Should I take Alpha Brain every day? That is the question many people find themselves asking after they’ve read our full review of Alpha Brain. Although our analysis makes it clear that Onnit’s nootropic is far from the best brain supplement on offer today, lots of people still use it (probably because it gets mentioned on Joe Rogan’s podcast).
For those of you that don’t know, Alpha Brain is a natural nootropic substance which claims to enhance almost every aspect of cognitive function, from memory and focus to mood and motivation.
Alpha Brain was launched quite a few years ago, which is why the formula now looks so dated. But it remains incredibly popular, especially in the US, where Onnit do a lot of marketing.
So, should you take Alpha Brain every day?
Let’s take a look at the formula and find out!
How often should I take Alpha Brain?
Should you take Alpha Brain every day?
The answer to that is, we believe, a firm no. At least not for a prolonged period of time.
It is fine to take Alpha Brain on a daily basis for up to three weeks. However, any longer than that and we think it is highly likely that you will start to experience side effects. If you continue to use Alpha Brain on a daily basis, these side effects will become both more likely and significantly worse.
The reason for this is that Alpha Brain contains a substance called Huperzine A.
Huperzine A is a cognitive enhancer. It can dramatically improve memory function, heighten focus, and even increase motivation. But the way Huperzine A works means it is not suitable for long-term daily use (which is why our top recommended nootropics don’t contain any Huperzine A).
Huperzine A inhibits and enzyme called acetylcholinesterase. That enzyme is responsible for eliminating excess acetylcholine (the brain’s main executive neurotransmitter). More acetylcholine means more raw brain power, but beyond a certain point acetylcholine can start to work against your brain.
Excessive amounts of acetylcholine invariably leads to impaired cognitive function and, eventually, some pretty serious side effects, including:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Confusion
- Loss of motivation
- Inability to focus
The worse the backlog of acetylcholine gets, the more aggravated the side effects become.
This is why it is vital that you regularly cycle your use of Huperzine A; you need to give your brain a break so acetylcholine levels can be brought back down to within “normal” limits.
So should you take Alpha Brain every day?
We don’t think so.
You can safely take Alpha Brain every day for a period of about 3 weeks. But beyond 3 weeks, side effects become increasingly likely. If you take Alpha Brain every day for long enough, side effects are inevitable.
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