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.

Photos:

1. Rhodiola Rosea Flowers by WildBoar, via Wikimedia Commons.
2. Rhodiola rosea. by Botanischer Garten TU Darmstat via Flickr. 

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

Bacopa Monnieri growing on the beach.

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!

Photo: Bacopa Monnieri by Forest & Kim Star via Wikimedia Commons.

The post What is Bacopa Monnieri? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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.

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 growing on the mountains. (photo via Wikimedia)

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.

Serotonin Brain Food (click for best price) also claims to help regulate appetite and digestion, and may improve sleep quality. Read on to find out if this supplement had enough of an effect in serotonin production for these effects to be observed.

Seratonin Brain Food Nutrition Label Ingredients

The Ingredients

• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) – 500 mg
  • Vitamin B3 acts within the adrenal system to synthesize a number of sex and stress-related hormones, along with serotonin, a neurotransmitter acting on the central nervous system and the GI tract. Some people experience a harmless “flush” when taking Niacinamide supplements.
• Magnesium (Magnesium glycate) – 50 mg
  • Magnesium is a mineral involved in over 300 metabolic reactions in the human body. Magnesium has shown to induce a sense of calm, and it can be a powerful sleep aid.
• Zinc (Zinc glycinate) – 20 mg
  • Zinc is a trace mineral in diets and element linked to sleep quality and the sense of smell and taste.
• L-Tryptophan – 900 mg
  • L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid and a precursor to 5-HTP, serotonin, and melatonin. Studies have linked L-Tryptophan deficiency to some depressive mood disorders.
• Rhodiola Rosea (root) extract (standardized to 3% total rosavins min. 1% salidrosides) – 400 mg
  • Rhodiola has been used in Eastern medicine to treat depression, stimulate the nervous system, improve work performance, and eliminate fatigue. Rhodiola is categorized as an adaptogen, a substance shown to reduce the negative effects of stress while promoting physical and mental endurance.
• Other Ingredients: Vegetable capsules, cellulose, vegetable stearate, silica.

Usage Guidelines

• Take a serving of 2-3 capsules to support a positive mood, during situations of stress or irritability, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
• Avoid use in the evening.
• Do not exceed 2 servings per day.

What Our Testers Say

“I have had some of the best night’s sleep on this supplement. I’m not sure it really had much brain-boosting effects on my beyond what taking Rhodiola on its own could accomplish (which is still noticeable for me). My activity tracker showed a higher percentage of deep sleep than I usually get, and I did feel like I recovered from workouts better while taking these. I will keep these around for sure.”

“I had these with me on a recent trip, and they were fantastic to help me fight jet-lag.  I also took them 20 minutes before boarding my transatlantic flight, and it really helped me deal with my usual flight anxiety. These will definitely travel with me anywhere I go. Not the most potent brain-booster I’ve tried recently, but very handy for maintaining a sense of calm when faced with stress.”

“I took 2 of  these in the morning, with my cup of coffee, and felt a mild wave of calm and clear-headedness. I was able to stay in control during high-stress situations, and I ended up having some great sleep to boot. This supplement did not increase my energy levels or focus, though.”

“I took 2 capsules of Serotonin Brain Food in the morning with my coffee. I really enjoyed the way it made me feel (calm, focused, and sociable) and it may have actually helped curb my snack cravings.”

BrainWiz Tips

• This supplement pairs well with caffeine when taken in the morning. The coffee-Rhodiola Rosea stack gave those who took the supplement in the morning a smooth and sustained boost in focus. Adaptogens like Rhodiola Rosea have been known to boost the effect of stimulants like caffeine.
• This supplement contains 400 mg of Rhodiola (almost four times as much as in Rhodiola by Solaray), and we suggest refraining from taking more than the recommended dosage. Rhodiola consumption over this amount may actually reduce its effectiveness.
• For optimized sleep, try to take this supplement with calcium or calcium-rich foods to take full advantage of the magnesium in this supplement.
• Our testers achieved their best results when occasionally cycling off this supplement or when not using it for everyday use, only more stressful situations or days.
• As with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use if you’re taking medication or suspect you have a medical issue.

Supplement Summary

All of our testers felt calming effects from Serotonin Brain Food; those who took it with coffee noticed a smoother energy boost and a greater ability to fight stress, likely due to the rhodiola-caffeine combination we’ve seen with other supplements. While Serotonin Brain Food did little on its own to boost energy levels or focus, most of our testers reported improved sleep quality when taking this supplement.

The post A Lasting Sense of Calm? Reviewing Serotonin Brain Food by Natural Stacks appeared first on Brain Wiz.

The manufacturer claims Dopamine Brain Food (click for best price) can improve motor function and balance, and potentially increase learning capacity, motivation, confidence, and focus. Unlike some nootropic makers, Natural Stacks includes quite a few references and research citations on their page, not an unbiased source, but it’s good to trace where they’re drawing their conclusions.

Read on for our full Dopamine Brain Food review, and see if this stack has enough of an effect on dopamine production to increase mental alertness, and potentially physical performance.

Dopamine Brain Food Nutrition Label

The Ingredients

Vitamin C (Quali®-C ascorbic acid) – 500 mg

Perhaps  the world’s most well-known nutrient, vitamin C plays numerous roles in bodily functions, including many in the brain. In the world of on-the-go nutrition, many Americans still fall short of their daily recommendation.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal-5-phosphate) – 5 mg

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble essential vitamin involved in the production of neurotransmitters. Studies show that when taken in conjunction with magnesium, B6 improved school attention in children diagnosed with ADHD.

Along with phenylalanine (below), vitamin B6 is included in this stack because increased cAMP levels also increase dopamine synthesis. B6 and phenylalanine give the body a greater supply of dopamine’s building blocks to help compensate for the compound’s increased synthesis.

Folate(Quatrefolic® (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, glucosamine salt) – 1 mg

Another B vitamin linked to brain health and function.

Vitamin B-12 (Methylcobalamin) – 5 mg

An essential nutrient, B12 plays an important role in numerous bodily functions, including neurological function and development. The particular form of B12 contained in Dopamine Brain Food is a form most often used to reduce brain fog and promote mental energy due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Selenium (L-Selenomethionine) – 55 mcg

Selenium is an element linked to thyroid function.

L-Phenylalanine – 500 mg

L-Phenylanine is an amino acid that promotes general brain function and reduces the effects of age-related memory decline. This is the highest concentration of the compound we’ve seen in a supplement to date. Some potential side effects of L-phenylalanine supplementation include headaches and jitters. Those with Parkinson’s and schizophrenia can develop other negative symptoms when taking phenylalanine.

L-Tyrosine – 500 mg

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.

Trimethylglycine (TMG) – 750 mg

Also known as betaine, this ingredient may act similarly to choline when ingested, though its most documented benefits are actually in the realm of physical performance (reduced fatigue, increased muscular endurance). This is a compound we don’t see often in the world of nootropics, mostly because so much of the research evidence surrounding it has to do with muscular endurance rather than brain enhancement.

Other Ingredients: Vegetable Capsule, cellulose, vegetable stearate, silica.

Usage Guidelines

For Mental Alertness, take a serving of 2 or 3 capsules in the morning, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Do not take more than 3 capsules per day.

Dopamine Brain Fuel works synergistically with CILTEP by ensuring that the increase in intracellular cAMP is supported for an extended period of time, leading to even more pronounced motivation and focus.

What Our Testers Say

“I started with 3 capsules on an empty stomach before I headed to the gym, a first test I like to try with some nootropics that claim a physical benefit, and I felt the effects as soon as the first day. I noticed it the most on my motivation throughout the day, felt a good drive to get things done. I will be keeping this supplement in my rotation for sure.”

“This is by far one of my favorite supplements I’ve tried recently. None of the jitteriness I get with stimulant-based formulas, and I feel focused, alert, and pretty motivated when trying Dopamine Brain Food.”

“I felt a definite increase in alertness, and I also felt like I was able to be fully engaged in the task at hand, rather than being easily distracted. The instructions suggest stacking it with CILTEP, which I tried, but I didn’t feel anything special when adding CILTEP (I’ve never felt much noticeable difference from that supplement. Instead, I’ve been stacking Dopamine Brain Food with BioCreatine for an extra ATP kick.”

“I’m a fan of this stuff, though I’m not sure I’d take it every day. Within the first few days of taking it, I felt an urge to attack all of the open items on my list, and I felt sharp and capable. I paired three pills with my coffee in the morning, and it was a solid feeling. But I generally like to cycle on and off anything that affects serotonin or dopamine production to allow my body time to return to a baseline.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Dopamine Brain Food contains no caffeine, and our testers had success pairing it with caffeinated drinks.
• Our testers reported no negative side effects during our review of Dopamine Brain Food. But as with any supplement regime, it’s a good idea consult your doctor or medical professional beforehand.
• A few of testers felt diminishing effects after roughly a week of taking Dopamine Brain Food. After a few days off from the supplement, taking a serving of Dopamine Brain Food again produce a cognitive and physical boost. We found success cycling off on the weekends or cycling off for one week every three to four weeks in order to keep feeling the benefits when starting up again.

Supplement Summary

Dopamine Brain Food is a caffeine-free stack designed to increase and support the production of dopamine. Our testers really liked this product, and most of them have said that they will keep the product in their supplement rotation. Though its observed effects can  diminish over time, taking a break from the supplement for a couple of days was enough time for its effectiveness to return.

The post Dopamine Brain Food Review: Natural Stacks’ Motivational Super Supp? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

CILTEP is a supplement designed to, supposedly, induce long-term potentiation in neurons (think of it as a smoothing of or increasing activity in neural pathways; read our full review of CILTEP to learn more about this Natural Stacks supplement). It’s a controversial supplement, and overall it’s not our favorite, as several of our testers found it completely ineffective. (Unlike other supplements from Natural Stacks, many of which are among the best we’ve tested. These include BioCreatine and Magtech.)

Basically, the science is a bit murky behind whether CILTEP’s ingredients can be processed after digesting. In my personal experience, and several other BrainWiz testers can back this up, stacking it with BrainWiz does nothing to boost the effects of either supplements. Taking both is a bit like just taking Alpha BRAIN, though potentially with a slight risk of dull headaches (which a few users have reported with CILTEP). For more about stacking CILTEP, read our CILTEP and Smart Caffeine stacking review.

We really enjoy taking Alpha BRAIN with coffee, as Alpha BRAIN itself is stimulant-free and seems to benefit from a slight caffeine boost. There are also folks who stack Alpha BRAIN with racetam compounds like oxiracetam and piracetam, as well as noopept. However, these are advanced stacks using very potent ingredients, and overall we don’t recommend beginning biohackers or those new to nootropics start by adding racetam compounds to existing supplement stacks. Side note: Two of our favorite stacks featuring these potent compounds are Lumonol and truBrain, supplements that contain ingredients to bolster choline levels in the brain. Taking a racetam or noopept without enough choline can also result in headaches and other side effects. We think they’re a better route than self-dosing with raw ingredients, especially for people simply looking for a reliable nootropic to improve focus.

When it comes down to it, we’ve had a lot of success taking Alpha BRAIN on its own and with a relatively low dose of stimulants like caffeine (so pairing Alpha BRAIN with a cup of tea or coffee). Pairing CILTEP and Alpha BRAIN is less desirable than just taking Alpha BRAIN on its own.

The post CILTEP vs Alpha BRAIN: Which Works Better & is Stacking Good? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Two of Natural Stack’s most famous supplements are CILTEP and Smart Caffeine, which the company encourages users to try both as a focus and memory-boosting stack. We put this stack to the test .

We’ve had positive experiences with MagTech (our favorite brain magnesium supplement), BioCreatine, and Smart Caffeine, though our testers had very mixed reviews on CILTEP. Developed by a popular biohacking forum contributor and subsequently produced by Natural Stacks, the theory behind CILTEP is that its ingredients, when taken in conjunction, boost Long Term Potentiation (LTP), basically a consistent strengthening of synapses in the brain. Read our CILTEP review here.

While one of our testers reported less brain fog while on CILTEP, the science behind the stack and whether or not the ingredients can make it past the digestive system is inconclusive. Overall, it’s a stack we don’t recommend for beginners, and the mechanisms and theory are definitely more suited toward the experienced biohacker who’s interested in learning about high-level synapse mechanisms. (And whether or not it truly works is still up in the air.)

When stacking CILTEP and Smart Caffeine, we only (reliably) experienced the effects of Smart Caffeine, which is basically a smoother, no-jitters caffeine boost complimented by the supplement’s l-theanine content. (Read our Smart Caffeine review here.)

We recommend anyone be careful when taking caffeine-containing supplements, starting off slow to assess personal tolerance. As far as stacking Smart Caffeine with CILTEP, we felt no difference when compared to taking Smart Caffeine on its own.

The post CILTEP and Smart Caffeine: Is This Natural Stacks Combo Worth It? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Natural Stacks, makers of Smart Caffeine, MagTech (our favorite brain magnesium supplement), and CILTEP, are getting in on this trend with BioCreatine. Their flagship creatine supplement, BioCreatine combines research darling creatine monohydrate with two compounds that may boost creatine absorption in the brain and body. Read below to see why all our testers liked this supplement, how the effects manifest differently for everyone, and some must-know tips to take it properly.

BioCreatine Label Ingredients

The Ingredients

Micronized Creatine Monohydrate – 2,500 mg

Creatine monohydrate is one of the world’s most-researched supplements. It’s primarily known for increasing muscular endurance and strength, and it’s one of the few supplements that is almost guaranteed to improve athletic performance (and contrary to some rumors, it’s not a banned substance). With few side effects reported, it helps body cells rapidly produce ATP (think of this as a cell’s “fuel”); in times of stress, creatine molecules release energy to cells; when supplemented, this can cause increases in strength and brain, bone, muscle, and liver function.

While creatine is most noted for its strength-enhancing properties, it’s also a well-researched and potent nootropic. By helping cells maintain and boost ATP levels, it can help reduce the buildup of toxic compounds within cells, improve neurotransmission, boost memory, protect against brain glucose deprivation in neurons, and can protect neurons through several chemical processes due to its ability to donate phosphate groups through ATP. It may even promote neuron growth and has been shown to promote recovery from brain injuries and increased memory in animal trials. Combined, the strength and brain-boosting potential in creatine makes it a prime candidate for supplementation in healthy individuals.

Fenugreek Extract (seed) (standardized to 50% fenusides) – 450 mg

Some research suggests creatine absorption is added by ingesting high-glycemic carbohydrates. Natural Stacks suggests fenugreek extract may activate insulin receptors and improve creatine absorption without carbohydrate consumption, and some early evidence backs this statement; however, the exact effect of pairing fenugreek and creatine requires more research to be determined with clinical accuracy.

Himalayan Pink Salt – 250 mg

Creatine absorption can be affected by sodium levels in the body. Himalayan Pink Salt contains numerous trace minerals that may have their own health-boosting properties, but research is still very initial, and it’s unclear if this form of salt improves BioCreatine’s effects as opposed to any other.

Other Ingredients: Vegetable capsule, cellulose, vegetable stearate, silica.

Usage Guidelines

Take 1-2 servings per day with water, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. BioCreatine requires no loading or cycling and does not cause bloating.

What Our Testers Say

“I’ve been lifting weights since high school and was a Division 1 athlete in college. So I’ve had a lot of exposure to creatine supplements. BioCreatine is my favorite so far, and that’s saying something. It’s easy to take, easier than non-capsule creatine that sinks to the bottom of your class and makes the last sip of protein shakes gritty and terrible (and if it’s sticking to the sides of your bottle after you’re finished drinking, you’re not absorbing it). Pill form is a definite plus, and on top of that, I experienced much less bloating than I did with other creatine supplements. While I appreciate creatine’s cognitive-enhancing properties, I’m going to recommend this heavily to my gym buddies.”

“I’d actually never taken a creatine supplement before, and I might not stop taking them now. I exercise a few times per week, and I made definite strides when taking this supplement. But I also appreciate what it did to my overall energy, I feel like I can focus longer and have more stamina at work when taking this supplement, and I really enjoy stacking it with other nootropics.”

“The first thing I noticed about this supplement is that it smells like maple syrup, which is apparently pretty common for fenugreek extracts. I liked this supp and will probably continue taking it. I haven’t been strength training much recently, so I can’t speak to that, but the increase in fatigue resistance is noticeable. Basically, it takes longer for me to get tired in a given day, and that’s a HUGE advantage for just about any task at hand.”

“Creatine has a ton of potential health benefits, and it’s very well researched. I’d recommend doing some digging and testing on your own, as I’ve seen the effects of creatine vary pretty significantly from person to person. Some folks get a little bloated or retain water when taking it, but that happened less to me with BioCreatine. I’d recommend this supplement for exercisers as well as those interested in nootropic ingredients and supplements. More energy to the cells, more stamina and focus throughout the day.”

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BrainWiz Tips

• While creatine is linked with few side effects, there’s some evidence it’s more effective and will reduce the chance for stomach cramping when taken with water. We recommend at least 8 ounces of water when taking a serving of BioCreatine.
• There is also some minimal evidence that creatine and coffee might slightly counteract each other, which could reduce creatine absorption. While it’s debatable whether this makes enough of a difference to take them apart, we generally recommend taking creatine separate from coffee or with a post-workout shake and water.
• If you’re taking BioCreatine for athletic performance and want a 5 gram serving, we recommend accomplishing this by taking two 2,500 mg servings (4 pills) with water at different times of the day. Splitting up the dosage will reduce the chances for bloating or stomach cramps.
• In our experience, BioCreatine was enough on its own, and our testers who are regular exercisers did not need additional creatine-containing supplements to see increased strength and stamina in the gym. This supplement can stand on its own for that.
• BioCreatine stacks well with many other nootropic supplements we’ve reviewed.
• When starting any supplement regimen, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have a preexisting condition or are taking medication or other supplements.

Supplement Summary

BioCreatine (click for best price) is the best creatine supplement our testers have ever tried for both athletic performance and cognitive enhancement. It’s easy to take, seems to contain high-quality creatine monohydrate, and is generally cost-effective compared to a lot of other creatine supplements sold as nootropics.

Our testers who have previously taken creatine preferred this over all other brands and supplements they’ve tried. Natural Stacks’ BioCreatine combines well with some of our other favorite nootropics. Overall, we appreciated the increase in physical and mental energy, and this is definitely a fatigue-fighter we’ll be coming back to in the future.

The post Best Creatine for the Brain? Reviewing BioCreatine by Natural Stacks 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.

The result? By stacking Rhodiola Rosea and Smart Caffeine, we’ve been able to power through heftier workloads and stress while mitigating the crash and fatigue that often comes as caffeine wears off.

The first part of the stack is actually two ingredients: the body hacker’s favorite combo of caffeine (stimulant) and L-theanine (calming amino acid). It’s a common combo, and Natural Stacks’ Smart Caffeine blends both for a straightforward ingredient list and 2-to-1 proportion of theanine to caffeine. L-theanine has a calming effect without feeling like a sedative, and when taken with caffeine, it tends to increase perceptions of alertness while reducing the chances of jitters. For us, it’s a “smoother” feeling of energy.

The second second half of this potent stack is Rhodiola Rosea, an “adaptogen” famed for its ability to fight mental tiredness, the symptoms of stress, and even physical fatigue. Derived from an herb used in several traditional medicine practices, Rhodiola is often paired with caffeine in some high-profile nootropic supplements, and we often take it with our morning coffee. (In fact, a few supplements like Neurofuse combine rhodiola with caffeine and l-theanine.) It can be powerful on its own, and in this stack, it’s a tool we’ve used to combat the stress of deadline situations. It also doesn’t take much, and most effective doses are between 100 and 600 mg of the extract (which normally has between 1 and 3% rosavins and 1 and 2% salidrosides). More then 600 mg might actually be less effective for some users.

So there you have it: Smart Caffeine and Rhodiola Rosea are one of our favorite combos for working under a deadline. It doesn’t take much, and we recommend staying within the manufacturer’s recommended dosages, or even on the lower end when stacking (just one pill each of Smart Caffeine and Solaray’s Rhodiola was plenty for our testers; we don’t like overdoing it on caffeine in any stack!).

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