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Supplements

Over the years I’ve experimented with many supplements in attempt to eradicate brain fog, enhance cognitive function, and tweak levels of neurotransmitters.  In the process, some supplements have worsened by brain fog and impaired cognitive function, while others have provided significant benefit.  A small subset of supplements that I use may provide marginal (and/or unnoticeable) benefit, but I believe that the research supports their neuroprotective, neurorestorative, and/or antioxidative properties.

Prior to reading any more of this page, it is important to clarify that I am NOT suggesting that supplements are clinically effective for the treatment of medical conditions, nor am I suggesting that they’re free of risk.  I’m simply sharing the supplements that I’ve found to be helpful for ME.  A supplement that was highly effective for me, may not be effective for you and/or could yield disastrous side effects.  Therefore it is recommended to always do your own research and supplement with caution.

Prior to ingesting any supplement listed below, it is highly recommended to verify its hypothesized safety (by ruling out contraindications) and efficacy with a medical professional.  Some people may be taking medications that interact with certain supplements on this list and/or have medical conditions that may worsen as a result of certain supplements listed here.  The bottom line: You are responsible for the incurred risk of supplementation.

Adaptogens

Cognitive enhancers

Navigating the world of sleazy nootropic marketers is difficult, especially since most people are looking for a quick-fix.  A marketer’s goal is to convince you that you absolutely NEED their supplement or you won’t be able to function very well without it.  In reality, you don’t need any supplement – and no supplement should be considered an alternative to regular exercise, a healthy diet, sleep, and stress reduction.  Once you’ve covered those bases, then you may want to consider cognitive enhancers.

In my opinion, the right cognitive enhancers should provide modest to moderate performance benefit.  If you’re getting too much benefit, there’s a chance that there will be long-term, downstream consequences (there’s no biological free lunch).  I’ve tried some nootropics in the past that were regarded as “safe” by a majority of users, the literature was murky, and I ended up regretting even a short-term trial.

I’ve written about the potential dangers of nootropics and think many people are undermining the long-term neurophysiological consequences of certain substances.  Above are a few substances that I use with regularity because I’m convinced that they provide benefit in regards to cognitive performance.  I’ve listed them in the order from most helpful to least helpful.

Detoxifiers

Mood

Neuroprotective Agents

How I personally take these supplements…

Certain supplements I take daily: green tea, MCT oil, krill oil, ubiquinol, turmeric/curcumin, creatine monohydrate

I should note that once I’m finished with a full bottle of these supplements, I generally discontinue for 6 to 8 weeks to prevent any sort of neurobiological tolerance.  I don’t want my body to rely on or expect to receive certain supplements for awhile and I also want to prove to myself that I don’t really need a damn supplement to function.  That said, if you take these daily, there’s not really a need to cycle.

Some I take “as needed” including: rhodiola rosea, melatonin, magnesium, alpha-lipoic-acid, acetyl-L-carnitine