Supplements shouldn’t be necessary.
The theory is that we should get all our nutrition from our food. But I’ve found that even with a varied diet, I’m missing some bits. Vitamin D is a definite issue for me. I’m simply not out in the sun enough, and when I am, let’s just say Manchester isn’t always the best for sunshine.
So last year when my energy levels dipped drastically, I added it as a supplement to my diet. The effect was almost instantaneous. I was much brighter, less down, less, slow, sluggish. Much more me.
Since then I’ve kept them in my diet, I don’t want to dip low again and since there’s a correlation between the effectiveness of calcium and lack of Vit D, I upped the dose a little while my broken foot healed. I know I’m not alone. Though I’d hesitate to recommend taking lots of vitamin supplements (too many can in fact be toxic to our systems) sometimes a little boost helps.
And again, post broken foot, I’ve been in need of a boost. I’m so used to doing stuff that not being able to has been incredibly frustrating. Sure a lie in has been lovely, but I’ve found myself getting tired more easily, my mood hasn’t been right – I simply haven’t been my normal bouncy, busy, productive self. And getting back to it has been hard.
So when I was asked if I’d review Utmost Me Neuro Claris, I leapt at it. Not least because the science behind it is sound (more on that later), but it promised to help me focus, bring back my productivity and I need every bit of help I can get.
So what is it? Neuro Claris is a supplement that has a number of natural ingredients and vitamins to help focus your mind and improve your brain functions. Along with Vitamin D, it also contains Vitamin C, a Vitamin B complex, and Zinc, as well as L-Tyrosine, Tumeric, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, Curcumin 3, and Bioperine. OK, so far, so many words that you maybe don’t understand. I’ve broken them down in detail below.
But the idea is that they work together to improve brain function. To make you feel more ‘awake’, more alert, more turned on. Given my various hats, anything that might help is well worth looking into,
What also drew me to the supplements is the research they’ve done. Unlike many supplements, or specialist drinks or magic pills Utmost Me have the research to back them up. In fact a quick look on their website links to articles and journal papers to support their product. Oh and it’s also been created for Tour de France athletes to help them concentrate during the race, and has been approved by the governing body.
So how am I doing?
I’ve been taking them for three weeks and especially the last week or so, I’m noticing a definite difference. I’m more productive. I procrastinate less. I’m on it like a car bonnet. That’s not to say I don’t get stressed, or busy, but I’m surprising myself by how on top of things I am. I’m also less grumpy, tired and overwhelmed.
My bounce is back. And then some.
I’ve even got enough willpower to manage to stick to a reasonable training diet and regime. Something I normally really struggle to do in busy periods (particularly the diet bit).
I’m going to finish the rest of the tub, but I suspect I’m going to be ordering some very shortly – agreed they’re not cheap at £38 for a months’ supply, but the level of productivity I’ve reached I can’t afford to lose.
For those curious, the active ingredients are listed below. As for me, I’m off to be productive.
The active ingredients:
Vitamin B Complex:
The B vitamins are known as the ‘busy’ vitamins. They have roles in metabolism, particularly in ensuring that we get the most out of our food, as efficiently as possible. Most are available from unprocessed foods – though one (B12) is not available via plants (and so can be a concern for those following a vegan diet. The full list of B vitamins can be found here.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C, or L-Asorbic Acid most of us know as being a part of citrus fruits, and many of us will have been told to take it when we have a cold, and it has also found it’s way into face creams and serums because of it antioxidant properties. In truth, most of us get enough vitamin C, but of all the vitamins, C is the easiest for our body to get rid off, meaning a ‘top up’ isn’t an issue even if you have a full tank.
You can read more on Vitamin C here.
Vitamin D:
Most of us get D from sunlight. Our body synthesises it via our liver and kidneys, and it is used in conjunction with calcium to maintain our bones. Recent studies are showing that in the UK we are growing increasingly deficient in it, both due to us taking care in the sun, and leading more ‘indoor’ lifestyles. And for people like me, with a fracture, it’s incredibly important as it helps with the healing process.
You can read more about Vitamin D here.
Zinc:
Zinc is a metal – but also is a dietary supplement, essential to the healing process and our immune system. There’s evidence that it helps fight off the common cold, and may help protect against the ageing process.
You can read more on zinc here.
L-Tyrosine:
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid. Amino acids are used by cells to synthesise proteins and in particular L-Tyrosine is related to the neurotransmitters in the brain, and may also help prevent fatigue and improve memory. It’s an all round good egg.
You can read more on L-Tyrosine here.
Tumeric:
Most of us will know tumeric from the spice aisle. But it’s been used in medicine for hundreds of years as an ant inflammatory, and it’s a powerful antioxidant. However the most active ingredient isn’t in very high doses in the spice itself, which leads us to…
Curcumin 3:
The active ingredient mentioned above. This is a concentrated version, offering a stronger dose of the anti inflammatory, digestion aiding antioxidant.
You can read more about Curcumin here.
L-Theanine:
This is one of the active ingredients in green tea, and has been studied for it’s potential ability to reduce mental and physical stress, improve cognition, boose mood and cognitive performance, and particularly so in combination with caffeine (good new for us coffee drinkers!)
You can read more on L-Theanine here.
Rhodiola Rosea:
Perhaps the most controversial ingredient, though it has been used in Russian, Scandinavian and Chinese medicine for centuries to prevent altitude sickness, stress and fatigue.
Oddly enough, it’s also a botanical in Rock Rose Gin!
You can read more about Rhodiola Rosea here.
Bioperine:
Not only is bioperine the chemical responsible for the pungency of black pepper, it’s also aids the bodies use of Curcumin. So improving the efficacy of the capsules.
You can read more about Bioperine here.
If you’d like to try Neuro Clarins, or any of their other supplements, you can find details at utmostme.com