Tag: nortropics

  • Mitochondria, and the Vagus Nerve Affect Both Gut and Mental Health

    Mitochondria, and the Vagus Nerve Affect Both Gut and Mental Health

    Recently, there has been growing interest in how our gut health can influence our mental well-being—and vice versa. What we eat, how we handle stress, and the lifestyle we lead have a significant impact on the gut-brain axis, the complex network of signals that flows between the gut and the brain. Research shows that the gut microbiota not only plays an essential role in digestion but also influences mood, cognitive function, and even mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.

    Another critical factor affecting both gut and brain health is mitochondria—the small energy factories within our cells. Mitochondria are central to energy production, and their health and function are vital for optimal body and brain performance. When mitochondria are dysfunctional, it can lead to both physical and mental health problems.

    Additionally, the vagus nerve, the longest nerve in the body, plays a crucial role in communication between the gut and the brain. The vagus nerve acts as a primary channel for signals traveling from the gut to the brain, influencing gut health and brain functions like mood, stress response, and cognition.

    In this article, we explore how diet, lifestyle, mitochondrial health, and the vagus nerve affect the gut-brain axis—and how you can take active steps to optimize gut health, mitochondrial function, and mental health.

    What Is the Gut-Brain Axis?

    The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain, which occurs via neural pathways, hormones, and signaling molecules. A significant portion of the body’s serotonin—a hormone that regulates mood and well-being—is actually produced in the gut. This highlights how gut health can directly impact our mental state.

    In addition to serotonin, the gut is home to a complex microbiome—a community of billions of bacteria and other microorganisms. This microbiome is critical for numerous physiological processes, including immune function, metabolic activities, and even mood regulation. When gut flora is imbalanced, it can lead to both physical and mental health problems.

    The Role of the Vagus Nerve in the Gut-Brain Axis

    The vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system and serves as a direct communication line between the gut and the brain. It regulates many automatic functions in the body, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. The vagus nerve is especially important for the gut-brain axis because it sends signals from the gut to the brain and vice versa, influencing mood, stress levels, and cognition.

    A healthy vagus nerve can help reduce inflammation, regulate gut microbiota, and promote positive communication between the gut and the brain. Stimulating the vagus nerve can also support brain health by enhancing cognitive functions and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

    How to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve

    The vagus nerve can be stimulated in several ways, including breathing techniques, meditation, physical activity, exposure to cold water (e.g., cold showers or ice baths), and even specific supplements and diets. By stimulating the vagus nerve, you can improve gut-brain communication and optimize both mental and physical health.

    The Role of Mitochondria in the Gut-Brain Axis

    Mitochondria are essential for the body’s energy production. They convert nutrients from food into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which cells use as fuel. This energy production occurs through a process called cellular respiration. Mitochondria are not only important for the body’s physical functions but also for brain health. Brain cells have particularly high energy demands, and mitochondrial ATP production is critical for cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity.

    In addition to energy production, mitochondria play a vital role in regulating cell life cycles, controlling inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress. When mitochondria are dysfunctional or in poor health, cells may lack sufficient energy, leading to both physical symptoms and mental health issues.

    How Diet Affects the Gut-Brain Axis and Mitochondria

    Diet plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and mitochondrial function. What we eat can either support or disrupt gut microbiota and mitochondrial activity, which in turn affects brain health.

    Fiber and Prebiotics

    Fiber is essential for gut health as it serves as nourishment for the “good” bacteria in the gut. A fiber-rich diet promotes a diverse gut microbiota, which can positively influence brain health. Prebiotic foods such as garlic, onions, bananas, and oats are rich in fiber and stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving digestion and mental health.

      Fiber also indirectly supports mitochondrial health. By enhancing gut health, it can improve nutrient delivery to cells, thus supporting energy production in mitochondria.

      High-Quality Fat Sources

      Fats are also crucial for gut and brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These fats can help reduce inflammation in both the gut and the brain, supporting cognitive function and mental health.

        Omega-3s also promote mitochondrial health by improving their function and reducing oxidative stress. This helps maintain mitochondria’s ability to produce ATP, which is critical for brain and body energy supply.

        Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Foods

        Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, vegetables, nuts, and dark chocolate, can protect both the gut and the brain from oxidative stress. Antioxidants also help shield mitochondria from damage caused by free radicals, which is vital for maintaining their function.

        Reduce Processed Foods and Sugar

        Processed foods and sugar can disrupt gut flora balance, affecting communication between the gut and brain. A high-sugar diet can also increase inflammation, which has been linked to various mental health problems. Excessive sugar intake can further impair mitochondrial function by promoting free radical production and oxidative stress, weakening cellular energy production.

          Lifestyle and Stress Management

          Lifestyle is just as important as diet when it comes to the gut-brain axis. Stress is one of the most significant disruptors of gut microbiota, which can negatively impact brain health. When the body is under stress, it releases stress hormones such as cortisol, which can cause inflammation in both the gut and brain.

          Meditation and Relaxation

          Meditation and relaxation techniques have been shown to reduce cortisol levels. This can help lower inflammation and improve both gut function and brain health. Regular meditation can also strengthen the gut-brain axis by improving communication between the two.

            Meditation and relaxation can positively affect the vagus nerve as well. Activating the parasympathetic nervous system promotes a relaxed state and reduces the effects of stress on both the gut and brain.

            Regular Physical Activity

            Physical activity is another key factor for gut and mental health. Exercise has been shown to promote the growth of “good” gut bacteria and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins. Maintaining an active lifestyle can improve both gut health and mental well-being.

              Physical activity also enhances mitochondrial function by stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis—the process by which new mitochondria are formed. This can boost energy production, improve physical endurance, and support cognitive function.

              Sleep and Recovery

              Sleep is essential for both gut and brain function. During sleep, the body repairs itself, and gut flora balance is restored. Poor sleep has been linked to numerous health problems, including gut disorders and mental health issues. Prioritizing good sleep quality is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut-brain axis.

                Sleep is also vital for mitochondrial health. During sleep, mitochondria undergo critical repair processes that help clear out waste products and regenerate.

                Supplements, Nootropics, and Vagus Nerve Stimulation

                In addition to food and lifestyle choices, supplements can effectively support gut health, mitochondrial function, and mental well-being. Nootropics, often called “brain supplements,” have become popular for their potential to improve cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and mental clarity. Although nootropics are not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle, they can be a useful tool for optimizing brain function, especially when paired with proper nutrition and stress management.

                Several natural nootropics can positively impact mental health, mitochondria, and gut health by influencing neurotransmitters in the brain and supporting energy metabolism. Compounds like L-serine and choline play critical roles in neurotransmitter production and cognitive function, while L-carnitine and citrulline enhance mitochondrial energy production and improve blood flow to the brain. Marine peptides and taurine contribute to gut-brain axis health by reducing inflammation and supporting digestion. Additionally, Lion’s Mane stimulates nerve growth factor for neurogenesis, and Rhodiola Rosea reduces stress and boosts resilience. Extracts like Ginkgo Biloba (Maidenhair Tree) improve cerebral circulation, and L-theanine promotes relaxation and focus, making these nootropics valuable tools for holistic brain health. All of the natural nootrpics are included in the Nortropics.com Clarity nootropics stacker.

                Are Nootropics Right for You?

                Nootropics can be a useful part of a holistic approach to mental and gut health. However, as with any supplement, it’s important to use them thoughtfully and as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. It’s also wise to consult a healthcare professional before starting nootropics, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking medication.

                Conclusion

                The gut-brain axis is a powerful system that connects the body’s two most important organs—the gut and the brain—in ways that are now understood to be essential for both physical and mental health. By prioritizing a healthy diet, regular exercise, effective stress management, vagus nerve stimulation, optimizing mitochondrial health, and strategically using nootropics, we can support and optimize both gut and brain health—for improved quality of life and well-being.

                Sources:

                HOW Brain gut axis works:

                https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-brain-connection#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5

                The relationship between gut microbiom and brain function:

                https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/76/7/481/4985887

                Stress and microbiotica and the gut-brain axis, mental helth:

                https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39824687

                https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33693453

              1. How to cycle nortropics

                How to cycle nortropics

                Should You Cycle Nootropics? Here’s Why Taking a Break Can Be Beneficial

                With nootropics, consistency is key, but so is balance. Cycling your nootropic supplements can help keep them working for you while supporting your brain’s natural processes in the way it likes best. Here at Nortropics, we empower you for a healthy cognitive life by making informed choices. So let’s go ahead and find out why cycling nootropics, such as our formula Clarity, could be a good choice for long-term results.

                Neuroplasticity and Adaptation: Keep Your Brain Engaged

                The human brain is an amazing organ, ever-changing and rescripting itself in a non-stop process called neuroplasticity. This power of adaptation can be a double-edged sword: the more consistently an ingredient is used, the less sensitive the responding systems in your brain become. Cycling gives your brain some time to reset so that the pathways being touched by nootropics stay sensitive. It’s like allowing your brain a little breathing room so it goes back to gaining from the support Clarity gives when you return to using it.

                Preventing Tolerance: Maximize Long-Term Benefits

                Some nootropic ingredients, such as Rhodiola Rosea or L-Theanine, will lose a little potency over time if taken without breaks. That’s because your body can build up a tolerance to certain compounds with prolonged use. By cycling-whether it’s just taking 1-2 rest days a week, or going on a longer break every few months-you give your system time to reset. That way, when you do come back to Clarity, you’ll feel all of its benefits without diminishing returns.

                Supporting Natural Brain Function: All About Balance

                While nootropics do a great job of improving focus and clarity, it is essential to give your brain space to work naturally. Taking breaks allows your brain to engage in cognitive processes without relying on support, which enables you to stay balanced and resilient long-term. Think of this as training your brain to be strong independently, yet still leveraging the boost when needed with Clarity.

                Effective Ways to Cycle Nootropics

                Cycling doesn’t necessarily need to be that confusing; it’s all about finding what works best for you. A common approach is using nootropics 5–6 days a week with 1–2 rest days, or taking a break of 1–2 weeks after 8–12 consistent weeks. Do what your body tells you.

                We in Nortropics are here to guide you in growth, both in cognitive health and mental wellbeing. Cycling is not about stepping backward; it’s about stepping forward with intention and care toward what your mind is truly capable of.

              2. Mental health and behavior

                Mental health and behavior

                Mental health is one of the most searched for terms in 2024 and we at Nortropics are very curious about what mental health really is. There are so many definitions of mental health, but we look at mental health as a concept from different perspectives.

                When considering mental health, we can look at one of the core ideas from coaching and in the realm of behavioral psychology. This idea is “behind every action, there is a positive intention”. It suggests that even behaviors that you feel are negative or destructive are driven by underlying positive motives. Cherishing this idea can be quite transformative, especially when combined with self-love, self-care and having good mental health. 

                The Positive Intention

                Peter, one of the founders of Nortropics, has worked with hundreds of clients one to one and in group settings. He has found that the ones who practice the belief of positive intentions, regardless of the behavior, are also often those who manage to create changes in their private and professional life quicker. Let’s imagine a workplace conflict where two employees or departments argue about the sequence of which to lead a project. For instance, the marketing department is scheduling a campaign and the IT department has scheduled systems downtime. From their own perspective, the intentions are absolutely positive and they are both correct in the fact that the task is important, however, the outcomes may have negative consequences. The outcomes are not what’s important here, we solely focus on the intentions.

                Recognizing the positive intention behind our actions allows us to approach behavioral change and conflict management with empathy and understanding. Instead of condemning ourselves or others for perceived shortcomings, we can look for and appreciate the underlying motives and work towards better suited expressions of the intentions. Doing so will help us feel better about our processes when faced with difficulties.

                Foundations for mental health

                Self-love and self-care are essential tools for a good mental health. They involve treating ourselves with the same compassion and kindness we extend to others. Which in turn is a double-edged sword because in order to express genuine care and love for others we need genuine care and love for ourselves. 

                1. Self-love can be defined as the practice of accepting and valuing ourselves, including our flaws. It involves challenging our inner critic and nurturing a healthy internal dialogue. 
                2. Self-Care can be defined as activities that nourish our mind, body and soul. From having great hobbies to setting boundaries. Self-care is about charging our batteries and preventing burnout. It is a deeply personal journey, tailored to individual needs and preferences.

                A human being who works on their mental health, needs to create a supportive environment in order to grow. This environment also helps us build resilience and to combat stress. One way to begin to create such an environment is to have a specific morning routine that you can do no matter what is knocking at your door. 

                Nootropics in Mental health

                Nootropics is also known as cognitive enhancers and they can play a supportive role when working on your mental health. After all, everyone who has faced severe challenges knows that change is very often associated with stress. Our nootropic supplements are designed to improve cognitive functions such as memory, focus and mental clarity. This can be especially beneficial in managing stress and having an overall more healthy brain activity.

                Nootropics like L-theanine, found in Blue Clarity and Clarity, is known to enhance concentration and memory. While the plant Rhodiola Rosea can have especially good effects on an individual’s stress levels. Such benefits can help a person staying committed to their goals by improving their ability to focus and retain new information. Speaking from personal experience, the number one enemy for change and when achieving great things is stress. 

                On the other hand, nootropics like Ginkgo Bilboa and Lion’s Mane mushrooms have properties that support overall brain health. They do this by protecting neurons from oxidative damage, which in turn can enhance cognitive functions. 

                Nortropics and Change

                It does not matter if you’re looking to performing better at work, if you are an athlete looking for that extra edge or if you’re simply an individual looking to feel better in your day. The products we provide at Nortropics are created especially to help you reach your goals and to help nourish you from your own unique starting point. 

                After all, every journey is unique, but our brain always requires good fuel to get going. Especially when facing changes.

                Sources: 

                “Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs”

                (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9415189/)

              3. How Chronic Stress Affects Cortisol Levels and Your Health

                How Chronic Stress Affects Cortisol Levels and Your Health

                Chronic stress is an unavoidable part of our hectic modern lives for many of us. As a personal trainer, coach, and psychotherapist, I have witnessed its consequences firsthand. Stress affects us on every level of our lives, but it is more than just a feeling. It impacts our bodies hormonally, particularly through cortisol, often known as the “stress hormone.” This hormone plays a critical role in how our bodies handle stress, but when it remains constantly elevated due to chronic stress, it can have serious health consequences.

                What is Cortisol and Why is it Important

                Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is a crucial part of the body’s “fight or flight” response (sympathetic nervous system). When we face a stressor, whether it is a physical threat or a mental burden, cortisol is released to help manage the situation. Cortisol increases blood sugar, prepares the brain’s use of glucose, and suppresses functions that are not necessary in a crisis situation, such as digestion, reflection, and reproduction. However, cortisol is not just a stress hormone. It is also responsible for regulating several vital functions, including metabolism, blood pressure, and the immune system. Therefore, the balance of this hormone is crucial for our health. When our cortisol levels are balanced, we feel better equipped to handle stress and maintain good health.

                How Chronic Stress Affects Cortisol Levels
                What happens when we experience chronic stress? I have seen in many of my clients, whether they come to me for physical training, weight loss, or psychotherapy, that constant stress can lead to persistently high cortisol levels. This is not just a reaction to acute stressors but an ongoing state where your body is in constant alert mode. One can imagine the body as a car engine. When your cortisol levels are constantly elevated, it’s like your car is running at high speed all the time, without a break. This, in turn, leads to a range of health problems because the body never gets a chance to “cool down” or relax. The result is that you may feel fatigued, have trouble sleeping, or even start gaining weight, especially around the waist and organs (visceral fat), which is often referred to as dangerous fat linked to cardiovascular diseases.

                Consequences of Elevated Cortisol Levels

                Over time, elevated cortisol levels can have serious health consequences. As a personal trainer, I often see how this can lead to weight gain, particularly in the form of abdominal fat (visceral fat). This occurs because cortisol increases appetite and causes the body to store fat more efficiently and hold onto it. This was a useful mechanism in our early days when we lived in caves and were hunter-gatherers, with dangers like bears and other predators constantly around us, but it is less useful in today’s modern society. But it doesn’t stop there. Cortisol also affects your immune system. When it is constantly elevated, it can actually weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections. I have had several clients who frequently feel sick or experience pain without injury and cannot recover from these symptoms. A common denominator is often chronic stress. Furthermore, high cortisol levels dramatically affect your sleep, which in turn leads you into a vicious cycle where poor sleep leads to further stress and hinders recovery, leading to increased cortisol levels. In extreme cases, this can lead to sleep disorders.

                On the psychological side, elevated cortisol levels can lead to or worsen anxiety and depression, which can again lead into a vicious cycle where one exacerbates the other. This is something I often see as a psychotherapist. Clients with constantly high stress levels often report feeling overwhelmed or burned out. Over time, this can lead to serious psychological consequences that can be difficult to recover from.

                How to Reduce Chronic Stress and Lower Cortisol Levels

                Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce chronic stress and thereby lower cortisol levels. As a personal trainer, I always recommend physical activity as one of the best methods to lower these levels. Regular exercise, especially heavy strength training, not only helps burn excess energy, including fat, but also releases endorphins, the body’s natural “happiness hormones,” which help balance cortisol levels. I also coach most of my clients who fall into the categories of high cortisol levels and/or overweight to make significant lifestyle changes. We address training, diet, activity level, and mental health.

                As a psychotherapist, I often suggest stress management techniques. We focus on being present in the moment and letting go of worries. Even simple breathing exercises can work wonders in calming the body’s stress response. Meditation exercises have also proven to be effective. Furthermore, I often resolve many of these issues with various forms of therapy.

                Diet also plays a role in regulating cortisol. I always recommend my clients eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Avoiding sugar, fast carbohydrates, and too much omega-6 helps regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn can keep cortisol levels in check. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also help reduce cortisol levels.

                Supplements and nootropics can lower cortisol levels. I will address some of these supplements. The first is a well-known contributor to reducing stress and cortisol levels. Rhodiola Rosea is known for its stress-reducing properties. This herb has been shown to reduce mental fatigue and stress. Another powerful component and supplement is L-Theanine, which is naturally found in green tea. L-Theanine is an amino acid and neurotransmitter that has been shown to enhance alpha brain waves, resulting in a relaxing state in the brain and body. It is known to reduce anxiety and stress.


                Chronic stress is more than just a mental burden. It affects your entire body, especially when it comes to hormones like cortisol. But when you understand how stress affects us, you can take steps to reduce it and thereby improve both your physical and mental health. Whether you struggle with stress at work, in your personal life, or both, it’s important to take action. By starting with recognition and small changes, you can solve a lot. Health is ultimately the most important thing we have. I encourage everyone to implement physical training, diet, and potentially therapy and coaching, and not least supplements/nootropics, to take control of stress before it takes control of you.

              4. What is the difference between supplements and nootropics?

                What is the difference between supplements and nootropics?

                As both a personal trainer and psychotherapist, I’m often asked what is the difference between supplements and nootropics and what I would recommend. These questions are becoming more frequent, especially with the growing interest in both physical and mental health, coupled with their increasing popularity on social media. I find that customers, clients, and patients want to know what they can take to improve their training results, strengthen their bodies, or gain a mental edge, whether for work, studies, or just to have a better everyday life. Here, I’ll dive into what actually distinguishes these two categories from each other, and which might work best for you.

                What are Supplements?

                Supplements are something most people are familiar with and have heard of. You see them everywhere from gyms to grocery stores, ranging from vitamins and minerals to proteins, amino acids, and omega-3 supplements. But what exactly are supplements, and why are they so popular and widespread?

                Definition and Purpose

                Supplements are products designed to complement a regular diet with nutrients that one might not get enough of through ordinary food. They’re often used to support general health, improve bodily functions, and even enhance performance during exercise. As a personal trainer, I often see people using protein powder to get enough protein to build muscle (about 1.25 grams per kg of body weight), or multivitamins to ensure they get the necessary vitamins and minerals

                Types of Supplements

                There are many different types of supplements. Vitamins and minerals are the most basic, but we also have protein powders, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and specific sports products like creatine and pre-workout. Each of these has a specific purpose. For example, creatine is known for improving strength and muscle growth, while pre-workout provides energy and endurance during training. Omega-3, on the other hand, is fantastic for brain health and has anti-inflammatory properties

                Benefits of Supplements

                The benefits of supplements are numerous. They contribute where there are nutritional deficiencies, support the immune system, increase energy levels, and even improve recovery after exercise. When working with clients, I often see how much better they perform when they get the right nutrients through both food and supplements.

                Why Not Use Supplements?

                A balanced and good diet is usually sufficient to meet the body’s needs for vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. By eating a varied diet with plenty of vegetables, proteins, and healthy fat sources, the body gets everything it needs to function optimally. Supplements can often be unnecessary, and in some special cases, they can even disturb the natural balances of nutrients in the body. Bioavailability is another factor in this; it turns out that bioavailability in some cases proves to be better in natural food. Therefore, it’s important to focus on achieving a healthy diet rather than relying solely on supplements, unless there’s a specific medical and examined reason to use them. Where you’ve looked into what you need and why. Another aspect is price and money; supplements are often disproportionately expensive, also in relation to the quality you actually get. The important thing here is to realize that supplements are something you take in addition to a balanced good diet, not instead of.

                What are Nootropics?

                This is something many of my clients and patients wonder about, and perhaps not a concept that’s well-known here in Norway, but in Europe, North America, and especially Asia, it’s well-known.

                Nootropics can be both natural and synthetic. Natural nootropics include Rhodiola Rosea, Ginkgo Biloba, and L-theanine (see separate article on L-Theanine). Others are more on the mushroom side, including Lion’s Mane, which is one of the most well-documented (see separate article). Synthetic nootropics can include substances such as modafinil or piracetam, both of which are categorized as medicines here in Norway and are extremely potent. Other more well-known nootropics that people might not think about are coffee and tea, which contain caffeine and L-Theanine

                Definition of Nootropics

                If we look at the current definition of what nootropics are, it says they are substances intended to improve brain function. This includes better memory, increased focus, improved learning ability, and generally sharper mental performance. As a psychotherapist, I’ve seen how nootropics can support cognitive function and performance ability, especially for those experiencing mental fatigue, mental balance, and concentration difficulties (see article Anne Marlene).

                Benefits of Nootropics

                The benefits of nootropics can be significant, especially if you’re striving to improve mental performance. They can clearly contribute to better concentration, improved learning ability, and increased creativity. At the same time, many experience that nootropics help against stress and improve sleep quality. It has also been shown that nootropics have a good effect on mental issues such as depression, restlessness, anxiety, and ADHD. (See article on L-Theanine and Marine Magnesium) Which in turn can improve mental performance.

                What is the difference between supplements and nootropics?

                I’ll address here what really is the difference between these two. Although both can improve your health, they work in very different ways.

                Main Differences:

                In their properties and what they are targeted towards. Supplements primarily focus on improving the body’s physical health by providing essential nutrients. Nootropics, on the other hand, are designed to improve mental performance and cognitive function. On the other hand, these can also cross each other, where one and the other can be both a supplement and a nootropic

                Users and Areas of Use:

                Those who use or take supplements are often looking to improve their general health or exercise performance / physical performance, while those who use nootropics are often more focused on improving mental sharpness, productivity, or combating mental fatigue.

                Of course, there’s also a correlation between those who focus on mental health also focusing on the physical and vice versa. In this way, one can say focus on general health, physical and mental / psychological, and that these go hand in hand.

                How to Choose the Right Product for You

                To choose between supplements and nootropics, it’s primarily about what the goal is and the desired end situation. If your goal is to improve physical health, such as building muscle or supporting the immune system, supplements are the way to go. If, on the other hand, you want to improve your mental performance, nootropics are probably more appropriate.

                As both a personal trainer and psychotherapist, I always recommend clients to consider both. Where one wants to optimize health from both sides, and where they affect each other optimally. So that in this way, you get the best of both worlds

              5. Optimal mental wellness

                Optimal mental wellness

                To achieve optimal mental wellness should be an area of focus for every human being on earth. However, knowing what kind of products that help you with your own mental wellbeing can be difficult. It can be difficult because of the wide range of supplements you can choose from.

                At Nortropics, we only sell you products we put in our own body. Actually, we only produce products with ingredients that we know exactly where they come from. That should be a minimum, but unfortunately there are many “producers” of nutritional supplements who imports products from places without any sort of quality assurance, and then they put a cool label on it and sell it as a quality product. 

                This approach was discussed internally because it is a lot easier to make lots of money by importing some product and then just labeling it beautifully. However, we ended up taking a stand against white labeling of potentially unknown products. Which means, we work together with Norway’s biggest manufacturer of medicine and plant nutrition, Pharmatech. Our ingredients are either from Norway or sourced through their ethical quality assurance system. The production facilities are FDA approved and even approved by the Norwegian quality assurance “Mattilsynet”, read more about them here. This is our tip to you: if your favorite brand of nutritional supplements are not transparent on their production of products, avoid them at all costs because you do not know how it is manufactured.

                Our vision

                We want to help individuals to unlock their full cognitive potential and achieve optimal mental wellness. 

                This may sound prestigious, especially since we’re currently a very small company with huge ambitions. In other words, we are the underdog who wants to provide an alternative to big pharma. 

                As you can read in the post from our co-founder, our vision is fueled by personal transformation. For this reason, we wholeheartedly believe that most humans today are not even close to fulfilling their potential. To fulfill this vision, we have chosen an approach that includes education and cognitive training in addition to our products. 

                Holistic approach to mental health

                Taking nutritional supplements such as nootropics is a great way to help your brain feel better and when combined with techniques and knowledge, we believe this is the way to reach a holistic approach to mental wellness. 

                It would be awesome to have you join us for this journey. Whether you are seeking to enhance your cognitive abilities, improve your mental wellness, or simply curious about the potential within, Nortropics want to be your partner in this exploration.