2 replies to this topic

[Ehvam]

I'm fairly new to nootropics and have been doing alot of reading lately trying to decide what to take and what effects they may have, good and bad. It occurred to me that before I take anything to enhance brain function, i.e. racetams etc, it would be a good idea to first provide my brain with everything it needs for optimal functioning. With that in mind I've been thinking of a sort of multi for the brain. A stack that provides the brain with everything it needs to remain healthy and to produce optimal levels of neurotransmitters, circulation, and energy.

I'm thinking its best to divide this into three categories minerals/vitamins, supplements and amino acids that act as precursors. The idea is to find stuff that can be taken long term, is safe and forms the building blocks on which other nootropics can then be added to later.

Here are some ideas so far
ALCAR/ALA
Phosphytidal serine
choline
dmae
phenylalanine
gaba
theanine
inositol
b1, b6, b12
tyrosine
coq10

obviously fish for epa/dha

some others I am considering:
nac
tmg
magnesium threonate
vinpocetine

Is this a good idea? what would you add? why? Again, this is to give the brain/body everything it needs to function at its best before adding herbs/racetams/prescription drugs for nootropic effects.
BTW I am a fairly new poster here, but long time lurker as I am still learning about this field of supplementation, but I would like to thank this community for all the hours and hours of reading and information provided by members. This is truly a gold mine of resources, and quite intimidating to see so many brilliant minds here.

PS, a bit of history here if it matters. I am mid 40s, in good health, no illneses- some bouts of depression and anxiety, but mostly resolved. I already take alcar/ala, coq10, fish oil, multi, exercise regularly, etc

Edited by Ehvam, 05 May 2013 - 04:27 PM.

[norepinephrine]

Even before supplements, you should build the foundation of your stack on a healthy diet and adequate rest. Foods like wild-caught fish, berries, omega-3 eggs, grass-fed beef, and plentiful fruits/vegetables are a good place to start, with 'functional foods' like matcha, cacao, kombucha, kefir, fresh veggie juice and green smoothies added on top of that. From there, supplement the extra stuff that is harder to come by - things like vitamin D, magnesium, (and if on a vegetarian diet or having a deficiency of intrinsic factor) B-12.

After that, I'd trial each of the supplements above and toss out whatever doesn't engender noticeable benefit. Take note, though - you have multiple choline sources listed above (DMAE, ALCAR, choline) and it's typically a good idea to stick with only one at a time to avoid choline overload.

Edited by norepinephrine, 05 May 2013 - 04:33 PM.

[Ehvam]

Thanks. I think I have most of that stuff down.. diet, exercise etc are pretty good and contain many of the things you describe.
I am a bit confused as to the alcar being a choline source. I thought it worked on increasing mitochondrial output. If it is a source of choline that puts me in a bit of a pickle, as I ordered the choline w Inositol. what would you take the alcar and the choline/inositol, or dmae? or just one of them?- if so, I'll stick to alcar as I think it works well for me.

hmmmm, now that I think of it, how does sam-e play into the choline cycle? I take that as well from time to time.

I tell you, learning this stuff is a good brain workout in and of itself.