Which Nootropics Actually Work?

As a mature coach that has pretty much tried every health boosting trend and claim going over the years. I’m always looking for new products and evidence backed ways to boost in particular mental clarity, focus and memory. Firstly, for my own wellbeing and then to offer my opinion on to my clients should they enquire. So for the past six months or so, I have been using myself as a lab subject, experimenting with different types of nootropics, the life hackers new buzz word that is gaining support around the world.

Nootropics are supplements, smart drugs and psychedelics that may improve cognitive function such as memory, creativity or motivation in healthy individuals. The scientific research into them are ongoing and inconclusive in many cases, however after many trials over several months, I have listed below the ones I have found personally to have the most positive effects on my brain energy, clarity and focus. I chose high quality, sustainably sourced and organically produced wherever possible.

A cautionary word firstly, there are many ‘smart drugs’ on the market that have wild claims to be the miracle pill, some even referring to be close to the pill from the 2011 film ‘Limitless’. So if you are considering a product for yourself, read on and don’t be tempted by some of the ‘miracle one pill wonders’ out there.

For your convenience, I have included links to the various products I used, so you don’t have to spend your valuable time putting in the research as I did.

My Top Five Nootropics:

Lions Mane (Mushroom)

Lion’s Mane can help improve focus and attention, boost thinking, repair brain cells, help depression and anxiety, and manage other neurological problems like Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and muscular dystrophy. I personally used Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee. https://amzn.to/3hb95SY They blend the correct amount of Lions Mane and Chaga with coffee. I found this combination taken after my early morning fasted workout, to increase my morning focus and clarity quite considerably.

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Caffeine (Clean)

Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world. As a nootropic, caffeine helps improve reaction time, alertness, mood. I have Lean Caffeine Buletproof ground coffee. https://amzn.to/3iWx9tc its mycotoxin and pesticide free and taste really clean. This is important as coffee is the most heavily sprayed crops in the world. Literally drenched in insecticides, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. I use a French press and add MCT oil for a really brain energy boost.

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MCT (Coconut) Oil

The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil bypass your normal digestive system and go straight to your liver where they are converted into ketones. Ketones are carried throughout your body including your brain for use in the citric acid cycle to produce Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP created in your mitochondria improves alertness, cognition, memory and mood. I take one tablespoon in my shakes or coffee of Natures Aid 100% premium oil. https://amzn.to/3hoy8C0

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Creatine

Creatine is made in the liver, and acts as fuel cells for your cells. Including brain cells. It provides energy on demand. You could say creatine is the ultimate nootropic. Creatine is a popular supplement for athletes because it boosts physical performance by going directly to the muscles needing fuel. Creatine is widely available nowadays, I take 5mg in water before or during a workout. It helps me through tough workouts and also has helped me with relieving brain fog. I have used many different brands but my favourite is On Nutrition due to its quality. https://amzn.to/3aBYoGI

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Magnesium Oil  

It helps improve memory and cognition. And reduces anxiety, brain fog and depression. Magnesium can also help maintain healthy blood pressure and help prevent sudden heart attack and stroke. I use a magnesium oil spray, applied to bare skin before I go to bed every few days. I have monitored the effects through my wearable sleep sensor ring, it indicated that when I used magnesium, it helped me have a longer period of deep sleep (The restorative level of sleep) and a quicker transition in sleep time. This is my favourite sleep aid so far. I use Better You Magnesium Oil. https://amzn.to/31bkBIv

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If you would like more information on the subject I found https://nootropicsexpert.com to be a great place to start your own research. Plus the blogger James Cornyn has a seriously in depth look at Nootropics with some great data, you can find his article here: https://ivypanda.com/blog/should-i-take-nootropics/

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Alternatively if you can contact me about any of your mental health and wellness issues at https://www.mysoulcoach.co.uk/contact

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