5 replies to this topic

[Mindweaver]

Let me start by saying, that these passed few weeks are not my first attempts at using Nootropics to fix my "mental issues." About a year ago I used some as well, with good results. HOWEVER, I came to the realization that the more I worried about what I was taking, the more I would think about why I was taking it (depersonalization) which led to me obsessing over it. I think that without taking anything, my brain will still heal (if any damage was done in the first place) so I'm just really wondering...

I'm taking ALCAR, Piracetam, Alpha GPC/CDPCholine and Ashwagandha. IS IT WORTH IT? I'm 18, I have a whole life ahead of me for my brain to naturally plasticize, do any of these supplements actually have the potential to accelerate this process? If so, which is the -BEST BET-? I'm guessing ALCAR; because Piracetam is mainly for short-term (right?), the choline supplements are only used with the Piracetam, and Ashwagandha has no REAL proof of promoting NGF, while ALCAR actually has some long-term evidence behind it (right??).

Please, I know I've been posting a lot on this forum with what seem to be repetitive questions, but when it comes down to it I'm really just trying to look for the most & effective information possible.

I appreciate all the following posts.

[health_nutty]

Lithium has been shown to increase grey matter (at least in bipolar patients):
http://www.scienceda...70411090315.htm
Lithium shows promise in preventing alzheimer's:
http://www.scienceda...30522082611.htm

Bacopa has also been shown to have long term benefits (sorry I don't have the research handy).

AND, I hope it's not your final question!

[Guacamolium]

I would only drop alpha-GPC if it's not producing results. Personally, I never found a CDP/GPC combo to be more effective than taking one of them alone. I stick with GPC now and other people prefer CDP choline. They work upon the same metabolic pathways anyway. You're probably right in your intuition to stick with ALCAR, but it alone is very very subtle in its effects on the brain.

[babcock]

I would look into adding Lion's Mane in there. Keep ALCAR and ashwagandha. Piracetam and the Alpha GPC are more of what I would consider short-term or stimulating noots. Piracetam has not been shown to repair brain damage. I unfortunately can't answer this question to more of a full extent but over the next few weeks I'm going to try putting up more distilled research posts on various noot supps so that people can have a concise place to find info rather than browsing through a lot of anecdotal experiences. Stay tuned.

[Mindweaver]

Is ALCAR on its own really pretty unaffective? Should I keep the choline supplements (I normally do GPC one day, CDP the next and alternate) with ALCAR, and Ashwagandha at night like I've been doing? Is Lion's Mane really effective? Could Bacopa be a good addition?

Would this better suit me:

Morning/Afternoon:
Piracetam (to help potentiate the ALCAR and other compounds; if you disagree with this as a long-term enhancer, I can still use it on an as-need-basis)
ALCAR
GPC/CDP

Before Bed:
Ashwagandha
Lion's Mane
Bacopa

Do these herbs synergize? What kind of overall effect would they have?

In all honesty, my memory (short-term and long-term) are both pretty good, in comparison to how they were directly after DXM use. They're pretty much back to normal, and everyday I remember something new that I had previously forgotten, like my brain is rebuilding the connections that were damaged/lost. I know this is good news, but I do feel my visuo-spatial memory/sketchpad have taken a blow, and I'm really looking to repair any neuronal connections that were damaged in my hippocampus or other regions of the brain associated with this functioning. I'm guessing Piracetam really isn't all that needed, considering people use it as a replacement for caffeine and as a stimulant to enhance retained information and memory recall, should I cut it out? I'm really trying to narrow my stack down to things that I really can benefit from in the long term and whatever will help my overall brain health in the long run. Obviously I implement a good diet/exercise regime, so don't worry about suggesting that

EDIT: Can't edit my main post, I'm sure it won't be my last question..lol, I'm like a noot-information addict.

Edited by Guru, 25 June 2010 - 04:03 AM.

[chrono]

Whoever downrated the only person to actually link to papers, think about how you're using the rating system. I balanced that out.

Guru, we enjoy helping people out, but some of these questions are exactly the same as the other threads you've posted. Several of them have been answered very comprehensively, and repeatedly. I don't know what you're hoping to gain by asking them over and over. If you're that worried about how your brain is working, spend a little more time searching. Take notes. Typing site:imminst.org with a google search allows you to use google to get more relevant results.

Ashwagandha doesn't promote NGF, but works directly on neurons. See me and babcock's posts in this thread; some of it's technical, but we both sumarized the papers pretty well.

Again, ALCAR, ashwagandha and lion's mane are all good for what you're asking about. Bacopa has some neuroregenerative properties, but it's not that well studied. It's going to come down to whether it makes you tired or not. Ashwagandha can do this, as well.