I've gone through something similar, it was during major depression. Honestly what helped was reducing inflammation within my body/brain.
I'd suggest trying lithium orotate as a first line of action along with fish oil, magnesium glycinate and maybe turmeric with a source of black pepper.
I don't know which supplements you've tried in the past but I don't think you've permanently damaged your body. Depression can deplete and drain you completely especially any creative and positive thoughts. Start meditating even for a few minutes a day. Well-being is fostered not only with a good diet but a good mindset, there could be a lot of things draining you emotionally and physically you just need to figure out what those things are and try to correct them.
I hope you feel better soon, as someone who's been in your shoes it does get better.
Eat liver/liverwurst- best possible form of A
100mg of magnesium isn't much. And I'm not sure glycinate is the best form (it laxates me). I would try taurate, malate and threonate, and, if you can, try to hit at least 300mg. But monitor the laxation closely.
GABA might not cross the brain blood barrier. I think it's better to get GABA from magnesium, theanine and your gut microbiome. Quite a few of the strains in this:
https://www.amazon.com/NewRhythm-Probiotics-Technology-Resistant-Refrigeration/dp/B071DZQLPQ/
appear to be gaba agonists.
Berberine can be helpful to control cravings. It's pretty big in Chinese traditional medicine and goes back a very long time. This being said... I might get tested to confirm your liver is okay.
400mg of fish oil is nothing, and, unless I'm missing something, I'm not sure about the benefit of omega 6 supplementation. With your issues, I might go 4g of fish oil a day (and eat a lot of sardines).
NAC can thin the mucosal layer. It can also, for some, be stimulating/mess with sleep. It's great short term, but I'd cycle it. There's a chance that tyrosine might impact sleep adversely as well, so, I'd monitor that.
B100 isn't a very balanced B. I lean a bit more towards B200- which, rather than 200mg of everything, is 200% of everything.
How about zinc? Potassium? I might also look at selenium and chromium (in small amounts). Maybe iodine (kelp).
Chlorophyll is supposed to be a good detoxer. Maybe parsley smoothies or spirulina/chlorella?
Read (and follow) Deep Work by Cal Newport. Stop using Facebook & Co. if you're using it now, especially on mobile devices.
Get enough and regular sleep. Work out.
This will help you much more than any supplement.
A 2014 study don't mention the name of the extract so I don't know if this BT-11 is the same but explain the extraction procedure
Preparation of Radix Polygalae extract
The dried RP samples were immersed in 70% ethanol and boiled at 80°C for 1 hour. The extract was collected and the procedure repeated once more (80°C reflux for 40 min), after which the combined filtrate was evaporated on a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and freeze-dried to yield about 28% (w/w) of the extract. Supporting information is available for the HPLC quantification of key molecules (Figure S1). For experimental use, crude extracts were completely dissolved in distilled water.
Edit: Ok this explain the BT-11 extraction
Preparation of Extracts From Natural Plants (BT-11)
The dried roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow (500 g) were refluxed with 80% ethanol for 3 hr in a boiling water bath. This procedure was repeated twice and the ethanol solution was concentrated under vacuum. Concentrated ethanol fraction (125 g) of the plant, obtained as described above, was used for this study
500 gr to 125 gr so is a 4:1 extract
healthy diet, social interaction/activity, if cleared medically, fast walking 30minutes a day, minimum 4 days a week as tolerated....
good multivitamin curcumin longvida, specifically (curcubrain) perhaps wild blueberries every day
fasting can indeed help......ie eating twice a day, 12hrs between the two meals, no later than 2 hours before bedtime (3 is better).
for fasting, that means no snacking between....basically zero calories....for maximum effect.
if one must have a 'snack' between the two, consider food snacks that have minimal insulin release (remember, protein actually releases insulin)....
ideas: best choice, 1-2 handfuls pecans (low protein, higher healthy fat, almost no insulin release) and/or low-sodium black olives (like 12-15 whole black olives....remember, low sodium) and/or 1/2 plain avocado
added: there is one more thing you could consider as an experiment, esp. considering this situation. 3 caps, twice a day, source naturals magtein, for 90 days, and assess effect...if works, continue. i bought mine sold by amazon (be careful of resellers):
https://www.amazon.com/Magtein-Source-Naturals-Inc-Caps/dp/B00AXTO30G/
for about $32
but if purchased frm amazon, i would only get the one sold by amazon and not a reseller....
Hmm. Well, if it doesn't work, I'll try Gaia's version of Turmeric.
Any particular reason for KAL brand?
https://www.amazon.com/LabExact-Cellulose-Weighing-Non-Absorbing-High-Gloss/dp/B00ARK0T2M
https://www.amazon.com/UltraCruz-Anti-Static-Weigh-Boat-Medium/dp/B07PFY26KN
There you go. Very useful to have and can be re-used many times, so probably just going to have to buy one/both of these one time for the next few years.
/u/glauberite
/u/ianonuanon
It depends on what your measuring - if its 'flour like', 'sugar like', flakes, etc
Most good vendors will have a serving size on the package or give you a scoop - before I got my scale that's what I went by.
That said, its totally worth it to buy a scale. I got mine for like 20 bucks on amazon (it has a 20 gram limit). The thing to keep in mind is that when you measure small amounts, it can get really hard to get good measurements unless you're buying lab-grade equipment (and even then its not great), so if you use supplements that are dosed under say, 50-100mg, and its really important that you are accurate, read up on geometric dilution.
edit: this is the exact one I bought - at the time it was only $23. American Weigh Scales GEMINI-20 Portable MilliGram Scale
At night, a little before bedtime. Start with 500mg for a few days, and keep increasing by 500mg until you notice a difference. The Mayo Clinic recommends as much as 8-12 grams for depresssion: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tryptophan-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20064453
Frankly, I wouldn’t worry too much about it - remember, these things are being diluted in your blood/interstitial fluid. 2 g ascorbic acid translates to a peak plasma concentration of ~200 μmol/L (source). If you take a high dose of sodium benzoate at 160 mg, it has a peak of ~250 μg/mL (source), which is ~2 mmol/L benzoic acid.
At those very dilute concentrations, I would be shocked if there was any meaningful reaction taking place.
Maybe switch out the melatonin for Magnesium Glycinate.
After having long standing issues with sleep-onset difficulties, I'm finding l-theanine + Mg is enough for me nowadays, along with using apps like f.lux and practicing all around better sleep hygiene.
Melatonin works, but it's not supposed to be the greatest thing to take it long term, and I'd find that if I used it several nights in a row, I'd have difficulty getting to sleep without it.
I'd go for kava tea over chamomille, but that's really splitting hairs.
Nootropics are not necessarily the answer you are looking for. Follow these rules to get excellent sleep:
Excluding blue light can't be stressed enough, get f.lux on all windows systems and Twilight on Android.
These apps will dampen the disruptive effects of electronics late at night but it's still best to not use them at all.
Read a (real) book in low light, do dishes, light housework, etc. A warm glass of milk 5min before bed works wonders.
Since your question was pointed to Nootropics, try the following:
Centrophenoxine is a great neutral, CDP is a mild stimulant, GPC is a mild relaxant.
300mg CDP Choline at 6AM will boost energy in the morning.
300mg GPC Choline at 6PM will help you relax and slow down.
If you absolutely must sleep, 400mg Phenibut + 200mcg Huperzine A; use these sparingly.
For genetic testing go to https://www.23andme.com/ .
As for anxiety....not so sure the MTHFR gene causes anxiety. If I remember correctly it causes dementia and is possibly a factor is alzheimers.
You may want to have them switch your oxazepam for a different anxiolytic, or up the dosage. Frankly, you're taking so many Rx drugs that I wouldn't personally risk a nootropic.
Ok here is my experience, yesterday I took a single dose of 4.8g piracetam and it enhance my processing time and reaction speed (tested by Chalkboard Challenge in Lumosity app), but it slightly decrease my short term memory (tested by http://www.cambridgebrainsciences.com/play/digit-span).
2-2.4g works for me but not as good as 4.8g in term of speed nor as bad as in term of short term memory.
So I'm testing 3.6g dose today.
It seems like lumosity has no evidence of effectiveness. Mostly it's pure marketing and fun games that make you look smart.
Cambridge has created tests to verify if Lumosity works http://www.cambridgebrainsciences.com/challenge/introduction
Maybe lumosity helps, maybe not. Dual-n-back works for sure.
I hate to do this to you, but I don't think anyone here will have a definitive answer. We will have many answers, but your problem seems inherently complex given your many attempts already to correct it.
With that caveat in mind, I will give you my opinion. Perhaps what you are really searching for is Flow. A simple test would be to experience something evolutionarily dangerous. Heights is a good example. Do you have a rock wall around your area? Or even better, A Sky Tower.
If you experience "clarity" in these moment of fear and adrenaline, then you will know what to look for. Unfortunately, flow has only just begun to receive attention.
Soooo, this isn't stack advice, but you might find it applies regardless... https://getpocket.com/explore/item/why-excessive-consumption-limits-your-creativity (It seriously resonated with me, personally, but I also can't significantly reduce my content consumption because my day job depends on reading and regurgitating countless articles every day... That said, my overall creativity becomes really shot when I'm looking for ideas vs. when I'm able to just disconnect and create on a whim.)
that is really on cue and interesting. I didn't know about this cycles! . . Regarding your post of an average day, I was much in the same situation a year or so ago. I felt I kept doing stuff and no matter how much I did, crap kept piling waiting to be attended, to a point sometimes I snap and did nothing fruitful for weeks. What did work for me was having a tight planned routine, I asigned schedules for activities and have been using this app macrodroid to notify me the schedules I set. Basically what this app does (if programmed properly) that can apply to life itself is to cut down every repetitive task to it's minimum effort, once this is done you'll find you are not struggling to fit in a workout routine. Considering your desire to join a gym, you could lookout for alternative solution of buying your own equipment, even second hand equipment is good enough. It will be initially more expensive, but you will cut down the need to travel back and forth the gym and dress accordingly. In the meantime I will look up this alternate sleep cycles and the modafinil. Thanks again for your inputs!
Go for the Macuna. 4 days on, 3 days off. Works for me, not so much for focus but to make life more "interesting". I guess that would address the depression, the focus part should fall in along with that. This is what I take, highly recommended. One per day Monday through Thursday, none on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QG5F0W
BTW, I would not combine this with the L-Tyrosine. It's either one or the other. It would be too much imo.
The people who wrote the articles mentioned in the links, also wrote the book "Thiamine Deficiency Disease, Dysautonomia, and High Calorie Malnutrition"... that book has a lot of references, probably you should read it
I suppose i'll see how it goes and dabble around with the L-theanine and see what happens there.
I'm also thinking maybe the problem may simply be a matter of having too high a dosage in one go- so I have also ordered a b-complex which are pretty low in their methyl forms (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thorne-Research-B-Complex-Vitamin-Capsules/dp/B0797DVMF3/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 ), so was thinking of trying this out soon, perhaps spreading multiple doses throughout the day to see what that does.
Maybe it's worth getting tested in your case? You might find out other things as well with a full genetic profile which you hadn't considered previosuly.
I am a very serious rock climber and have personally found this (not an affiliate link) combination joint supplement extremely helpful in preventing and healing injuries. Rock climbing is pretty hard on the joints (especially the shoulders, wrists and finger joints) and I swear by it. It's pretty cheap, so I think it'd be well worth trying to see if it helps your ankles at all.
It has been an absolute nightmare. I'm crying everyday about it at the moment. And relapsing hard on all the routines and systems I'd built alone this year. Not good. The fact I'm even back on Reddit and online is proof of that. I'm really trying to reframe my subconscious mind about having this, but the reminders at every moment that it is holding me back and costing me time is killing me. I want to conquer it but the way I've gone about doing that has led to more stress, depression and trauma tbh. Its not sustainable.
Magnesium is just one tablet a day of this https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B073WZ9SM3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I agree with you. I feel like in my heart I know, some of the things I'm doing/thought I wanted to do is now something I have to reconsider given the very real impacts of the condition I can't deny or change even with all the systems/strategies in the world. Lifestyle wise, I don't have a life outside of grinding and surviving. The things that give me energy aren't at all my job or current path. The problem I'm having now is, the things I love that do give me energy have become tainted with pain that my head is reminding me are luxuries to even have as hobbies given the state of things in my life with this different wiring. I'm tired of thinking about it and feeling like its torture cause the time eaten overplanning and trying to manage myself and this brain is eating away at the dreams I have.
Love Gabor Mate. Read Scattered Minds, not the Body Says No yet. Would love to, need the time though.
I really appreciate your comment, it definitely helped. Especially to remind me I need to get help with facilitating these lifestyle things. I'm doing everything alone right now and I can't.
BTW, I just started reading the Terry Wahls book on using targeted nutrition ensure your body gets what it needs to function optimally. In the preface she describes how she became wheelchair bound from progressive multiple sclerosis, researched nutritional support for mitochondrial function then regained most of her health. She's an MD and it looks to be realistic so far. You can read the preface on Amazon and see if it interests you.
Kanna. You are going to want to look into kanna. Amazon has it here under the name Zembrin and places like bouncing bear sell the powdered form. Some use it for recreation, though reports vary on whether it just alters your mood or actually makes you high. In either case, it's stronger than St. Johns Wort.
Glad you have a good idea of what you're getting into. As for probiotics, gut health has been linked to increased cognitive function, there have been some threads on here about it, might wanna run a search for "gut health" on /r/nootropics or something, it should turn up some interesting results. It's really only helped me (I believe) because of my sub-par college diet. If cost is a problem, as it so often is for us college students, this is the product I've been using recently, which is basically dirt cheap: https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Biotic-Acidophilus-Nutrition-Now-Caps/dp/B005P0NZVG/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1487500939&sr=1-1&keywords=pb8+probiotic
I've found that I've noticed similar, if not superior, benefits than from much more expensive products that seemed to rely quite a bit on marketing, flashy packaging, proprietary delivery methods, etc. I'm sure there are some that are worth the price, but for now, that seems to work great, and it's so cheap per dose that it's probably a worthwhile inclusion in a supplement regime. Shit ton of very positive reviews, and it's not one of those "sponsored" results on Amazon that always seem to have lots of suspiciously generic reviews and 5-star ratings.
Not pushing a probiotic on you because it's obviously not going to be as dramatic as something like Semax or even an adaptogen, but don't overlook it just because it might not provide an immediately noticeable cognitive boost.
Yeah so just doing some random Amazon searching I find this liquid extract at $29.56 for 45 drops at 500mg per 1 full dropper:
https://www.amazon.com/Host-Defense-Mushroom-Extract-Cerebral/dp/B0062AL9Y8?th=1
Cost per 1000mg is $1.33.
The capsule form I use from Real Mushrooms is 120 capsules at 500mg per capsule. I take 2 capsules daily and at $29.99 per bottle, so total 60 servings, or $0.50 per serving. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Mushroom-Capsules-Real-Mushrooms/dp/B078SZX3ML
Pretty darn significant difference right there.
Glutathione (liposomal). Multivitamin. Make sure your CoQ10 is liposomal. I take fish oil as well, and if you suffer from pill fatigue, Nordic Naturals makes an amazing fish oil that tastes like thick water with a very very faint lemon aftertaste. I was in disbelief at how non-fishy it tasted. I have these ML shot glasses from Amazon. Just a tip because I used to take 6 fish oil pills a day, and they aren't small.
I think the chicken broth might be a waste.
Whenever I'm having a blue kind of day, chugging a diet pepsi is a go-to for me, so I wouldn't shy away from caffeine if you're just having a low-energy day for no reason that you can figure out and then treat it using something healthier. Sometimes you just stayed up a little too late or something.
You're probably already doing it, but remember to use a blue light filter on your computer/tablet/phone at night.
If you have trouble sleeping, a sleeping mask can do wonders for you. Also, stop checking your alarm clock. You can't will yourself to sleep. That being accepted (by doctors), you will get the same amount of sleep whether you check your alarm clock or not, and probably more sleep if you don't, because you won't keep getting anxious each time you check it and aren't tired enough. It gets to be an anxiety feedback cycle.
Perhaps look into the mushroom supplements and see if there's anything you want there. If memory serves, there are several that are specifically for health/energy/anti-aging/anti-fatigue/immune system booster. They are really pretty well researched, many of them. Worth a look, and it's not burning-man quackery. I was extremely skeptical of mushroom supplements until I started taking Lion's Mane. Wowsers.
Get one accurate to .001
The gemeni digital scale on amazon is like $28 :
I have it, works great had it for about a year so far and it’s super durable and easy to use
L-Tyrosine is what I have experience with, and when taken with Bromantane I don't believe NALT would actually be better, because I'm not sure if it actually increases L-Tyrosine more or if it just changes how L-Tyrosine is used in the brain. I haven't done enough research on this admittedly because things have just been working for me.
This is what I use, though I'm not sure about its availability in canada: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DX5K9SM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Maybe. I will still probably by them on your recomendation but I will check the other amounts first. Report back tomorrow if I find any other weirdness in the quantities.
​
BTW these are the ones I looked at and noticed the difference. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07LB3BYPB/ref=crt_ewc_title_huc_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2HU489T7NNQOQ
Cardio exercise is one of the best, though it can take some time before it kicks in. Based on studies too yes.
Also, this book https://www.amazon.com/Neurogenesis-Diet-Lifestyle-Upgrade-Brain-ebook/dp/B00VUAK3NI
i have it in pdf. you can search it on a site called librarygenesis or b-ok (a mirror) and download it in epub or pdf from there. if no pdf, just use an online converter epub to pdf
besides this, pretty much any psychedelic. even recently in August this year it was published a study on this, that indeed the serum levels bdnf are elevated for several hours after microdosing. though imo you can do it without this as well, just check that book it's really good, also has a list of stuff that increase bdnf and separately ngf ... and also list for what is anti-neurogenesis... things like alcohol and constant stress for example.
Don't invest in a "fix it drug". Get your sleep down, get your diet down, get your physical and mental stimulation (workout & study time) down. Developing these positive habits boast way more progress than just delving into nootropics. That would be like taking pre-workout without going to the gym. Nootropics should be used after all of these core foundations have been perfected. If you are a reader I advise reading "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg. After that then explore nootropics. Good luck!
The Tim Ferriss stack:
-Creatine + Ubiquinol
-Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee/tea
-Yerba Mate, consumed the traditional Argentine way
-Various Exogenous Ketones, including:
--KetoCaNa
--Keto Force
--1,3 Butanediol
-- Sodium Potassium BHB Salts in tandem with a Glucometer which measures his BHB levels
For those who don't know, Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, advisor to many famous tech startups, and best selling author of many books starting with The 4-Hour Workweek.
Black seed oil helped my lungs so much after I had a nasty illness that left my lungs in bad shape. I had pain when I would take deep breaths, lungs feel better now than they did before I got sick.
The "form" I think its Bitartate, Standard Process*. What form and mg dose would you expect to see in a stack? I'm guessing you'd also go with CDP Choline?
*
Choline Bitartrate
Do you take standard plain lemon balm or extract? I bought a standard herb first now and will try it out.
Here is what I've been using (my psychiatrist recommended this to me after I complained of added stress/worry on some days that my medication is not cutting it).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002D2JYYG?smid=A2EJCTH67GJMT3&ref\_=chk\_typ\_imgToDp&th=1
NANONUTRA Liposomal Vitamine C recommandée : 60 à 1250 mg de portions à partir d'ascorbate de sodium | La vitamine C encapsulée liposomale est plus efficace que les pilules, les poudres et les liquides https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00SIA2F66/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EJYCZNYP1B114TEBEEFA
would something like this work for sulforaphane? https://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulas-BroccoMax-Supports-Delayed/dp/B01D15LMCK?th=1
would li orotate help? i thought that worked for people with bipolar
Hmm the problem is my green tea extract only got 137.5mg egcg per capsule and i wouldnt want to take 2 at once, i took 2 hours ago (4g)kratom, and like 5-6 hours ago 700mg l tyrosine, in 5 mins im gonna take 100mg 5htp and the green extract but only 1 pill( this : Olimp Green Tea Extrakt- Blister Box 60 Kapseln, 1er Pack ( 1 x 22,8 g) https://www.amazon.de/dp/B002YOKT38/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_41F20FH4VE3VQ3AK3A6V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 )
The brain is resilient and adaptable. It is unlikely any damage caused would cause long-lasting complications. Typically, dyskinesia is something that becomes harder to get rid of the longer a person is on a drug. The body becomes used to the drug, and--like anything else--it adapts to it. But it will likely dissipate over the course of weeks.
As you may have heard doctors say, they often tell patients that it can take 4-8 weeks for a patient to notice a change when they start an antidepressant. So don't panic if this goes away slowly. Think of it like getting drunk. It's easy to down a lot of drinks in a short period, but the effects don't go away quickly.
As for others who took the combo, I would ask them to tell you when they took the Wellbutrin and Dopa Mucuna. If it was not at the same time, that may be part of the reason. But it may also be that a person had more of an imbalance with dopamine. It's possible that your imbalance is not as large as some others.
If you are looking for something to deal with free radicals and such, I use an ALA/ALC stack. (An example is here. While it's not in stock now, it usually comes back in stock regularly. Some info can be found about it here. I use it myself, and I notice a difference.
But resist the temptation to throw more supplements at this problem. Sometimes that only makes things more complicated.
GIGASAPIEN | Premium Cognitive Enhancer (60 ct.) | Focus, Neuroplasticity & Memory | Lion's Mane, L-theanine & Cognizin® Citicoline https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QS8V54J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_AQYVH2VNE7NCXZG9T882
Modafinil (and I imagine the other -finils as well) can be hugely impacted by your genetics. I myself felt nothing on it. Turns out I have the gene variants that make it that way. Here's a good (albeit old) discussion about it: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1524881
At the time I had this blood work, I was taking a basic one a day (link below) which I understand had only 100% dv for b12 and 125% dv folic acid (both non-methylated forms). So not a high dose. But I do eat a spinach salad like every other day... at least. I have a bunch of other genes tied to higher homo cysteine (not discussed above), so I am wondering if I should be taking some supplement to address methylation issues.
http://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature%E2%84%A2-Daily-Multi%2c-500-Tablets.product.11491625.html
Yes, I was referring to the physiological effects, not the psychological ones. See further this article, esp. p. 795. It's unreasonable to assume that kratom isn't interacting with the rest of your stack (likewise for cannabis, but from your OP it seems as though you use infrequently enough so that it shouldn't be too much of a problem). Aren't you worried about how chronic use of a substances with so many neuro effects, like kratom, may adversely affect you?
in that case you should identify the little other things that are way stimulating in your case. for example my brother is 1 generation older than me and he isn't into youtube, reddit, porn and all these new age crap. however he still have his dopamine kicks from sports betting, watch tv news daily, binge drinking and other things. my guess is that you should still try dopamine fast, just personalize it, it doesn't have to be like everyone else, get the idea, and apply it.
now since you really want to do look for a stack, i suggest you this slide: read all pages of it, it takes 5 minutes and it can be quite what you are looking for and what I am going to be diving into as well: https://www.slideshare.net/DannyFries/the-uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors just click on the slide to go to next pages.
Not a medical professional, but you might look into Galantamine and Huperzine-A. Both are available over the counter, but I believe they're also sometimes prescribed in combination with other Alzheimer's drugs.
Note that they are both "cholinesterase inhibitors" that I think have (fairly?) similar effects, so I probably wouldn't take both, and I would do some more research before taking either in conjunction with Alpha GPC or other choline sources.
When it comes to reading a book for enjoyment, I've found atomoxetine to help more with that than modafinil personally. But when it comes to activities like studying where you have to study boring subjects, only stimulants seems to help me with that. But I wouldn't recommend atomoxetine though, since it comes with a lot of side effects.
The only thing I can suggest in making reading easier would be to go into a quite place like the public library with a cup of green tea, coffee or whatever that helps you stay alert. If you can't visit the library, look into buying active noise cancelling headphones like the Sony wh-1000xm4 and play some background nature sounds (e.g. rain) on it while trying to read. https://mynoise.net/ has some good selection for free.
This was exactly what I was looking for. SEO has poisoned the search terms with Medium articles and self serving blogs.
Ill be sure to dive into both those sites as I go.
I keep seeing safety first. But I am unsure what that even means other than take things slow and journal about experiences.
Also thanks for the offer. I may take you up on the DM in a few days once I give things a go for a few days.
PS, this might help with your cough. https://unpaywall.org/
Good choices all around, except the niacin, unless it is PANMOL-NADH niacin. Instead of niacin, try a bottle of Swanson's Activated B-Complex, which will be much more potent and not much more expensive.
I would also add 50mg of iodine per day in the form of Lugol's 5% solution, a preferred form of magnesium such as Natural Calm, and a preferred version of zinc. Basic mineral deficiencies are a source of brain fog.
In fact, I set out to study nootropics, and instead had to tackle health generally. It would be my honor to share with you what I learned: https://www.docdroid.net/8Wz3Blx/welcome-to-my-banquet.pdf
> CLO
Collateralized loan obligations? I heeded some of your advice though I just purchased a multivitamin below because I believe I am sufficient in a lot of stuff you mentioned (besides the magnesium which I've already been using to sleep and sometimes to get a good #2 going if you know what I mean). Hopefully this helps because yes I do sometimes get fatigued and brain fogged at the end of the day and it has affected productivity. Btw have you tried coq10, gingko biloba, and ginseng for energy, they seem to help me at times!
https://www.amazon.com/Essentials-Advanced-Multivitamin-Body-Ready-Methylated/dp/B01MQ1WOII
I recently bought this one because I wanted Threonate & Glycinate in one, but there may be higher value ones depending on what types you want (threonate, glycinate, etc).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073WZ9SM3/ref=ewc\_pr\_img\_1?smid=AC4FOPF2WL648&psc=1
Adhd or another autism spectrum disorder? http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/addquiz.htm
You can also test/improve your memory with dual n-back. Dual 4-back should be about average after a month. If you get stuck at dual 2-back then you 100% have a medical/psychiatric condition you need to address. http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
Bacopa should help if your memory is impaired. A high EPA fish oil may help. I would try them both for 3 weeks to see if they work. Bacopa doesn't agree with some people so you might have to stop taking it.
Modafinil might help as stated by another poster. Some people have bad effects when stopping it in terms of brain fog etc... and it doesn't always help. Adrafinil might work if you are in a country that requires a prescription for modafinil but the results are less consistent and it can be hard on the liver so you will have to cycle it because it can cause liver damage.
L-theanine has different effects on different people. For most it removes anxiety and for some it creates anxiety. L-theanine lets you be stimulated but calm at the same time.
Bacopa might help with memory. Bacopa isn't for everyone and make some people lethargic and foggy headed. It also takes at least 3 weeks to kick in and 3 months to get to near full effect.
Ashwagandha might increase libido and reduce anxiety. It makes me really sleepy.
Do you take a multimineral?
Dyspraxia sounds a lot like ADHD. Maybe try a dual n-back test and see if you can get up to dual 4-back to see what your working memory is like. I think you might need medication fix your problem. http://brainworkshop.sourceforge.net/
what tool are you using to measure your performance for these things? introspection isn't good measurement. Sometimes we can perceive differences but they don't translate to differences or not how we expect. That's why some external measure is helpful.
This would be one way: http://www.cambridgebrainsciences.com/
A game or some skill based task you're already familiar with that can show time/performance differences would be an alternative.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-bioactive-compound-from-Polygala-tenuifolia-of-on-Hu-Liao/596f2d5fbb05c9f57f42da9a71475ea28f14df65?navId=extracted Try this (read first). I have not tested though but is easy to obtain from ND. I wanted to know your blood pressure at times of blurred vision and at moments of shiver/sweat...
$1.55 a day is what my current stack costs. Too long to type out but you can view it here
Also, I suggest you break from all supplements 2 days a week. That's 10 days a month, and 120 days a year total. Saves a lot of money in the long run.
Yes. It it meant to taste like the rotting flesh of fish. Look into buying something like these. [Value Pack 100 pcs] Pouch Oblate (Wafer - Bag Type) [w/ English instructions] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V1N1QKT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YMY6P0ER2R80HTR01BK6
I started taking monolaurin and then I stopped craving sweets. You need to do a slow ramp up on monolaurin though, it changes gut bacteria and you don't want to do that too fast. If your intestines get gurgly, stop taking if for a day and then resume at a slower rate. Monolaurin is a type of fat that is plentiful in coconut oil and is known to kill candida and fungal infections and improve the immune system. It is suspected candida can release chemicals to trigger a sugar craving because candida likes sugar as a food source. I've felt a lot better since I've started taking it, more energy and the sugar cravings are gone so it's easier to eat healthy now. You can find it on Amazon, brand name Lauricidin here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I8SMOQ?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-ypp-rep_ypp_rep_k0_1_7&crid=1GLIS154RIKXY&sprefix=laurici .
I would recommend something less direct like Lemon Balm which inhibits the enzyme that degrades GABA and is safe to use for a long period of time. Solaray's sleep blend if you need something more potent, it also contains lemon balm.
I’ve been using this:
KAL Lithium Orotate ActivMelt 5mg | Low Serving Of Chelated Lithium Orotate For Bioavailability & Balanced Mood Support | Lemon Lime | 90 Lozenges https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HTML27Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_hAI8Ci2gOXmA7
Can’t say I’m loyal to that product though. Was thinking about doing some research on my next order and finding a different brand. This one is fine, just curious what else is out there and what consumerlab.com has to say. The melts do taste good. Nothing wrong with the product.
Sure, I buy them directly from their website but I went ahead and looked them up to see if they're on Amazon as well, here it is: https://www.amazon.com/Mushroom-Capsules-Nootropic-Extract-Beta-D-Glucans/dp/B01E9GDRW8/
Keto Chow | Electrolyte Drops | Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium & Trace Minerals | Promotes Electrolyte Balance | Perfect for The Keto Diet and Intermittent Fasting | 250 ml Refill with Empty Flask https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DGKSF1P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_86DS7DD6V9DR1ZW88TJD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got this compound: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08LQHD9G3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
What do you think though? It doesn't look like it has the Acetyl. I'm testing it for helping with fatgiue rather, than fat burn. For context.
Will bear in the mind the insomnia, thanks! Does that mean it gives you any sort of high if you couldn't sleep?
Copy of a comment I’ve made before:
I highly suggest oblate disks/pouches for taking powders. Edible film. I finally got around to using them and they’re soooo much better than trying to flavor big awful drinks that still are a pain to drink down. Has been beyond worth the minor cost, for me. I’ve been using this one as the little stand it comes with is much easier to use and I can get more in them than the common small disks: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V1N1QKT —— I once tried the green tea powder and had a similar traumatizing experience like yours, lol. Truly horrendous, trying to rinse my mouth and tongue in a sink for a solid 2 minutes (which is forever when you’re suffering that kind of thing) never used it again. With the edible film, I’d have no concern using it.
"TRACC Chelated Magnesium - Albion Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered with Magnesium Oxide is a chelated, buffered form of magnesium that's highly absorbable and gentler on the stomach than other forms. It's also suitable for vegetarians."
It's a brand name for Albion's bulk mag glycinate. See https://www.albionminerals.com/human-nutrition/products-trade/traacs
I would go with the Korean.
This is what I buy. I Don't know if it's available in the UK.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MTW3QDD/
What effects do you seek?
I like all of these suggestions, but replying to say that Iodine was the big surprise for me. If you're on the fence, do the requisite research, and do NOT ask a doctor. There is a literal conspiracy among their ranks to keep the healing properties of iodine out of the public eye to fuel the continuous cycle of post-ailment "healing". Just like selenium, magnesium and a host of other core elements, it's been fucked out of our farming soil over the past few decades, to the point where the majority of folks are in actual withdrawal in the form of depression, anxiety, sadness, apathy, etc. I HIGHLY recommend iodine supplementation along with this guy, which honestly ultimately gave me more daily (and sustainable) energy than most of my other supps.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AMUWLK
Seriously, give this a shot. The risk of losing $20 pales in comparison to the potential rewards reaped by normalizing one's elemental intake.
Just a novel caffeine analog.
https://www.amazon.com/TEACRINE-Theacrine-Nootropic-Stimulant-Endurance/dp/B01KD7CGWY
Honestly, it's not as crazy as it sounds. I dunno if folks get the wrong picture of dumping 8x500mg caps down my gullet. This is what I take (FYI)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075DDB43G
It's a single 240mg pill of 20:1 extract. And I get it if that's too much for you, but apparently it's the sweet spot for myself and 400 other Amazon reviewers. Sorry if that gets yer knickers twisted.
Google “Brownstein iodine myths.” He addresses a lot of the hypothyroid stuff.
Like anything, you can overdo it. But the studies they have done show that it’s almost impossible to. They have done 100-150mg doses in people for two years that have breast cancer without any thyroid damages The hypothyroid symptoms occur when people are not doing companion nutrients enough.
The biggest difference for me is good salt + water. Get these guys, put them in water (look up how to make “Sole water”) and take a tbsp per day with iodine.
Unless you have a hidden thyroid issue, which your labs don’t sound like they indicate, you shouldn’t have hypothyroid. I would keep doing panels every six months and once your symptoms subside, knock it down to 15-25mg for maintenance.
Just from my experience and years of reading.
Edit: FWIW my hands and feet were so cold and had poor circulation they were painful and white for years. I’ve had no issues with them since.
Just buy a couple of these. Largest compartments I've been able to find of any pill box. https://smile.amazon.com/TookMag-Organizer-Oversized-Medicine-Supplement/dp/B08FM5N94H/ref=sr_1_34?dchild=1&keywords=pill+box&qid=1610349146&sr=8-34
Its this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000GY75RG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
stopped it 2 days ago to see if any help
The thing that's made the biggest difference for me has been improving my sleep quality. Here are some tips:
Very true. A good read is The Body Keeps the Score. I can relate 100% to this book.
well i really appreciate the input. yes i would say dysphoria is my general state of being and has been for some time Not sure if I can really afford all these iron tests but might be worth it, idk, god i hate doctors. I just ordered a b complex, but i didn't really know the right one to get. Tell me, is this one okay?: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01787EPEE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Hope so. Thats the one i ordered. Also about to order Emoxypine, a nootropic which i'm fairly certain is a form of b6 and has anti-anxiety properties.
B Alphamaxx Male Enhancement Supplement - Ginseng, Muira Puama, Tribulus - 60 Herbal Pill - Arazo Nutrition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GV4SYJM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_w6cSFb05BN27C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
No prob. I actually linked the wrong thing lol, that actually isn't a very good brand per price/pill. Here's a better one (I think at least?): https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Vegan-DHA-Supplement/dp/B003B6Y0CE/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1522893925&sr=8-7&keywords=omega+3+dha+vegan You can prolly look around on Amazon. In terms of brain development/health alone, DHA is the only Omega that really matters. Though ALA does convert to DHA, not very much of it does.
Your best bet would be chamomile extract with apigenin, as a study came out recently indicating it being pretty damn effective for treating anxiety.
Kava is pretty useless unless you get "real" kava (you need to drink real kava, kava capsules are worthless). Real kava is intoxicating, so this doesn't seem like a nootropic to me, but it may be nice for you after a long day, they even make "mild" kava that you can have during the day, I never tried that kind. I tried micronized kava, as you don't need to prepare it.
Lemon balm is supposed to be good, but I've never felt a damn thing from it. I've tried the type nootropic Depot carries (Cyracos)
Skullcap I also never felt a damn thing from. I tried Herb Pharm non-alcohol brand from Amazon.
Passion flower - never tried it, let me know if you end up testing it out.
All in all, don't expect miracles with these non-FDA approved compounds. If you are having serious anxiety issues, see a medical professional, if you are having mild symptoms, the nootropic route may be a Ok place to start
I'm not pasting links for products that didn't work or I haven't tried.
I use the below chamomile Nature's Way Chamomile, 60 Capsules (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003M63696/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_JGMlOmJqZM2se
The below kava is of high quality, I'd go to their actual website for a wealth of information as well as a better selection of "flavors". Again, micronized doesn't require preparation, which is why I tried it first. Micronized Instant Kava Powder - Vanuatu Borogu (4 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0165A0SOG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_Ts6JuJCUKZjIR
I have access to Solaray. I tried a cheaper brand, less effective. Some Amazon comments on this brand claim it's not as potent as others. I compensate by taking 4 x 500mg pills at once. If you also add caffeine to the mix, it's a powerful stimulant, so avoid this combination in the second part of your day to prevent sleeping issues.
That's interesting. I sometimes take this herbal blend called "Deep Sleep."
The key ingredients were lemon balm, california poppy, and valerian root. I usually sleep through the night better if I get like 4 drops at 7:00 pm. Just something you might try as well since lemon balm works for you.
What brand of lemon balm do you use and what dosage if you don't mind me asking?
I purchased the Nature’s Trove brand from Amazon. I had previously tried a lesser brand and was taking 800mg (2 pills) every morning but when I switched to the Nature’s Trove brand I had to lower my dose to 400mg, otherwise I became apathetic and it worsened symptoms. They are not cheap but I found that SAM-e was so helpful to me that it was worth the cost. I linked the 2 box link because it was a much better deal than the single box.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.pilllogger
best android app for it (free and no adds)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003H5SXDQ/
Using these since January, still get the flush each time but I am used to it now, 2.4 cents each tablet
Edit: The other inactive ingredients are listed, I hope this is what you were looking for.
Wait you never explained what NALT does lol or which brand you take, I'm really curious, I think it can help curb the crash adderalls often give
Also, have you taken this, wondering what your take is on it
Country Life Coenzyme B Complex, 30-Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00182N3EE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UwjDFbMY18EGT
I believe this is a great bvitamin as long as the formulation doesn’t vary too much
If you do add omega 3s I would spend decent money like fifteen bucks for something less likely to have oxidation.
Epimedium and maca
Here is a pre made stack that works well. Always take with food and split the two caps to two points in the day
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BF49TFF/
Also you can help keep yourself going by having him pick your underwear each day so you guys can photo trade like once a day just for fun and spontaneity