16 replies to this topic

[stranger1]

Although I'm always being praised as "gifted" by teachers, peers, relatives, and so forth, I have never felt greatly endowed in that respect. My memory lapses; I'm a nervous wreck; I'm overworked and stressed. You know the story.

Hopefully this will provide some insight into my situation. I have taken the following measures to boost my cognitive powers:

* I threw out the TV over a year ago and never turned back.

* Enhanced my study sessions using notes, speed reading, and memorization techniques

* Meditation every day at sunrise

* All-organic food, a good food-based multivitamin, and plenty of exercise

Currently, I'm taking Gingko Biloba, 160mg; Bacopa, variable potency/dosage; and Huperzine A, unknown potency, 50mcg. I was taking a dosage of DMAE, but I was unable to continue the treatment due to persistent headaches. A distant friend uses Ortho-Mind and recommended it to me. I haven't purchased it yet because I'm right on the fence. I don't know exactly what I should use. I suppose it's difficult to distinguish a brain enhancer from something totally ineffectual when you hear such conflicting reports. Genuine advice would be comforting.

I need to restore the academic vigor that I had a year ago. My analytic skills are wavering. Also, I have these moments where I zone out. It's almost as if I don't fully "participate in reality" for a brief moment. Exhaustion is probably a contributor. Both mental AND physical exhaustion. Nootropics and adaptogens seem like an excellent way to give myself an extra boost and allow me to accomplish more with my time.

Now, it is my theory that weaning your daily intake of media like television, certain forms of music, radio, and other such things can dramatically impact your mental health. I have noticed an improvement since detaching myself from this onslaught of sounds, blinking lights, slogans, and constant mental overload that is the modern world. I have done my best to rid myself of lazy and destructive habits for the sake of my mind. It has given me amazing results ... but there's a biological side to this problem, too. That's why I came to you guys.

Here's a rundown of my health. I'm sixteen with no pass history of illness or allergies. My resistance to disease is relatively high. I don't do strenuous exercises although my physical endurance level is high enough.

(Oh, and for those of you who will echo, "Consult your doctor first!" An important precautionary reaction perhaps. However, you have to realize that doctors today are either entirely disinterested in their patients or woefully incompetent. This isn't directed at any doctor in particular. I mean, my doctors don't even examine me when I go in for an appointment anymore! It would be pointless to consult them regarding smart drugs, which they probably have no knowledge of whatsoever.)

[Shepard]

I agree. At 16, you shouldn't have these issues. Finding the stressors in your life and controlling them should be a priority. Just try to make it past 27.

My views on TV are different from many people. A good episode of Futurama, Family Guy, Boondocks, or some better comedy films are excellent ways to forget about everything for a while and enjoy yourself. However, get a DVR and fast forward through commercials, or get them on DVD.

Could you go into more detail about your diet and exercise? Amount of sleep, quality of sleep? *Note: Do things of this nature violate the policy WRT minors?

[doug123]

You just might not have not found the right doctor yet -- so keep looking. I have had a few excellent psychiatrists. ***** ****** ****** ***** ***** ***** ***** **** **** **** *********

Yeah, the solution you seek also might not be able to be found in an Internet forum -- especially at 16 when your brain is still developing. You can learn from others here, but should you take our advice about what to take at your age? That makes almost as much sense as someone your age having a "blind date" with some weird potential child molester you could meet in a chat room.

Feel free to share your mental state and to accept feedback; but if you need help, seek someone qualified to help.

And don't believe everything you read at Internet forums. Many forums are infested with troll like beings to promote sales of their products. Sheesh, I might have done this too...no, I promoted LEF in that topic...Peace out.


Navigation: No advice to minors, please.

[zoolander]

Prometheus said:

We have a strict policy here at Imminst fora that we do NOT:
a) allow the practice of medicine (including diagnosis & prescription)
b) provide advice to minors on matters of health

and then you (nootropikamil) said

* **** ******* *** ****** ** *** ** **** ******** ***** *** *** ***** ***** **** *** ***** ***** *** *** ****** ********* ********* *** ****** ****** ********* ******** ******* * ***** ************ ********* *** ********** ********* ******** ******** *********** ****************** *******  *****

Didn't you read what prometheus said?

WTF? someone posts here looking for solutions and you state that an effective solution is *****************! Even though you said that they would require a valid prescription you are planting seeds.

Man, what is going through your head? Seriously irresponsible

[zoolander]

(Oh, and for those of you who will echo, "Consult your doctor first!" An important precautionary reaction perhaps. However, you have to realize that doctors today are either entirely disinterested in their patients or woefully incompetent. This isn't directed at any doctor in particular. I mean, my doctors don't even examine me when I go in for an appointment anymore! It would be pointless to consult them regarding smart drugs, which they probably have no knowledge of whatsoever.)

Bylaw A - ImmInst User Agreement & Disclaimer

Disclaimer: ImmInst cannot be held responsible for problems associated with any ideas or suggestions made and found in the forums and/or in any correspondence in association with ImmInst. All recommendations for supplement intake, bodily enhancement and/or augmentation, etc. should be considered with caution. Individuals are advised to seek advice from a qualified physician before acting upon any recommendations.

[the big b]

Shepard:  A good episode of Futurama, Family Guy, Boondocks, or some better comedy films are excellent ways to forget about everything for a while and enjoy yourself. However, get a DVR and fast forward through commercials, or get them on DVD.

Couldn't agree more, I'm only one year older myself, and get totally burned out, but I always watch Futurama & Family Guy to relax.

My daily dose of noots right now has been modified for the fact that my brain, and your brain, is still developing. It consists of high doses of Omega-3's & daily intense exercise. Not much. But you have to remember you can over do it, make yourself more tired by trying to pack to much into your life & schedule at once.

[doug123]

I stated very clearly that the individual should seek professional help. You guys are absolutely hysterical.

[stranger1]

You just might not have not found the right doctor yet -- so keep looking.  I have had a few excellent psychiatrists.  ***** ****** ****** ***** ***** ***** ***** **** **** **** *********

Yeah, the solution you seek also might not be able to be found in an Internet forum -- especially at 16 when your brain is still developing.  You can learn from others here, but should you take our advice about what to take at your age?  That makes almost as much sense as someone your age having a "blind date" with some weird potential child molester you could meet in a chat room.

Feel free to share your mental state and to accept feedback; but if you need help, seek someone qualified to help. 

And don't believe everything you read at Internet forums.  Many forums are infested with troll like beings to promote sales of their products.  Sheesh, I might have done this too...no, I promoted LEF in that topic...Peace out.


Navigation:  No advice to minors, please.

I realize that, legally, you can't give much in the way of suggestions to a minor. But I thought that I might find someone, anyone, experienced. I can detect shameless promotion and baseless science. That's why I do research. When researching a topic, it is generally a good idea to confer with people more knowledgeable than yourself. That's how I see this forum. Yes, I'm young and easily influenced, but just as much as anyone I asked for advice. If you can't give me relevant information, why did I join this site in the first place? There's nothing in your policy about discrimination. Two more years and I won't be given this treatment (or one depending on how you interpret the law).

As for my lifestyle, shepherd, I'm a strict vegetarian and get eight to twelve hours of sleep. My exercise habits range from jogging to pushups/lifting and so forth. I do this for thirty minutes every day. In general, exercise has been a "do with what you have" affair. I don't have a set of good weights or a gym membership, so I have to do what I can at the local college, the park, and at home.

On a side note, I'm concerned about Ortho-Mind's levels of Pantothenic acid. Any input on this?

Edited by stranger1, 23 May 2006 - 06:34 AM.

[doug123]

If one is a vegetarian, one should consider researching the implications from these links; tell me what you think (we are testing your analytical abilities, which seem pretty sharp ):

Creatine 'boosts brain power'
http://news.bbc.co.u...lth/3145223.stm

Vegetarians and beyond
http://www.lonza.com...and_beyond.html

Vegetarian source of vitamin B12 - Literature Review & Commentary - Brief Article
http://www.findartic...ay/ai_100767850

L-carnosine (this is a little hypey though):
http://www.lef.org/m...006_awsi_01.htm

I don't have a TV either I have not had one sinece at least the Lakers won three in a row. When was that anyways?

[jubai]

Congratulations on taking things in your own hands at 16. You seem to have a good handle of your health and how to improve it. Good job, grasshopper

I've been here before buddy, not long ago in fact. At 22 I was overwored, overstressed, and on nootropics (a lot of them).

After leaving my job and taking it cool for 3 months, my memory and cognitive functions are much better than before, and that's even WITHOUT nootropics.

As for supplements, you are on the right track with your change of food regimen. Food is the #1 staple, especially at your age.

I know we aren't supposed to give advice to minors, but since you are already on nootropics by your own saying, I will do my best to prevent you from harm (MODS EDIT MY POST IF NEEDED)

I would suggest a regimen based on natural foods and supplements, nothing too specific/hardcore at your age. I would also suggest NOT messing around with your neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotoning, GABA) right now. So if you were considering Deprenyl, Tyrosine for motivation, Phenibut for stress, 5-htp for sleep and the like, I suggest you step back NOW.


********

0- I would suggest lowering your marijuana consumption (making assumptions here ) haha.

1- The best thing you can do is to get 400$ and buy a real juice extractor, like the omega 8005 (I am not a vendor, just a satisfied consumer). To me, and especially in periods of stress, drinking the organic juice of 6-10 fruits vegetables 2x a day has been by FAR the best nootropic, memory booster and system enhancer for me and many of my friends.

2- Green Tea and Omega 3 (lots of them) for the win. (not supplements in my opinion)

3- Exercice. Cardio 3 times a week for the big win.

4- Piracetam is a mild CNS stressor and might actually stress you even more. WAIT to be in better shape (just wait to be 18) to try cholinergic nootropics. Honest.

5- Since you will probably keep taking it, Bacopa is good. Bacopa/Aswagandha/Rhodiola are all natural adaptogens who will enchance your memory, clarity, and resistance to stress, and are probably harmless at your age (as in, if you really want to take stuff, at least go in that safe and mild direction)
********

At 16 you should not be exhausted like this. You should have daily time to play, relax and have fun with girls. Meditation and cutting TV are excellent, of course. But do NOT feel as if you have to do everything right now. At your age (and all ages, really), the time spent BETWEEN activities is more important.

Just keep doing your meditation, relax, and enjoy life. Stop thinking in terms of performance, obligations, future jobs and pleasing your family. All these things will come by themselves if you can just wait, think, fast and relax.


Good luck, and come back with great results after the summer.
<

Edited by jubai, 23 May 2006 - 12:15 PM.

[Shepard]

Part of me is wondering exactly how stressed you can be to get 8-12 hours of sleep/day. I would definately consult a professional that won't immediately throw prescriptions your way (not necessarily a local doctor, I know first-hand how those can be).

[Brainbox]

Long term intake of Huperzine-A is something to avoid in particular.

Hint )

[zoolander]

I know that we all want to help this guy out but I think that

Bylaw A - ImmInst User Agreement & Disclaimer

Disclaimer: ImmInst cannot be held responsible for problems associated with any ideas or suggestions made and found in the forums and/or in any correspondence in association with ImmInst. All recommendations for supplement intake, bodily enhancement and/or augmentation, etc. should be considered with caution. Individuals are advised to seek advice from a qualified physician before acting upon any recommendations.

is pretty cut and dry.

[Shepard]

I know that we all want to help this guy out  but I think that

Bylaw A - ImmInst User Agreement & Disclaimer

Disclaimer: ImmInst cannot be held responsible for problems associated with any ideas or suggestions made and found in the forums and/or in any correspondence in association with ImmInst. All recommendations for supplement intake, bodily enhancement and/or augmentation, etc. should be considered with caution. Individuals are advised to seek advice from a qualified physician before acting upon any recommendations.

is pretty cut and dry.

Barring the fact that the person in question is a minor, isn't that what we do a lot of the time? Sure, some of us try to push lifestyle changes first, but it usually boils down to "take this and see what happens". I've never seen any regulation before regarding this type of thing.

Where does it specify that we don't give information to minors, anyway?

[Brainbox]

Furthermore, we should think of a way to find a better balance in this.

Why do we have to make this guy feeling even more neglected in his not very pleasant situation then he already is?

There’s a lot of space between recommending supplements on one end and stating that imminst cannot do anything because of regulatory issues on the other.

The first being out of order as we simply are not qualified, the latter being quite cold and technocratic.

Humanity?