March 31, 2013
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
The way I see it, there's two things you need to worry about when it comes to your brain:
1) Keep your precious neurons and brain tissue protected from damage (AKA “brain inflammation”);
2) Do everything you can to maximize your focus, IQ, acuity and mental productivity.
If you can nail this one-two combo, you'll not only beat brain fog and think more clearly, but you'll also be more intelligent, have more dynamic conversational prowess, enhance productivity, solve problems more quickly, tackle difficult situations more efficiently, and have a mind that operates the way it's supposed to – despite how many toxins, stressors and pollutants you encounter in your daily life.
Today, in this audio interview with mental nutrients expert Steven Fowkes, you're going to find out the best brain supplements and smart drugs to shut down brain inflammation and make you smarter, and you're also going to discover the hidden lifestyle triggers that could be making your brain sluggish and holding you back from your true mental potential.
During the interview, Steven tells us:
-what brain inflammation is and how it's caused…
-how we can protect our brains…
-how we can get smarter and increase IQ…
-the difference between natural supplements and “smart drugs”…
-the addictive potential and safety of smart drugs…
-what works BEST when it comes to supplements for getting smarter or enhancing focus…
-what would be considered “illegal” in sports…
-and much more!
Keep reading to listen now and to get access and links to the best brain-building resources…
Additional Brain Building Resources & Stuff We Talk About During This Podcast
If you dig this interview, I'd highly recommend:
-Several times per week, use the CNS Tap Test app to track nervous system performance and reaction time…
-Several times per week, use the N-Back phone app to track and build your IQ…
-When you have a bit of extra time on your hands, explore Quantified-Mind.com…
-This TianChi and SuperEssential Fish Oil brain supplements pack, used every day…
-A vitamin B complex mixed with antioxidants, used every day (the one I use is called “Lifeshotz”)…
-One to two shots of trace liquid minerals every morning…
-If you're a hard-charging athlete, have a protein deficient diet, or you're vegan/vegetarian, consider adding in essential amino acids at 5-10 capsules per day….
–Take 500-1000mg Aniracetam combined with 1-2g Phosphatidylcholine, used sparingly before high mental demanding activities…
-If you really want to get serious, look into the pharmaceutical drug “Deprenyl” that Steven recommends during our talk, which he refers to as a “neuroendocrine resensitizer” (AKA “Selegiline”)
-Explore any of Steven Fowkes' books on Amazon…
-Steven's Google Tech Talk on “Nutrients For Better Mental Performance” video (watch below):
[leadplayer_vid id=”5158A732B2A97″]
Questions, comments or feedback about the best brain supplements and smart drugs to shut down brain inflammation? Leave your thoughts below!
Ben,
What are your thoughts on a slow transition from antidepressants to some of your products? I’ve been wanting to slowly come off mine for quite sometime, obviously with the guidance of my psychiatrist, and I was curious as to what supplements you would recommend to help?
Thanks and I love your blogs! You’re terrific!
You must taper of antidepressants very slowly (e.g. 3/4 for a few days, then 1/2, then 1/4, then 1/8, etc. Otherwise withdrawal symptoms are nasty. In the meantime, if it were ME, in addition to limiting caffeine and alcohol, getting plenty of sunshine, and starting into a yoga or tai chi practice, I'd use the following:
TianChi mid morning
Inner Peace mid afternoon
NatureCBD in evening
That's it! I'm not a doctor, so it's important you do this in conjunction in with your primary care practitioner.
Hi, what are the best nootropics for intense reading and recall retention?
I use BrainSmart Ultra as my brain supplement of choice . – Works fast and is really great for helping me get through the nightmare that is final Law exams .Comes from London England but gets to me in San Diego in 3 or 4 days Awesome .
TC (San Diego)
I'm actually quite boggled he would recommend something like depranyl, with is basically a sympathomemtic stimulant. I understand upregulating dopamine (or inhibition of re-uptake), but the methamphetamine metabolites do not make it worth it. I think you were digging at him on the "addictive" potential here, but he didn't bite.
For a guy into nootropics, I'm surprised he didn't mention modafinil.
All in all, doesn't make my want to buy any of his books, but Ben, I appreciate your comments on use of racetams occasionally for public speaking engagements. Podcasts are always enlightening.
Good feedback, Mike. Thanks…
l could not help but to think about the scene in " There's something about Mary"when his buddy said the only time a man could think straight was after an orgasm ,, and how he needed to unload his gun before his date ,,, hilarious scene but I guess there is some truth to it ;-)
This was a great informative podcast and some very insightful comments posted here. Thank you all for the great information. I was wondering if anyone knows of good, safe places where these things can be purchased. Ben mentioned Dave Asprey's Upgraded Brain as a source of Aniracetam, but that is unavailable right now. Also, any thoughts on dosage size of smart drugs?
For those of you unable to get the smart drug Anirecatam off Dave Asprey's website, here is Amazon link: http://ow.ly/jJay7.
For dosing, read Steven Fowkes book. I go 750-1500mg Aniracetam.
In the info above it states:
-Take 500-1000mg Aniracetam combined with 1-2g Phosphatidylcholine, used sparingly before high mental demanding activities…
Does this mean you should not take Aniracetam daily as a general supplement? In addition, is Phosphatidylcholine the same as the regular Choline referred to on other podcast and in the Perfect Health Diet?
I take it about once every 2 weeks.And I get my choline from eggs, walnuts, TianChi, etc.Ben
Interesting conversation. Like others here, I am extremely leery of self-medicating with pharmaceuticals. Two books I've recently read tackle some of the same issues but in a different way: Power Foods for the Brain by Neal Barnard and The Ultramind Solution by Mark Hyman. Everyone agrees on B vitamins, but the research on minerals and Alzheimer's is thought provoking.
Glad you enjoyed Power Foods for the Brain. We recently interviewed the author on the podcast Smart Drug Smarts, you might find it interesting: http://smartdrugsmarts.com/dr-neal-barnard-advises-a-plant-based-diet/
In a couple of weeks, we’ll also have an episode with John Morgenthaler — co-author of the book Smart Drugs II.
It seems we can increase brain efficiency and functionality but I doubt you can target precise functions like better speech. Most of the brains electrical signals are to relate the entire body to gravity. If anything, smart drugs will probably make you a better gymnast or be able to transition from swimming to biking better. I have been on about 25 different drugs to try to slow my brain down and prevent seizures and then even psychosis. I used to work out all the time, never sleep, and be smart. At 33 Anti-Seizure drugs fried my memory, made me lazy, and fried my IQ. I still run marathons and do triathlons, but slow. And yea, I think there are things out there that can have worse effect on our brains, like mercury, lead, chlorine… Just my 2 cents, keep podcasting
Brain Function Expert, Arlene Taylor personally uses EnerPrime for detoxing at a cellular level (brain cells included) which assists in better, deeper sleep. She uses delta-E for focus and concentration as well as memory. Her brain function classes are in-depth and should be attended by every parent and teacher to understand our children's brain leads and learning style needs! She is awesome!
To my knowledge all of the studies done on creatine used creatine (this site sums of the nootropic, study-backed benefits well: http://www.nootropics.me/w/nootropics-list/creati… , and a good list of pubmed studies on CM can be found in the first post of this thread: http://www.mindandmuscle.net/forum/37453-creatine… , ). I looked into whether the benefits also applied to other forms of creatine but didn't come up with anything. I imagine the water weight gain associated with CM would be a concern for a lot of triathletes.
I originally heard about the use of CM as a nootropic and defense again neuro-degeneration via Tim Ferriss. He says he takes 5mg/day as an 'insurance' against neuro-illness as it runs in his family. In my case, I notice a very large increase in mental performance and for that reason I plan on taking it indefinitely.. it's all about the brain!
sorry, that was supposed to say 'all of the studies used creatine monohydrate'
nice thanks!
I'm surprised that there was no mention of creatine monohydrate.. I haven't experienced anything to comes close when it comes to long-term mental performance enhancement. It also lowers probability for things like Alzheimers, which I thing is the best indicator of a healthy nootropic.
Jordan…tell me more! I mentioned that Josh Whiton talked about this in https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/2013/03/what-…
What form of creatine has research shown to be helpful for this mental performance enhancement?
Jordan , anyone, can you direct me to the science on this? Thx
Tiger
This was some of the worst sort of charlatanism and quackery. But, thanks for the podcast which did provoke some thoughts.
Fowkes's comments about the safety of the pharmaceuticals he mantions were frankly mind-boggling.
For a review of some of his claims see http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/ste…
Jim, I read both articles and would have to say (from personal experience only) that I agree with most of Steven's recommendations which I've actually tried. Ketosis, Vitamin C for hangovers, avoiding bread and commercial dairy, etc.
Regarding the safety of pharmaceuticals, I can't speak to that. I will try to get Steven to give his thoughts here…
Hi Ben, Thanks for your reply. I agree that there were some "nuggets" in there that have validity – some of which I use too now having heard them before via your excellent work.
I just felt some of the reasoning given was a bit – how do you say – "woo woo" and that the areas around the pharmaceuticals were particularly weak and dangerous.
Many thanks,
Jim
Sciencebasedmedicine.org is anything but. a quack website that shills for every main stream establishment treatment (the ones that cure nothing and have you on medications the rest of your life, to reduce symptoms and make a fortune. There is not one single establishment treatment that they dont love. Nor is there even one alternative treatment that they dont dismiss as a ripoff and waste of money