In an ongoing effort to help control my anxiety without the help of SSRI's, while albeit helpful, are stigmatized with nasty and undesirable side effects (I won't even go into the horrible withdrawal symptoms that are denied by the medical field in order to save their reputation) I decided to take aim at something that is essentially all-natural. AlphaBrain, in theory, is the perfect concoction of amino acids, extracts and herbs that create the perfect nootropic. The desired effects are boosts in memory, cogitation, focus, awareness, creativity and an all-around improved sense of self.
So my girlfriend and I dished out the money (they're NOT cheap) for a 90 count bottle of AlphaBrain and another Onnit Labs brainchild called New Mood which is intended to promote healthy, natural sleep and lucid dreaming. I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, even if that gain was nothing more than easing my overwhelming and almost child-like sense of curiosity. The company also abides to a 100% money back guarantee.
Here, I will make every effort to document the effects of both Alpha Brain (2 pills morning/late afternoon) and New Mood (2 pills every night) and give a fair and unbiased opinion of its effects. I will not be benefiting from ad revenue (this maybe the last corner of the internet that isn't benefiting from Onnit Lab ad revenue) and I shall my every effort to distinguish what is reality from placebo.
AlphaBrain, here I come.
Day 1: I took 2 AlphaBrain pills late this morning with the recommended small meal. I chose toast and peanut butter. My mood was good all day. More talkative than usual, but it's still too early to tell if the nootropics have affected my mood in anyway. About an hour ago (11:30 pm) I took 2 New Mood pills. I'm getting a little sleepy but there's no way of knowing about the lucidity of my dreams until I get some sleep (obviously). More to come tomorrow. For now, I should attempt some sleep as I need to be back to work in the morning.
Day 2: Pulled off a great feat of memory at work. Related to AlphaBrain? Still too early to tell in my opinion. Ended up drinking 4 Samuel Adams, which is a lot for me anymore, before bed along with the New Mood. Dreamt vividly which is a rarity if I've been consuming alcohol before I fall asleep.
Day 3: Self-admittedly, not a good day for an update. Mostly because I'm in the process of starving myself for a colonoscopy tomorrow. The only thing I've put in my body today are 2 pills of AlphaBrain, 1 cup of coffee, a bottle of Gatorade and water. So my mood is foul to begin with. However, I was coloring in my girlfriend's daughter's coloring book (I'm a nerd) and I noticed my ability to focus on the colors was different. I can't really explain the feeling. Maybe this focus will continue to incline and on a day where I'm not in such a terrible mood I can be more descriptive. Also note, due to having to starve myself I won't be able to take the New Mood tonight.
Day 4: Just finished with said colonoscopy a few hours ago. Still feeling drowsy from the Propofol that was administered. Took 2 AlphaBrain after the procedure. I'll possibly take the New Mood depending on how drowsy I feel later. Regardless, it's another not-so-good day for an update.
Day 5: First off, I'm ditching the New Mood. It seems to be having an adverse effect on me. Nothing bad, but it's making me somewhat restless when it's supposed to be having a serene, calming effect. I'm going to revert back to Melatonin for rest. They suited me perfectly. As for the AlphaBrain, I can feel my focus getting sharper. I still haven't been put to any real test yet. I'd like to be taken out of my daily comfort zone. I have noticed that my temptation to quit smoking is getting stronger. I think this weekend I'll make a concerted effort towards nicotine cessation.
Day 6: Still chuggin' along. And I swear my memory is getting better.
Day 7: Gaining more and more energy each day. And not nervous, jittery anxiety-ridden energy like I used to have. It's more of a focused energy. A feel good energy. Also, I dreamt very lucid last night and I'm curious to see if this effects memory or other elements of my psyche throughout the day.
Day 8: I doubt too many people have been following. If any. So I'll cut this all short. I do recommend AlphaBrain. A lot. As for New Mood, maybe I'll give it another try in the near future. And maybe I'll update once again in a month or so. Adios.
