidgeting, this is the perfect fidget toy for you. The Spiral Glitter Wand works by moving it in different directions. It’s hollow, transparent, and filled with liquid and glitter. Moving it makes different fun patterns that will keep you occupied for hours on end. This fidget toy is perfect for younger kids, who you don’t want to give small fidget toys to for fear of choking on.

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12. Tangle Jr. Fidget Toys

The main reason people use fidget toys is to keep their mind occupied. Based on the fidget toy, they provide different levels of stimulation. The Tangle Jr. Fidget toy provides kids with a much higher level of stimulation that should keep their mind almost 100% focused on the toy. This is because it comes iv various different pieces, which can be reworked into different ways, stretched out, and more. While this toy isn’t best to send a child to school with, it would be great for long car rides or any other time where the child would need to be quiet and occupied for long periods of time.

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13. Pull and Stretch Bounce Ball

Much like the Friendly Swede Egg Balls, these stretchy bounce balls work in much the same way. However, these fidget toys are meant to be played with, unlike the Friendly Swede Egg Balls, which are more for stress fidgeting.

These balls are made from a material that allows them to stretch, be squeezed, and be thrown without breaking. This fidget toy is perfect for children and adults of all ages. Because it is so simple, it can be used in a variety of different ways and even stuck in your pocket for use on the go.

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14. Monkey Stringy Balls

While not always marketed as fidget toys, these Monkey String Balls are probably the most widely known fidget toys on the market. That is because they have been around for a long time. Unlike the other ball fidget toys, these are meant to be thrown around from hand to hand. You can also pull, squeeze, and spin them. What makes them a bit different to play with than the other ball-shaped fidget toys is that they have a different sensation when touched. It’s something that has to be experienced to understand.

Perfect for any age, this fidget toy can also be put in your pocket for use on the go, at work, or even at school.

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The post 14 Best Fidget Toys To Keep Your Mind Focused appeared first on Brain Wiz.

The Best Music for Studying

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 17:32:24 -0500

Does listening to music while you work actually make you more productive? Can you really have a better study session by turning on some background music? Well, it depends.

A variety of studies have been conducted to find a conclusive answer on whether or not music can increase productivity and focus. And unfortunately, the end results are always pretty mixed. In some cases, many people found that music definitely made them more productive, while others found it distracted them from the work they needed to get done.

At some point in time, you may have heard of what’s known as the “Mozart effect.” One of the studies that is most commonly cited when it comes to music’s impact on the brain mentions the Mozart effect. It essentially suggests that listening to certain types of music (specifically, the classical works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) can boost your spatial-temporal reasoning. While this study seemed to conclude that classical music in particular would be great for a work or study session, it’s since been debunked by a variety of other studies.

A study conducted by the University of Illinois had people perform a variety of work tasks while listening to music and they found that their work output was 6.3% higher than that of a control group that wasn’t listening to music. On the other hand, a different study tested 56 employees who were completing basic computer tasks and they were found to be more productive when there wasn’t any music playing in the background. As you can see, the end result these studies receive never seem to match up, meaning there’s no conclusive evidence as to whether it works or not.

Despite this mix of results from various studies, psychologist Francis Rauscher still believes music can have a powerful impact on your brain while working or studying. She ultimately says that the type of music that is effective for you will depend on what you’re personally interested in. If you hate classical music, it’s unlikely to help you focus. If rock music is more your thing, you may find that it helps you tremendously, despite the fact that it may distract other people.

So, the answer to whether or not music can boost your productivity and focus depends on you and the type of music you’re listening to. If you are interested in giving it a go, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best music for studying. Keep in mind that all of these might not work for you. It’s all about finding the right fit, so experiment with a few options to see how it impacts your focus.

Classical Music

While it may not be what you’d listen to while cruising around town in your car, classical music is certainly some of the best music for studying or working. It all comes down to the beats-per-minute in the music. That’s what gets your brain performing at an optimal level, thus making it a great choice for those study sessions.

In fact, a study was conducted that reviewed the impact of classical music on eight radiologists. They were asked to listen to classical music from the Baroque period and then questioned on how they felt. The radiologists mostly reported having a better mood and an increase in productivity.

Now, you may be thinking that you don’t want to listen to classical music from older periods, which is absolutely fine. There are plenty of classical versions of today’s popular songs that you can listen to and receive the same impact. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

The key reason that classical music works is because there aren’t any lyrics to distract you. Instead, it provides you with a peaceful, calm environment that’s ideal for study sessions.

Ambient Sounds & Noise

Ambient sounds are a great option when choosing music for studying because they are designed to keep your brain engaged at a subconscious level without being too “in your face”. When music is too distracting, it’s not good for studying because it prevents you from staying focused on the task at hand. Instead, you need something that keeps your brain engaged, but without directing your attention away from what you’re reading. Ambient sounds are perfect for this because they essentially provide the right amount of background noise.

If ambient noise sounds like your cup of tea, there are plenty of options you can try. In fact, if you’re someone who gets a lot of work done at a coffee shop, it’s likely because of the subtle background noise it provides. Studies have shown it’s helpful for boosting your creativity and increasing your focus.

If you’re a fan of working from the coffee shop, but find you can’t get there as often as you’d like, you can bring those coffee shop vibes to the comfort of your own home. Coffitivity is an app that provides you with the sounds of a coffee shop to give you the right amount of background noise so you can better focus on your work. There are also tons of free ambient noise videos on YouTube, such as the one below.

Instrumentals

Instrumentals are another great option to try when studying or working. You may opt for instrumental ambient sounds, which can provide relaxing vibes. Or you might prefer listening to instrumental versions of your favorite songs. This works well because you’re able to listen to familiar music without having lyrics to distract you from the work you’re focusing on. The Vitamin String Quartet is known for performing instrumental versions of some of the latest hits and they’re worth checking out.

While this type of music may work for a lot of people, keep in mind that it’s not for everyone. Unfortunately, some people may find themselves getting distracted by listening to familiar songs. You may be tempted to sing and dance along with the music even though the lyrics are missing. Again, it’s all about what works best for you!

The Same Song on Repeat

For some people, they may find listening to a variety of songs to be a bit distracting. If you were to create a studying playlist of multiple songs, the changing music and beats could actually direct your focus away from what you’re working on. For this reason, it’s a good idea to try listening to the same song on repeat. You’ll become accustomed to hearing the song and it should eventually get to a point where it isn’t distracting you anymore. It will likely start to feel like normal background noise.

Alternatively, if you want to create a playlist with multiple songs, it would be wise to choose songs that are similar in terms of the overall sound and the beat. This way, there won’t be any distraction when one song ends and a new one begins.

Music With a Simple Beat

When studying, the most important thing is obviously that you’re focused on the material that you’re reviewing. If you want music for studying, then you have to choose songs that complement the study session as opposed to taking your focus away from your work. Songs that have a complex beat are going to be more likely to distract you from what you’re reading.

For this reason, it’s key that you choose music that has a simple beat. A simple beat is still enough to get your brain functioning at the optimal level, while also creating the best environment for studying. Music that has been timed at 50 to 80 beats-per-minute are said to help induce an alpha state in the brain where your mind is calm but also alert, creativity is stimulated, and focus is heightened.

Helpful Tips for Choosing the Best Music for Studying

To really optimize your study session, keep these tips in mind when choosing music for studying:

Pick the music that works best for you. It’s absolutely okay to experiment with different types of music to see what works best for you. If you aren’t sure, take a few ideas from this list and listen to them to see what sounds best to you. The type of music that works for you may be different from what works best for your friend, coworker, or whoever. It’s all about discovering what’s ideal for your brain!
Keep the volume under control. You may be accustomed to blasting your music when you’re in the car, but this is not the time to make your room feel like a concert. Loud music is going to distract your focus from your work, so keep the volume levels to a minimum. It should literally feel like background music and not be at the volume you’d typically choose for listening to music.
Create a playlist in advance. Before you sit down for your study session, create a playlist of songs first. Choose the type of music that works best for you and try to compile a playlist of songs that sound similar in terms of the overall music and the beat. This will help to cut down on any distractions from the changing in songs. They should all flow together and be complementary.
Remember that studying is most important. No matter what kind of music you choose, you need to make sure it’s not taking your attention away from the most important task: studying. The music needs to complement your study session by providing a calm, peaceful atmosphere.

In the end, it all comes down to your personal preference. Experiment with the types of music we’ve shared here and see how it works for you.

If you have Spotify, here is a great playlist of songs that will help keep your study session chugging along.

The post The Best Music for Studying appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Alpha BRAIN FAQ: What You Should Know Before Making A Purchase

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 17:32:24 -0500

One of the most popular supplements on the market is Alpha BRAIN. It’s a well-known nootropic that has been created to boost memory, brainwave optimization, and focus. Because people often have a lot of questions about the product, such as where they can buy it and its benefits, we decided to put together a full post with some of the frequently asked questions regarding Alpha BRAIN. If you have a question that wasn’t answered in this post, please feel free to leave a comment. We’ll respond as quickly as we can!

Where can I buy Alpha BRAIN?

Alpha BRAIN is available at a variety of retailers, both in-store and online. You can order it online directly through Onnit or via a retailer such as Amazon. When purchasing online, do make sure that you always place your order through a reputable company. To find local stores that sell Alpha BRAIN, use the company’s store locator to find shops near you that carry the product.

Can I buy Alpha BRAIN at GNC?

Unfortunately, no. You cannot purchase the Alpha BRAIN product via GNC’s website or in their stores at this time. Instead, you’ll need to place an online order through Onnit or a retailer like Amazon or purchase it in a local store.

Will it help me focus?

It can help! Two double-blind clinical trials involving Alpha BRAIN were conducted by the Boston Center for Memory. These trials showed that the use of Alpha BRAIN provided improvements in memory, brainwave patterns, and focus when compared to the placebo group.

These supplements contain plenty of brain-boosting ingredients that will provide noticeable improvements to your focus. Those ingredients include:

Bacopa Monneiri: Supports focus and attention while enhancing brain communication.
Vinpocetine: Promotes better circulation in the brain to increase mental alertness.
Cat’s Claw: Boosts cognitive functioning.
L-Theanine: Reduces stress, promotes focus, concentration, and overall mental clarity.
L-Tyrosine: Boots alertness and wakefulness.
Oat Straw: Increases mental performance and boosts overall attention span.

Will it help my memory?

Alpha BRAIN can definitely help with memory and the processing speed of your brain. It’s specifically designed to stimulate the neurotransmitters in your brain and also increases acetylcholine levels, which can act as a memory booster.

It contains Alpha GPC, which is one of the best sources of choline you can get. It’s safe to use and can improve your memory while also enhancing cognition. Other ingredients that are shown to be memory boosters (as mentioned above) include:

Bacopa Monneiri: Improves memory, brain communication, and focus.
Vinpocetine: Promotes better circulation in the brain to increase mental alertness and can boost memory.
Cat’s Claw: Boosts cognitive functioning and provides neuroprotective benefits to the brain.
Phosphatidylserine: Improves memory and mental clarity.
Oat Straw: Increases mental performance.

Is it considered a nootropic?

Yes, Alpha BRAIN is considered a nootropic. A nootropic is a dietary supplement that helps to support certain brain functions such as memory, mental speed, and focus. Because that’s the main purpose of Alpha BRAIN, it is considered to be a nootropic supplement.

What are the side effects?

Although Alpha BRAIN has been safely used by our nootropics testers, you may notice some side effects when taking it. It is possible that it could cause headaches or restlessness, but a majority of customers do not seem to report any issues when taking this supplement. Every body is unique and you may respond differently to taking it, so please exercise caution and be aware of any feelings that are not normal.

Who endorses Alpha BRAIN?

Alpha BRAIN has received many endorsements from celebrities since being introduced onto the market. Some of the people who have endorses Alpha BRAIN include the following:

Joe Rogan (comedian and TV show host)
Duncan Keither (pro hockey player)
Brian Cushing (NFL linebacker)
Lewis Howes (athlete and entrepreneur)
Michelle Waterson (MMA 105 lb. World Champion)
Duane “Bang” Ludwig (the official Onnit MMA training expert)
Tim Kennedy (MMA fighter)
Andrew Sendejo (safety for the Minnesota Vikings)
John Romaniello (fitness expert and trainer)

What are the ingredients in Alpha BRAIN?

Alpha BRAIN contains a variety of earth-grown ingredients. It contains Bacopa (has antioxidant and aptogenic properties, improves memory and longevity), Cat’s Claw (contains antioxidant and immune-boosting properties), Huperzia Serrata (naturally-derived acetylcholinesterase inhibitor), and Oat Straw (alleviates neurological stress and exhaustion, promotes cognitive performance).

Other ingredients in Alpha BRAIN include: L-Tyrosine (an amino aside precursor that helps the body produce L-dopa), L-Theanine, Phosphatidylserine (an essential lipid compound within brain cell membrances), Pterostilbene (antioxidant found in blueberries, helps reduce oxidative stress within the body), and Vitamin B6 (aids in the synthesis of amino acids and neurotransmitters).

What is the Alpha BRAIN recommended dosage?

It is recommended to take a serving of two capsules of Alpha BRAIN in either the morning or afternoon. The manufacturer suggests taking the capsules alongside a light meal. You should not exceed three capsules within a 24-hour period.

Are there any other forms of Alpha BRAIN?

Alpha BRAIN is available in two different forms. You can purchase the capsules (a pill that you’ll have to swallow) or you can choose Alpha BRAIN Instant. Alpha BRAIN Instant is a fast-acting drink mix that has a natural peach flavor. It’s the best way to get fast results when it comes to your mental performance.

Will it help me sleep?

You can definitely take Alpha BRAIN to help you get a restful night’s sleep. The manufacturer recommends taking a serving of two capsules four to six hours before going to bed. This will help support an enhances dream state, lucid dreaming, and should have you waking up feeling refreshed.

Do keep in mind that you should not consume more than three Alpha BRAIN capsules within a 24-hour period. If you want to take Alpha BRAIN to promote sleep, choose to take it closer to your bedtime for optimal results instead of in the morning.

Is it possible to make your own Alpha BRAIN?

We would not recommend attempting to make your own version of Alpha BRAIN. It’s unlikely that you would receive your desired results and it’s potentially dangerous. It’s much better to purchase Alpha BRAIN, which has been tested and deemed safe for consumption.

What are the testimonials of people that have used Alpha BRAIN?

Alpha BRAIN has an overwhelming amount of positive reviews from those who have tried it. One customer says he noticed a difference after taking the capsules for three to four days. He felt he had more mental alertness and a better memory recall overall. Others seemed to notice a change even sooner, feeling much more alert after one to two days.

Overall, customers seems to notice an improvement in both their focus and their memory. One user even claimed to be “blown away” be the results he received. With so many customers noticing a major difference in how they feel and in their mental function, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular nootropics on the market today.

Has there been research done to prove the effectiveness of Alpha BRAIN?

Absolutely! As mentioned above, two trials were conducted by the Boston Center for Memory. These were both double-blind trials that had a group of people who took Alpha BRAIN and a placebo group that did not. There were a total of 63 participants (18-35-year-old males and females with an above average education and IQ score) involved in the study and they either took Alpha BRAIN or a placebo for a full 45 days. The group who had taken the Alpha BRAIN supplement noticed improvements in memory, brainwave patterns, and focus versus those who only took a placebo.

Those who took Alpha BRAIN improved their ability to recall words that were recited to them 20 minutes prior. They were also able to outperform the placebo group in a test that required participants to draw a line connecting alternating numbers and letters in a sequence as fast as possible. The study also noticed a faster processing speed in those that took the Alpha BRAIN supplement.

These people did not have any noticeable differences in cognitive performance at the beginning of the study. However, through the help of Alpha BRAIN, they were able to see the desired results. Overall, this supplement has been shown to improve memory and function in healthy adults.

Are there any free trials of Alpha BRAIN?

Unfortunately, Onnit does not offer any free trials of the Alpha BRAIN supplement at this time. They have in the past, so it’s worthwhile to keep your eye out if you’d like to test it out before committing to a full purchase. If you do purchase Alpha BRAIn and decide it just isn’t for you, Onnit does offer a money back guarantee.

How long does it take to work?

Unfortunately, there is no definite answer for this question. How long Alpha BRAIN takes to work will truly depend on you and your body. While some customers notice an improvement after just one or two days, others report that it took three to four days to see a difference. Every body is different and you won’t know how it works for you unless you try it out for yourself.

Are there any alternatives to Alpha BRAIN?

Yes, there are alternatives to Alpha BRAIN. Whether you’re looking for something that also contains caffeine, a supplement that has a simpler formula, or something that’s cheaper, there are plenty of options available on the market today.

We’ve put together a full post where we share great alternatives to Alpha BRAIN. In this post, we go over alternatives such as RISE by Nootrobox, Lumonol, truBRAIN, and Cognitex. The best thing you can do is to do your own research to find the nootropic that’s right for you.

The post Alpha BRAIN FAQ: What You Should Know Before Making A Purchase appeared first on Brain Wiz.

How to Focus: 7 Proven Ways to Upgrade Your Concentration Immediately

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 17:32:24 -0500

Admit it…

You’re probably guilty of falling victim to the constant distractions that are around us on a daily basis. Whether it’s the pinging of new messages on your phone, email notifications on computer or something else, we’re always being distracted from the things we should be focusing on instead.

It’s time to put an end to the distractions so you can finally upgrade your concentration.

What is focus?

Before we get into the ways you can increase your focus, we need to first talk about what focus is. Focus is the act of concentrating your attention on something and in order to do that, you need to be able to ignore the distractions and other things going on around you. It’s all about giving your attention to what’s important in that present moment. Easier said than done, right?

The reason so many people fail at being focused is because they have trouble deciding what to actually focus on. Because we lead busy lives and feel like we’re often running out of time, we wind up finding it impossible to choose just one thing to focus on. As a result, we begin to multi-task, taking on many things at once, which isn’t the best idea.

While we’re fully capable of doing two things at the same time, we’re unable to focus on two things at the same time. You’re always either focused on the first task or second task in any given moment, but never both at the same time. So, when you multi-task, you actually wind up switching your focus back and forth between the tasks. This isn’t great for your brain because it isn’t able to make those transitions between tasks seamlessly. Whenever you stop doing one task and switch to the other, it always takes a minute or two to remember what you were doing and to get back on track.

The good news is, it’s absolutely possible to upgrade your concentration and become more focused on the task at hand. And it doesn’t have to be hard to achieve this! Start implementing these tips and you’re sure to feel a heightened sense of focus and concentration, no matter what task is at hand…

1. Exercise regularly.

You may be a little tired of seeing exercise as a recommended tip on any kind of health and wellness article, but there’s a good reason why… It’s important! Regular exercise isn’t just great for keeping our bodies healthier and fitter, but it’s also essential for our mental health as well. Don’t believe us?

Dr. John Ratey, author of “Spark – The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain”, found that a workout session can actually increase your focus for two to three hours after you’ve finished your exercise. That’s pretty impressive! And the good news is, it doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym and start lifting weights. Any kind of exercise that elevates your heart rate will get the job done.

Here are a few tips on how you can incorporate exercise into your day to help increase focus…

Go for a mid-day walk to get both fresh air and some time on your feet.
Bring some weights to the office for when you start to lose concentration.
Add pushups to your morning routine.

The important thing here is to just get your body moving. And if you feel yourself hitting a slump midday, take a break to go for a quick walk and you’ll return to your desk feeling productive, focused, and ready to take on your next task.

2. Get hydrated.

It’s no secret that water provides many benefits for our bodies. It’s essential to stay hydrated, but has also been shown to be great for our skin and can help flush toxins from our bodies. But did you know that it’s also essential if you want to stay focused? Research on dehydration has found this to be true! A study was conducted on 25 women and the results were subsequently published in the Journal of Nutrition. The results of this study showed that the women tested experienced headache symptoms, a loss of focus, feelings of fatigue, and low mood when dehydrated. These women were not severely dehydrated for this study and were only around 1% lower than the optimal amount of hydration.

This just goes to show how important water is for both our bodies and our minds. So, if you find that you’re having trouble focusing on your work or that you’re always lacking energy or in a bad mood, ask yourself if you’re properly hydrated. If not, grab a glass!

3. Eat some “brain foods.”

Now that you know how important it is to drink plenty of water, it’s also a good idea to consider the foods you’re consuming as well. The foods you put into your body have a direct impact on your mood, energy levels, and yes, your focus. In order to upgrade your concentration levels, you need to fuel your body with good, healthy foods. So, which foods are great “brain foods” that you should add to your diet?

Avocados are a fantastic food to eat if you want to improve cognitive function. However, many people are afraid to consume avocados because they have a lot of fat. It’s important to note that avocados are actually loaded with monosaturated fats, which are the good kind of fat. You can add it to a smoothie or top a piece of toast with it for a great treat.

Other green foods that are great for you include the following…

Broccoli: A fantastic option because it contains high levels of vitamin K and choline, which will keep your memory sharp.
Celery: A nice choice for a snack because it has plenty of vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. Green, leafy vegetables have been shown to prevent dementia, which is great for long-term mental health.
Spinach: This leafy green contains high levels of chlorophyll and health promoting carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin). These have anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation can cause the dreded “brain fog”, spinach is great for keeping your mind focused.
Blueberries: These little fruits make the list because they’re packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. They also contain gallic acid, which is great for protecting our brains from degeneration and the effects of stress. You can easily get a dose of blueberries by adding them to a smoothie or your oatmeal, or even pairing them with yogurt.
Dark Chocolate: There’s good news for those of you who are chocolate lovers! Dark chocolate is great for improving blood flow to the heart and also to your brain. The key here is to skip the milk and white chocolates and go for a dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. Dark chocolate is also an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s the best way to satisfy those chocolate cravings.

4. Have a meditation session.

If you’re struggling to stay focused throughout the day, you should try having a meditation session. Meditation teaches mindfulness and is a great way to improve your focus and even boost your mood as it promotes positive emotions. While many are intimidated by the process of meditation, it’s actually quite simple and you’ll likely notice yourself feeling refreshed and more peaceful when you do it regularly.

Here’s what you need to know in order to try meditation for yourself: First, you’ll want to find a quiet space where you can be alone. You can either sit on the floor with your legs crossed or in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Then, close your eyes and just focus on your breath. Breathe deeply in and out. Thoughts will certainly cross your mind during this process and it’s fine to acknowledge them, but let them pass and return your focus to your breath. Doing this for five to 10 minutes will work wonders on your mental focus.

If you find that you have trouble meditating on your own (perhaps you struggle to focus just on your breath), you can always do a guided meditation. You can find plenty of resources online such as meditation videos or audio tracks that will lead you through a full meditation session. There’s also an app called Headspace that’s dedicated to meditation. It’s perfect whether you’ve been meditating for a while or if you’re a beginner. The key thing to remember is that the more you practice meditation, the better you will get. You’ll notice better results when you practice it on a daily basis, so try incorporating meditation into your morning routine for optimal results.

5. Do some decluttering.

Take a look around your workspace. Is it neat and tidy or is it cluttered, disorganized chaos? Even if you claim to know where everything is located, having a cluttered workspace isn’t doing you any favors. And you may not realize it, but it could be impacting your concentration levels in a negative way.

In fact, too much clutter can inhibit your brain’s ability to focus and process information. This was discovered by a group of researchers at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute. Instead of focusing on the work you need to get done, your brain gets distracted by all the clutter that’s surrounding you. Use that as motivation to go tidy up your workspace right now! Get rid of anything that you no longer need and file those piles of papers into their correct locations.

It’s also helpful to get into the habit of cleaning your workspace when you finish work at the end of each day. Before you walk out of the office, take a few extra minutes to put things away, straighten up anything around your desk, and toss anything you don’t actually need to keep. When you walk into your office the next morning, you’ll appreciate having a tidy desk waiting for you.

6. Try taking supplements.

There are a ton of supplements on the market today and it can be hard to figure out what the benefits are of each one and which you should be taking on a regular basis. One great option that we’ve previously reviewed is to combine Lumonol with MagTech.

The reason Lumonol is so powerful for brain-boosting is because it contains CDP Choline and noopept, plus guarana for an increase in energy. When paired with MagTech, you’ll notice an upgrade in your concentration when you’re able to focus better on the things you need to get done. MagTech works well because of its absorbable magnesium compounds that can improve overall brain function. Together, these two act quickly and give you a long-lasting effect.

7. Take a break.

The reality is, we sometimes have trouble focusing because we just need to take a break. If you’ve been working on the same task for hours and you’re having trouble concentrating, that’s a good sign to give your brain a rest. Take this opportunity to walk away from your computer and do something that doesn’t have anything to do with the task you were previously working on.

It’s also a good idea to incorporate frequent, but small, breaks into your schedule. Don’t wait until you’re feeling totally fried to take a break. By taking breaks throughout the day, you can (hopefully) avoid any kind of major meltdown. If you find yourself getting too wrapped up in your work and forgetting about taking breaks, try scheduling them into your day or using the Pomodoro technique. It’s designed to have you work for 25 focused minutes, followed by a five-minute break. This technique has been shown to increase your concentration levels and even improve attention span.

The post How to Focus: 7 Proven Ways to Upgrade Your Concentration Immediately appeared first on Brain Wiz.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 18:34:05 -0500

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Sanskrit for “smell of the horse”) is an herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia and has recently become popular in the West as a nootropic. Though its scientific name is Withania somnifera, ashwagandha goes by other names, like winter cherry (because it kind of looks like a cherry wearing a jacket) and Indian ginseng (because they have restorative properties in common). Though it is most often listed as ashwagandha on nootropic nutritional information, don’t be surprised if you occasionally see it called something else.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means that it belongs to the family of natural compounds that some scientists believe can block the physical effects of stress. Some studies suggest that ashwagandha can help reduce anxiety and decrease cortisol concentration levels, so it’s become a hot commodity in the nootropics world.

Is Ashwagandha Good for the Brain?

Ashwagandha is linked to decreased anxiety, reduced rates of depression and insomnia, and an immunosuppresive effect of stress. Better sleep, greater resiliency, and improved mood are all positive improvements reported by some users, so it has the potential to be good for the brain. There is even some preliminary evidence to suggest that ashwagandha could fight Alzheimer’s disease by lowering LDL cholesterol levels, though more research is needed in that regard. Ashwagandha may also boost athletic ability in athletes. Let’s unpack these claims so you can decide if ashwagandha is a good fit for your stack.

Photo: Ashwagandha, via Chopra.com

Ashwagandha contains both sitoindosides and acylsterylglucosides, compounds which have been shown to work well as de-stressers in trials. When you are too stressed, you sleep poorly, and when you sleep poorly, you become more stressed. It’s a vicious cycle that can lead to decreased memory skills, poor reaction times, and a harder time learning new things. Bad sleep or a lack of sleep puts you at an increased risk for anxiety and depression, and it also depresses your immune system, giving you that “run down” feeling we all dread. Ashwagandha, by way of the compounds it contains, may help decrease the amount of stress you experience, allowing you to have better sleep and an improved outlook.

Ashwagandha has historically been used as an anti-inflammatory, and there’s some modern medical evidence to support its use for that. Decreased inflammation can lead to less of the baseline pain that makes it harder to get out of bed in the morning, harder to concentrate on tasks, and harder to enjoy being active. Ashwagandha isn’t strong enough to take the place of a prescription pain medication, and it shouldn’t replace any course of medical treatment without consulting with a medical professional.

Photo: Ashwagandha by A. Donato via Sloan Kettering

Lastly, let’s look at how ashwagandha has been linked to improved endurance and athletic performance. One study showed that mice given ashwagandha could swim for nearly twice as long as the untreated group, indicating that it might have the same impact on people. There’s no limit to the benefits aerobic exercise can bring; it’s been linked to improved cognition, longer life spans, decreased cholesterol, and even better outcomes with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Preliminary and anecdotal evidence suggests that ashwagandha might be able to help you in endurance-related activities.

Where Can I Get Ashwagandha?

Standalone ashwagandha supplements are available in the form of teas, tinctures, and tablets, but since the research suggests you need a few hundred milligrams per day to achieve optimal results, the best bet may be to take it in a capsule form alongside your meals. Check out Cognitex, which is a great nootropic blend for a first-time user, and Shroom TECH, which some people say helps with fatigue.

Have you tried ashwagandha? Did you find it help you manage stress? Tell us how you added it to your stack in the comments.

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What’s the Best Time to Take Rhodiola Rosea?

Fri, 11 Nov 2016 10:43:14 -0500

You see rhodiola rosea in a wide array of supplements that promise a huge range of things. Since nootropics is a landscape that is changing fast, there’s a ton of information out there, a lot of it conflicting. Rhodiola rosea is known to be effective for both anti-stress and to combat fatigue, but how can the average user get the outcome he or she wants? By timing your dose of rhodiola rosea, you can achieve optimal results with minimal effort.

What Is Rhodiola Rosea?

Rhodiola rosea (also called king’s crown, lignum rhodium, rose root, and Arctic root) is a perennial flowering plant grown in colder parts of the world. It often grows on seaside cliffs and up in the mountains, so it’s often found in the Alps, the British Isles, and the Pyrenees. According to some users and several studies, rhodiola rosea is purported to help combat fatigue and depression. It has also been used to prevent altitude sickness in some folk medicine traditions. If there is a rhodiola rosea plant growing nearby, some people even like to mix the leaves in their salads.

Some users say that rhodiola rosea can help manage fatigue, but others report that it can be effective in combating anxiety. With different outcomes possible, experiment with taking your rhodiola rosea at a variety of times to get the results you want.

When Should I Take Rhodiola Rosea?

There is some evidence that rhodiola rosea’s efficacy can decrease if you take it each day. Your body may build up a tolerance over time, so you’ll need to take more and more to get the same effect. The good news is that even amounts as low as 50 milligrams have been shown to improve your subjective well-being and endurance, so you don’t need much to get started. Unfortunately, anything over 600 milligrams can increase your platelet count, causing bruising or worse, so don’t overdo it. Take rhodiola rosea just when you need its effects rather than as part of a daily stack.

Rhodiola rosea stacks well with Eleutherococcus senticosus and Schisandra chinensis, both of which are adaptogens traditionally used to increase performance and cognition. When stacked together, each can work in concert to improve your mental and physical stamina. Rhodiola rosea has also been shown to have a mildly stimulating effect, like caffeine, so if decreasing physical and mental fatigue is the goal you have in mind, take it in the morning so it doesn’t impact your sleep.

Other users find that rhodiola rosea helps them manage their anxiety and makes them feel a little more mellow. If your body responds in this way, some research suggests that you should take your rhodiola rosea about an hour before a stressful event.

Some users find it effective to stack their rhodiola rosea with caffeine to enhance the effects of both. If that’s you, take your rhodiola rosea alongside your morning coffee or with a supplement that includes caffeine in the blend.

As with any nootropic, outcomes vary significantly, and the science is still catching up with the anecdotal evidence. Manage your expectations, and talk to your doctor before you add rhodiola rosea or any other supplement to your diet.

Where Can I Get Rhodiola Rosea?

Rhodiola rosea extract is widely available; Solaray, for example, is a reputable company that makes a pill-form supplement many users like. You can also get rhodiola rosea in a variety of nootropic blends, like Neurofuse (a supplement our reviewers enjoyed) and the always popular Nootrobox RISE.

Have you tried rhodiola rosea? Did you feel less tired and sharper? What did you stack it with? Tell us in the comments.

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What Is Noopept?

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 13:30:32 -0500

What Is Noopept?

Noopept is a brand name for a synthetic nootropic molecule that is called N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester in scientific circles; no wonder they came up with a shorter version for lay people! It has been commonly prescribed in Russia, where it was developed, for several decades and has only recently made its way into the American market as a nootropic.

It’s similar in effect and structure to Piracetam, a class of compounds that can provide a small cognitive boost in some users, but it is significantly more potent— up to a thousand times more than similar supplements on the market. This allows users to achieve results similar Piracetam with a much smaller dosage of Noopept.

Right now, the evidence of its efficacy as a nootropic is mostly anecdotal, but some preliminary studies suggest (and some users report!) better memory, more fluid conversations, and an easier time learning new things. There is also evidence to indicate that Noopept could help heal the brains of stroke victims, but more research is needed.

How does Noopept work?

Like a lot of nootropics, its exact mechanisms of action aren’t completely clear. Since Noopept is generally taken orally, it enters your system through your GI tract. It activates when the body metabolizes Noopept into cycloproylglycine. From there, three things may happen: Noopept increases oxygen within the brain, it increases the glucose metabolism of the brain, and it travels to glutamate receptor sites. Noopept acts fast— peak efficacy is about fifteen to twenty minutes after ingestion.

Increasing the oxygen in the brain helps you feel clearer, which may explain why a lot of users report feeling less foggy and sharper when they take Noopept. In the same way short bursts of exercise can help in the immediate with higher brain functions like impulse control and inhibition by supplying a jolt of oxygen, it’s possible that Noopept could kick your brain into high gear temporarily.

Since the brain feeds on glucose, the improved metabolism Noopept may provide gives it more energy to feed on, freeing the brain up and making it more focused and clearer.

Studies suggest Noopept can also help to slow the breakdown of glutamate. Glutamate is a neurotransmittor in charge of excitatory signals and is responsible for most aspects of normal brain function, like memory, learning, and cognition. Noopept binds with glutamate receptor sites to inhibit glutamate’s collapse. Noopept also energizes the receptor sites during this process so that they’re more sensitive to glutamate and activate more quickly.

With Noopept, as with any supplement, it’s very important to manage your expectations for what it can and can’t do. Right now, the research suggests Noopept may be most beneficial to brains that have been somehow harmed, whether that be as a result of a stroke, a degenerative disease, or a traumatic brain injury. For unimpaired brains, the effects seem to vary a lot from user to user. Some people report little to no impact, while others experience slight boosts in memory, and still others find their cognitive abilities significantly increased.

Where do I get Noopept?

Many users choose to take Noopept by itself, but if you’d rather take Noopept as part of a more complete nootropic blend, Lumonol includes a significant amount of Noopept in the mix. Between ten and thirty milligrams a day for up to 56 days is considered safe since it’s not intended to be part of a long-term daily routine. Instead, use Noopept when you feel you need an extra boost. Taking too much can have some undesired effects, like short-term memory loss, and taking it for too long can diminish its ability to impact your brain chemistry. Stick to the recommended dose for best results.

Have you taken Noopept? Did you find it made your memory stronger? Did it make you more conversationally fluent? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.

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What is Bacopa Monnieri?

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 17:27:47 -0500

Bacopa monnieri (which is sometimes called waterhyssop, brahmi, or herb of grace) is an herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide array of illnesses. Today, it’s a commonly used nootropic supplement that has been shown to improve memory and decrease anxiety. Studies show it may improve cognition by keeping you calmer.

Bacopa monnieri may also influence the cells that help with brain regeneration by decreasing the oxidative stress that free radicals can have, which could make it appealing for people with brain injuries as well as those concerned about the impact of aging and time on the brain. There are some studies that suggest bacopa monnieri can help decrease the inflammation of the brain that comes with aging and improve outcomes for Alzheimer’s patients. With potential benefits numbering in the dozens, bacopa monnieri has widespread appeal and is suitable variety of users.

What does bacopa monnieri stack with?

The first thing to take into consideration is that, for some users, bacopa monnieri has been known to cause gastrointestinal problems when taken on an empty stomach. For the sake of your belly, don’t forget that it stacks first and foremost with food! Since bacopa monnieri is fat soluble, try taking it alongside a meal that has includes healthy fats. Think avocado toast, buttered coffee, or a smear of almond butter on an apple.

When stacked alongside other supplements, bacopa monnieri may have benefits ranging from upping cognitive abilities to decreasing stress, may experience a different outcome depending on what else you’re taking.

If improving your memory and feeling less anxious is what you’re hoping this supplement can do for you, try bacopa monnieri with the supplement Protadim. Protadim includes milk thistle, curcumin, green tea catechins, and ashwagandha. The study linking the positive effects of this stack also indicated you may get some of the benefits with just one or two of the compounds found in Protadim, so if they’re already in the mix for you, all the better. Keep in mind that most users report that these benefits can take a few weeks of continuous use to show up, so be patient. During that time, some people have decreased motivation and a little trouble getting to sleep, so the adjustment period can be a little bit tricky.

Another name-brand supplement, Perment, stacks bacopa monnieri with asparagus, ashwagandha, and clitoria ternatea. Some research suggests that this combination may relieve symptoms of depression naturally. While there’s evidence of the link between taking this supplement and diminishing the symptoms of depression, the effect won’t be complete, so don’t consider this a standalone treatment. Anticipate minor reductions in your symptoms. This shouldn’t take the place of an antidepressant that your doctor prescribes, but if you’re interested in trying an Ayurvedic approach alongside a Western one, ask your healthcare provider about this.

There’s some data to suggest bacopa monniere stacked with yohimbine can help to dull your perception of pain if you take a high dose, and conjecture that a cocktail of bacopa monnieri and caffeine may hinder stress-inducing dopamine spikes.

Where can I get Bacopa Monnieri?

In addition to the supplements Protadim and Perment, you’ll find bacopa monnieri in Nootrobox’s RISE supplement, where it’s stacked with rhodiola rosea and Alpha-GPC. Some research and anecdotal evidence suggests this combination can improve your memory and resiliency. The standard dose for bacopa monnieri is about 300mg per day in many nootropic stacks.

Have you tried bacopa monnieri? What do you stack yours with? Tell us in the comments!

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What Nootropics Stack Well with Rhodiola Rosea?

Sat, 05 Nov 2016 09:58:23 -0400

Nootropics users are tinkerers by their very nature. Many alternate between a range of blended supplements to create the stack that will get them the results they want. When structuring your ideal stack, consider adding in rhodiola rosea. Read on for a guide for how to integrate this popular herbal supplement into your daily routine.

What Is Rhodiola Rosea?

Rhodiola rosea is a flowering plant that grows year-round in cold regions all over the world. It’s been found in Canada, the United States, England, Ireland, and Austria, and it goes by many names. You may see it listed as king’s crown, Arctic root, lingum rhodium, rose root, or golden root, but it will most often appear in supplement ingredient lists by its most common name, rhodiola rosea.

Over the centuries, rhodiola rosea has been used to treat a vast array of ailments, but today, it’s most commonly found in nootropic blends designed to decrease fatigue. Since rhodiola rosea can have both positive mental and physical effects, it’s a high-value aspect of many nootropics users’ stacks.

(Image: Erlend Bjørtvedt, Licensed under (CC BY-SA 3.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en)

What Does Rhodiola Rosea Stack Well With?

Rhodiola rosea pairs well with a variety of common nootropics like Siberian ginseng, St. John’s wort, lemonwood, and cranberry water extract.

Many users have found that stacking Siberian ginseng or lemonwood and rhodiola rosea can help manage stress. There’s also some research that suggests it can have an adaptogenic impact on the body, limiting the amount of stress the system experiences in less-than-ideal situations. There’s even some research suggesting a link to this particular combination and a longer lifespan, though it’s still in the preliminary phases.

St. John’s wort can help curb appetite and may prevent binge eating when paired with rhodiola rosea. Many users find that when they’re trying to diet or struggling with overeating, adding rhodiola rosea to their stacks can help stymie hunger.

Rhodiola rosea is considered safe, and for most people to take, but some research suggests that taking too much can increase the risk of elevated platelet counts. Ask your doctor if rhodiola rosea is a good fit for your overall lifestyle before you start taking it.

Where Can I Get Rhodiola Rosea?

There are many rhodiola rosea supplements on the market today. Some nootropics users like to take a stand-alone rhodiola rosea supplement. Our reviewers tried the one Solaray made and liked it. Still other nootropics users like to take rhodiola rosea in the form of a supplement blend. The popular RISE by Nootrobox contains rhodiola rosea, as does Neurofuse. Both try to help improve cognition and stack rhodiola rosea with other supplements purported to do the same.

Have you taken rhodiola rosea? What did you stack it with? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

The post What Nootropics Stack Well with Rhodiola Rosea? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

How Does Vinpocetine Work?

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 11:49:35 -0400

What Is Vinpocetine?

Vinpocetine is a very common semisynthetic derivative of an extract from the periwinkle plant. It was developed in Hungary as a pharmaceutical drug for treating a variety of brain-related concerns, like strokes and epilepsy. It isn’t available in the United States as a pharmaceutical-grade drug, but it’s often sold as a nootropic supplement. Most people who take vinpocetine use it because it may improve memory and cerebral metabolism.

How Does Vinpocetine Work?

In a nootropic context, vinpocetine is typically taken by mouth, so it’s absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, which carries it to the brain. Once it’s in your system, it works to reduce neural inflammation and enhance neuroprotection against toxins or excess stimulation. This protection from stress can help decrease cognitive decline that comes with age. This means it can help improve reaction times, for example. Some users report that this helps them improve their memories.

Some studies on vinpocetine are done with vinpocetine infusions, which makes it hard to know exactly what will happen when you take it orally. In some of these intravenous studies, vinpocetine seems to improve blood flow to the brain, which could help to reduce headaches (and is in line with some of the more traditional uses of periwinkle in complementary medicine). There are no studies linking reduced headaches when you take vinpocetine orally, but some users do report feeling better.

All of these effects can be pronounced, with some studies suggesting that vinpocetine could even help prevent things like amnesia. It’s important to bear in mind, though, that these studies were conducted on people who had experienced brain trauma, not healthy individuals who were looking for a cognitive boost.
Another mechanism of vinpocetine is its ability to interact with several major ion channels (think calcium, potassium, and sodium). This means that it can possibly have a suppressive effect on neuroprotection and neurotransmitter release if glutamate or dopamine are also suppressed. This is important because some studies show that dopamine and glutamate can cause oxidative damage if they’re overstimulated by toxins. High dopamine levels can cause a feeling of agitation or anxiety, and too much glutamate can make you feel tired.

Lastly, vinpocetine has a mechanism that is a PDE1 inhibitor. This means that it has the ability to both enhance your cognition and protect your heart from disease. The research on this is still fairly nascent and this effect appears to require a dosage much larger than most users get in a supplement, but the link is promising.

Where Can I Get Vinpocetine?

Since vinpocetine is synthetic, there aren’t any naturally occurring dietary sources of it. You have the option to add it to your stack as a standalone supplement; some people find it stacks well with Piracetum and ginko biloba. There are also a lot of supplement blends containing vinpocetine. If that sounds like a better fit for you, EBOOST drink powders contain vinpocetine in their recipe.

Have you tried vinpocetine? Did it improve your memory? Tell us about it in the comments.

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What Are Adaptogens?

Sun, 30 Oct 2016 20:52:06 -0400

When wading into the world of nootropics, there’s a lot of new vocabulary to take in. Adaptogens, a class of compound you see a lot in supplements, can be among the most confusing to new users, but they don’t have to be. Read our guide to start demystifying these important building blocks of a complete and effective stack.

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are compounds that can help to limit the amount of stress your body experiences if taken in advance of an event that itself causes stress. Adaptogens are a somewhat understudied group of compounds; though many have been in use for centuries, there’s no single accepted definition for them. They’re a very diverse group of substances; they don’t come from one family or have one use. Also, adaptogens don’t all necessarily have the same mechanisms. Some adaptogens aren’t even really nootropics at all, by some estimations. Most people in the nootropic community agree that an adaptogen must be a naturally occurring nontoxic and nonspecific compound that has a normalizing impact on the user’s physiology.

Since there are so many things adaptogens can be, companies use them to make a wide variety of claims ranging from longer lifespan to increased libido to heightened well-being.

What Are Some Examples of Adaptogens?

Since the word adaptogen covers a wider variety of herbs, it’s no surprise that there’s some debate about what is and isn’t part of this group. There are a few common adaptogens that aren’t as controversial, though— rhodiola rosea and ashwagandha make the cut and are agreed upon as adaptogens by most people in the nootropics community.

Ashwagandha is widely considered an adaptogen because it can help prevent the mental slowing that comes with aging and stress. For example, ashwagandha can act as an anti-anxiety agent, which helps some users lower the amount of stress their bodies experiences in tough situations. Over time, the stress that comes from anxiety can wear on your nervous system, which may make you less sharp and clear.

Rhodiola rosea is another very popular adaptogen in many nootropic supplements. It has been used for centuries as an anti-fatigue supplement, and there is some research that suggests it can also help the body repair after exercise. Like ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea can also help regulate anxiety in users, which helps keep stress and the damage that follows it at bay.

While the research is not yet conclusive, many users report that taking a supplement that contain adaptogens has helped them achieve the cognitive and physical benefits they’re seeking in their nootropic stack.

Where Can I Get Adaptogens?

Since the word adaptogen covers so many different supplements, there are lots of ways to work them into your stack. Nootrobox RISE contains both rhodiola rosea and bacopa monnieri, another herb some consider adaptogenic. Many users say Nootrobox RISE helps them deal with stress like a well-designed adaptogen compound should. Neurofuse also contains both of these herbs but in different amounts and stacked with other things, so Neurofuse could work well for a user who wants the stress reducing effects of an adaptogen but wants a boost of energy, too.

Have you tried an adaptogen in your stack? What’s your favorite? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

Image: Erlend Bjørtvedt, Licensed under (CC BY-SA 3.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en)

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When should I take theanine?

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 12:17:07 -0400

Because nootropics is a quickly evolving field, there’s a lot of conflicting anecdotal evidence and scientific data about the best ways to hack your brain effectively. For example, theanine is known to be safe and effective for a variety of uses, but with its three hour half life and fast-approaching peak, who knows when to take it and with what? Read on for a guide.

What is theanine?

Theanine (also called L-theanine or 5-N-Ethyl-Glutamine in some ingredient lists) is an amino acid that can act as a non-sedating relaxant for many users. It’s been making a big stir as a dietary supplement in recent years, because while it isn’t one of the essential amino acids and is not commonly found in most diets, it could be beneficial for many and has a slew of applications. The only natural dietary source of theanine is green tea, so you’ve probably already had some at some point without even realizing it. Unfortunately, it occurs at too low a level to be therapeutic unless you consume a lot of green tea, so most of us haven’t gotten to experience its calming effects.

At its root, theanine can help you reduce stress and relax without putting you to sleep. While theanine lets some users de-stress, it also tends to help sharpen the impact of certain stimulants, like caffeine. With so many potential benefits, consider timing your dosage to get the outcome you want.

When should I take theanine?

Theanine stacks well with caffeine—some research suggests you should take one alongside the other at a two-to-one ratio. Some users report anecdotally that it helps take the “edge” off a cup of coffee and makes them less jittery. There’s also evidence that it will enhance the increased energy and concentration that caffeine brings. This is theanine’s primary draw for nootropics users, so you will frequently see it listed as an ingredient in cognition-oriented supplements. If this is what you’re hoping to experience with theanine, your best bet may be to take 200 milligrams with 100 milligrams of caffeine or one cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

Some people prefer to use theanine to regulate their anxiety, either alone or as part of their overall regimen. It’s unusual to find relaxants that don’t make you drowsy, so this is a good solution for many people who struggle with anxiety but also want to stay sharp. This kind of theanine user has best results when they take theanine throughout the day, typically along with their meals.

If you don’t like coffee and don’t struggle with unwanted anxiety, there’s strong evidence that links it to better sleep, which is linked to myriad health and wellness benefits. Some people like to take a little theanine at a time throughout the day to prepare for sleep, while others have reported good outcomes taking their daily dose of theanine in the evening as part of their bedtime routine.

Since there are so many ways theanine can benefit you, time your intake to get the effects you want.

Where can I get theanine?

You’ll get some of the benefits of theanine just from drinking a few cups of green tea each day, but if you’d like to fully experience what theanine can do, your best bet may be a supplement.

Nootrobox’s SPRINT and Go Cubes offer theanine paired with caffeine and B vitamins to increase concentration and alertness, while Coffee Blenders has coffee with theanine blended right in it so you don’t have to remember your supplement. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s body is different; some users report better results if they take their theanine supplement about 45 minutes to an hour before they have caffeine in any form.

If it’s the anti-anxiety or sleep-improving properties of theanine you want to tap into, you might be better off to take your supplement sans stimulants, whether that’s as a stand alone or as part of a calming blend of other compounds.

Have you used theanine? Did it help you concentrate? When did you take it? Share with us in the comments.

The post When should I take theanine? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Soylent Introduces “Coffiest” Meal Replacement that Includes Mild Nootropics

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 16:28:59 -0400

Soylent, the company best known for its meal replacement drinks that provide a complete nutrient profile for the human body, is dipping its toe into the nootropics space. At least, that’s sort of the case via their newest product, Coffiest.

It’s basically coffee-flavored Soylent aimed at combining breakfast and coffee all in one convenient drink. And the company — founded by biohackers for biohackers, in many regards — has added nootropic compound l-theanine to enhance the effects of included caffeine while reducing the likelihood of jitters.

In that regard, they make be taking a page out of Nootrobox’s GO CUBES playbook by creating a new category of product that uses theanine to smooth out the caffeine kick. Of course, these two products are themselves very different: GO CUBES are edible, chewable coffee not designed to replace a meal, whereas Coffiest is basically a coffee-flavored breakfast shake + caffeine. Their use case scenarios will be different, and there’s a chance both will appeal to the same crowd — just for different times of day.

Why L-Theanine?

The caffeine + l-theanine stack is a potent nootropic combo on its own (in a ratio of about 1:2, so 100mg of caffeine and 200mg of l-theanine is fairly standard). Theanine naturally occurs in green tea and is an amino acid that can have calming — but not sedative — effects in mammals. It has few reported side effects, and when paired with coffee and other caffeine sources, studies suggest it can actually enhance caffeine’s focus-boosting properties while reducing the chance of jitters and feelings of over-stimulation. Basically, it “smooths out” the caffeinated kick so many people want.

Interestingly, Coffeist contains a ratio of 150mg of caffeine to just 75mg of l-theanine. That gives me the impression that the theanine seems to be more of a final addition to round off the product as opposed to a core focus.

Soylent already has a lot of traction among many in the biohacking space, and while their core products don’t contain nootropics, this could be a sign of new things to come.

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What Is Astaxanthin, and Why Do I See It In Nootropic Supplements?

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 00:42:28 -0400

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, which is a fat-soluble pigment found in some foods. Astaxanthin gives some seafood like salmon and krill the trademark red color we normally associated with those foods. (Fun fact: It’s also found in flamingo feathers, though it’s very doubtful your Astaxanthin supplement comes from flamingos! More often, it’s harvested from algae.) But why are we seeing it in more and more nootropic compounds?

Is Astaxanthin Good for the Brain?

The compound has been tied to increased blood flow, decreased low-density cholesterol oxidation (which could help reduce artery blockage and the risk of heart disease), and is generally considered a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. There’s some evidence that these two properties — anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant — could help alleviate symptoms of brain injury and trauma.

It’s a compound that may also slow age-related cognitive decline because it can have neuroprotective properties, protecting the brain against oxidative damage that comes with age.

Other research indicates astaxanthin could increase spatial memory in mammals, though that research has primarily been conducted on rodents, not humans just yet. This research also emphasized that the exact mechanisms for astaxanthin’s impact on cognitive function aren’t fully explored, so while there may be some perceived benefit in studies and anecdotal use, we don’t yet have a full understanding of exactly how it impacts our brains.

Where Do We Find Astaxanthin Supplements?

We’ve seen more and more standalone astaxanthin supplements come on to the market, and most research that shows positive effects in humans involves supplementation around 6 to 8 mg per day. However, it’s also a compound that’s becoming frequently paired with other anti-inflammatory nootropics like fish oil (DHA and EPA). We first saw this combination in Nootrobox’s KADO-3 supplement, which pairs astaxanthin with fish oil, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Nootrobox’s astaxanthin is sourced from krill, much like the omega-3 oils in KADO-3.

What are your experiences with astaxanthin? Let us know in the comments below!

The post What Is Astaxanthin, and Why Do I See It In Nootropic Supplements? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Don’t Forget About The Importance Of Sleep

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 11:15:07 -0400

While we talk mainly about supplements on this website, there are other ways you can greatly help your focus and your mental abilities. Sleep is an extremely important factor for staying focused and productive. You can take as many high-quality nootropics as you want, but if you are only getting a few hours of sleep each night, it’s going to be hard to be on the top of your game. More than anything, if you would like to become more productive and focused during the day, you should attempt to get better sleep.

What are some actionable ways to get better sleep each night? Here are a few tips that should help you out.

Consistent Schedule

Your body likes getting used to a consistent schedule. If you can try to go to bed around the same time and wake up in the morning around the same time, you will be much more likely to get good, consistent sleep. This is a problem that many people have. They may be able to do this during the week but then they go to sleep much later on Friday and Saturday night. If there’s any way for you to try to get a more consistent schedule, you’ll be much more likely to get better sleep.

Avoiding Blue Light Before Bed

Do you ever watch TV right before bed? Ever look at your smartphone right as you are about to drift off to sleep? If so, then you are negatively affecting your ability to sleep well. Science shows that blue light is great at helping you feel awake in the morning and during the day, but it is quite harmful for people trying to wind down and get to sleep. Your TV and electronics emits blue light that can get in the way of you sleeping well, so do what you can to mitigate your use of these devices within an hour or two of trying to go to bed.

Don’t Read / Watch TV In Bed

You should aim to make your bedroom a place solely for sleep and not entertainment. Your body will start to associate your bed/bedroom with sleep if you do so, and it will be much easier to get to sleep this way. Take all the reading and TV watching out of your bedroom, and you should find it’s a bit easier to sleep each night.

The Right Mattress

The right mattress is key to a great night of sleep. If you have one that is old or too firm, you will have trouble getting to sleep and you will have trouble staying asleep throughout the night. Furthermore, if you are prone to allergies, your mattress may cause extra congestion and will further prevent a good night of sleep. Your best bet is to find a natural latex mattress or at least one that is hypo-allergenic (check out Zenhaven for a quality natural latex mattress). Doing so will make sure you can get the best sleep possible.

Go For Walks

Stress is a big reason why people don’t sleep well. If you simply go for a walk each day, then you will go a long way in reducing your stress. It may seem like such a simple suggestion, but it really does work well for keeping your stress low and improving your ability to sleep.
Follow this advice and you should be on your way to getting better sleep. Doing so will naturally make you more alert and productive during the day.

The post Don’t Forget About The Importance Of Sleep appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Reviewing InstaMix: Bulletproof Coffee on the Go?

Tue, 17 May 2016 21:38:26 -0400

There’s no denying the influence Bulletproof Coffee has had on bringing nootropics to the mainstream. Bulletproof Coffee consumption here at BrainWiz is nearly unanimous, and we are always looking at ways to make the regimen more portable. The blend of “mold free” coffee, grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglycerides is (for many of us, but not all) an effective brain energy booster on its own.

Bulletproof recently released their popular Brain Octane Oil in a softgel form, and while some of our testers liked the product, most felt like it did not deliver enough caprylic acid triglyceride bang, for the buck.

Bulletproof InstaMix

Still looking for an easier way to take Bulletproof Coffee on the road, our testers were excited about the company’s new product: InstaMix, a powdered blend of MCT and grass-fed butter, which is meant to be mixed in with fresh-brewed coffee. Read on to see if this powder ended up being better than the softgels, and whether or not this is the answer to taking Bulletproof Coffee on the road.

The Ingredients

Per packet

Caprylic Acid Triglycerides (Brain Octane Oil), Grass-fed Butter, Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin, Oleic Fatty Acid (from Olive Oil)

Caprylic Acid Triglycerides (Brain Octane Oil)
Medium-chain triglycerides — normally in the form of refined coconut oils — have become popular in recent years, largely thanks to the work of Bulletproof founder Dave Asprey.

They’re a primary ingredient in Bulletproof Coffee, and Bulletproof/Upgraded self claims they provide sustained energy to the brain without the crash of stimulants. Research indicates MCT oil creates more ketone bodies when metabolized than most other fats, and these ketone bodies may be quickly utilized by the brain for energy. Their consumption in place of other calories sources has also been linked to increased fat loss.

Regular coconut oil contains only about 8% caprylic acid, so Bulletproof’s Brain Octane Oil is a highly refined derivative of coconut oil targeted toward brain function. Of course, that’s not to say the other lipid compounds in coconut oil don’t have their own potential benefits. Brain Octane Oil may not be as readily stored as fat within the human body, meaning it’s either metabolized for relatively quick energy or expelled as waste.

Bulletproof also claims slowing the digestion of their Brain Octane Oil carries benefits for gut biome health and microbial balance. However, research on that potential benefit is so far pretty sparse, and we’ve chosen to assess the product’s effects as they pertain to mental performance.

A normal tablespoon of liquid-form Brain Octane Oil contains 15 grams of caprylic acid. One packet of Brain Octane contains about 10 grams, so significantly more than the softgels, but still less than a serving of the original oil.

Bulletproof InstaMix Ingredients

Grass-Fed Butter
Grass-fed butter is rich in vitamin K2, a vitamin essential for bone health. It is also loaded with butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that can help ameliorate inflammation in the digestive tract.

Other Ingredients: Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin, Sorbitol, Vitamin E TPGS.

Nutritional Value:

Amount per serving: Calories 135, Fat Cal. 117, Total Fat 13g (20% DV), Sat. Fat 10g (48% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 15mg (5% DV), Sodium 0g (0% DV), Total carb. 5g (2% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Sugars 0g, Protein 0g, Vitamin A (4% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (0% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Usage Guidelines

Tear open a packet of InstaMix and pour into 8 oz freshly brewed Upgraded Coffee. For best results, shake InstaMix and Upgraded Coffee in a sealed Bulletproof Travel Mug. Alternatively, stir until well mixed. Enjoy, and feel the power.

What Our Testers Say

“These are a huge improvement over the softgels. I like that they have a mixture of the MCT, high-quality grass-fed butter—because let’s face it, carrying around a stick of butter is just as impractical as carrying around a bottle of oil. I had great energy with this, and even used it in the afternoon, with great success. ” — Alexandra

“I liked the softgels, and have reached for them a couple of times when I needed a caffeine-free boost during my day. These are not as practical as the pills, but they are more potent. I liked it mixed with my caffeine-free tea, and will continue using it. The flavor was nutty, and pretty comforting.” — Wesley

“This mix is pretty solid when it comes to helping stave off hunger pangs, and give me a boost of energy. I tried mixing it with my cold brew, and had a disastrously clumpy result. I will stick to mixing it in warm coffee going forward. I have had some stomach issues with the full tablespoon of MCT oil before, but this didn’t bother me at all. ” — Chad

“This is a pretty great alternative for when I don’t have the time to make my Bulletproof coffee at home. I still prefer the “real” stuff, but this is easy to mix, and it stacks well with my regular nootropic regimen. I will keep a couple of these in my briefcase, and at the office, for emergencies. ” — Ming

BrainWiz Tips

When it comes to MCT oil, the manufacturer suggests starting with 1 teaspoon of oil to coffee, and gradually increasing until you reach 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of coffee. Some people experience an upset stomach when first trying MCT oil, and InstaMix is no different. BrainWiz testers have been drinking Bulletproof coffee and/or tea for years, so take your time working up to the full packet, if this is your first experience with MCT oil.
Most of our testers relied on their “regular” Bulletproof coffee in the morning, consumed an InstaMix beverage with lunch, which helped them fight afternoon hunger pangs, and slump.

Summary

While not as portable as the Brain Octane Softgels, InstaMix is a (surprisingly great) alternative for those looking for the BulletProof Coffee experience on the go. These packets are TSA-approved, and easy to take along in a carry-on, making it the perfect addition to a road-warrior’s nootropic chest.

The fact that these packets are also caffeine and stimulant-free makes them even more universally appealing.

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When Are the Best Times to Take Rhodiola Rosea?

Thu, 12 May 2016 16:55:28 -0400

Rhodiola Rosea, an adaptogenic herb, is a long-time BrainWiz favorite. Some rely on it to help fight jet-lag, while others take it on a daily basis. It is considered to be one of the most active adaptogenic drugs, and it shows up in quite a few nootropic stacks.

One question we’ve been getting a lot, especially since our Side Effects of Rhodiola article went live, is what is the best time to take Rhodiola.

As an adaptogen, Rhodiola can help reduce the effects of stress, and potentially protect against long-term stress. Its effects on stress have been observed as quickly as the first time Rhodiola is administered, and continued use may increase resistance to stress, with few adverse effects on other normal biological functions (though it may have a stimulating effect for some people; see below).

Just because Rhodiola helps you fight the effects of stress doesn’t mean that it relaxes you. In fact, studies suggest that rhodiola can fight both physical and mental fatigue, and can act as a stimulant.

The easiest way to determine the best time to use Rhodiola is to take into consideration your sensitivity to stimulants, what other stimulants you may be taking in addition, and whether or not you have difficulty falling asleep at night.

What works best for me is 250 mg of Rhodiola in the morning, along with a cup of Bulletproot/fat-infused coffee. If I anticipate a high-stress day, I will follow it up with another 250 mg of Rhodiola with lunch. Note that Rhodiola doesn’t necessarily become more effective with a higher dose, and dosages above 600 mg haven’t been shown to be clinically effective (and may actually be less effective).

I have a high tolerance for stimulants, but I also have a hard time falling asleep at night. For me, taking Rhodiola after lunch is a big no-no, but feel free to experiment with what works best for you.

Some folks here at BrainWiz take up to 600 mg of Rhodiola at a time, and stack it with caffeine or other caffeine-containing supplements. I have stacked it with both Lumonol and Alpha BRAIN — with great results.

Again, finding the best time for you may take some experimentation, but I suggest with starting with a dose in the morning for best results.

Have you been taking Rhodiola? Share your supplement routine in the comments below.

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FOCUSfactor vs. Multivitamin: Is There a Difference?

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 20:28:32 -0400

When you look at the label of FOCUSfactor, you’ll see a long (LONG) list of ingredients that looks more like a standard multivitamin than targeted nootropic/brain supplement. And in reality, it’s probably more like the former than the latter; though a popular nootropic, FOCUSfactor is — in our opinion — a multivitamin in disguise. The manufacturer doesn’t release exact amounts for most of the nootropic ingredients in the stack, which means it’s tough to determine whether there’s enough of anything to make a difference in focus, concentration, and mental energy.

(Read our full FOCUSfactor review here.)

What We Thought of FOCUSfactor

Overall, our testers found FOCUSfactor to be pretty mild, and if anything, it’s a beginner-facing nootropic formula that probably won’t change your day-to-day productivity all that much. It pairs okay with coffee if you take it in the morning, but there’s an additional downside: FOCUSfactor has a large serving size at 4+ pills, meaning it can cause upset stomach in some people, especially when you take it without food.

For these and several other reasons, FOCUSfactor is currently rated toward the bottom half of all the nootropics our reviewers have tested in our Ultimate Guide to Nootropic Stacks.

FOCUSfactor Alternatives

If you’re looking for something beginner friendly that our testers found to have a positive effect on mental energy and cognition (that’s also caffeine-free, like FOCUSfactor), consider one of the following. We found each to be very beginner friendly and relatively easy to assess tolerance with. They were also fairly easy to time and take with or without food, though with food normally enhances absorption; this is especially true if the supplement contains a fat-soluble ingredient like bacopa:

RISE by Nootrobox (caffeine-free, though rhodiola can have a mild stimulatory effect for some)
Alpha BRAIN by Onnit (one of the world’s most popular nootropic formulas, it now comes in an Instant drink version as well)
Dopamine Brain Food by Natural Stacks

The post FOCUSfactor vs. Multivitamin: Is There a Difference? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

FOCUSfactor Versus Focus Fast: Which Supplement Is Better?

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 19:50:24 -0400

FOCUSfactor vs Focus Fast

FOCUSfast and Focus Factor are two nootropics stacks with long ingredient lists that make them seem more like multivitamins than concentrated, well-formulated nootropic supplements. (Spoiler alert: In our experience, they sort of are.) They’ve got dozens of vitamins and minerals, along with some common (and some not so common) brain boosters like tyrosine, Ashwagandha, vinpocetine, and various forms of choline-containing compounds. Do either of these supplements work to improve focus and/or energy, and which is the better nootropic?

Our testers weighed in below. For in-depth discussions of each stack, read our full FOCUSfactor and Focus Fast reviews.

FOCUSfactor versus Focus Fast

One important thing to note is that with the “proprietary” blends and lengthy ingredient lists on each of these broad stacks, user experience can vary significantly, as there are many, many ingredients that will seem different in potency to different users. However, our testers generally — and we emphasize generally — preferred FOCUSfactor to Focus Fast. They found FOCUSfactor to be the more consistent of the two caffeine-free nootropics, and it paired fairly well with breakfast for a mild clarity and focus boost.

However, one downside of FOCUSfactor is the relatively large serving size (4 pills). If you’re prone to upset stomach from ingesting capsules or pills, this is definitely not one to take without food in order to ease absorption.

Our testers felt next to no cognitive boost when taking Focus Fast, perhaps because the supplement’s proprietary blend (i.e. you don’t know how much of particular ingredients are in it) may not have contained enough of the active ingredients to actually impart a benefit.

Are There Better Nootropic Stacks?

After years of testing nootropic supplements, our testers tend to feel the combo multivitamin/nootropic supps aren’t that effective. They’re simply trying to cram too many ingredients into one supplement, and that means they often have antagonistic ingredients or too little of some active ingredients to make any difference.

And while both FOCUSfactor and Focus Fast seem to be marketed toward beginners in the nootropic space — they contain relatively straightforward ingredients, though just many in extremely small quantities — we think there are better options. Our ultimate guide to nootropic stacks for beginners lists every nootropic we’ve ever tested, along with our general experience and rankings from best to worst (most effective to least effective, although there’s some variability on criteria).

If you’re a beginner to the world of brain supplements, we’d recommend starting here to see what worked for us and what we DIDN’T like — it might help in figuring out what could work for you.

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FLOW by Noots Review: Is It a Smoother State of Mind?

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 17:36:50 -0400

Noots is an Australia-based nootropics company that’s recently hit the American market with FOCUS and FLOW. Their FLOW supplement is an all-natural, caffeine-free nootropic designed to help users “stay in the zone.” While there are no ground-breaking ingredients in this stack, Noots stands behind their “super-safe, well-researched, high-efficacy cognitive-enhancement” stacks. Read on to find out what our testers had say in our full FLOW review.

FLOW by Noots

[Want to know what we thought about Noots’ other product? Check out our review of their FOCUS supplement.]

Ingredients

Bacopa monnieri — 200 mg

Rhodiola rosea — 250 mg

ALCAR — 250 mg

Theacrine — 100 mg

Theanine — 100 mg

NALT — 100 mg

Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurveda as a revitalizer, cognitive booster, and stress reliever. Tests show the positive effects the herb can have on memory and free recall.

Rhodiola rosea
An adaptogenic herb with anti-fatigue (both mental and physical) properties, rhodiola is one of the most common “natural” nootropic ingredients in brain enhancing supplements. Read more about why rhodiola rosea is so popular and why it has so few reported side effects here.

ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine)
Synthesized from methionine and lysine, ALCAR is designed to easily cross the brain-blood barrier, and it functions as a mitochondrial energy optimizer. Continuous use of ALCAR, can increase certain neurotransmitter levels in in the brain, and may be useful in combating depression.

Theacrine
An alkaloid derived from the Camellia Kucha plant, theacrine has been shown to improve mood while decreasing irritability.

FLOW by Noots Ingredient Label

Theanine
A calming amino acid, l-theanine has been shown to enhance the effects of caffeine while reducing the jitters some people experience with caffeine consumption.

NALT (N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine)
L-Tyrosine is well-linked to improving cognitive performance under conditions of stress — and the compound has been shown to actually reduce symptoms of stress itself, likely because it is involved in the production of dopamine.

Other ingredients: No other ingredients are listed, but the stack is labeled as vegetarian, gluten free, and non-gmo.

Usage Guidelines

Consume 1 capsule daily with food. Do not exceed more than 2 capsules within 24 hours

What Our Testers Say

FLOW by Noots

3.9 Score

AvailableBuy Now

Pros

Jitter free
Good w/coffee
Clear dosing
Good focus

Cons

Mild for some
Not fast acting

Summary

Noots’ FLOW supplement was better for our testers than their FOCUS supplement on almost all accounts. In this stack, it seems like the adaptogenic combo of bacopa and rhodiola proved more effective for us than piracetam, which is the main ingredient difference between the two.

Focus

Energy

Memory

Beginner Friendly

“I’m not sure if it had something to do with the fact that I’ve been exhausted, but I feel like I got some really good night’s sleep while testing FLOW. The daytime effects were nice, but pretty mild. It paired well with my usual coffee consumption, so that’s a big plus. ” — Alexandra

“I took FLOWwith breakfast, after my morning workouts, and I did experience a nice wave of clean energy through the day. I also noticed that I had no problems focusing on the task at hand, and did not experience an afternoon crash, while testing this product. The effects are subtle, but definitely present. I generally prefer it to FOCUS from Noots.” — Wesley

“FLOW is a mild, but (I thought) high-quality supplement. The supplement was a great addition to my usual coffee, and I felt present without any anxiety. I will definitely keep this around, for ‘easier’ days. ” — Ming

“I really liked this product, and the energy I got from it (no jitters, like the manufacturer claimed – thought not a HUGE or QUICK rush of energy). My caffeine sensitivity sometimes limits the kind of products I can take on a daily basis, but I took this for a whole week, and felt alert, focused, and in control. ” — Chad

BrainWiz Tips

Take it with food for better absorption. It’s caffeine free, but FLOW may have some stimulatory effects, so start slow and work up to a full dose.
It seems well suited for those with a caffeine sensitivity.
A potential “everyday” nootropic stack as opposed to energy on demand.
It pairs well with coffee or other caffeinated drinks.

Supplement Summary

All of our testers experienced increased levels of energy and focus while testing Noots’ FLOW supplement. One tester also experienced more restful sleep, but could not directly link it to the nootropic.

Overall, FLOW is a solid caffeine-free supplement that seems to be produced with quality in mind. We are looking forward to testing out the next two products slated for release by Noots: DOZE, a sleep supplement, and LIFT, a workout enhancer.

The post FLOW by Noots Review: Is It a Smoother State of Mind? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Brain Wiz

14 Best Fidget Toys To Keep Your Mind Focused

What is fidgeting?

The Best Fidget Toys

1. The Ultimate Fidget Rings

2. Galactic Globe

3. The Friendly Swede Egg Shaped Hand Exercise Ball

4. Freddy’s Fidget Toys

5. Tri Spinner Fidget Toy

6. EDC Spinning Top

7. Spiky Sensory Ring Fidget Toy

8. KCHKUI Fidget Cube

9. Pencil Set with Fidgets

10. Spiky Slap Bracelets

11. Spiral Glitter Wand

12. Tangle Jr. Fidget Toys

13. Pull and Stretch Bounce Ball

14. Monkey Stringy Balls

The Best Music for Studying

Classical Music

Ambient Sounds & Noise

Instrumentals

The Same Song on Repeat

Music With a Simple Beat

Helpful Tips for Choosing the Best Music for Studying

Alpha BRAIN FAQ: What You Should Know Before Making A Purchase

Table of contents

Where can I buy Alpha BRAIN?

Can I buy Alpha BRAIN at GNC?

Will it help me focus?

Will it help my memory?

Is it considered a nootropic?

What are the side effects?

Who endorses Alpha BRAIN?

What are the ingredients in Alpha BRAIN?

What is the Alpha BRAIN recommended dosage?

Are there any other forms of Alpha BRAIN?

Will it help me sleep?

Is it possible to make your own Alpha BRAIN?

What are the testimonials of people that have used Alpha BRAIN?

Has there been research done to prove the effectiveness of Alpha BRAIN?

Are there any free trials of Alpha BRAIN?

How long does it take to work?

Are there any alternatives to Alpha BRAIN?

How to Focus: 7 Proven Ways to Upgrade Your Concentration Immediately

What is focus?

1. Exercise regularly.

2. Get hydrated.

3. Eat some “brain foods.”

4. Have a meditation session.

5. Do some decluttering.

6. Try taking supplements.

7. Take a break.

What Is Ashwagandha?

What Is Ashwagandha?

Is Ashwagandha Good for the Brain?

Where Can I Get Ashwagandha?

What’s the Best Time to Take Rhodiola Rosea?

What Is Rhodiola Rosea?

When Should I Take Rhodiola Rosea?

Where Can I Get Rhodiola Rosea?

What Is Noopept?

What Is Noopept?

How does Noopept work?

Where do I get Noopept?

What is Bacopa Monnieri?

What does bacopa monnieri stack with?

Where can I get Bacopa Monnieri?

What Nootropics Stack Well with Rhodiola Rosea?

What Is Rhodiola Rosea?

What Does Rhodiola Rosea Stack Well With?

Where Can I Get Rhodiola Rosea?

How Does Vinpocetine Work?

What Is Vinpocetine?

How Does Vinpocetine Work?

Where Can I Get Vinpocetine?

What Are Adaptogens?

What Are Adaptogens?

What Are Some Examples of Adaptogens?

Where Can I Get Adaptogens?