Don’t Forget About The Importance Of Sleep

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.

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Reviewing InstaMix: Bulletproof Coffee on the Go?

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?

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?

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

 

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FOCUSfactor Versus Focus Fast: Which Supplement Is Better?

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?

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.

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FOCUS by Noots Review: Nootropic Game Changer or Same Old?

Noots is a relatively new company in the nootropic space, and they claim to provide personalized nootropic recommendations based on an extensive questionnaire available online. Noots also claims to use the answers in the questionnaires, coupled with feedback from stack users, to constantly improve and tweak their formulas. The Australian company is committed to using only GRAS ingredients (Generally Recognized as Safe) and has launched with two stacks available internationally: FOCUS and FOCUS.

Today, we’ll be reviewing FOCUS, a caffeine-free supplement headlined by piracetam and other common nootropic ingredients; Noots markets it as a supplement designed boost motivation, energy, and engagement. Read below to see what the BrainWiz testers thought of Noots’ FOCUS nootropic.

FOCUS Noots

Ingredients

Piracetam — 500 mg
ALCAR — 300 mg
Theacrine — 50 mg
Theanine — 100 mg
NALT — 100 mg
Total Blend — 1050 mg

Piracetam
A related compound to to GABA, piracetam is in many ways the grandfather of nootropic compounds and the hallmark of the “-racetam” class that includes oxiracetam (found in truBrain, for example) and others. It’s a nootropic compound shown to improve learning, memory, brain metabolism, and capacity. It works by enhancing the fluidity of cellular membranes and optimizing blood flow to the brain and optimizing acetylcholine function. It’s worth noting FOCUS contains no choline source itself, which seems like a bit of an omission on the part of the manufacturer.

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

Theacrine
Theacrine is  used in FOCUS for its caffeine-like properties, without the jitteriness (supposedly). Studies show it may also improve mood and decrease irritability.

FOCUS Noots Ingredient Label

L-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. This caffeine/l-theanine ratio is common in nootropic supplements, and though FOCUS is a caffeine free stack, the user may still benefit from theanine’s calming effects.

NALT  (N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine)
L-Tyrosine is 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 for Noots’ FLOW stack, but the supplement is labeled as vegetarian, gluten free, and non-gmo.

Usage Guidelines

Simply take a single capsule an hour or so before you want to get in the zone, ideally with a meal or shake, to make sure it absorbs well.

What Our Testers Say

Review 0

3.5 Score

AvailableBuy Now

Pros

• Focus boost
• Easy to take
• Varied ingredients

Cons

• Too mild for some
• No choline source

Summary

FOCUS from Noots is a mild, caffeine-free stack that generally lived up to its name and paired well with coffee and some other nootropics among our testers. We did note the lack of a choline source in the stack, which seems like a glaring omission.

Focus

Energy

Memory

Beginner Friendly

“I tried this both with and without coffee. It’s not a big energy booster, but it did help me, well, focus a bit. I’m a big fan of the theanine and caffeine combination, so one FOCUS pill, along with a cup of coffee, was the best combination for me. I did feel quite focused, but this feels more of a supplement I would reach for when I have big pile of work to push through.

I do wish this had a choline source, as I’ve had some friends and other testers who experience headaches when taking racetam-class compounds without sufficient choline.” — Alexandra

“I took this with my pre-workout in the morning, and felt pretty good. I have had good experiences using ALCAR with my pre-workouts, and this was no different. I will have to try it during the day at work, and I will continue using it in conjunction with my pre-workout. I don’t think I felt much from the piracetam, though some compounds in that class don’t always work for me or give me any perceptible benefit.” — Wesley

“Although this is not the most potent supplement I have tried, I do like it stacked with coffee. I used it a couple of times in addition to adaptogens like rhodiola to help me get through an inordinate pile of work, and will keep it in the rotation for it when work volume gets out of hand. Like Alexandra, I wondered why they didn’t include a choline source in the supplement.” — Ming

“Piracetam isn’t very effective for some people, but when I take it with theanine, it seems to be a good combination for me. There was a wave of concentration, and there was no jitteriness or anxiety associated with it, though it wasn’t a particularly ‘powerful’ stack in my opinion.” — Chad

BrainWiz Tips

• Take it with food for better absorption.
• Noots could be well suited for those with a caffeine sensitivity, though it does contain compounds that can have stimulatory effects.
• It pairs well with coffee or other caffeinated drinks.
• FOCUS gave us a mild energy wave. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid taking it less than six hours before bed.

Supplement Summary

Out testers generally felt positive effects from the FOCUS nootropic, to varying degrees. If you are an experienced nootropic user, this may not be strong enough for you. We also noticed the lack of a quality choline source in the supplement, which we generally like to see included when paired with racetams and related compounds. If it weren’t for that, it could be a solid entry-level stack, as well as a good addition to an already existing nootropic supplement regimen that contains adaptogens (at least in our experience).

With two stacks currently in the market, and two more slated to be released soon, we are interested to see how more of Noots’ formulas compare to FOCUS. 

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