As many of you would know, Matt and I tend to lead each other astray from time to time, but we also lead each other…whatever the opposite of astray is. Keep each other on track maybe? Call it what you will. So a couple of years ago when Matt said his Mum was buying him some ‘Alpha BRAIN’ for Christmas I was immediately intrigued. I am a pretty consistent supplement taker (which is covered in another article) so was open to the idea of ‘a multivitamin for your brain.’ It wasn’t until our recent Bali trip though, that I really appreciated its effect.. or affect? Cosi Cosi.
What is Onnit?
Onnit is a website and online community focusing on ‘Total Human Optimisation.’ They offer a range of different supplements and resources aimed at helping everyone perform to their absolute maximum. Its a cool looking website and has a lot of information that I find interesting and relevant.
But don’t take my word for it, check out the Onnit website and tell them we sent you… They don’t know who we are but maybe if people start name dropping they’ll send me some free stuff lol.
What is Alpha BRAIN?
Alpha BRAIN is a ‘nootropic’ – a dietary supplement that helps support certain brain functions, such as memory, mental speed, and focus… Well that’s what the product spec says anyway. I liked Matt’s definition of ‘it’s a multivitamin for your brain.’
Essentially a bunch of people wayyy smarter than me, with real scientists degrees (and lab coats) did a heap of studies and found some natural substances which ‘may’ help increase or improve cognitive function.
So Whats The Big Idea?
It’s a pretty simple process, you take 2 tablets each morning (I take them with all my other powders and potions) and they go to work! It’s kinda tricky to explain, but Onnit quote “Alpha BRAIN may help you remember names and places, focus on complex tasks, and improve your mental speed in response to stimuli. Whether it is a work project, a social gathering, or an athletic performance, taking Alpha BRAIN is like another gear for your brain”
What I Found?
Honestly, at first you’re not really sure if its a placebo or not. I know that Matt (who had been taking them longer) had downed his dosage to 1 tablet per day because they are pretty expensive, but by the end of the first week I definitely felt that it was easier to ‘think’ if that makes sense. It wasn’t like I started doing complex maths problems in my head, but I felt like I was on a bit of a high. Not to be confused with a buzzy alcohol high, just like when you’re having a really good day and you feel like you’re just firing on all cylinders.
I did a trial with Mum and Dad but they were both pretty sceptical and I’m not sure if they actually took them, but no surprises, they didn’t find any difference.
What really sold me was our Bali trip. While I was away I decided to stop taking any supplements to see if I noticed any difference. 3 Weeks of training and drinking definitely took its toll and I felt noticeably slower when I got home. When I started taking Alpha BRAIN again I literally felt like my brain had just kicked up a gear. It had an effect on my ability to settle back into my routine also, but I don’t know (for certain) if it was just the AplhaBrain doing that or being back in routine itself.
Final Thoughts
Well.. I still take them every day so I guess that kinda speaks for itself. I haven’t done any tests in a controlled enough environment to say conclusively whether it is in fact the AlphaBrain itself, a placebo effect, or a combination of the two.. But I would definitely recommend giving these a try if you are interested in nootropics and/or wanting to give your brain a bit of a boost.
Or don’t.. whatever. I don’t care
