From: officialflagrant
Nootropics and supplements are explored for their potential to enhance cognitive function, including focus and mental performance. While some substances are medically prescribed, others are available over-the-counter or in a gray market. It’s emphasized that foundational health practices like sleep, exercise, and nutrition are paramount before considering supplementation [01:48:50].
Pharmaceutical Nootropics and Stimulants
Certain prescription drugs, while effective for focus, carry significant risks:
- Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin: These are described as “prescription cocaine” [00:52:24] and are very addictive [00:53:39] due to their ability to create a “narrow tunnel of focus” [00:53:40]. They lead to huge increases in dopamine, which can make other activities feel “weak in comparison” [00:51:32].
- Risks: Addiction is a major concern [00:53:58], defined as a “progressive narrowing of the things that bring you pleasure” [00:54:16]. They can be detrimental to heart health [00:55:14] and may cause temporary vasoconstriction, affecting the penis [00:55:34].
- Prevalence: Over 80% of college students are estimated to take Adderall, Vyvanse, or Ritalin at some point [00:55:00].
- Modafinil/Armodafinil: Developed for narcolepsy, this drug is effective but very expensive [00:52:38]. An personal account described intense focus but also a “brutal headache” [00:56:02].
Over-the-Counter Nootropics and Supplements
Compared to prescription drugs, these are generally considered safer alternatives:
- Alpha GPC: This supplement is recommended as a safer alternative to pharmaceutical stimulants [00:52:45]. It stimulates nicotine release, enabling “laser-like” focus [00:53:16].
- Nicotine: Described as an “amazing nootropic” [00:53:02] that focuses the brain incredibly [00:53:30]. It also has neuroprotective effects against Parkinson’s [00:56:11]. However, smoking, vaping, dipping, and snuffing as delivery methods are not recommended due to other health risks [00:53:05]. Nicorette gum or Zen pouches are mentioned as safer ways to use nicotine [00:53:08].
- Caffeine: Considered “amazing” when used healthily [00:56:05]. To avoid an afternoon crash, it’s advised to delay caffeine intake for 1.5 to 2 hours after waking up [00:59:04]. Theanine is sometimes added to energy drinks to mitigate jitters, allowing for more consumption [00:56:33].
- Sleep Supplements: Magnesium, theanine, apigenin, and inositol are mentioned as working well for sleep [00:56:48]. Prioritizing these over melatonin or Ambien is suggested [00:56:53].
Peptides for Performance and Recovery
Peptides represent a “new kind of wedge” [01:49:43] between traditional supplements and prescription drugs. They are chains of amino acids [01:48:44].
- Sermorelin, Tesamorelin, Ipamorelin: These stimulate growth hormone release, aiding in faster recovery, fat loss, muscle repair, and even libido [01:50:00]. They are typically taken via injection before sleep, on an empty stomach [01:50:11].
- Benefits: Do not disrupt fertility or testosterone production [01:51:30]. They help with deep sleep [01:52:09]. Many actors in Hollywood films use peptides for definition rather than extreme bulk [01:53:21]. Women also use them due to their milder, non-androgenic effects [01:58:21].
- Risks: They can accelerate the growth of existing cancers [01:53:00], thus cycling usage (e.g., 3-5 nights a week) is recommended [01:53:14]. Purity from online sources can be sketchy; getting them from a prescribing physician is ideal [01:51:36].
- BPC-157: Derived from a gastric peptide, it promotes tissue healing [01:53:50]. It has been remarkably effective for pain relief and healing injuries [01:54:10]. It also does not disrupt fertility or testosterone production [01:54:39].
- TB500: Another peptide, often used in “cocktails” [01:56:02], though less data are available on these combinations [01:56:06].
- Banned in Sports: Peptides are banned in sports due to their performance-enhancing effects [01:58:30].
Lifestyle Factors for Cognitive Enhancement
Beyond specific substances, several fundamental practices contribute to overall well-being and cognitive function:
- Sunlight Exposure: Getting sunlight in the eyes in the morning, especially on cloudy days, helps wake you up, improves mood, boosts hormone output (including testosterone), enhances focus, and sets the body’s internal clock for better sleep at night [00:43:53]. It should be direct light, not through windows [00:43:05].
- Quality Sleep: Aim for enough sleep to feel rested, 80% of nights [00:48:17]. Naps of no longer than 90 minutes can be beneficial if they don’t interfere with nighttime sleep [00:48:41]. Alcohol severely disrupts sleep quality, making it less restorative [00:49:21].
- Regular Exercise:
- Weight Training: Three days a week, 10-minute warm-up, 50-60 minutes of workout [02:03:51].
- Cardiovascular Work: Three days a week, including one long, slow session (jog, bike, swim) [02:04:36], one sprint session (5-10 repetitions of 30-45 second sprints with 1-1.5 minutes walking recovery) [02:04:55], and one fun activity (e.g., basketball, Pilates) [02:05:10].
- Stress Control: A physiological sigh (double inhale through the nose, long exhale through the mouth) is a rapid way to calm down [02:06:07]. This technique can also be used to delay orgasm [02:06:28].
- Nose Breathing: Practicing nasal breathing, even sleeping with tape on the mouth, is beneficial for CO2 regulation, reducing anxiety, and improving facial structure [02:09:59]. Chewing hard foods also supports proper jaw and teeth development [01:49:50].
- Cold Exposure: Three to five days a week of uncomfortable cold exposure (cold showers, ice baths) can build mental resilience and provide a lasting surge in dopamine, improving mood and positivity for hours [02:10:11].
- Healthy Relationships: Avoiding toxic relationships is crucial for overall well-being, as they can “ruin people’s lives” [02:11:54].
TIP
A free “fitness toolkit” and “sleep toolkit” outlining these practices can be found at hubertinlab.com [02:04:02].