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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ed_uk on January 10, 2005, at 3:12:57
Hi,
What are the best supplements/vitamins/herbs/nootropics for improving concentration and attention?
Please help!
Ed.
Posted by LOOPS on January 10, 2005, at 10:41:23
In reply to Concentration/Attention, posted by ed_uk on January 10, 2005, at 3:12:57
Hi -
Here is a VERY brief overview of some things I've tried. However in my opinion, get one of those multi brain formulas (e.g. Biosynergy Neuroclear is very good, also Source Naturals Mental Edge/Higher Mind), which have 'balanced' amounts of different brain aminos, vitamins and herbs etc. I found these the most useful.
fish oil - good all round brain support. Lots of people report feeling calmer and more focused (me one of them). Long-term brain support.
evening primrose oil - same as above, some people find it helpful taken with B6.
tyrosine/acetyl-n-tyrosine - dopamine precursor; increases drive and motivation. Some people use it as an anti-depressant. Taken on empty stomach. Careful not to take too much as lifts dopamine and could make you angry (I had this experience). Supports thyroid function.
DMAE (+ vitamin B5) - seems to increase motivation and reasoning/logic. Some people believe it increases intelligence. Dose depends on person - too much can cause stiff neck and argumentativeness.
ginkgo biloba - increases microcirculation. Good for general brain function.
acetyl-l-carnitine - increases energy/mental energy.
B vitamin complex - good for brain, circulation etc.
high dose vitamin C - acts as nootropic at high doses.picamilon - reduces anxiety (50mg) whilst acting as brain vasodilator - nootropic at higher doses (100mg).
It of course depends what impedes your concentration/attention to start with e.g. anxiety, apathy, hyperactiveness, lack of motivation/interest etc.
Loops
Posted by ed_uk on January 10, 2005, at 13:11:51
In reply to Re: Concentration/Attention, posted by LOOPS on January 10, 2005, at 10:41:23
Hey thanks loops,
I keep you updated on what I decide to get!
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by jujube on January 11, 2005, at 1:26:58
In reply to Re: Concentration/Attention, posted by ed_uk on January 10, 2005, at 13:11:51
Hi Ed!
Loops has given you very good sugestions. I would just like to add Enada NADH to the list. I also wanted to provide you with some web links where you will find information about NADH, Acetyl L-Carnitine and DMAE which you may find of interest.
I read on the main board about your school situation. If it is any consolation, you are a really smart guy and seem quite dedicated (if the research you do for queries on the main board is any indication). You are young yet, and I am sure that when you return to school, you will make a success of it.
Enada NADH
http://enada.bizland.com/memory.htm
http://nadh.speedylearning.com/
http://www.supplementconnection.com/101_txt/2110_03_NADH.html
http://www.nadh.com/site7/SYSact20.htm
Acetyl L-Carnitine
http://www.arond-thomasonline.com/template.asp?articleid=364&categoryid=176
http://www.prohealthnetwork.com/library/showarticle.cfm/id/3152/T/Both
http://www.cooperaerobics.com/archive/newsletters/032103_article03.asp
DMAE
http://www.attentionspan.net/neuro.html
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10023,00.html
http://www.dmae.org/herbal-remedies/DMAE/Research-on-DMAE
http://www.raysahelian.com/methyl.html
> Hey thanks loops,
>
> I keep you updated on what I decide to get!
>
> Regards,
> Ed.
Posted by Chairman_MAO on January 11, 2005, at 16:48:55
In reply to Concentration/Attention, posted by ed_uk on January 10, 2005, at 3:12:57
Try taking:
1) A -racetam (piracetam 70mg/kg, 800mg oxiracetam b.i.d.-t.i.d., or aniracetam 500mg q.d.-t.i.d.) +
2) Pyritinol (400mg t.i.d. or 600mg b.i.d. is best, get liver function tests above 300mg/day) +
3) A vasodialator (picamilon 50mg t.i.d. is a good start) +
4) a (modestly dosed) choline supplementThere are tons of other things with beneficial effects, but the above is what I "believe in".
Posted by LOOPS on January 11, 2005, at 20:11:54
In reply to Re: Concentration/Attention, posted by Chairman_MAO on January 11, 2005, at 16:48:55
Hello -
I have tried both piracetam and aniracetam. I find piracetam more overtly stimulating in the short-run, and aniracetam more subtle but longer-lasting. Piracetam makes me very creative and outgoing for about a couple of hours - moreso if combined with hydergine. Aniracetam makes me calm and focused, but not so creative or outgoing.
One word of warning - not that you will necessarily have this effect, but aniracetam even in quite small dosages (~200mg) acts as an antidepressant on me. If I take too much it makes me feel a bit 'wired'. Aniracetam seems to also mix very well with picamilon, at low dosages. Note also, these are more drug-like substances - they may be nootropics, but may also increase your need for vitamins like the Bs and C and choline, presumably as your brain burns through more to supplement its energy (? - simply speculation based on own experiences by the way).
These days I don't bother with either, and go with high dose fish oil and B complex with C. But then I am very moody and sensitive to any supplement which affects my 'balance'. It has taken me 2 years of experimenting with supplements to come to this conclusion.
Good luck with your supplements!
Loops
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