Think Tank: The Neuro Blog
Good Energy, Bigger Purpose: How Neuro and Beast Philanthropy Are Turning Your Daily Habit Into Global Impact
You already know the feeling: a packed schedule, real responsibilities, and never quite enough hours to do everything you want to do well. And it's exactly why what you put into your body matters. Steady energy and sharp focus aren't luxuries. They're how you show up for your day — and when you show up better, the world around you feels it. Neuro was built on that belief. And now, through a landmark partnership with Beast Philanthropy, every Neuro x Beast Philanthropy tin you choose does something bigger than fuel your afternoon. All proceeds from both limited edition tins are donated directly to Beast Philanthropy to support Build TAMU— turning your daily habit into meaningful change across the globe. Your imprint makes an impact. Here's the full story of how we got here. Two Brands, One Big Idea: When You Show Up Better, the World Feels It Some partnerships are built on spreadsheets. This one was built on shared values. Neuro and Beast Philanthropy look different on the surface — one is a science-backed functional gum and mint brand, the other is one of the most powerful non-profit organizations. But underneath, they're wired the same way. Both were built by young people who refused to separate performance from purpose. Both believe that doing well and doing good belong in the same sentence. And both have spent years proving that a single person's choice — to focus, to give, to show up — can ripple out into something far larger than themselves. This isn't a marketing move. It's a meeting of minds. How Neuro Was Born: Resilience, Neuroscience, and a Scuba Diving Trip Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen didn't set out to disrupt the energy industry. They set out to help each other. The two met at UC San Diego, where Kent was studying Cognitive Science with a specialization in Neuroscience, and Ryan was pursuing Chemistry and Economics — both passionate student-athletes with a shared hunger for performance. Then, at 19, Ryan's life changed in an instant. A snowboarding accident left him with a spinal cord injury, paralyzing him from the waist down. What followed was years of physical recovery, mental resilience, and a relentless search for tools that could help him feel capable again. It was during that recovery that Kent began mixing nootropic formulas — caffeine, L-theanine, B-vitamins — to help Ryan push through the demands of healing, keeping up with his studies and other activities. He shared what he was learning with Ryan, and these homemade supplements became a daily tool for both of them, as they wanted better ways to get energy. Together, they saw that there had to be a better way to deliver those benefits. The realization was simple but powerful: clean, functional energy could change how you show up, even on the hardest days of your life. That became the foundation of everything Neuro would be built on. During his recovery, Ryan was searching for new ways to stay active and that's when he came across scuba diving. He asked Kent to join him, and together they headed to Catalina Island to get PADI-certified. It was on that dive trip that the idea hit. Their homemade supplement pills weren't social or shareable. What if those same brain-boosting ingredients lived in a gum or a mint? Something more portable, effortless, and easy to pass to the person next to you? That idea became Neuro. Launched in 2015, it grew from a dorm-room experiment into a brand now available in over 20,000 stores worldwide, generating millions in monthly revenue — and earning fans including Joe Rogan, Steve Aoki, and Katy Perry. How Neuro Gives Back: Purpose Has Always Been Part of the Formula Neuro's commitment to social causes isn't a footnote. It's written into the company's origin story. Inspired by the scuba diving trip that sparked Neuro's creation, the brand partnered with the PADI AWARE Foundation, donating 20% of proceeds from limited-edition ocean-themed tins to ocean conservation. Ryan Chen's own recovery shaped the partnerships Neuro would go on to support. The High Fives Foundation — an organization supporting adaptive athletes recovering from severe injuries — was one of the first organizations to step in for Ryan after his accident, providing a sit-ski grant that helped him rediscover independence through sport. Years later, Neuro gave back. In a 2025 campaign launched on National High Five Day (also Ryan's birthday), Neuro donated 20% of proceeds to the High Fives Foundation, raising over $11,000 for adaptive athletes across the country. That's gratitude in action. Neuro also partnered with Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), dedicated to supporting America's veterans through community, fitness, and social connection — raising over $53,000 for veteran wellness programs. The throughline in all of it: every cause Neuro supports is personal. Every partnership is built from a real story and a real reason to care. Beast Philanthropy: How Jimmy Donaldson Made Kindness Go Viral Jimmy Donaldson — the creator the world knows as MrBeast — has built the most subscribed YouTube channel on the planet, with more than 475 million subscribers. But what sets him apart from every other creator is the conviction that business and generosity don't just coexist — they amplify each other. Beast Philanthropy was founded in September 2020 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a radical model: 100% of all revenue generated from its content — every ad dollar, every brand deal, every merchandise sale — goes directly to charitable causes. No overhead skimmed off the top. Everything in, everything out. The mission is to make kindness viral. Not just to give, but to inspire an entire generation to care more than the one before it. Here are some of their highlights. Fighting Food Insecurity, One Community at a Time Beast Philanthropy began close to home. Located in Jimmy's hometown of Eastern North Carolina — a region with deep food insecurity challenges — the Beast Philanthropy Food Pantry operates as a mobile distribution network, reaching underserved communities that traditional food banks miss. Today, it distributes over 100,000 meals every month to families in need. That's not a one-time event. That's ongoing, structural change. A Global Footprint Built on Real Impact From those local roots, Beast Philanthropy has grown into a genuinely global operation. The numbers are staggering: over 42 million meals distributed, $5 million in aid to Ukrainian refugees, $500,000 in school supplies and technology for students in need, 2,000 prosthetics funded, 1,000 cataract surgeries that restored people's sight, and 100 cleft palate surgeries for children who couldn't otherwise access care. Wells have been built in Africa to deliver clean water to communities that had none. Schools and orphanages have been saved from closure. #TeamWater: The Biggest Clean Water Campaign in History In 2025, Beast Philanthropy and WaterAid launched the #TeamWater campaign — raising over $40 million to bring safe drinking water to 2 million people around the world for decades to come. More than 100,000 individual donors joined major partners, including Google, TikTok, and Accenture. Many contributed less than $4. The power wasn't in the size of any single gift. It was what happened when millions of people decided to care at the same time. Partnering With the Rockefeller Foundation In November 2025, Beast Philanthropy announced a strategic partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, combining next-generation storytelling with over 112 years of science-based global development expertise. "Content has the power to inspire kindness," Jimmy Donaldson said. "Joining forces with such a respected philanthropic powerhouse will help us reach even more people to take action." When Good Energy Meets a Global Movement: The Neuro & Beast Philanthropy Partnership Two brands and one shared belief: that what you do with your platform matters more than the platform itself. Neuro had spent years building a product and a community rooted in purpose — supporting veterans, adaptive athletes, and ocean conservation, and always looking for ways to do more. But as the brand grew, so did the ambition. Because Good Energy doesn't have a ceiling. The question became: what does giving back look like when you start thinking about a movement? Beast Philanthropy had already answered that question. By harnessing one of the largest social media audiences on the planet and routing 100% of its content revenue into charitable causes, Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, had built a blueprint for what modern philanthropy can look like — fast, transparent, viral, and deeply human. Neuro and Beast Philanthropy Connection The connection between these two brands isn't manufactured. It's the natural result of two teams who built their companies the same way: by caring about people first, and trusting that the business would follow. Neuro brings the product, the community, and the everyday ritual. Beast Philanthropy brings the infrastructure, the project, and the global reach. Together, they bring something neither could offer alone — a way for anyone, anywhere, to make their daily energy habit count for something beyond themselves. The partnership is simple by design: all proceeds from the Neuro x Beast Philanthropy limited edition tins go directly to Beast Philanthropy to support Build TAMU. And the problem they chose to tackle first? It started with a group of students, some shipping containers, and an idea that's already changing lives. The Texas A&M Project: A Shipping Container That Saves Lives At the heart of the Neuro x Beast Philanthropy partnership is one of the most inventive humanitarian projects in recent memory. Students at Texas A&M University asked a bold question: What if decommissioned shipping containers could become fully equipped medical clinics? Portable, durable, and deployable to communities that need them most — no matter how remote. Through Beast Philanthropy, those ideas are becoming a reality. The first units are heading to four locations where healthcare access is critically underserved: Ukraine, where an ongoing conflict has devastated medical infrastructure Kenya, where millions of people live hours from the nearest healthcare facility Nigeria, where healthcare gaps affect hundreds of millions Chester, Texas, a small rural community in the United States where access to medical care remains a persistent challenge Neuro is putting its full weight behind this initiative. All proceeds from the Neuro x Beast Philanthropy tin sales on the Neuro website and TikTok Shop go directly to Beast Philanthropy's Texas A&M medical clinic project. The more tins sold, the more clinics get built. This is what it looks like when your daily energy habit and global healthcare intersect. Make Your Moment Matter: How Buying a Tin Builds a Clinic Here's the thing about real impact: it doesn't always require a grand gesture. Sometimes it's the small, consistent choices — the ones you were already making — that create the biggest ripple. You're already reaching for something to get through your day with focus and clarity. When you choose the Neuro x Beast Philanthropy limited edition tins, that same choice invests in your own performance and helps create meaningful change across the globe. Your daily habit becomes a medical clinic in Kenya. Your afternoon focus boost helps a family in Ukraine access healthcare. Every small step you take creates something bigger. Beast Philanthropy has already proven what happens when a massive, purpose-driven audience points its energy at a real problem. The #TeamWater campaign raised $40 million — fueled largely by everyday people who gave less than $4 each. The power is in what happens when a community of people decides to show up for something beyond themselves. Neuro is inviting you into that same moment. You don't have to donate separately. You don't have to sign up for anything. You just choose the tin and something real happens on the other side of the world. When you show up better, the world feels it. That's good energy doing exactly what it was built to do. Get your Neuro x Beast Philanthropy limited edition tins on Neuro's website or on Neuro's TikTok Shop!
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What Is Smart Gum? Benefits, Science, and Why Your Brain Will Thank You
You're mid-task, the afternoon slump hits, and your brain decides it's done for the day. You reach for your third coffee. Your hands get shaky. You get the jitters, but not the focus. Sound familiar? Here's what most people don't know: there's a smarter way to stay sharp. It's called Neuro — a smart gum that doesn't require a barista, and it's changing how people fuel their brains. What Is Smart Gum? Neuro isn't just regular gum with a clever name. It's a functional smart gum infused with science-backed, active ingredients like natural caffeine, L-theanine, and B vitamins, specifically designed to enhance focus, energy, and mental clarity.* Think of it as a nootropic (a cognitive enhancer) in a format you can chew. Unlike a pill you swallow or a drink you sip, Neuro is designed for fast-acting convenience, using a patented cold-compression process that preserves each ingredient's bioavailability from the moment you start chewing.* Can Gum Actually Make You Smarter? The act of chewing alone has measurable cognitive effects. Research published in the British Journal of Psychology found that people who chewed gum during a sustained attention task had faster reaction times and greater accuracy than those who didn't, and the gap widened the longer the task went on. Regular gum chewers held their focus better over time. The non-chewers faded. Even Scientific American weighed in: the physical motion of chewing increases oxygen delivery to brain regions tied to attention and alertness. But here's the important caveat: regular gum — or as we like to call it, dumb gum — only gives you a focus boost from the act of chewing itself, not from any actual ingredients. The chewing motion sets the stage. Neuro gum — aka smart gum — actually fuels that stage with the right ingredients to perform on it. Does Chewing Gum Help You Focus? Yes — With a Catch Regular gum has a ceiling. You'll get a modest attention boost from the act of chewing, and you'll freshen your breath. That's about it. Neuro gum raises that ceiling dramatically. Effective focus gums combine natural caffeine and L-theanine, and that combination is one of the most studied cognitive pairings in nutritional science. Caffeine sharpens alertness. It blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, essentially hitting pause on the brain's "you're getting tired" signal. The result is that you feel more awake, more alert, and faster.* But caffeine alone can leave you jittery, anxious, and burned out. That's where L-theanine earns its keep. L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in green tea. On its own, it promotes calm focus and relaxation without sedation. When you combine it with caffeine, something interesting happens: the two work synergistically. Multiple peer-reviewed studies, including research published in PubMed, show that the combination of caffeine and L-theanine significantly improves accuracy, alertness, and attention-switching performance, better than either compound alone.* One study even found that participants taking the combination showed reduced susceptibility to distracting information. Less mind-wandering. Better task-switching. Sharper results. That's not marketing language — that's clinical trial data. The science checks out: focus gum, when formulated correctly, is a legitimate cognitive tool. Smart Gum vs. Dumb Gum (And Most Caffeine Sources) Let's be real about what you're actually getting from the alternatives: Regular gum: The chewing motion helps a little. There's no active cognitive support. You're essentially just moving your jaw. Coffee: Effective, but variable. The caffeine dose changes with every brew, every barista, and every batch of beans. It can trigger anxiety, spike your heart rate, and leave you with a crash that makes 3 pm feel like midnight. Energy drinks: High sugar, high caffeine, artificial everything. The spike is real, so is the crash. So is the ingredient label that reads like a chemistry exam. Neuro, as a smart gum, solves these problems at once: precise, consistent dosing; portable format; no sugar crash; no jittery edge; and ingredients designed to work together, not fight each other.* Meet Neuro: The Original Smart Gum Not all smart gum is created equal. Neuro was one of the first brands to build a functional gum backed by real neuroscience, and it remains the gold standard. Founded by Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen, Neuro was built on a simple premise: your brain deserves better fuel, in a better format, with zero compromise on quality. Patented Cold-Compression Technology Most gum is made with heat, which degrades the potency of active ingredients before they ever reach you. Neuro uses a patented cold-compression process that preserves the bioavailability of every ingredient, meaning what's on the label is what your body actually gets.* The Neuro Lineup of Gum Neuro has built a full product ecosystem designed to support your brain across the whole day: Neuro Energy & Focus Gum Each piece delivers 40mg of natural caffeine (from green coffee beans), 60mg of L-theanine, plus vitamins B6 and B12. Clean energy. Calm focus. No crash.* Available in Peppermint, Spearmint, Cinnamon, and Wintergreen. Chew whenever your focus needs a nudge — mornings, pre-workout, or that classic 2:30 pm drift. Neuro Extra Strength Energy & Focus Gum Same smart formula, bigger output. 100mg of natural caffeine per piece for when you need to go hard. Still paired with L-theanine to keep the edge smooth, plus vitamins B6 and B12. Neuro Memory & Focus Gum Caffeine-free and formulated to support recall and cognitive function*, it's a great option for those who want mental clarity without stimulants, or who are already maxed out on caffeine for the day. Prefer a Smart Mint? Neuro Has You Covered Too If you love the Neuro formula but prefer a mint format, the Energy & Focus line is also available as mints, with the same great ingredients in a refreshing, no-chew option. And Neuro goes even further with two mint-exclusive formulas designed to round out your day: Neuro Calm & Clarity Mints Sometimes you need to dial the noise down. These mints are formulated with GABA, L-theanine, and Vitamin D3 to promote relaxation and mental clarity without the sedation.* Think: pre-presentation calm, not pre-nap calm. Neuro Sleep & Recharge Mints Recovery is cognitive performance too. These meltaway mints combine melatonin, chamomile, elderberry, passionflower and lemon balm to support restful sleep and help you wake up refreshed. Available in 1mg and 5mg melatonin strengths. Every Neuro product is sugar-free, aspartame-free, vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. No fillers. No junk. Just functional ingredients, cold-compressed for maximum effect. How Neuro Energy & Focus Compares to Just Chewing Regular Gum Regular Gum Neuro Smart Gum Active cognitive ingredients ✗ ✓ (caffeine, L-theanine, B vitamins) Sustained focus support Mild (chewing effect only) ✓ (clinically supported) No jitters or crash ✓ ✓ Sugar-free Sometimes ✓ Always Formulas for energy, calm, memory, sleep ✗ ✓ Who's Neuro’s Smart Gum For? Short answer: anyone who wants to show up fully for their life, whatever that looks like. The professional staring down a 3 pm meeting with nothing left in the tank The busy parent juggling school drop-offs, a full workday, and dinner on the table — who just needs their brain to keep up The student with three chapters to go and zero motivation left The after-work warrior who clocks out at 5 pm and still wants to hit the gym, go to a party, or actually be present at their kid's game — not just collapse on the couch The older adult who refuses to let their sharpness slip and wants to stay active, curious, and engaged The athlete who wants mental sharpness before training without a stimulant overload Anyone tired of the coffee-jitters-crash-repeat cycle who just wants clean, steady energy to get through and enjoy their day. Life doesn't slow down. And you shouldn't have to either. Neuro is for anyone who wants more quality out of their day — more energy, more clarity, more of the good stuff — without the jitters, the crash, or the third cup of coffee you'll regret at midnight. Smart Gum Frequently Asked Questions How does a smart gum work? Neuro smart gum combines the natural focus boost you get from the act of chewing with precisely dosed, science-backed ingredients designed to support mental clarity and performance. Depending on the formula, that means natural caffeine and L-theanine working together for clean, steady energy without the jitters — or, if you prefer caffeine-free, Cereboost® American Ginseng and L-theanine to support focus, memory, and mood on their own terms. Either way, you're chewing with a purpose.* Is Neuro smart gum safe? Neuro is made with functional, science-backed ingredients — natural caffeine, L-theanine, Cereboost® American Ginseng, vitamins B6 and B12, depending on the formula — carefully selected and balanced to support clean, steady energy without the jitters. Every formula is sugar-free, aspartame-free, vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. Neuro is manufactured in FDA-approved facilities, and the formulas have been tweaked and tested nearly 30 times to make sure what's on the label is what you actually get. As with any caffeinated product, we recommend being mindful of your personal tolerance. If you're under 18, or you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.* Is L-theanine gum safe to take daily? Yes. L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in green and black tea, with a well-established safety profile. Multiple clinical trials, including a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Neurology and Therapy, support its safety for daily use in healthy adults. In Neuro, it's paired with natural ingredients at a carefully balanced ratio to support balanced, steady focus without the jitters. As always, if you have a medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare professional first.* What is better: smart gum or smart mints? Honestly? It comes down to personal preference — because the formula is the same. Neuro's Energy & Focus line is available in both gum and mint formats, while Memory & Focus is available in gum, so you get the same science-backed ingredients either way. And if you want to wind down or sleep better, Neuro's mint-exclusive Calm & Clarity and Sleep & Recharge formulas have you covered there too. Either way, you're miles ahead of dumb gum. Can I use Neuro smart gum as a replacement for coffee? Many Neuro fans do exactly that and love it. You get natural caffeine paired with L-theanine — so the energy is cleaner, the focus is steadier, and there's no jittery edge. That said, Neuro isn't trying to be coffee. It's its own thing: a smarter, more intentional way to fuel your brain that fits into your day on your terms. Whether you swap it in completely or just use it when coffee isn't an option, you're already ahead of the dumb gum crowd. Chewing gum has always had a quiet edge on focus, and science has been confirming that. But regular gum only takes you so far. Smart gum like Neuro takes the mechanics of chewing, pairs them with precisely dosed, clinically studied ingredients, and wraps it all in a sugar-free, great-tasting format with none of the jitters. Neuro smart gum is available on our website, on Amazon, and in over 20,000 stores, including CVS, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Target. Chew smarter. Get your smart gum now with 30% off. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Nootropics Explained: What They Are, Key Ingredients, and How to Use Them the Smart Way
Your brain is running every meeting, every workout, every big idea, every conversation — all day, every day. So it makes sense to give it the best possible fuel. You've probably seen the word nootropics floating around wellness circles, podcast feeds, and supplement aisles. Maybe you've heard Joe Rogan talk about them. Maybe you're already using one without knowing it (spoiler: if you drink coffee, you are). But what are nootropics, really? Do they work? And how do you cut through the noise to find what's actually worth your time? This guide covers the concept, the ingredients, the formats, the smart ways to use them, and why the best nootropic upgrade you'll make today might just fit in your pocket. What Are Nootropics? Nootropics, also called smart drugs, cognitive enhancers, or brain boosters, are substances associated with supporting how you think, learn, focus, and remember. The word comes from the Greek nous (mind) and trepein (to bend or turn). Literally: steering the mind in the right direction. The term was coined in 1972 by Romanian psychologist and chemist Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, and, according to Giurgea, a real nootropic should support memory and learning, help maintain mental performance under stress,* and have a solid safety profile with minimal side effects. Natural Nootropics: What They Are and Why They Matter Some of the most interesting and well-researched options come straight from nature — plants, amino acids, and essential nutrients with long histories of traditional use and a growing body of modern research behind them. We're talking about ingredients such as caffeine, L-theanine, Panax ginseng, GABA, vitamins B6 and B12, Vitamin D3, and melatonin — the exact lineup you'll find across Neuro's product range. The Key Ingredients in Natural Nootropics The nootropic world is vast. There are dozens of compounds, herbs, and nutrients that researchers and wellness enthusiasts explore. The ones below are among the most well-known in the natural nootropics space — and they also happen to be the exact ingredients Neuro has chosen to build its products around. Caffeine Chances are you've used caffeine today. It's the most widely consumed natural stimulant in the world, found in coffee, tea, and now functional gum and mints like Neuro. It's also one of the most studied ingredients in the nootropic space, with extensive research exploring its relationship with alertness and attention. Simply put, it's the go-to for people looking to feel more alert and switched on.* L-Theanine L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in the leaves of Camellia sinensis, the plant behind green and black tea. It's been a popular ingredient in the natural nootropics world for years, largely because of how well it pairs with caffeine. Multiple studies have explored this duo's relationship with focus, alertness, and cognitive task performance*, and the combo consistently gets more attention than either ingredient alone, which is the ratio you'll find in Neuro's Energy & Focus line. American Ginseng American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is one of the most recognized varieties in the natural nootropics space, and one of the most studied herbal roots when it comes to cognitive support.* Researchers have explored American ginseng's relationship with memory, attention, and mental performance.* Studies in healthy adults have looked at its potential to support working memory and cognitive function, making it a natural fit for Neuro's Memory & Focus Gum. GABA GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, naturally produced by the body and widely associated with a sense of calm.* It's a popular ingredient in relaxation and stress-support supplements, and researchers have been exploring its potential role in promoting a quieter mental state.* Studies have looked at oral GABA in the context of relaxation and alpha brain wave activity, which are associated with calm alertness.* Neuro includes GABA in its Calm & Clarity Mints, the product designed for when you need to dial things down, not up. Vitamins B6 & B12 Vitamin B6 is involved in the normal synthesis of several key neurotransmitters.* Research consistently highlights its role in supporting the nervous system's day-to-day function.* Vitamin B12 is equally important for normal nerve function and energy metabolism,* and both are ingredients you'll find across Neuro's core lineup. Vitamin D3 Most people associate Vitamin D3 with bone health, but it's also been studied in the context of mood and nervous system support,* making it a natural addition to a calm-focused formula. It's a well-known, widely used nutrient, and a natural addition to a calm-focused formula like Neuro's Calm & Clarity Mints. Melatonin Sleep is the most powerful cognitive support tool available, and no supplement stack in the world can fully replace it. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone your body already produces to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.* It's one of the most researched sleep-support ingredients available, with multiple meta-analyses exploring its relationship with sleep onset and overall sleep quality.* Neuro's Sleep & Recharge Meltaway Mints are built around this simple idea: when you sleep better, everything else gets better too. Nootropic Blend: The Logic of Combining Ingredients A nootropic "stack" is simply two or more ingredients combined to work together. The idea is that the right combination can produce greater benefits than any single ingredient alone. Here's how Neuro's product line applies this logic: For energy and focus: Natural Caffeine + L-theanine + B vitamins (Energy & Focus Gum and Mints) For memory support: Ginseng + L-theanine (Memory & Focus Gum) For calm clarity: GABA + L-theanine + Vitamin D3 (Calm & Clarity Mints) For recovery and rest: Melatonin + herbal blend + lemon balm (Sleep & Recharge Meltaway Mints) Each formula is built around a specific goal, not a long list of ingredients thrown together. Are Nootropics Safe? Natural nootropics with transparent labeling, established research histories, and quality manufacturing are generally considered well-tolerated when used as directed. Third-party testing is especially important — it's the only way to confirm that what's on the label is actually what's in the product. Neuro's formulas are third-party tested, so you always know exactly what you're getting. A few common-sense guidelines apply no matter what you're taking: Start with lower amounts and see how you feel Be mindful of your total daily caffeine intake from all sources Choose products from brands with transparent ingredient labeling, good manufacturing practices, and third-party testing Check with a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, have a health condition, or take any medications Natural nootropic supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. When in doubt, talk to your doctor. Meet Neuro: The Smart Gum and Mints Built for Real Life Neuro was founded by Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen, two friends who wanted something better than what energy drinks and capsules had to offer. Their question: what if you could get clean, effective cognitive support in a format that actually fits into your day? The answer became a line of smart gum and mints that's now available in over 20,000 stores nationwide, including CVS, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market, and online. The Full Product Line Energy & Focus Gum and Mints — Natural caffeine + L-theanine + B vitamins. Sugar-free, aspartame-free, vegan. Your everyday go-to for mornings, long afternoons, and everything in between.* Extra Strength Energy & Focus Gum and Mints — Same formula, stronger signal. 100mg of natural caffeine for when you really need to show up.* Memory & Focus Gum — Caffeine-free. American ginseng + L-theanine. Built for deep work and focus without stimulation.* Calm & Clarity Mints — GABA + L-theanine + Vitamin D3. For the moments when you need to bring the energy down, not up.* Sleep & Recharge Meltaway Mints — Melatonin + chamomile + lemon balm + passion flower. Fast-dissolving, no water needed. Because everything gets better when you sleep well.* Nootropics aren't magic, but the right natural ingredients — at quality doses, in a format that actually works — can genuinely support how you think, focus, and feel day to day.* Your brain does a lot for you every day. Fill it with something good. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neuro products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
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Does Chewing Gum Help Stop Smoking? 8 Tips to Quit for Good
Let's be honest: quitting smoking is one of the hardest things a person can do. Not because people lack willpower, but because nicotine is a powerful addiction that rewires your brain's reward system. When you smoke, nicotine floods your brain with dopamine, making you feel calm, sharp, and in control. The problem is that cigarettes are a lie. Everything it gives you comes with a brutal invoice. Quitting isn't easy, but the benefits start showing up sooner than most people expect. Does Chewing Gum Help Stop Smoking? Yes, and the science backs it up. Research published in Addictive Behaviors confirmed that chewing gum measurably reduces cravings and eases withdrawal symptoms. A follow-up study found that smokers with access to gum took fewer puffs and waited longer before their first cigarette — meaning it changes actual behavior, not just how you feel. The reason comes down to oral fixation. Smoking was never just about nicotine. It's the hand-to-mouth ritual, the rhythmic motion, the automatic reach for something when stress hits. When you quit, you lose all of that at once, and that gap is one of the most underappreciated reasons people relapse. Chewing gum fills it directly. Research also shows it reduces anxiety, dysphoria, and tension during cessation periods, making withdrawal feel more manageable. That said, not all gum is created equal. If you're going to replace a cigarette with something, make it worth chewing. Neuro's functional gum delivers clean energy and sharper focus — faster than a capsule, right when you need it most. It's the smarter chew. 8 Tips to Quit Smoking for Good 1. Set a Real Quit Date Vague intentions don't work. Pick a date within the next two weeks, mark it clearly, and tell someone about it. The specificity matters. Having a concrete target day puts your brain in planning mode rather than avoidance mode. Write down your reasons, keep them visible, and revisit them when things get hard. 2. Know Your Triggers Smoking is deeply tied to routine. Morning coffee. After meals. Stressful work calls. The drive home. Identify every trigger situation you have and plan a substitute behavior for each one. Going for a quick walk, doing a breathing exercise, or reaching for a piece of gum instead of a cigarette can interrupt the automatic pattern before your brain even realizes what's happening. 3. Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Smartly Nicotine replacement therapy — including nicotine gums, patches, lozenges, and sprays — is one of the most effective tools for managing withdrawal. Nicotine gum works through a "chew and park" method: chew slowly until you feel a tingle, then park it between your gum and cheek so the nicotine absorbs through your mouth lining. This controlled delivery helps your body reduce its nicotine dependence gradually, without the thousands of toxic chemicals in a cigarette. Combining a long-acting method like a patch with a short-acting option like gum gives you the most consistent support through cravings. 4. Chew Gum Not all cravings are about nicotine — sometimes your mouth just needs something to do. Keep gum within reach at all times, especially during your highest-risk moments. When you reach for it, make it count: Neuro's Energy & Focus Gum (40mg caffeine), Extra Strength Energy & Focus Gum (100mg caffeine), and Memory & Focus Gum (caffeine-free) all deliver clean, steady focus,* faster than any capsule or energy drink. 5. Eat Your Way Through Cravings What you eat while quitting actually matters. A University at Buffalo study found that smokers who ate more fruits and vegetables were more likely to stay tobacco-free longer — partly because these foods make cigarettes taste worse, and partly because fiber helps you feel full (smokers often confuse hunger with the urge to smoke). On the flip side, alcohol and caffeine tend to make cigarettes taste better, so dialing those back in the early weeks is a smart move. One important note: don't try to diet and quit at the same time. Research shows the two compete for the same mental resources and willpower. Focus on eating well, not eating less — your body is already doing a lot of heavy lifting. 6. Build a Stress Management System Stress is the number one reason people relapse. Smoking feels like relief because nicotine temporarily suppresses anxiety, but over time, smokers actually experience more chronic stress than non-smokers, because withdrawal between cigarettes raises baseline tension. Breaking that cycle requires building real stress tools: exercise, breathwork, meditation, or just consistent sleep. When stress spikes, Neuro Calm & Clarity Mints offer a science-backed way to take the edge off — with GABA, L-theanine, and vitamin D3 supporting a calm, clear state without putting you to sleep. 7. Protect Your Sleep Sleep disruption is a real and often underestimated part of nicotine withdrawal. Poor sleep makes cravings worse, decision-making harder, and mood significantly lower — a perfect storm for relapse. Prioritize sleep like it's part of your quit plan, because it is. Winding down properly, reducing screen time before bed, and using Neuro Sleep & Recharge Mints can help your body re-establish healthy sleep rhythms during one of its more turbulent transitions. 8. Don't Quit Quitting Most people try to quit multiple times before it sticks. That's not failure — that's how behavioral change actually works. If you slip up, the worst thing you can do is treat it as proof that you can't do it. Study what triggered the relapse, adjust your strategy, and go again. Every quit attempt builds knowledge and momentum. The people who ultimately succeed are usually the ones who refused to stop trying. Meet Your Brain's New Best Friend: Neuro Gum When you stop smoking, your brain enters withdrawal — restless, craving stimulation, struggling to focus. That's exactly the gap Neuro was built to fill. Using a patented cold-compression process, Neuro delivers nootropic ingredients faster than coffee or capsules — straight through the lining of your mouth into your bloodstream. Katy Perry's Go-To After Quitting Nicotine Katy Perry put it well when she posted to her Instagram Stories that she had quit all nicotine, sharing a photo of Neuro's peppermint Energy & Focus Gum and writing that she "highly" recommends it as a "more organic" energy alternative. For a smarter, more organic energy boost during your quit journey, the gum format is where it shines: Energy & Focus Gum — 40mg natural caffeine + 60mg L-theanine + B vitamins. Clean, steady focus without the jitters or crash.* Extra Strength Energy & Focus Gum — 100mg natural caffeine + 60mg L-theanine + B vitamins. For when you need to shift into a higher gear.* Memory & Focus Gum — The caffeine-free alternative. L-theanine + Cereboost® Ginseng for sharp, steady focus without the stimulant.* Ready to Fill Your Brain With Something Better? Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, your energy, and the people around you. Your body wants to heal, and your brain wants to function clearly. The science is unambiguous: the sooner you quit, the more you gain — and there's no age at which it's too late to start winning back your years. Give your brain something better to work with. The journey starts with a decision, and it gets easier with the right tools. Fill it with something good. Explore Neuro's full lineup of functional gums and mints — and find the formula that fits your quit. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Spring Break: Your Travel Carry-On Essentials for 2026
The difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one usually comes down to what's in your bag. Pack right, and you move through the day with your head clear and your hands free. Pack wrong, and you spend the week hunting for your charger, skipping sunscreen, and running on fumes by day three. This is your 2026 travel essentials guide: practical, realistic, and built for the way people actually travel. This list covers what to bring, what to skip, and how to stay energized, calm, and well-rested from departure to the trip back home. Why Your Carry-On Is Your Most Important Bag Spring break travel is unpredictable: early departures, packed airports, or rest stops, weather swings, itinerary changes, and the classic "wait, who has the charger?" moment. A well-packed carry-on or travel bag keeps your valuables, documents, medications, and comfort items within arm's reach — even if you are at 30,000 feet, stuck in highway traffic, or waiting at a bus terminal at 6 am. The Ultimate Travel Essentials List No fluff. Here's what actually earns a spot in your carry-on. 1. Passport, ID, and Travel Documents Passport if you need one, government ID, wallet, insurance card, boarding passes or tickets, hotel confirmation, and anything you might need offline. Keep it all in one easy-grab pouch, because fumbling at security with six tabs open and a line behind you is not the vibe. 2. Phone, Cable, and Power Bank A dead phone on spring break is a one-way ticket to chaos. Your phone is your boarding pass, your map, your camera, and your group chat. Keep your phone, cable, wall plug, and a fully charged power bank together. For long days and long flights, aim for 10,000mAh or more on the power bank. 3. A Well-Planned Toiletry Kit The essentials: travel-size toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, face wipes, and lip balm. Flying? Follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule. Road-tripping? You've got a little more room to breathe. 4. Prescription Medications and Non-Negotiables Anything you can't easily replace belongs in your carry-on, full stop. Prescriptions, glasses, contacts — if losing it for even one night would derail your trip, it goes in the personal bag, not the checked luggage. 5. Refillable Water Bottle Fill it after security. Drink it on the plane. Refill it at the hotel. Staying hydrated quietly does more for your energy and mood than most people realize, especially on travel days. 6. Snacks That Travel Well Protein bars, nuts, crackers, dried fruit. Pack at least one or two options for long drives, delayed flights, or those stretches of the day where meals and your schedule just don't align. Airport snacks are expensive. Hunger makes everything harder. 7. A Light Layer Plane cabins are cold. Bus temperatures are unpredictable. Even road trips can get chilly after dark. A hoodie, a light wrap, or a packable jacket earns its spot every single time. 8. Headphones or Earbuds Music, podcasts, movies, white noise — headphones are the quiet MVP of every travel essentials list. They work whether you're on a five-hour flight or a two-hour drive, and they're one of those items you'll notice immediately if you forget them. 9. Neck Pillow and Eye Mask for Long Travel Days For longer routes — overnight buses, red-eye flights, extended road trips (if you are not driving) — comfort items aren't indulgent. They're strategic. Getting rest in transit means arriving at your destination ready to actually enjoy it. 10. Hand Sanitizer, Tissues, and Wipes Airports, rest stops, train stations…these are not places known for their cleanliness. A small hygiene kit is low effort and genuinely high return. Travel Essentials for Long Flights (and Long Travel Days) Long-haul is its own category. A cross-country flight, eight hours on the road, an overnight bus ride… each one asks the same thing of you: show up prepared. Travel essentials for long flights should cover both the time-passing and the recovery side of the journey: Refillable water bottle Comfortable layers Headphones (over-ear if you can manage the space) Eye mask Lip balm Snacks Charging gear Entertainment downloaded before you leave Something that helps you sleep when you're ready These small items turn a grinding travel day into something manageable, or even comfortable. Where Neuro Fits Into Your Spring Break Kit Neuro makes functional gum and mints designed to help you get into the right mode at the right time — energy, focus, calm, or sleep.* Portable, slim enough to fit in any pocket, TSA-friendly (no liquids issue), and built with science-backed ingredients that actually do something. Pack one, share with everyone — they're the kind of travel essentials the whole group ends up reaching for. Every product in the lineup is sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, and aspartame-free. Small enough to live in a jacket pocket. Smart enough to change the entire rhythm of your travel day. Here's how to match them to your trip. Energy & Focus™ Gum or Mints — 40mg of Natural caffeine, L-theanine, and B vitamins for smooth, sustained energy without the crash.* Reach for it on early departures, long drives, or any travel day that starts before your brain does. Extra Strength Energy & Focus™ Gum or Mints — Same formula, stronger output (100mg of natural caffeine). Built for back-to-back excursions, stacked itineraries, and the days that ask a lot from morning to night.* Memory & Focus™ Gum — Caffeine-free, this L-theanine gum features Ginseng, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and Cereboost®, a clinically-studied American Ginseng extract. Great for sightseeing days or longer trips where you want mental sharpness without adding more caffeine.* Calm & Clarity™ Mints — GABA, L-theanine, and Vitamin D3 to help you stay composed when the flight's delayed, the terminal's packed, or the group can't agree on anything. No drowsiness, just a reset.* Sleep & Recharge™ Meltaway Mints — Clinically tested melatonin blended with passion flower, chamomile, lemon balm, and elderberry. Let them dissolve 30 minutes before you want to sleep — on a red-eye, after a long arrival day, or any night your body genuinely needs to recover.* A Simple Neuro Routine for Spring Break Travel You don't need to overthink it. Here's how to match Neuro to the rhythm of the day: Travel morning / early departure → Energy & Focus or Extra Strength Energy & Focus Stressful airport or transit moment → Calm & Clarity Midday clarity without more caffeine → Memory & Focus Ready to wind down and sleep → Sleep & Recharge Your Travel Essentials Checklist: Pre-Departure Run-Through In Your Carry-On: Passport / ID and travel documents Phone, cable, and power bank (charged) Headphones Earplugs (backup for when headphones die mid-flight) Light layer Snacks Refillable water bottle Travel toiletry kit Lip balm Prescription medications / non-replaceable items Eye mask + neck pillow (for long travel days) Hand sanitizer, wipes, tissues One spare outfit or basics Sunglasses Pen Cash in local currency or small bills Neuro gum/mints matched to your trip: Energy, Focus, Calm or Sleep Don't Forget: Sunscreen Downloaded entertainment for the flight or drive Digital copies of your travel documents Travel insurance info Reusable bag or tote (for beach days, shopping, or day trips) Pack Smart, Move Fast, Arrive Ready Pack for what you're actually doing. Bring the things that help you stay sharp on travel days and genuinely rest when the day is done. Leave the "just in case" items that never leave the bag. The 2026 spring break mood is simple: pack smart, move fast, stay sharp, sleep well, repeat. Shop Neuro's full lineup — gum and mints for energy, focus, calm, and sleep. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neuro products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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5 Ways to Beat the Post-Lunch Slump (Without More Coffee)
The clock hits 2 PM, your to-do list is full… and suddenly your brain feels like it switched to airplane mode. We’re all too familiar with that mid-afternoon energy crash. Whether it’s after eating lunch, back-to-back meetings, or just from sitting all day, we’ve all experienced it before. The good news is that the post-lunch slump isn’t inevitable. With a few simple adjustments, you can beat it and keep your energy and focus going strong well into the afternoon. Let’s take a look at what’s actually behind the post-lunch slump and what you can do about it. Why You Feel So Tired After Lunch That mid-afternoon energy dip isn’t just in your head—it’s biology doing its thing. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel sleepy after eating, a few natural processes are working together behind the scenes. Blood Sugar Spikes and Crashes Lunch can have a big impact on your afternoon energy levels, especially if it’s heavy in refined carbs. Foods like white pasta, sandwiches on refined bread, sugary drinks, or desserts can cause your blood sugar to spike quickly. At first, this might feel like a burst of energy, but when your blood sugar drops again soon after, it can leave you feeling sluggish, foggy, and reaching for another snack. This spike-and-crash cycle is one of the main reasons people feel the afternoon slump, particularly when meals are high in simple carbohydrates and low in protein or fiber. Digestion Demands Energy After you eat, your body redirects blood flow toward the digestive system to help break down food and absorb nutrients. That means slightly less blood flow is available for other areas, including the brain. The result is that you may feel a little slower, heavier, or mentally foggy for a while after eating. This energy shift is a normal reason why you feel sleepy, especially after larger meals. Your Circadian Rhythm Even if you ate a light, healthy lunch, your body still has another trick up its sleeve: your internal clock. Your circadian rhythm naturally creates a dip in alertness in the early afternoon, usually between about 1 PM and 3 PM. It’s the same biological pattern that makes naps feel so appealing in the middle of the day. When this natural dip lines up with digestion and blood sugar changes, it creates the perfect recipe for the classic post-lunch slump. But once you understand what’s causing that afternoon crash, it becomes much easier to prevent it and keep your energy steady all day long. Foods That Can Make You Sleepy After Eating Remember that what you eat at lunch can play a big role in whether you stay energized or start feeling sleepy after eating. Certain foods are more likely to trigger blood sugar spikes, energy crashes, and that classic mid-afternoon brain fog. Here are a few common culprits. Refined Carbohydrates Lunches built mostly around refined carbohydrates can make the afternoon slump hit harder. When you eat white pasta, white bread, pastries, and other highly refined grains, they are digested quickly and can lead to a faster rise—and drop—in energy levels. When a meal is heavy on simple carbs and light on protein or fiber, it’s more likely you’ll feel sleepy after eating instead of energized. Sugary Desserts Dessert after lunch might sound like a great idea in the moment, but your energy levels might disagree. Cookies, pastries, candy, and sugary drinks can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. The problem is that your body quickly releases insulin to bring those levels back down—sometimes a little too efficiently. The result is an energy dip that can make the afternoon feel twice as long. Ultra-Processed Foods Highly processed foods often combine refined carbs, added sugars, and unhealthy fats—all of which can disrupt stable energy levels. Think fast food lunches, packaged snacks, or highly processed frozen meals. These foods tend to digest quickly, leading to blood sugar swings that can leave you feeling sleepy after eating rather than energized. That doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods forever. But if you’re trying to stay focused through the afternoon, choosing meals with more protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help keep your energy steady, and make the post-lunch slump a lot less dramatic. 5 Ways to Beat the Post-Lunch Slump A few simple habits can make a big difference in how energized and focused you feel after lunch. Here are five easy ways to stay sharp and keep your momentum going through the rest of the day. 1. Take a Short Walk One of the easiest ways to beat the post-lunch slump is simply moving your body. A 5–10 minute walk after eating improves blood circulation, helps digestion, and increases oxygen flow to your brain. Even light movement can help counter that sleepy after-eating feeling that many people experience around mid-afternoon. 2. Eat a Balanced Lunch What you eat plays a major role in whether you'll feel tired after eating or energized. Heavy meals packed with refined carbs can cause a spike in blood sugar followed by a crash. Instead, aim for meals that include: Protein Fiber Healthy fats Balanced meals help stabilize energy levels and are one of the most effective ways to avoid the post-lunch slump. 3. Stay Hydrated Mild dehydration can worsen afternoon fatigue. Many people mistake dehydration for hunger or lack of energy, and don't hydrate enough. Drinking water regularly helps maintain mental clarity and focus during the natural afternoon energy dip. To avoid this, keep a water bottle at your desk, and drink a glass of water 30 minutes before and after lunch. Hydration alone can make a noticeable difference if you're feeling tired in the afternoon. 4. Get Natural Light As mentioned, your circadian rhythm naturally dips in the afternoon. Getting a few minutes of natural light can signal to your brain that it's time to stay alert. Stepping outside for a few minutes or sitting near a window can help expose you to natural light and give your brain a quick reset. Small resets like this can help you stay productive and are another practical strategy to avoid the post-lunch slump. 5. Try a Clean Energy Boost Instead of More Coffee Another way to boost your productivity and energy in the afternoon, without reaching for another cup of coffee, is to use clean energy sources like nootropics. Nootropic products like Neuro gum and mints combine natural ingredients that support focus and mental clarity.* For example: Extra Energy & Focus for a stronger boost* Energy & Focus for a moderate pick-me-up* Memory & Focus when you need mental clarity without caffeine* They can help you regain focus when you start to feel tired after eating.* You can also use them beforehand as a preventative boost. In summary, learning how to beat the post-lunch slump doesn’t require a total lifestyle change. A few smart habits can help you stay focused, energized, and ready to tackle the rest of your to-do list, without relying on endless cups of coffee. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neuro products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Neuro After Shark Tank: The Founders, the Deal They Turned Down & the Update
Most companies go on Shark Tank hoping for a deal. Neuro went on Shark Tank with momentum and walked away without an agreement. If you’ve been wondering what really happened when our founders walked away after that high-stakes pitch, the short answer is: they continued building a thriving, fast-growing business on their own terms. But the real story starts long before — in college, with two student-athletes who were more interested in brain chemistry than buzz. The Neuro Founders: Science, Sports & a Smarter Energy Idea Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen met in college, at UC San Diego, where both were students balancing academics with intense training schedules. Their bond deepened in a way neither expected when Ryan suffered a devastating snowboarding accident at 19 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. After months of surgeries, rehabilitation, and grappling with what life would look like next, Ryan began searching for meaningful ways to rebuild physically and mentally. Kent was there throughout the journey, offering support as a friend and as a teammate in the truest sense, and seeing Ryan push through long days of recovery and therapy, often drained and needing focus, sparked something deeper. Kent, who was studying neuroscience, knew the limitations of traditional energy sources: coffee wasn’t always convenient, energy drinks were loaded with sugar, and caffeine pills felt clinical and uninspiring. So he began experimenting with nootropic blends, testing combinations of ingredients that could enhance energy and mental clarity without the crashes or side effects of conventional options. Then he shared what he was learning with Ryan, but they both knew there had to be a better, more convenient way to deliver those benefits. It was during a scuba diving trip that everything clicked. They both realized that developing clean energy nootropics was a fantastic idea for their own lives and that it could help many more people around the world — but it also needed to fit seamlessly into real life: compact, portable, and easy to share. That moment clarified the vision: combine scientifically backed nootropic ingredients with a delivery format designed for life on the move. That insight became the foundation of Neuro. The Birth of Neuro While in college, with Kent’s neuroscience knowledge and Ryan’s chemistry background, they began crafting formulations in Kent’s apartment, blending ingredients to support energy, clarity, and focus* in a way that felt natural and effective. Once they refined the concept and identified the right combination of ingredients, they looked for a manufacturer partner. Neuro officially launched in 2015 with a focused mission: create functional gum and mints that support energy and focus* without sugar crashes or complicated supplement stacks — in a format that was portable, easy to use anywhere, and simple enough to share. The innovation wasn’t just in the ingredients; it was in the format. Ryan overcame the obstacles and went on to rediscover his love for adventure – training with the Paralympic team and even earning his pilot’s license. Kent continued to express his creativity through large-scale murals. Through it all, the mission stayed the same: build a product that helps people reach their potential without compromise, because sometimes the best innovations come from the challenges life throws your way. Unlike traditional capsules or drinks, chewing gum can lead to a faster onset of effects, which aligns perfectly with the founders’ vision of “energy when you need it, not 45 minutes later.” The result was a product that felt modern, portable, and differentiated in a crowded supplement market. How Neuro Took Off on Indiegogo After refining their early formulations, Kent and Ryan decided to test the market through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. To get the word out, they shared the launch within the Reddit nootropics community, where members quickly recognized the concept as innovative and worth backing. The response was immediate. The community supported the campaign and actively helped spread the word, amplifying visibility and driving Neuro to reach its funding goal in just three days. But momentum didn't mean comfort. In our early days, Kent and Ryan handled operations themselves — packaging products by hand, managing inventory, fulfilling orders, and responding to customers directly. As orders increased, so did our operational challenges. Scaling required navigating manufacturing logistics, refining formulas, improving packaging, and ensuring consistency at larger volumes. Instead of outsourcing vision, they stayed deeply involved in every step, from ingredient sourcing to customer feedback loops. That discipline laid the operational foundation that later allowed Neuro to expand into retail stores across the country. Early Growth: Neuro Before Shark Tank By the time Ryan and Kent went on Shark Tank, the company had already proven demand. The founders leaned heavily into direct-to-consumer sales, allowing them to gather customer feedback and iterate quickly. Early adopters included students, entrepreneurs, athletes, and productivity enthusiasts — communities that resonated with performance-focused wellness. At the same time, Neuro worked strategically to enter brick-and-mortar retail. Getting space on physical shelves signaled credibility and validated the brand’s place in the market. Functional gum was still a relatively new concept, and retail presence helped validate the category. It was a scaling company looking to accelerate. Before appearing on the show, Neuro had: Generated millions in cumulative sales Built national retail distribution Established brand recognition in wellness circles Demonstrated repeat customer demand Neuro on Shark Tank: The Pitch and the Deals Turned Down When Kent and Ryan stepped into the Tank in Season 11, they asked for $750,000 in exchange for 5% equity — a $15 million valuation. That valuation raised eyebrows, but it was grounded in real revenue and growth potential. The Sharks recognized that Neuro was a brand with traction and distribution. The negotiation unfolded dramatically. Kevin O’Leary offered $750K for 5%, but with a $0.50 royalty per unit until he recouped $1 million. Robert Herjavec countered with a larger equity stake for more capital. Both offers had merit, but both required meaningful trade-offs. Walking away from a Shark isn’t easy, especially on national television. But it sent a clear signal that they believed in the business more than they feared missing the deal. Neuro Update: What Happened to Neuro After Shark Tank After our Shark Tank episode aired, everything changed. People who had never heard of functional gum were suddenly searching for us, curious about what made Neuro different. Orders started pouring in, and retailers who had been on the fence were now reaching out to get us on their shelves. That momentum never really slowed down. Since then, we've grown to over 10,000 retail locations, sold more than half a billion pieces, and expanded our product line well beyond where we started. What began as a pitch on national TV turned into the foundation for building Neuro into a real player in the functional wellness world. Product Line Expansion After Shark Tank, we could have played it safe and stuck with what was working. Instead, we kept asking ourselves the same question: how else can we help people feel and perform their best? That's how one product turned into an entire lineup. Today, Neuro offers something for almost every part of your day. Need to lock in at work? Energy & Focus has you covered. Hitting an afternoon wall? Extra Strength Energy & Focus gives you that extra push. Want sharper thinking without the caffeine? Memory & Focus was built for exactly that. When it's time to wind down, Calm & Clarity helps you get there. And Sleep & Recharge is designed to help you wake up actually feeling rested. We've also had a lot of fun experimenting with new flavors and seasonal drops along the way. The idea was never to just sell more products — it was to be there for you from your morning routine all the way through bedtime. Every formula is rooted in the same principle we started with: functional support that's backed by science and easy to fit into your life.* Retail, Digital & Cultural Relevance What happened after Shark Tank wasn't just about getting into more stores; it was about becoming part of people's daily lives. Yes, you can now find Neuro at CVS, Walmart, Whole Foods, and on Amazon. But what really blew us away was watching the brand take off organically on social media. TikTok, in particular, became a game-changer. Thousands of real customers started posting videos about Neuro — unboxing it, tossing it in their gym bags, reaching for it before a big meeting. We became one of the fastest-growing brands on TikTok Shop, and that kind of momentum isn't something you can manufacture. It comes from people genuinely loving what you make. Then came the moments that made us do a double-take. Joe Rogan mentioned us on his podcast — without us asking. Mitchell Hooper, the World's Strongest Man, became a fan. Andrew Schulz joined as a partner, and as the first Neuro Professional Paddle Athlete. Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda got on board too. It happened because Neuro resonated with people who care about performing at their best. We think the timing matters, too. More and more people are looking for cleaner ways to stay sharp — something better than sugary energy drinks or downing way too much caffeine. Neuro fits that shift perfectly. Here's the part that really excites us, though: most of the people buying Neuro in stores aren't switching from another brand. They're trying functional energy for the very first time. That means we're not just competing for shelf space — we're actually growing the category and bringing entirely new customers into the aisle. From the gym to the office to the podcast studio, Neuro has found its way into all kinds of routines. And by showing up both on store shelves and in people's social feeds, we've managed to stay relevant in a wellness world that moves fast. Neuro Comeback on Shark Tank Season 17 In Season 17, Episode 13 of Shark Tank, which aired on March 11, 2026, Neuro returned to the show as part of the update segment. And the numbers we brought back with us told a story no investment offer could have written. When Kent and Ryan first stepped into the Tank back in Season 11, they left without a deal, but what followed was anything but a setback. After the episode aired, sales surged by more than 700 percent, proof that the audience saw what the Sharks initially passed on. As of 2026, the company has grown into a business with substantial lifetime sales and is now available in more than 20,000 stores nationwide, including CVS, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market. What began as a nootropic gum formulated in a college apartment now sits on the shelves of some of the biggest retailers in the country. The Lawsuit That Almost Changed Everything The road between that first Shark Tank appearance and where we stand today wasn't without turbulence. Not long after our episode aired, we were hit with a lawsuit — the kind of legal battle that can undo everything a young company has built. Kent and Ryan decided to reach out to Daniel Lubetzky, the Kind Bar founder, who had appeared on Shark Tank before. He stepped in to help them navigate the dispute and worked with them to reach a settlement. Years later, what started as a lifeline in a tough moment grew into something bigger: in 2026, Daniel officially became a partner in Neuro. From Shark to Partner: The Daniel Lubetzky Chapter Daniel Lubetzky helped us settle a lawsuit and believes in what we’re building enough to become part of it. That partnership says more about where Neuro is headed than any deal we could have walked out of the Tank with. His involvement helped Neuro come out of that legal chapter stronger, with a clearer path to the kind of retail scale the company has reached today. The Bigger Picture Coming back to Shark Tank in Season 17 was a reminder that the entrepreneurial journey rarely goes according to the script, and that's exactly the point. We didn't land a deal in the Tank, but we got something better: exposure that fueled our growth, a challenge that led us to the right partner, and a foundation strong enough to build $135 million in sales on top of. So what actually happened to Neuro after Shark Tank? In short, we kept building. We grew from a handful of stores to over 10,000 retail locations. We went from one product to an entire lineup designed to help you stay energized, focused, calm, and well-rested. We showed up on the biggest social platforms and earned the attention of some pretty incredible people along the way. And the company we've built today has grown far beyond anything that was discussed on that Shark Tank stage. But if there's one thing we hope people take from our story, it's this: sometimes the boldest move isn't landing the deal — it's walking away and betting on yourself anyway. What started as a college experiment turned into a brand that millions of people now trust as part of their daily routine. And honestly? We're just getting started. Curious what all the buzz is about? Explore Neuro gum and mints for Energy, Focus, Calm, Memory, and Sleep — and find the one that fits your day. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neuro products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Losing an Hour? Here Are 7 Ways to Fix Your Sleep After Daylight Saving Time
When Daylight Saving Time starts, we lose an hour overnight — and for many people, that one-hour shift can throw off sleep for days. When the clocks shift, your body doesn’t exactly get the memo, which is why Daylight Saving Time can leave you running on empty. And in fact, there are studies suggesting that Americans would be healthier without daylight saving time. But don’t worry, you don’t have to spend the next week feeling like a half-charged phone battery. With a few simple tweaks, you can get your sleep schedule back on track fast, wake up feeling refreshed, and actually function like a real human again. Let’s fix it. What Is Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time (DST) is when we move the clocks forward by one hour in the spring and back again in the fall. In March, we “spring forward,” which means one less hour of sleep but more daylight in the evening. In November, we “fall back” and gain that hour again. Simple in theory, but it can be slightly chaotic for your sleep schedule. Why Do We Have Daylight Saving Time DST was originally introduced to make better use of natural daylight and conserve energy. The idea is to get more daylight in the evening, which would lead to less need for artificial lighting. Whether it still accomplishes that is up for debate, but what’s not debated is how much it can throw off your internal clock. When Is Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time begins on March 8th, when clocks jump forward by one hour at 2 a.m. Most devices update automatically, but your body definitely does not. When Does Daylight Saving Time End? Daylight Saving Time ends on November 1st, when we “fall back” and gain an hour of sleep. It gets darker earlier in the evening, but mornings feel a little brighter. 7 Tips to Fix Your Sleep After Spring Forward As you know, Daylight Saving Time doesn’t just change the clocks — it messes with your whole system. Your body runs on rhythm, not reminders, which is why losing an hour can leave you feeling tired, wired, and totally off your routine. The good news is that you can bounce back faster than you think. Here are 7 simple, effective tips to fix your sleep schedule and feel like yourself again after the time change. 1. Shift Your Bedtime Gradually The biggest mistake people make with Daylight Saving Time is waiting until the night before to adjust. Your body clock doesn’t reset instantly, so the sudden one-hour change can leave you feeling tired, foggy, and off schedule for days. A gradual transition helps your sleep cycle adapt with less disruption. Try shifting your schedule slowly in the days leading up to the time change: Go to bed 15–20 minutes earlier each night Wake up 15–20 minutes earlier each morning Stick to the same routine for at least 3–4 days before the switch 2. Get Morning Sunlight ASAP Morning sunlight is one of the most effective tools for resetting your circadian rhythm. Natural light tells your brain that it’s time to wake up and start producing energy-boosting hormones. The earlier you get sunlight exposure, the faster your body adjusts to the new schedule. Even a short morning routine can make a big difference: Take a 10–15 minute walk outside Open your blinds as soon as you wake up Drink your coffee near a window or outdoors Avoid staying in dim indoor lighting for the first hour 3. Avoid Late-Day Caffeine Caffeine may help you feel alert, but depending on the time you consume it, it can quietly ruin your sleep later. It stays in your system for hours, which means an afternoon coffee can still affect your ability to fall asleep at night. After Daylight Saving Time, your body is already struggling to adjust, so caffeine can make it worse. To support better sleep, try this approach: Stop caffeine by 2 PM If you need energy, try a short walk or a stretching break Avoid hidden caffeine sources like chocolate or pre-workout drinks 4. Keep a Consistent Sleep and Wake Time After the time change, it’s tempting to sleep in or take long naps to “catch up.” But doing that can actually delay your adjustment and confuse your internal clock even more. Consistency is one of the fastest ways to reset your sleep schedule. Even if you feel tired, try to keep your timing steady: Wake up at the same time every day Keep weekends close to your weekday schedule Limit naps to 20–30 minutes max Avoid napping late in the afternoon 5. Create a Wind-Down Routine Your brain needs signals that bedtime is coming. If you go from scrolling on your phone to trying to fall asleep immediately, your body won’t have time to relax. A calming nighttime routine helps you transition from “go mode” into real rest, especially after the DST shift. A simple wind-down routine can include: Dimming lights 30–60 minutes before bed Avoiding screens or using blue light filters Reading, journaling, or stretching Taking a warm shower Listening to calm music or a sleep meditation 6. Avoid Heavy Meals and Alcohol at Night Eating too late or drinking alcohol close to bedtime can seriously disrupt your sleep quality. Heavy meals force your body to keep working while you’re trying to rest, and alcohol can reduce deep sleep even if it makes you feel sleepy at first. During Daylight Saving Time, your sleep is already fragile, so it’s best to avoid extra stress on your system. To improve sleep after the time change: Eat dinner at least 2–3 hours before bed Keep late snacks light and easy to digest Avoid alcohol in the evening when possible Choose foods that support rest, like bananas, oats, or herbal tea 7. Support Your Sleep with Neuro Sleep & Recharge mint Sometimes your routine is solid, but the time change still hits hard. That’s because Daylight Saving Time affects your circadian rhythm, which controls when your body feels naturally awake or sleepy. In those cases, adding targeted support can help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed. That’s where Neuro Sleep & Recharge Meltaway Mints can help. It’s designed with melatonin and calming ingredients to support restful sleep and help you reset your schedule without feeling sluggish the next day.* If you're struggling to adjust, it can be a helpful part of your nighttime routine: Take it before bed as you shift your schedule Pair it with a consistent wind-down routine Use it to support recovery during the first few days after DST As you see, springing forward might steal an hour, but it doesn’t have to steal your energy. A few small adjustments and a little smart support can help you reset your rhythm faster than you think. So instead of dragging through the week half-awake, take control of your sleep, stick to the plan, and let your body catch up the right way. You’ve got this. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neuro products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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