In a head-to-head matchup, Lumonol wins the Lumonol vs. OptiMind matchup because it gave us more sustained energies with fewer (practically no) jitters as compared to OptiMind’s formula.

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Lumonol vs OptiMind by Alternascript: What’s the Same

Both Lumonol and OptiMind are broad-spectrum nootropic stacks, meaning their formulas are designed around brain enhancement through a variety of pathways and synergistic interactions between the compounds. Both contain B vitamins and some compounds that influence choline metabolism in the brain, which is important in neurotransmitter function.

They also both contain caffeine sources (Lumonol’s comes from guarana) and l-tyrosine, a compound linked to mental performance under conditions of stress.

What’s Different About These Two Nootropic Stacks

However, the differences between Lumonol (from Avanse) and OptiMind (from Alternascript) outweigh the similarities. Lumonol contains a bioavailable source of choline – Alpha GPC – to compliment its other choline-involved compounds. It also contains the compound Noopept, a Racetam-related compound that is potent and fast acting at relatively low doses. Lumonol is among the fastest-acting nootropics we’ve tried, though we do recommend starting with maybe a half dose to assess tolerance (and depending on your caffeine intake/tolerance).

OptiMind gave our testers some significant jitters, even when NOT paired with another caffeine source like coffee. It also contains some ingredients that we don’t feel are really living up to their full potential because of what’s missing (for example, a choline source to compliment Sulbutiamine).

Learn More

Individual experiences with these nootropic stacks will, of course, vary from person to person. To see what each of our testers said about them, get our full OptiMind review here and our full Lumonol review here.

We’ve also put together an article on when to take Lumonol for maximum effect, as well as how and when they stack it with a magnesium supplement for a longer-lasting boost in focus and productivity.

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One of the questions we’ve been getting a lot lately is, “What is the best time to take Lumonol? Having tested the product for 90 days, I have taken it at varying times of day, with varying effects.

Read our full Lumonol review here.

The first thing to take into consideration when choosing your timing  is your sensitivity to caffeine. Because Lumonol contains guarana, a berry containing four times the amount of caffeine as coffee beans, those particularly sensitive to caffeine should consider only taking Lumonol in the morning and starting slow.

I have a high tolerance to caffeine, so after experimentation, I started taking Lumonol on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, and following it up with a cup off coffee once I arrived at the office, a couple of hours later. This combination was the best in sustaining the wave of energy and focus well into the afternoon.

On days where I know I need to be alert later on in the afternoon, I split my Lumonol dose. I take one pill first thing in the morning, followed by breakfast, and the second pill before or right after lunch.

I found this to be the best way to prolong Lumonol’s effects to help me stay sharp most of the day. It’s important to note that this may not be the best option if you have difficulty falling asleep, like me. On instances when I did split my dose, I’ve had to take something to help me unwind at night, like Nootrobox’s Yawn.

In short, there are a number of ways to time your Lumonol, and it really all depends on what you are trying to achieve. For me, the best time to take Lumonol is first thing in the morning, right when I wake up, but I suggest you experiment with timing to find what works best for you.

The post What’s the Best Time to Take Lumonol? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Noopept Versus Addium

Lumonol’s Noopept Provided Superior Focus

Of the two, our testers overwhelmingly preferred Lumonol for the consistent, fast-acting focus they felt they got from taking it in the morning (and often again in the afternoon, one capsule per serving). Read our full Lumonol review and a more in-depth discussion of noopept here.

This is probably due – at least in part – to the inclusion of noopept in Lumonol. Noopept is a compound related to the racetam class of nootropics, powerful synthetic compounds that have shown significant promise in the field of brain enhancement. Research suggests noopept may have a similar effect to piracetam – the father of the racetam class of compounds – at much lower dosages. Noopept also metabolizes quickly, which could be one reason our testers felt Lumonol was among the fastest acting nootropic supplements they’d ever tried.

Addium does not contain any racetam or related compounds; that in and of itself doesn’t mean it’s not a good nootropic, and the racetams and related compounds aren’t right for everyone. But our testers didn’t have good experiences overall when taking Addium.

While our testers generally recommend folks start slowly with Lumonol (and any racetam or noopept-containing supplement) to assess tolerance (for example, not pairing it with coffee at first so as to keep caffeine intake under control), they generally didn’t experience many if any jitters from the supplement. That wasn’t the case with Addium, which caused an energy spike, but one accompanied by significant jitters and unrest for more than one of us. Read our full Addium review here.

Both Lumonol and Addium contain proprietary blends of nootropic ingredients, meaning the manufacturers don’t release exactly how much of certain compounds are in one serving (this is pretty common in the industry, even for leading sellers like Onnit’s super-popular Alpha BRAIN and Alpha BRAIN Instant). However, it can make it challenging to assess tolerance, which is why we often start with less than the recommended dosage to see how our bodies and minds respond.

Even with the recommended dosage of Addium – just one capsule per day – we experienced unrest and jitters that made it difficult to focus, as opposed to the enhanced concentration the manufacturer would imply users experience.

Looking for Something Without a Proprietary Blend?

Lumonol is preferred head and shoulders above Addium among our testers, but if you’re looking for something without a proprietary blend, neither is the best option for you.

Companies like Nootrobox – which is backed by some of the world’s leading venture capitalists – are now rolling out products that clearly indicate the amount of each active ingredient. Nootrobox’s RISE supplement is one of our top choices right now, and among BrainWiz’s favorite nootropics that are stimulant free. Read our full review of RISE here, and check out our interview with one of Nootrobox’s founders here.

The post Noopept Versus Addium: Which Nootropic Helps Focus? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Both supplements have proprietary blends, meaning that the exact quantities of each ingredient in their formulas are not disclosed. While this is a fairly common practice in the supplement industry, it makes it harder to compare the efficiency of formulas with similar ingredients.

Read our full Lumonol review, and find out what our testers thought about the manufacturer’s other formula, Lumonol Nova.

In the case of Lumonol vs Addium, the comparison is easier, since these two supplements only have a couple of ingredients in common, namely L-Tyrosine and caffeine. Both Addium and Lumonol rely on caffeine as a stimulant, but Lumonol’s caffeine largely comes from guarana, a plant that contains both more caffeine and more phytonutrients than coffee.

Lumonol combines well-researched nootropic  that are not only powerful, but also fast-acting, perhaps due to the inclusion of noopept in its formula, in a package that is a favorite of many of our testers. The combination of stimulants and fast-acting ingredients  makes the effects of Lumonol felt almost instantaneously. Another benefit of this formula is that its Energy Blend, while strong, did not result in a crash when we tested it out. Our testers also reported a wave of energy from Addium, but they were more likely to experience a crash, usually in the afternoon, once the caffeine wore off.

Find out what our testers thought about Addium.

In general, our testers prefer Lumonol for the observationally “powerful” formulation; they experienced few if any jitters and sustained energy when taking the supplement. While Addium did provide a boost of energy, some of our testers were disappointed with the relatively short duration of the pill’s effects, along with the abrupt dropoff in energy levels after a few hours.

Want to find out more about Lumonol? One of our testers tried it for 90 days straight, find out what they had to say at the end.

The post Lumonol vs Addium: Comparing Nootropic Stacks appeared first on Brain Wiz.

The main difference between Lumonol and Alpha BRAIN is evident from the ingredients on the label. While Alpha BRAIN is made from what Onnit calls “earth-grown nutrients” and features only all-natural ingredients, many of Lumonol’s most potent inclusions are synthetic. These synthetic molecules include noopept and picamilon, ingredients which our testers felt were very powerful and effective. They provided a very potent perceived cognitive boost, but our tolerance varied from person to person, and some of us were more sensitive to Lumonol than others. That’s why we suggested trying out a small starter dosage in our full Lumonol review.

And while Alpha BRAIN is completely caffeine-free, Lumonol does contain stimulatory ingredients, including guarana (which can contain 4x the amount of caffeine as coffee). The combination of stimulants plus fast-metabolizing ingredients like noopept made Lumonol one of the fastest-acting stacks we’ve ever tried; our testers usually felt the effects just a few minutes after ingestion (another reason why some of our testers only needed one pill to feel a boost). They also generally liked taking Lumonol on its own, without stacking in other nootropics or caffeine.

Find out how one of our testers felt after trying Lumonol for 90 days.

Alpha BRAIN, on the other hand, does not contain stimulants, and while many people experience a mental energy boost from taking it, it’s more of a gradual onset and greater mental endurance throughout the day. In our full Alpha BRAIN review, several of our testers mentioned they thought it paired well with their morning coffee. Alpha BRAIN Instant, Onnit’s new drinkable formulation, acts a bit quicker and has a slightly different concentration of ingredients than original Alpha BRAIN. (Read our Alpha BRAIN Instant review.)

Overall, our testers feel Lumonol is more directly “powerful” than Alpha BRAIN, and the combination of ingredients gives them energy and focus very quickly (though it’s worth noting different people may feel different effects from the ingredients, especially noopept). Alpha BRAIN isn’t necessarily mild-mannered, but its natural formulation is a bit less intense than Lumonol and is something more of our testers turn to every day as opposed to on days when they need a special boost. It’s worth noting that we do have several regular Lumonol users, and there’s some evidence the cognitive boost builds over time when taking either of these supplements.

The post Lumonol vs Alpha BRAIN: Which Stack Is Best? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

We’ve reviewed our fair share of duds (research before you buy!), but one stack that’s stood up for us time and time again is the combo of Lumonol and MagTech. Currently, they’re among the best nootropics we’ve tried.

Lumonol is just about the fastest-acting nootropic formula we’ve ever tried. It’s got powerful brain boosters like CDP Choline and noopept (similar in effect but faster for us than piracetam), combined with an energy bend that includes guarana. It’s a pretty broad-spectrum stack, and we haven’t found a ton of benefit from stacking it with most other nootropic supplements.

Amplify Lumonol with Magnesium

However, one big exception to that is MagTech, a blend of highly-absorbable magnesium compounds that have done wonders for our brain function and sleep. This product isn’t what you might expect on a list of top supplements for brain health; it’s actually a pretty straightforward magnesium stack. Many Americans (and people in Western countries in general) are magnesium-deficient, which can have negative ramifications for brain health and sleep quality. MagTech combines Magnesium L-Threonate, Magnesium Taurate, and Magnesium Glycinate into one supplement that supplies around 50% of the daily recommended dose of magnesium per serving, these forms are specifically good for absorption and use by the brain.

Another supplement, Neuro-Mag, is also a BrainWiz favorite but only contains magnesium taurate. Both rated high on our testers’ lists of top brain supplements. But overall, we see the sleep-boosting benefits more in MagTech, which is a definite plus. Most of our testers also experienced improved mood while taking MagTech, which in turn benefited their productivity.

Nootropics for Productivity

All in all, the combination of Lumonol (click for best price) and MagTech (click for best price) is one of our favorites because it acts quickly, boosts focus in a long-lasting way, and improved our sleep quality after a long and stressful workday (note: we recommend taking Lumonol in the morning and not the evening). We also recommend staying within the manufacturer’s recommended dosages and timing; we did and were able to reap the benefits of both.

An Alternative, Caffeine-Free Stack for Productivity

Part of Lumonol’s potency comes from its caffeine/guarana content. If you’re sensitive to caffeine and are looking for something that boosted our testers’ productivity without stimulants, we’d recommend Nootrobox’s RISE. It’s a simple, straightforward combination of stress-fighting adaptogens bacopa and rhodiola, along with 300 mg of high-quality Alpha-GPC (our favorite choline source for nootropics).

We take RISE on a similar schedule to Lumonol, often in the morning, and because it’s caffeine-free, it pairs exceptionally well with coffee, whereas Lumonol + coffee can be too much for some people. And like Lumonol, RISE also go well with MagTech for a one-two punch that lasts most of us through the whole workday.

The post The Best Nootropic Combo for Nailing Productivity appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Observations

As suggested by Avanse, the makers of Lumonol, I took the nootropic for 90 days. I cycled 5 days on and taking 2 days (the weekend) off, doing so for 90 total days. As with any other supplements, it is important to consult your doctor before embarking on any new supplement regiment, especially if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients.

1 Week

I’m really enjoying the even energy from guarana. I experimented with taking 1 capsule in the morning and one after lunch, but the afternoon dose in addition to my afternoon cup of coffee (I love coffee) made it hard for me to fall asleep at night. I went back to 2 capsules, first thing in the morning, and I like that much better.

2 Weeks

This sounds crazy, but I think my hearing has gotten better, or at least my perception and pickup on hearing has improved (it’s not quite spidey-sense). Noopept is the real deal, at least for me. I can’t wait to see the results of the cumulative effects.

30 Days

I noticed that I’m able to recall things a lot quicker and more accurately. I went back to using Lumosity, and my scores on the games went up by at least 30% across the board. I also really like the energy from the guarana. I’ve even gone (unintentionally) without coffee until as late as 10AM.

60 Days

I’ve been wanting to learn another non-Latin alphabet for a while now, and the way Lumonol has been making me feel was the perfect excuse I needed to get started. Today, with one month left on my 90 day cycle, I took up Russian. No more procrastination, though I’d like to chalk that up to renewed motivation, not just Lumonol.

90 Days

This was definitely worth it, and I will likely be going back to Lumonol (click for current price) after taking the suggested 30 days off. I feel sharp, and just “smarter.” My energy levels are great, and I still have energy left after what used to be draining days at work. I will be looking for a guarana supplement to take while taking a break from Lumonol. I’m not fluent in Russian (yet), but I have learned the whole Cyrillic alphabet and gotten through a Level 1 Russian course, while still feeling like I’m killing it at my job. Again, I’ve been wanting to learn Russian for awhile, so the motivation has been there, but better energy throughout the day definitely hasn’t hurt. I feel like I have found my long-term nootropic in Lumonol.

If you are looking for something that will give you an edge at work, and may even inspire you to learn something new, I highly suggest giving it a try. But it’s definitely powerful, and user experience will vary. Be smart, and consult with your doctor first if you’re taking any medication or have a preexisting condition.

The post The 90-Day Lumonol Test appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Lumonol has a 30-day trial (60 capsules) available on their website, which comes with a 90-day money back guarantee. In our experience, it’s best to start off by taking just one capsule per day to assess your tolerance. As the manufacturer (Avanse) recommends:

Serving Size: Upon successful completion of a 1 capsule “tolerance test day”, take 2 capsules per day. You may take Lumonol before eating, or after, and may consume after lunchtime if a productive afternoon is required. Taking Lumonol too close to bedtime may result in a restless night. Lumonol should be supplemented in 90 day cycles, with 15 – 30 days break in between. Lumonol’s effects build with time.

If you start with 1 capsule per day, a trial bottle will actually last you more than 30 days, even if you eventually work up to the 2 pill serving size. As with any nootropic, different people will have different reactions, and it might take some trial and error to find out what works best for you.

With that being said, we have a few more BrainWiz tips for starting Lumonol and determining if it’s right for you.

1. Split your dose. If you work up to the 2 pill/day dose (and we don’t recommend more than that), we generally like taking one in the morning before or with breakfast, along with one after lunch. This spreads out the boost and gives us focus throughout the work day.

2. Take with food. If stimulants upset your stomach, or you have a generally sensitive digestive system, take with food to maximize absorption while reducing the risk of nausea (we know a few people who get a little nauseous whenever they take any pill).

3. Don’t rush to 2 pills. Start with one per day, and if you feel a great boost from that, you don’t necessarily have to rocket up to 2 right away (or at all). Assess your tolerance, individuals will feel different reactions to different supplements.

4. Cycle. The manufacturer recommends supplementing Lumonol in 90 day cycles with 15-30 day breaks in between. In our experience, that’s been pretty spot on.

5. Start with the original. Lumonol has a power-up formula called Lumonol Nova that can be stacked with the original formulation. We liked Lumonol Nova, and the company has great discounts on buying their full product line, but we recommend starting with the original formulation for at least a week on its own to get a sense of how you react (and if you like the supplement as much as we did).

If you’re looking for something to enhance Lumonol’s effects without adding any stimulants or doubling up on ingredients, our testers paired it with magnesium. Their experience with this combo sets Lumonol apart as one of our best nootropics for productivity.

The post How To Make The Most Of Your Lumonol Trial appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Click here for the best price on Lumonol Nova.

Lumonol Nova Ingredients Label

The Ingredients

• N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) – 300mg
  • 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. NALT is a more soluble form of L-tyrosine, though research evidence on whether it’s more readily used by the body remains a bit up in the air.
• L-Theanine – 200 mg
  • An amino acid that’s becoming an increasingly common ingredient in nootropics, l-theanine promotes relaxation without being a sedative, and research suggests it also helps the brain deal better with stress. Often paired with caffeine, l-theanine’s effects appear complementary to the world’s most popular stimulant. It may also increase brain activity and memory. L-theanine is commonly found in green tea, and a standard cup contains around 20 mg (so a capsule of Lumonol Nova contains a high dosage relative to standard tea consumption).
• Natural Caffeine Anhydrous from Coffee Beans – 100 mg
  • The world’s most popular stimulant, caffeine actually works by preventing adenosine from acting on adenosine receptors in the brain. This inhibitory mechanism reduces feelings of drowsiness and sedation. Caffeine is a well-researched, well-known, and common ingredient in many brain supplements, and a big reason coffee is one of the world’s most in-demand commodities. Research suggests caffeine and l-theanine pairings boost alertness and cognitive performance.
• Other Ingredients: Gelatin Capsule, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Blue #1

Usage Guidelines

Suggested Use: Take 2 capsules daily. Do not exceed 4 capsules within a 24-hour period. Contains caffeine. Taking Nova in the evening may cause a restless night’s sleep, so we do NOT recommend you to take Lumonol or Nova in the evening.

What Our Testers Say

“I’m usually hesitant about caffeine, but after my positive experience with Smart Caffeine, I decided to give Lumonol Nova a try. The energy was very smooth, with no jitteriness or anxiety. I may not like coffee, but supplements like this have become a great energy option for me.”

“I’ve been doing the 90-day Lumonol protocol (with a few breaks to test other supps) so I was really excited to add the Nova to the mix. I’m not sure whether it was a combination of the cumulative effects of the Noopept in regular Lumonol, and the Lumonol Nova, but I felt extra alert and felt like my brain was quicker at accessing information than ever before. I really enjoyed this combination. I worked up to 2 capsules of Lumonol Nova with 2 capsules of Lumonol.”

“I really enjoyed the calm energy this gave me. I started out with one capsule with my morning coffee, and another in the afternoon, and there was no edginess. I’m not a fan of the artificial blue and red coloring in it, and I try to stay away from artificial food coloring as a general rule. I know this product would be just as effective without it, and hope that Avanse considers revising its formula in the future. ”

“This was a great option both pre-workout, and in the afternoon instead of a cup of coffee. I took 2 capsules in the morning, and had an incredible workout. I was able to still feel that smooth energy into the early afternoon, when I took one additional capsule. There was no real crash, and I felt pretty composed despite having a high-stress day.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Lumonol Nova is best taken with food, especially for those with a caffeine sensitivity.
• Test out your tolerance before adding other stimulants like coffee or tea.
• Most testers split the dosage, taking one capsule first thing in the morning and one post-lunch.
• To avoid building up a caffeine tolerance, we suggest cycling Lumonol Nova, taking at least a couple of days off a week.
• As always, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or a medical professional before starting a new supplement regimen. Remember that caffeine is a stimulant,  so test your tolerance slowly, especially if you are sensitive to stimulants.

Supplement Summary

Lumonol Nova (see current price) is a solid option for those seeking a calm and clean energy, unlike that of a cup of coffee. All of our testers felt focused and energized, and the energy just mellowed out, rather than producing a crash. It tested similar to Smart Caffeine, and our testers were split as to which they preferred. For beginners in the world of nootropics, a simple two-ingredient stack like Smart Caffeine is usually a great starting point.

Those who paired it with Lumonol felt that the effects of both supplements were heightened and complemented by each other. This may not be the best supplement for those not willing to give up their cup of coffee, but it is a convenient energy and mood booster.

The post Smooth Energy With No Crash? Reviewing Lumonol Nova By Avanse Nutraceuticals appeared first on Brain Wiz.

When we’re awake, adenosine accumulates in our brains, which causes drowsiness. When we sleep, the brain works to clear itself of adenosine. But coffee competes with this compound and reduces adenosine accumulation (so it doesn’t so much boost energy as it fights drowsiness).

Understanding this timing has led some biohackers to the increasingly famous “coffee nap.” Caffeine’s effects hit their highest point about 30 minutes after consumption. If you consume caffeine, say, in the form of coffee, and then nap for 15 or 20 minutes, you’ll wake up with a brain clear of adenosine and about to be charged with caffeine. This leads to extra alertness and an energetic feeling that stands above caffeine on its own.

Caffeine is often underestimated, so if you’re especially sensitive to stimulants, it’s worth testing the waters in a non-coffee nap situation.

We’ve played around with other caffeine-containing supplements and the “coffee nap” phenomenon. So far, we’ve found it especially effective with 1 or 2 capsules of Neurofuse at the end of a light meal followed immediately by a nap; we awoke after 15 minutes feeling refreshed, energetic, and very, very focused.

We’ve also tried this with Lumonol, but our testers found it difficult to nap; this could be because of Lumonol’s noopept and guarana, which start metabolizing very quickly (Lumonol remains one of the fastest-acting nootropics we’ve ever tried).

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