This is my first post, after having read a good number of posts, so please be gentle as I'm brand new to this :-P
I have read through some very interesting threads with some incredibly insightful comments and posts on them, so I thought I'd open this up to the best and brightest of Longecity. In particular I've noted a few (from the posts I have read) who I believe will add a great deal of knowledge and insight to this thread - these are mostly from one particularly insightful comment, or general thorough knowledge of subject matter displayed; so I'd like to call them out specifically here, in hopes that this will spur one of the greatest conversations of all time
A Few of My Favorites:
Tatsumaru
Pike
hooter
medievil
Adaptogen
Now, a bit of context here around who I am and what I'm looking for - then I will outline the topic, offer my notes, and open up discussion. I am a 28-year old who is working as an Actuarial Analyst at a large, multi-faceted insurance corporation. I got into the field because I have been excellent with mathematics since I was very young and Actuarial offered me the opportunity to 1. Be paid well with lower stress levels; 2. Have unbelievable job security; 3. Never stop learning - the most alluring to me being the third point. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Actuarial Sciences, then dove headfirst into life - moving to a new city with no job prospects and only one acquaintance there. I lived life over the next 5 years and during that time, became employed at the company I am currently with. A few years later, I had the opportunity to work on a substantially impactful project that involved Actuarial valuations, and I got to work alongside the Actuarial team. After this project, I was offered the chance to move to headquarters and join the Actuarial community. I have now been there for about 18 months, during which time I have passed my first two Actuarial exams and am getting ready to take (and hopefully pass) my third at the end of this month.
It is probably obvious that brain health is at the top of my list of priorities in life; however, it is something I have paid little attention to in the past, and have only recently really started researching and looking into the different options and methods that are out there. Which brings us to the here and now. The Actuarial examination and credentialing process is among the most grueling, and possibly is the most difficult professional testing process in the world. While I have no doubt that putting in the appropriate amount of work and time will result in my eventual passing through and earning the credentials, I would be remisce if I were to never utilize the tools and resources available to me to make me the best that I can be, and to aid me in this process.
This is where I need your help, all of you. Being relatively new to this scene, and given the lack of in-depth, time-tested, or even published scholarly references and results, I feel as though this forum is the best (and most appropriate) venue for my query. My challenge to all of you would be to discuss 1. the processes and techniques available for achieving maximum cerebral potential; 2. specific personal experiences, and results from these processes/techniques; 3. personal recommendations; 4. Crazy theories that just might work (and may be just for fun).
I'm hoping that the entire community will benefit from this discussion, and I'm hoping that this topic, itself, reaches its maximum potential by having the best and brightest contributing everything they know to it. I greatly appreciate any and all effort you guys put in, even for the smallest contributions. Your assistance will certainly improve my quality of life; but, more importantly, could impact myriad others who search out the answers to these and similar questions. I thank you all ahead of time and eagerly look forward to your responses and to the intellectual discussion that is sure to ensue.
Without further ado, here are my notes and thoughts thus far (please feel free to correct and/or improve upon them in your comments):
Technique #1 - Herbal (Natural) Supplementation
Herbs have been around forever and as long as they've been around, people have been experimenting with them, learning about them, and unlocking the potential within them. With the limited research I have been able to accomplish while studying for exams and working (more than) full-time, here are my (personally untested) favorites:
Rhodiola Rosea - An affordable herb that has been used for centuries as an adaptogen and as an anti-fatigue agent. There is a little bit of evidence, more recently, that it may also have a favorable effect on cognition. While this effect is most notable when lessened cognition is related to fatigue and stress, more research needs to be done on the effects outside of these conditions. My sources suggest daily doses of up to 280-680mg, and as low as 50mg - of extracts that confer both 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside; start by taking 100mg daily for a week, adding 100mg daily for each week, up to approximately 400mg daily; best taken in the mornings to avoid interfering with sleep cycle. Noted side effects are minimal to non-existent for this herb.
Panax (True) Ginseng - Another affordable herbal supplement that has been used for centuries as an adaptogen and to improve numerous daily functions. Scientific research suggests that most of the beneficial effects of Ginseng are minor, but that it generally enhances mood, energy level, memory, and reduces inflation. There is also evidence to suggest it is notably effective at reducing the risks of certain types of cancer. My sources suggest once-daily doses of 200 to 400mg of extracts that confer 2-3% Ginsenosides. Notable side effects include insomnia, increased heart rate, change in blood pressure, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, etc. Long term usage may have hormone-like effects that are potentially unsafe.
Bacopa Monnieri - A slightly more expensive, but still affordable herb, more recently discovered and used as an adaptogen with proven nootropic effects. Scientific research has shown that long term (at least 2-3 months) use can natably enhance memory and cognition, while slightly reducing depression and anxiety. My sources suggest that daily doses of 300mg, conferring 55% bacoside (by weight), should be taken with a meal, preferrably with ghee, or animal fat, given that it is fat soluble and may upset an empty stomach. Notable side effects are two-fold - first, that naturally relaxed individuals taking this supplement may become more relaxed, even to the point of being unmotivated to complete their work; second, it is harsh on digestive tracts if not taken with food containing fat.
Ashwagandha - Another affordable herb that has been used as an adaptogen, primarily to treat anxiety, for many years. This herb has also been shown to help relieve insomnia and stress-induced depression, and can significantly reduce cortisol concentrations and the immunosuppressive effect of stress, as well as reduce fatigue. It can also improve physical performance, reduce LDL cholesterol, and improve memory formation. My sources suggest that the most cost-effective dose would be 300-500mg daily, with optimal dosage levels reaching 6,000mg taken in 2,000mg doses thrice daily; the most effective form being the root extract, and it should be taken with meals. Notable side effects have not been determined for Ashwagandha.
I would want to know what information you guys could provide around possible unwanted interactions/inefficiencies/redundancies, as well as ways to work around these. Also, if you have additions, that would be much appreciated!
**Sources include examine.com for history, uses, and scientifically backed effectiveness; and webmd.com primarily for information on side-effects. Other smaller sources may have been used intermittently throughout the post, but not to my specific knowledge.
Edited by ActuariallySpeaking, 14 April 2014 - 07:17 PM.