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What are Nootropics?

I’d like to start this off by saying that I, with zero doubt in my mind, love nootropics. It would be fair to say they have truly changed the course of my life, giving me a new sense of clarity and have helped push me through to the finish line on several projects. So let’s get into it.

Nootropics. What are they? And how do they work?

“Nootropics, or smart drugs,” are a class of substances that can boost brain performance.” These are often referred to as brain boosters. Enhancing Memory, Concentration, Mood, and Learning, while also stimulating Nerve-Growth-Factor or NGF. The process which repairs and forms new neurons.

Now Nootropics come in all forms. Plants. Drugs. Even Nicotine and Caffeine are considered nootropics due to their cognitive boosting effects. Our favorite here at TenderLovingCBD would have to be Lions’ Mane Mushroom. Easy to handle and supplement into your daily diet, Lion’s Mane has been found to not only provide all the benefits mentioned above, it is also often used to alleviate symptoms for those suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

One doesn’t have to be suffering though to receive the benefits from this mushroom. Many use it as a learning aid, reporting it to have cleared away their scatter brain and brain fog, allowing them to focus on their task at hand. You get all this without any jitters or stress. You feel good, comparing it to coffee which often leads to headaches and anxiety.

So if you’re looking for a little jump start to your cognitive abilities, Lion’s Mane is a great place to start and it’s been used for well over a thousand years across Asia and North America, so it isn’t anything new. Buddhist monks like to use it to enhance their meditations, and modern research has shown proven benefits in using Lion’s Mane for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

But how do they work?

Well, a mushroom like Lion’s Mane stimulates three things,

  1. NGF or Nerve Growth Factor, which is the production of enzymes that stimulate nerve regeneration. Repairing and preventing nerve damage.
  2. Neurogenesis, which is the repair and creation of neurons. Restoring levels of neurotransmitters.
  3. Brain Optimization, the above two processes act like a domino and your mind is cleared from brain fog or scatter brain. Anxiety levels are reduced and your mood is improved because your brain is restored. This leads to improvements in memory, concentration, learning, and cognitive processing.

People often report having a new sense of clarity after supplementing Lion’s Mane. Your brain really does get a boost. That feels good. It’s refreshing. Especially in the frantic high octane work environments so many of us are used to. It helps with that extra push needed to get everything done, while the research is proving it has benefits to help prevent or relieve age related decline. Please see the references listed at the end of the article to learn more about how not only Lion’s Mane may benefit you, but how other nootropics such as Rhodiola or Ginseng can too.

So what’s the catch?

Well the big area of caution for Nootropics are Mental Illnesses. Nootropics can either help someone with their symptoms or make them worse. This is due to Nootropics often playing a role in boosting levels of neurotransmitters. For most this is beneficial especially for those who feel burnt out, but for some who already have an overactive production of certain neurotransmitters such as Dopamine, Nootropics can cause further problems.

It is always highly advised to research any supplement and all of it’s ingredients before implementing it into your diet, especially if you happen to have any condition, Mental or Physical. When it comes to supplements it takes a bit of research and experimentation to find what works best for you.

All of us here at Tender Loving CBD truly believe there is a combination of plants for everyone, which is why we will always encourage experimentation. Play around with your Health and Fitness. Take control and own your body. While you’re at it, we are here to help. That’s what we do. Help you on your personal journey of not only feeling Optimal but truly being Optimal in both Mental and Physical aspects of your life. Each of our products is designed to maximize benefits with plants that actually work, so come on over. Check out what we have to offer, and see how we can help you towards that Optimal Life.

Our Nootropic Products

Neuro 1.0Lion’s Mane combined with Black Maca & CBD

Brain Booster / Learning, Memory, Concentration / Nerve-Growth-Factor

Also available as a Psilocybin Microdose

Neuro 1.M Lion’s Mane combined with Black Maca, CBD & Golden Teachers Mushroom (Psilocybin)

Aeternal’s Guide to Synergy

 

Image of bottles and capsules of Synergy adaptogen

Are you trying to reduce how much caffeine you drink in a day, or perhaps you’re sick of all the anxiety that comes with coffee? Maybe nothing’s working anymore? No matter what you try, you just can’t get any energy. You’re tired, sore, and in need of a long night of sleep, but also have to get through all this work still. What do you do? Especially if your body doesn’t want to make getting to sleep easy. 

Let me introduce you to Synergy. Our All Natural Energy Booster.

Utilizing Adaptogenic plants, Synergy provides approx. 4 hours of energy, and can be used to replace caffeine, support rest and recovery, reduce stress, or help you to restore your natural energy levels. 

 

 

Synergy contains five active ingredients, all derived from plants: 

 

Ashwagandha Root

When it comes to treating Anxiety and Depression, none do it better than Ashwagandha Root, the most popular and one of the most powerful Adaptogenic Plants in Ayurvedic Medicine. Ashwagandha has been proven through Human trials to reduce levels of Cortisol and Blood Sugar, while helping regenerate Axons and Dendrites of Brain Cells. This allows the reconstruction of our Synapses, boosting Memory and Repairing Damage caused by Neurodegenerative Disease and Chronic Stress. Quite often Ashwagandha has been found to be as effective in treating Anxiety and Depression as most Pharmaceutical Drugs, as it allows our bodies to adapt to all forms of stress. Supplementing Ashwagandha will see a reduction in Mental Fatigue and Nervous System Exhaustion, while having improvements in Libido, Fertility, Energy, Stamina, and Sleeping.

 

Rhodiola Rosea
(3% Rosavins)

The ancient plant Rhodiola Rosea has been used for Thousands of years by Scandinavian Countries as a Traditional Medicine. It is often used as a remedy for Fatigue, Anxiety, Depression, Inflammation, Impotence, Pain, Headaches, and Burnout, while Studies have shown that Rhodiola can also be used to improve Endurance, Fertility, Energy, Memory, Concentration, Alertness, Neurogenesis, and Quality of Sleep. By synthesizing ATP Rhodiola makes a perfect replacement for Caffeine and is ideal for working or studying, all without a crash.

Rhodiola will help prevent Fatigue and will Boost Mental Performance while under conditions of high stress by preventing the breakdown of Monoamine Neurotransmitters such as Serotonin, Dopamine, and Noradrenaline, while also suppressing the production of Cortisol. This process boosts neural communication, which improves mood and enhances cognitive functions such as Reaction Time, Processing, Calculation, Concentration, Motivation, and Memory.

 

Red Maca Root

The ancient superfood of the Incas, Maca. Used for over two thousand years as it is the sustainable crop which grows at the high altitude of the Andes. Without affecting hormones, Maca has been found to boost immunity and memory, while also treating Sexual Dysfunction, Cancer, Tuberculosis, Anemia, Anxiety, and Depression. Red Maca especially has been found to increase bone density, and may reduce the symptoms of menopause. Most will see an increase to their libido, sexual function, stamina, energy, and overall mood as well. 

 

Ginger Root

Most commonly used as a culinary spice, Ginger, is a root which also has a wide range of health benefits. Often used to relieve digestive issues such as an upset stomach, Ginger will also help those with high blood pressure, and will help fight off heart disease.

 

 

CBD-Cannabidiol

CBD provides relief from Anxiety, Depression, Pain, Epilepsy, Nausea, Schizophrenia, Seizures, Stress, and Inflammation. Being one of the most well-known Cannabinoids in Cannabis, CBD binds onto Endocannabinoid receptors, which maintains balance of our Nervous, Limbic, and Immune Systems. Due to the Human Body having a natural Cannabinoid producing system, supplementing CBD replenishes Cannabinoids without our bodies responding to it as a toxin compared to many Pharmaceutical Drugs. All without causing any psychoactive effects. Essentially you won’t get high from CBD.

 

It is advised to take Synergy with a fatty substance such as coconut or mct oil to aid with absorption. Adding turmeric and black pepper to your meals while taking Ashwagandha is also suggested, as it will be an additional benefit with their anti-inflammatory properties. 

 

Synergy acts as a natural source of food for our mitochondria which produce ATP, or energy. You know, the powerhouse of the cell…  For years we have joked about learning about Mitochondria, but not how to do taxes. Well now here we are, and as I have learned through studying Adaptogenic plants, the Mitochondria really are the powerhouse of the cell. A powerhouse, which within most of us, desperately needs recharging. Feeding our bodies plays a huge role. What you feed your body feeds your mitochondria. Products like caffeine and sugar, among others, are the more typical sources of energy most of us are using today. The problem with caffeine is drinking too much of it tends to cause the deterioration of the protective layering of our brain cells, the myelin sheath, alongside causing headaches and anxiety. Then there’s sugar. Good ol’ sugar, what a perfect world it would be if candy were healthy. We can only wish..

This is where Synergy comes in, by acting as a natural energy source, Synergy not only provides cleaner energy getting you through your day, it also helps recharge your cells, giving you the rest you need the most. Whereas most sources of energy wear us down, Adaptogens do the opposite. One example is Ashwagandha, which also lowers cortisol levels, which means lower stress. More energy, less stress. This is what Synergy provides. 

 

Let’s start with going over Rest and Recovery. 

Some people report feeling tired after taking an adaptogenic supplement such as Ashwagandha. This is due to your body being in such a stressful state, that when your cortisol levels went down, your body was now able to get some rest. If this happens don’t fight it. It means your body really needs to sleep. Afterwards you will get to enjoy cleaner, more natural levels of energy. Without any of the jitters, or anxiety caused from other sources of energy. 

-It is suggested to take 1 Capsule of Synergy in the morning and 1 in the afternoon, if Rest and Recovery is what you are seeking. Avoid taking it within 8 hours of bedtime. 

 

If you are interested in reducing or completely replacing Caffeine, then Synergy can be a natural alternative, with a single serving providing 4 hours of energy. One serving usually replaces a single cup of coffee. 

Personally I went from drinking 3 medium cups of coffee a day, at least. To 2 small cups of tea using Synergy. It works great either in the morning, or later in the day for a quick booster to get through the rest of your day .

-If replacing or reducing Caffeine is what you seek, then start with 1 Capsule when you usually drink tea or coffee. If you feel you need more energy try a second capsule, but start with 1 first. Taking 2 right away can be overwhelming for some people, and so can taking Synergy alongside Caffeine, especially if you are new to supplementing Adaptogens. 

 

Either way you choose to use Synergy, you will see a reduction of your stress levels. Most people report having an easier time getting through their day. Stressful events which normally would have ruined their day, were now easy to deal with. This is due to your brain not being overwhelmed from cortisol. Everyday stressors should be less likely to trigger fight or flight responses, allowing you to deal with the situation appropriately. 

 

Now lets say you’re looking for something to help Mind, Body, and Soul. Maybe you’re looking for some creative inspiration, or something to help you focus? On top of wanting to reduce anxiety, yet still have energy to get through your day. This is where our SyMergy Microdose Kit comes into play. We combine both Microdosing and supplementing Adpatogens so you can recharge on all levels. Mind, Body, and Soul. 

See this link about Microdosing. 

Microdosing SyMergy will boost your levels of Neurogenesis, or help improve your brain’s health, while supplementing Synergy will recharge your energy levels, and reduce your anxiety. It is the best option for the most complete package. 

-The best way to use this kit is a 2:1 cycle. For 2 days you take Synergy All Natural Energy Booster, then on every third day you take SyMergy Microdose. Continue this cycle for 1 month. Use the amounts you usually would up above for Synergy, and start with 1 Capsule of SyMergy. 

 

Over all the ingredients in Synergy are reported to be safe and are well tested. Please see the studies below, or use google scholar to see for yourself. Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are the two most well tested and most popular adaptogens on the market. Either one is a great place to start for almost anyone. One area of concern is for those who have issues with hyperthyroidism. Synergy can make the issue worse. The same is for those who have auto-immune disorders. Due to Adaptogens’ natural ability to improve our immune systems, this can make auto-immune disorders worse. Please consult your Doctor before trying any Adaptogenic supplement, including Synergy or SyMergy. 

 

Quick Guide:

Rest and Recovery: 1 in the morning, and 1 in the afternoon. 

Replacing Caffeine: Start with 1. Work your way up to 2. 

MD Kit: 2 days of Synergy, followed by every 3rd day taking SyMergy. Start with 1. 

 

Studies:

Ashwagandha found to reduce stress and anxiety in Adults.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/

 

Ashwagandha found to increase testosterone by 15%.

https://www.everlywell.com/blog/testosterone/ashwagandha-testosterone/#:~:text=In%20a%20study%20involving%20men,including%20testosterone)%20%5B6%5D.

 

Rhodiola can be used to manage Stress.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29325481/

 

Rhodiola not only helps fight stress, but can also help treat age-related disorders. (Partial book on Rhodiola for free)

https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=foeZBQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA205&dq=rhodiola+research+stress&ots=ZWBBYqm4_6&sig=BqSzr2E14naOGX9FpU-KIrYjKT0#v=onepage&q&f=false

Phoenix Tears to the Rescue?

Cannabis. This funky plant has gone from public enemy number 1, to the hottest commodity on the legal market. Everybody’s talking about it. Not only is this plant and its many strains used to get high, but now there are a whole lot of people taking cannabis to treat their ailments too. From epilepsy to even cancer, cannabis has seen some positive success stories when used as a treatment. We seem to be in a new golden age for the green despite the still tight restrictions surrounding its legality, even here in Canada. On the surface it sounds too good to be true. This drug which makes me feel good can cure cancer? Seriously? Although, if you really think about it, marijuana would be the perfect medicine. Get high, eat food? Sounds almost like a vacation, but what does the research have to say? And what about Rick Simpson Oil, RSO? The high powered cannabis treatment RS claims to have not only cure many patients from cancer but to have also trained others to do the same. Is cannabis the magic cure? Or just a way to handle symptoms? 

 

Over the last decade cannabis research has exploded. Still, we seem to be stuck behind the line of, more research is required. At the end of every study you will find this line. Always, more research is required. At least the research coming out is positive. So far cannabis is confirmed to be effective when treating both the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment. Appetite is improved, pain goes down, and inflammation is reduced. What the research has difficulty confirming is whether cannabis is effective or not is in the area of tumor reduction. Research looks promising with positive results in some cases seeing tumors reduce, but they also stress Cannabis is not effective for every form of cancer. With some forms of cancer actually being made worse with cannabis. THC and CBD both play a large role, alongside dosage. Thus here we are, stuck, behind the line of, more research is required.

Study 1

study 2

Study 3

This is where RSO, or Rick Simpson Oil enters the scene. RSO is a high powered Cannabis treatment using 60 g of pure cannabis oil over 90 days to treat Cancer, and other ailments. Not only does Rick Simpson himself claim to have cured his own cancer, but others as well. He says he has done this using his high in THC Cannabis oil. His evidence is all anecdotal, but there are several success stories posted over on Reddit as well. This at least gives the treatment some weight to go on. People claim to have reduced their tumors into nothing. From deadly sizes to a mere pebble no longer dangerous. Some claim to have only used RSO, while others used it alongside chemo and other cancer treatments. According to Rick Simpson it is all about the high THC content, with CBD alone not being good enough. We’re talking 90%+ THC content in a single 1 gram syringe. This here is the biggest difference between Rick Simpson’s methods and most studies. Most studies are only using around 5-10 mg of THC. That is a big difference, and who knows maybe using a higher dose in more studies, there would be more success stories? If people are interested, why not? 

To learn more about Rick Simpson and his RSO recipe, visit his site at www.phoenixtears.ca

 

With that being said, not everyone has a success story. The unfortunate nature of cancer is that every case is different, thus every treatment will have to be different as well. Still with the promising research outlook and the positive success stories, anecdotal as they may be, the future looks bright with Cannabis being recognized as a possible treatment for certain forms of cancer. The only problem is the Canadian government will not recognize RSO, and despite Cannabis being legalized, RSO cannot be sold on the legal market. Due to the high levels of THC. So here we are, Cannabis is legalized but one of the main reasons why we all wanted Cannabis legalized in the first place is still stuck behind government rules. It just doesn’t make any sense. Now does it? 

Anyways, 

How does it work? Well, 

RSO treatment involves taking 60g of Cannabis oil over 90 days. You start with a grain of rice 3 times per day. Every four days you double the dosage. After a few weeks you will be taking a full gram over the course of a day. This can be overwhelming for some people. Suppositories are an effective way to receive the treatment if the psychoactive effects are too much for you. Once you have ingested the 60 grams, a maintenance dose of a gram or two over the course of a month will be required. Cannabis is supposed to stop tumors from spreading and in some cases has caused them to shrink. The high dosage is supposed to help improve the chances of tumor reduction. Again all the evidence is anecdotal, as research hasn’t had the time yet to properly test RSO as a treatment.

Interested? 

See a guideline on how to make your own here. Or please see www.mytlc.ca/cannabis-shop/phoenix-tears/, for  more information, and a more detailed how to guide, alongside what to expect.  

 

In the end, it should be your choice to try the treatment, despite the current rules on dosage. Now is the time to really see how powerful Marijuana can be as a treatment. Personally I believe the choice to try Cannabis as a treatment should always be an option. Who are we to tell someone to wait for the research to be conducted while their life is on the line? Unfortunately proper science takes a long time, thus can we really force someone to wait? Still I would consult with a Doctor and I certainly wouldn’t suggest not taking any of the other treatments your Doctor suggests to take, such as chemo. There are lots of success stories where both Marijuana and Pharmaceutical options were used. Do your research, and as always we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for information on products or are looking for resources we are more than willing to do all that we can. See this link for more resources from TLC. 

Web logo for Tender Loving Cannabis, online dispensary proudly serving our own premium cannabis products

          Kenneth J. Good

         -Aeternal Journal-

Are Nootropics the Answer for Neuro-Degenerative Diseases?

Dementia, the unfortunate deterioration of one’s brain. Across the World, rates of dementia are increasing with rising life expectancy. Right now, 1 out of every 14 people aged 65 or older are suffering and that number increases to 1 in 6 for those over 80. The worst part, we don’t have a cure. Currently Pharmaceutical options only cover the symptoms, meaning most continue to suffer even after diagnosis. Luckily we’re also in the age of rediscovery, as cultures from all across the World seem to already have the answer. That is, plants. These beneficial plants which have been used for thousands of years, may be what we need to solve the Dementia crisis. These plants in today’s World, are now known as Nootropics, and Nootropics have been found to not only protect against diseases such as Dementia, they have also been found to improve memory, concentration, and mood in Dementia patients. All without any nasty side effects, such as what Patients have to deal with when using Pharmaceutical drugs. So let’s dive in, starting with what causes Dementia in the first place? 

Well according to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, there is a long list of factors all of which play a role in causing one’s brain to start deteriorating. Top of that list is our lifestyle. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating crappy food all contribute, so does social isolation, skipping the gym, and not using one’s brain, like someone who only watches the news all day. Other factors involve the environment around you such as the level of air pollution, and your genetics. Some of us are more predisposed than others, unfortunately. 

Quite often symptoms don’t appear until the disease has had quite a bit of time to do some damage. Usually it takes 20 years before dementia is noticed.  Not only does it take 20 years to notice, but our current selection of options for treatment only covers symptoms. Pharmaceutical drugs don’t actually stop the deterioration. They can only help with comfort, and in the usual case these drugs cause unwanted side effects. This can make compliance difficult. Patients often refuse to take their medications not wanting to go through the side effects. If only there was a better option.

Thankfully we are in the age of rediscovery. For thousands of years, cultures all around the world have been using plants in what we call today, traditional medicine. The particular plants used for brain health are also referred to as Nootropics. Now nootropics have been the focus of study for the last decade despite already being in use all around the World. And the best part is, Research has proven that they actually work. It seems the days of only treating symptoms may be over. Let’s look at what the research has to say. 

Up first, we have a study done on one of the most popular Nootropics on the market. Lion’s Mane mushroom. A wonderful Nootropic, which is a great way to help with those long nights of studying, or to help repair brain damage. Lion’s Mane works by containing a pair of proteins which our bodies use to promote Neurogenesis, which is the process of creating new nerve cells. Using a double blind model with placebos, a study was conducted using 50-80 year olds who were all diagnosed with cognitive impairment. The study found taking Lion’s Mane three times a day showed remarkable improvements in their cognitive abilities. With the one downside being that once they stopped taking Lion’s Mane for 4 weeks, the improvements began to diminish, thus anyone using Lion’s Mane will likely have to continue using it. Currently, Lion’s Mane is a strong contender for a Neuro-protective treatment, and is being considered for treatment for Dementia, although it is stated that more research is required before they can be conclusive. One of the best things about Lion’s Mane is the lack of side effects. The only thing you have to worry about is if you’re allergic to mushrooms, giving Lion’s Mane a serious advantage over Pharmaceutical drugs. Source.

Another option being studied is Psilocybin, another mushroom although this one is psychoactive thus it won’t be for everyone. Again due to Psilocybin’s ability to promote Neurogenesis, improve Neuroplasticity, and reduce Neural Inflammation, it is being looked at as a possible treatment for Dementia, especially with Microdosing. So far the research is looking positive, although it is still early. The best part of Psilocybin is that unlike Lion’s Mane the benefits tend to last longer with 6 months of benefits after one month of usage being the typical minimum. Source

 Having Microdosed many times myself, I can say I certainly feel massive improvements to my brain’s functioning, thus I am closely paying attention to the research as it comes out. I truly believe Psilocybin is going to be the best option for people suffering as we study this magic plant more in depth. Microdosing makes it easy too. Now you don’t have to trip out to receive the benefits. The only concern I can see for the elderly is panicking if they forgot what they took, thus Psilocybin treatment will have to be monitored. 

Here’s a link to our Article on Microdosing if you’d like more information.

 

Those aren’t the only options either. There are many plants which can help your brain’s health and wellbeing. Two others are Ashwagandha Root, and Ginseng. 

Ashwagandha helps by reducing cortisol levels. Stress tends to be a major factor in our brain’s health, and high levels of cortisol activity can actually cause the brain to shrink, thus by taking Ashwagandha you will be reducing inflammation in your brain, effectively promoting Neurogenesis. This makes Ashwagandha an excellent choice for treating Dementia, which may not only promote neuron growth but will also tackle the symptoms from neural degradation such as memory impairment, concentration, and the ability to learn. Source. Source.

Ginseng isn’t for everyone but it can help by improving concentration and stimulation just like caffeine. Only with ginseng you won’t have the deterioration of the protective layering of your brain cells, that is the myelin sheath, which happens when you drink too much coffee. You just have to be able to handle having energy all day long. In fact ginseng helps to improve the health of your mitochondria giving you healthier levels of energy making it easier to live a healthier lifestyle. It just tends to last for 8 to 12 hours, and compounds with continued usage. Source

So there we have it. At our present time with the ever increasing rate of Dementia cases caused by an increasing age of life expectancy, it may seem we are stuck with this problem, especially if current treatments only cover symptoms. Luckily it seems plants may be our salvation. Not only can they help, there are options. Maybe Psilocybin will help regenerate one person’s brain, while Ginseng can help another live a more active lifestyle. The one thing all the researchers say again and again within these studies is early treatment is best. Not just the best, but absolutely necessary. Prevention is the true solution. It is best to start living a healthier lifestyle now, before the brain starts to deteriorate. That being said, they all say it is never too late. Even once the brain has begun to deteriorate there are options. Plants can help alleviate the symptoms and can help repair the damage, improving the lives of those suffering. Quite frankly, to me, the Future looks bright. As we move forward utilizing these plants which have been in use for thousands of years, diseases such as Dementia might only be known to the history books. We could literally eradicate Cognitive Decline, if one chooses to use the plants available. Personally I love Nootropics. I know they work. My life has only improved since my journey into discovering the magic these plants have to offer began. Thus I leave you with some wise words I’m sure you have heard before, 

Knowledge is Power, 

And the thing about knowledge is that if your brain isn’t functioning right, it is useless, so start today. Take time to learn how you can improve the health of yours or maybe a loved one’s brain. It will change your life. I can guarantee it. 

 

Before taking any new supplements or herbs always consult your Doctor for a personal evaluation.

 

Thank you for reading, if you have any questions please feel free to message us either through the website or through social media. We are here to help. 

 

Kenneth J. Good. 

Aeternal Supplements. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fatigue, and How Adaptogenic Plants Can Help

It’s been a long day. Your feet hurt. Back is sore, and worst of all you’re exhausted. You get some sleep and what the hell? You’re still feeling the same way. Fatigue. The never ending level of exhaustion which shuts us down both mentally and physically. We’ve all been there. It sucks! Especially when you can’t find a way to make it end. You can’t get to sleep. The booze ain’t working, and caffeine barely makes you functional. Nothing is helping you recharge. Life just keeps getting heavier, and heavier. Fatigue is the cruel villain with its dirty little fingers in all of our lives. 

According to the Conference Board of Canada 27% of workers in Canada report going to work throughout the week feeling fatigued, while the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, reports workers with less than 5 hours of sleep or who have been awake for longer than 16 hours significantly increase their chances of making mistakes at work, which could lead to injuries. Unfortunately fatigue is a hard thing to measure, and yet it is something we all go through at various levels making it at times a hard problem to fix. 

Lets first begin with, What causes Fatigue? What brings us down? What wrecks our energy? 

There are three main culprits when it comes to Fatigue. 

  1. Medical Problems 
  2. Lifestyle Choices, and  
  3. Stress

 

When it comes to knowing if a medical problem is causing your fatigue, your best bet is to try to fix your exhaustion on your own, and if nothing is working then it’s time to talk to your Doctor. Or if your fatigue is beyond manageable then just go in and see them. 

Quite often when it comes to fatigue one’s lifestyle is going to be the main issue, with sleep being the biggest problem. Luckily many of the reasons why someone isn’t getting enough sleep can be managed through your own effort. We’re talking about too much Caffeine, too much Alcohol, a Lack of Exercise, or Watching Too Much Television, especially around bedtime. Not only can Caffeine make it hard to get to sleep, it has the tendency of wearing down our adrenal glands by causing an overproduction of adrenaline, which then makes it harder for your body to naturally produce energy. Add in daily large triple triples and the problem is only going to get worse. Soon the caffeine just stops working, but you need it to feel ok. The same can be said about alcohol. The stuff just wears you down until you’re only either hungover or drunk. There is no feeling good. Just worn down, which of course makes it harder to get to the gym and get in those workouts. Not too much longer all you can do is sit in front of the TV, because you’re too tired to do anything else. 

All that wear and tear of the body becomes awfully stressful. Soon your physical pain turns into mental anguish. Stress takes hold, and makes it all worse. Now you’re both physically exhausted and mentally drained. Fatigue has run its course, shutting you down. 

So what do you do? Well the hardest part is getting yourself off the couch. This requires energy and when you’re suffering from fatigue that tends to be the one thing you don’t have. This is where we can come in and help. Supplementation is great to get you off the couch and getting started towards a healthier life. It won’t fix everything, but it can be the thing that gets you moving again. From there, it’s going to be all about making changes to your lifestyle which will produce healthier levels of energy allowing you to feel more well rested. 

Let’s start with the morning after. The dreaded hangover. Well, ginseng happens to cause your body to burn through alcohol faster. It does this by boosting our blood flow, which means the alcohol will be processed through our liver at a faster rate. This makes Ginseng a wonderful candidate for anyone’s hangover cure. Aeternal offers Ginseng in our Flow All-Natural Supplement, alongside Rhodiola, Beetroot, and CBD.  

Now, if you’re looking to reduce or replace Caffeine from your diet, a natural plant-based energy booster is going to be your best option. Certain adaptogens work quite well at replacing caffeine. With the two best being, Rhodiola Rosea, and Ginseng. The biggest difference when talking about energy between these two is how long the energy is going to last. Ginseng typically will last for 8-12 hours, while Rhodiola lasts for approximately 4 hours. We offer two types of energy boosters, Synergy, which combines rhodiola with ashwagandha root, red maca, and CBD, and Flow, which combines Rhodiola with Ginseng, beetroot and CBD. Synergy is good for replacing a single cup of coffee, while Flow is like preworkout for the entire day. 

Is your body feeling sore? Are you sleeping well? Does it feel you could use some better rest? Or are you stressed out all the time? Adaptogenic plants may be the right answer to help you towards feeling better, especially Ashwagandha root and Rhodiola Rosea. Some people report feeling sleepy after taking an adaptogen such as Ashwagadha. That is your body telling you it’s time to get some rest. Often what happens from the day to day business and turmoil, our bodies adapt to always being on the move or working and it can be hard to come down to a level where relaxation is possible. Adaptogens such as Ashwagadha bring down cortisol levels reducing our state of stress which will then allow our bodies to get some proper sleep. Quite often people report feeling sleepy before feeling the heightened levels of energy adaptogens can provide. All that means is you need some rest. When it comes to rest and recovery, our best option for you is Synergy, an all Natural Energy Booster. The combination of Ashwagandha and Rhodiola will help you get the much needed rest, and then increase your daily levels of energy allowing you to recover from strenuous physical activity or exhausting days of work. 

If your exhaustion is more mental, Nootropics are going to be the way to go. What Nootropic you will want to take will depend on what you’re comfortable with. Currently we offer two selections with our Neuro line of products. The first contains Lion’s Mane, which is easy to take and has no reported side effects beyond allergic reactions. Lion’s Mane works by containing a pair of proteins, which our bodies can use to increase Neurogenesis, or the process in which our brains produce more neurons. Lion’s Mane can be quite effective, although the effects tend to wear off after a month once you stop taking it. This is where microdosing Psilocybin can come into play. While it is much more controversial, and there are some risks tied to Microdosing, the positive effects have been found to last from 6 months to several years. Not only is it longer lasting, the positive effects of enhanced cognitive functioning such as improved learning, memory, concentration, and mood are far more powerful. If you’re interested in Micro-dosing, we have an article on the subject, which goes through all the benefits and all the risks, alongside an easy to understand how-to guide here at this link.

 

Let’s say, you’re feeling like all of the above sounds like what you’re going through. What we can suggest, is the SyMergy Microdose kit, which pairs Synergy with its Microdosing option. This will cover both brain and body, reducing stress and anxiety while boosting recovery for both your muscles and mind. If you’re not comfortable taking a microdose, then Flow is your next best bet. Ginseng also acts as a Nootropic, boosting concentration, and alertness. Just try to take it early in the day, and you may have to cycle off of it, as the energy boosting properties have a compounding effect, meaning the longer you take it, the longer it tends to last. 

 

 

Remember, supplementation is a good way to get you started and moving again. It won’t always fix the underlying issues causing your fatigue, but it is the best place to start. Supplements are a great way to increase energy levels, reduce your stress, and keep you engaged with higher levels of cognitive functioning. From there it’s up to you to make the changes in your lifestyle. It is worth it, because if you start to live a healthier life, then fatigue will be an issue of the past. All aspects of life improve when things such as exhaustion and stress are dealt with. Supplementation may be the key to the path of you feeling your best. It will take work, but we’re there to help. 

If you have any questions please feel free to send us a message at any time, or look through our website. We have articles on Adaptogens, Nootropics, Microdosing, and CBD, alongside a new series of blogs. Thank you for taking your time to read through this, and we look forward to hearing from you. 

 

Kenneth J. Good. 

Aeternal Supplements. 

 

Link 1: 

(https://src.healthpei.ca/almost-30-cent-canadians-go-work-feeling-tired)

 

Link 2:

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/fatigue.html

 

Link 3: 

https://mytlcbd.ca/microdosing-psilocybin-aka-magic-mushrooms/