Did you know that two-thirds of Americans drink coffee daily? Compared to January 2021, this number is nearly 14% higher and beats out popular competitors such as tap water.
Most people drink coffee for the slight buzz they get each morning, helping them power through their workday. That ‘buzz’ is a chemical called caffeine. But have you wondered if there are other ways to improve brain power and functioning?
Alpha Brain alternatives offer some of the best nootropics for memory, cognitive functioning, and energy. If you have an interest in how alternative nootropics differ from the popular Alpha Brain supplements, we are here to help!
We have put together a complete guide on the best nootropics and getting started today, so keep reading for more information!
What Is Alpha Brain?
Alpha Brain is a nootropic supplement designed for:
- Improved focus
- Improved clarity
- Cognitive functioning
It is currently the only nootropic supplement that has undergone clinical studies for improving cognitive functioning and performance. Onnit is the performance brand that owns Alpha Brain and initially based most of its performance measures on a 2016 study.
In this study, participants showed 12% improvements with executive functioning tasks. There was an over 20% improvement in cognitive functioning speed.
However, the most drastic and meaningful difference was in their ECG data. Study participants who used Alpha Brain had physiological improvements in peak alpha frequency. So – what type of ingredients are included in this smart drug?
- L-Theanine
- L-Tyrosine
- Phosphatidylserine
- Alpha-GPC
- L-Leucine
- Other extracts
Alpha Brain backs up its nootropic supplement through previous studies on L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, and Phosphatidylserine. All these ingredients help cognitive functioning and protect cellular functioning.
What Are Nootropics?
Alpha Brain is a brand of nootropics. At its core – nootropics are essentially smart drugs. It is an umbrella term that includes many brands, ingredients, and supplements to help improve cognitive functioning.
You may also hear the terms ‘brain boosters.’ Single-ingredient vitamins or minerals could fall under this classification. You will also find various supplements that combine many brain-boosting ingredients.
The nootropic type will depend on the manufacturer. However, the benefits of nootropics fall under six general categories, including:
- Cognition
- Attention
- Creativity
- Memory
- Alertness
- Concentration
Many companies have turned to ‘natural’ ways to boost brainpower. These advertisements typically include natural minerals or vitamins. Some common ingredients found in these supplements are:
- B complex vitamins
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ginseng
- Echinacea
- Turmeric
- Caffeine
Smart drugs come with some risks. If not used as recommended, it can cause missed sleep or increase your risk for dependence.
Addiction and dependence are mainly found in prescription stimulants, such as sleeping medications or amphetamines. What other options do you have?
Alpha Brain Alternatives
While Alpha Brain is a great nootropic starter, the best nootropic is not necessarily the one who got the train rolling, so to speak. Other companies have redesigned nootropics for better brain-boosting power.
The downside to Alpha Brain is that they aren’t specific on the amount or percentage of ingredients. You may also run the risk of allergic reactions to an Alpha Brain ingredient.
It is also higher-priced and has a complicated formula. All of their products have a combination of these ingredients:
- Cat’s claw extract
- L-Theanine
- L-Leucine
- Vitamin B6
- Alpha GPC
- Bacopa Monnieri
- Oat straw
- AC 11
If you don’t know what half of these ingredients are, you aren’t alone! If you are a consumer who wants a simpler formula and lineup, the Cortex Nootropic Stack offers Alpha Brain options. The benefit of Cortex Nootropic Stack is:
- Mental energy
- Motivation and focus
- Drive
- Verbal fluency
- Memory and processing
It only includes four main ingredients and explicitly outlines the reasoning behind using these nootropics. Cortex’s ingredients are:
- Uridine Monophosphate
- Cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine
- Artichoke extract
- Bacopa Monnieri
The goal of using fewer ingredients is better stimulants, fewer side effects, and a cleaner supplement.
Uridine Monophosphate
Uridine Monophosphate is one of the most powerful nootropics. It helps stimulate mental focus, clarity, and energy. As one of the best brain power supplements, it is the main ingredient behind Cortex’s nootropic blend.
Uridine Monophosphate is one of the critical components that make up your RNA. As a supplement, it is more readily available in your bloodstream, enhancing cognitive functioning.
Cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine
Cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine is a powerful choline. It works well with its counterpart, Uridine Monophosphate, and has many similar benefits, such as:
- Better motivation
- Improved focus
- Improved memory
- Neurogenesis
Choline is an essential ingredient. While it is found in some foods, its availability is mainly dependent on supplements. Choline is the main compound behind the release of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter, which affects:
- Mood
- Memory
- Muscle control
- Nervous system functions
Like Uridine Monophosphate, choline plays a critical role in gene expression, cell membrane signaling, metabolism, and brain development.
Artichoke Extract
Artichoke extract helps with energy production and is a cAMP facilitator. Artichokes are primarily considered a vegetable.
Their official classification is a thistle type. Its primary benefits for your health have been found throughout the centuries, including:
- Blood sugar level management
- Assists with digestion
- Promotes heart health
- Promotes liver health
Rather than eating artichokes daily, many people have found similar benefits in artichoke extracts. Artichoke extract can help with:
- Anemia
- Arthritis
- Edema
- Kidney and liver issues
- Indigestion
Most of the evidence supporting these claims is still being researched, but artichokes show promising effects on overall health. Artichoke extract also acts as a PDE4 inhibitor.
Essentially, it assists in the availability of cAMP, which is responsible for brain cell signaling. The increased availability of cAMP also helps with neuron growth and plasticity, which is why it is used in nootropic supplements.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri is an ingredient that plays a critical role in axonal and dendrite growth. It helps neurotransmitters operate smoothly and assists in the release of serotonin.
For years, people have used it to help with memory improvements. Researchers have looked at how it is used as a neuroprotective agent. Health experts found that patients who took this plant extract showed improvements in:
- Auditory verbal learning tasks
- Working memory
- Memory loss
The improvements were even more significant when Bacopa Monnieri was combined with other extracts. Researchers identified improvements in Alzheimer’s risk and depression.
How Do You Use Nootropics?
Nootropic supplements are ideally used in a rotational schedule. The best nootropic manufacturer will provide you with details on rotating nootropic use and gaining the most benefit out of your supplements. Why?
Staying on nootropic supplements too long can increase your risk for dependence or tolerance. For example, caffeine is largely thought of as a nootropic stimulant. It can help with focus and concentration, but it is quite easy to develop a tolerance.
Studies show that caffeine can block nearly 50% of adenosine receptors. In conjunction, taking caffeine for too long can increase your body’s natural production of adenosine receptors. Over time, the sheer volume of adenosine can reduce caffeine’s effectiveness.
Caffeine tolerance can develop within a few days of taking only 100 mg daily. Other nootropics may operate similarly and reduce their effectiveness.
Another example is Phenylpiracetam. You should not take Phenylpiracetam daily.
Instead, it is best to space it out at most three to four times weekly. You will also want to start at a lower dosage and consider stacking it.
What To Look For in a Supplement?
Additionally, while staying awake and alert is essential, you also need a supplement that enhances sleep and recovery. High-performance supplements will include all these features and give you access to online consultation and training.
Following the guidance of these professionals can help you develop a rotational schedule and ensure you are taking the correct dosages.
Side Effects and Risks
If you have read some of the research on nootropics, you may be skeptical about purchasing a supplement. After all, the claims are not currently backed by FDA approval.
However, the most severe side effects and risks are related to prescription medications. Popular nootropic drugs that are being studied include:
- Modafinil
- Piracetam
- Methylphenidate
Most of these drugs treat ADHD, sleep disorders, or mental health illnesses. If these medications are taken and used with physician guidance, they could cause serious side effects and risks.
Supplements offer an alternative, natural, and safer route. While side effects can happen, these ingredients are also widely found in foods.
For example, L-Theanine is an amino acid primarily found in teas. High-quality supplements aim to combine natural ingredients that your body may not get enough of through foods or drinks.
Boost Your Brain Power
Have you wondered if there are other Alpha Brain alternatives on the market? In short – yes! Products such as Cortex Nootropic Stack offer high-quality nootropic ingredients.
The benefit of choosing a reputable company is you also get access to training and consultation. With adequate training, you can ensure that your nootropic supplement regime is structured to your individual needs.
Are you curious about how to get started? For more information on nootropics and how to structure a program, check out our consulting program today!