nootropics-motivation-reddit

Hacking Motivation with Nootropics

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
12 minute read

best-nootropics-for-motivation

Are you stuck in a career that doesn’t inspire you? Or a relationship that doesn’t excite you? Or a lifestyle that doesn’t fulfill you?

Of the many excuses and issues for this complacency, one problem that surfaces the most is lack of motivation.

To make matters even worse – lack of motivation to change things that could make your life better often end up making you feel guilty and depressed.

And if left unchecked, a slow but steady spiral into long-term guilt, poor self-esteem and ongoing depression.

So what can you do to boost motivation? And where does that energy come from? That’s what we’re going to explore in this post.

We each have a limited amount of time on this planet. And no matter what stage you are in life. Realize this body will not live forever. It’s time to take back control. And learn how to change up the things you can change to create the life that you want to live.

This is where nootropics may be able to step in. And provide the brain food you need to steer you on a new path. Toward the things you want to achieve.

The Neuroscience of Motivation

Dopamine and Motivation

Researchers have long known that the neurotransmitter dopamine is involved in pleasure and reward. More dopamine in your brain results in feelings of greater pleasure. And the presence of dopamine in your brain pushes you to seek this ‘reward’ of pleasure. 

But researchers have recently discovered that dopamine also regulates motivation.

Dopamine provides the initiative and perseverance
needed to go after what is important to you.

In 2012, a team at Universitat Jaume I of Castellón changed the thinking and prevailing theory on dopamine. Mercè Correa said, “It was believed that dopamine regulated pleasure and reward and that we release it when we obtain something that satisfies us.

But in fact, the latest scientific evidence shows that this neurotransmitter acts before that. It actually encourages us to act. In other words, dopamine is released in order to achieve something good or to avoid something evil.”[i]supplements-for-motivation-and-energy

Dopamine levels vary by individual. Some people are more persistent than others when going after goals. Which you’ve likely noticed in the people around you when it comes to athletics, school and work.

Those with higher dopamine levels get more done.

Dopamine helps you to maintain the level of activity needed for what you intend. Whether it’s positive or negative. Depending on what you’re after. The goal to be a good student, or to abuse drugs.

High levels of dopamine could also explain the behavior of sensation-seekers because they are motivated to act. You see this in extreme sports. Or wildly successful musical performances.

Correa went on to say, “Depressed people do not feel like doing anything and that’s because of low dopamine levels”.

This lack of energy and motivation is also related to several debilitating health problems. Often associated with mental fatigue. Diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.

supplements-for-lack-of-motivation

Slacker or Go-Getter

Another study by a team at Vanderbilt University used a PET scan to map the brains of go-getters and slackers. And they found that those willing to work for rewards had higher levels of dopamine in the two areas of the brain known to be involved in motivation and reward (striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex).

On the other hand, slackers had higher dopamine levels in an area of the brain called the anterior insula. This area is involved in emotion and risk perception.

This last observation came as a complete surprise to researchers. Because more dopamine in the insula is associated with a reduced desire to work. Even if it means earning less money.[ii]

Glutamate AMPA-Receptors and Motivation

nootropic-stack-like-adderallTurns out that dopamine is not the only neurotransmitter involved in motivation. In 2014, researchers discovered that glutamate neurons in a specific region of your brain (dorsal raphe nucleus) activate dopamine neurons in the dopamine-reward pathway.

Glutamate receptors are associated with neural communication, memory formation and learning. When glutamate AMPA-receptors in this area of the brain (dorsal raphe nucleus) are stimulated. It ends up activating the dopamine reward system.[iii]

The researchers followed this pathway all the way through using special tracers and labeling compounds.

The reward (or motivation) pathway starts with stimulation of glutamate AMPA-receptors that connect to dopamine neurons. Which in turn follows the pathway to the nucleus accumbens. The brain structure linked to motivation, pleasure and reward.

The Motivation Missing Link in Nootropics

Common wisdom in nootropic circles (so far) advise us to boost dopamine to hack motivation. It is true that as dopamine levels rise in the nucleus accumbens (reward pathway), motivation, pleasure and reward are all affected.

But this same common wisdom would have you believe that if you boost overall dopamine levels in your brain, you’ll increase motivation. And it’s just not true.

In fact, if you increase dopamine levels too much, excess dopamine converts to norepinephrine. You get irritable and can’t sleep.

The missing link in this dopamine → reward → motivation pathway are glutamate AMPA-receptors.

Rather than boosting overall dopamine levels and hoping for the best. We need to encourage stimulation of glutamate AMPA-receptors to in turn, fire up dopamine neurons. And send dopamine on its way to the nucleus accumbens.

nootropics-motivation-reddit

Best Nootropics for Motivation

We know that dopamine is critical to motivation. In the lab, researchers have demonstrated that without enough dopamine, rats starve themselves to death. Despite having access to food.[iv]

But in our world it’s doubtful that you have problems with motivation to eat. Or drag yourself out of bed in the morning. So basic dopamine levels are likely not an issue.

But what about changing course in an unfulfilling career? Or getting started on that book you want to write? Or plowing through boring and tedious work that’s just part of the job?

To successfully tweak and boost motivation, you need to address the efficiency of the dopamine – motivation pathway. And this is where many of the racetam nootropics come to the rescue.

Here’s a brief list of the most potent nootropics that we’ve discovered so far that will boost motivation. First on this list is ensuring we have enough dopamine available because it’s an integral part of the dopamine – motivation system.  The rest of this list of nootropics are supplements that can influence your glutamate AMPA-receptors. And modulate the effectiveness of the main neurotransmitters that affect the motivation pathway in your brain.

  • Iodine – This essential trace element combines with tyrosine to form thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroid hormones affect every cell in your brain and body. Within your brain, T4 is converted to T3 by selenium which then affects gene expression controlling metabolism within cells. And activates dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.[vi]
      It’s highly unlikely that you’ll see Iodine on any nootropic list to boost motivation. But a malfunctioning thyroid which is often caused by not enough iodine results in poor cognition, difficulty learning, problems with recall, depression, anxiety and certainly a lack of motivation.
  • Nefiracetam – This fat-soluble racetam nootropic is structurally similar to Aniracetam. Nefiracetam increases the amount of time calcium channels in neurons remain open. Enhancing signaling in the pathway critical for long-term potentiation and forming long-term memories.
     
    Nefiracetam also potentiates protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) which is involved in long-term potentiation (LTP).[vii] PKCα is dependent on glutamate signaling. And Nefiracetam activates Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) which is critical in memory formation.[viii] Again dependent on glutamate signaling. Remember, glutamate signaling fires dopamine neurons which leads to a boost in motivation.
  • Noopept – This peptide-derived nootropic related to the racetam-family, Noopept increases BDNF, stimulates dopamine, nicotinic and serotonin receptors.[ix] Boosting energy, cognition, memory, logical thinking, mood and motivation.
     
    Noopept also boosts Alpha and Beta brain wave You become calmer and more creative. It’s easier to go into a flow state. And you are prone to making innovative and resourceful decisions.
  • Oxiracetam – This water-soluble ampakine nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds modulates AMPA receptors.[x] Oxiracetam increases acetylcholine And boosts ATP synthesis in brain cells.
     
    Oxiracetam significantly improves cognition, memory, sensory perception, reflexes and motivation.
  • Phenylpiracetam – This water-soluble nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds is known for its stimulatory effects. It increases the density of acetylcholine (ACh), NMDA, GABA and dopamine receptors in the brain.[xi] More receptors mean more binding sites for neurotransmitters that affect memory formation, cognition, sleep, mood and motivation.
     
    Similar to Noopept, Phenylpiracetam has been shown in clinical studies to affect Alpha and Beta brain waves. And like Ritalin or Adderall, this nootropic increases the effectiveness of dopamine in your brain. Increasing alertness, decision-making capability, cognition and motivation.
  • Piracetam – The first racetam ever developed, this nootropic modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors.[xii] And boosts the flow of acetylcholine (ACh), sensitivity and density of ACh receptors in your brain.
     
    Piracetam also boosts cerebral blood flow. Delivering more oxygen and nutrients to neurons. Improving neural signaling, cognition, memory, focus and motivation.
  • Pramiracetam – A derivative of and more potent than Piracetam, Pramiracetam stimulates choline uptake in your brain. And has a profound effect on the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).[xiii] Boosting energy levels, providing focused stimulation for better mental drive and motivation.
  • Resveratrol – Resveratrol is a polyphenol that some plants produce in response to stress, such as injury or fungal infection. Recent research shows this polyphenol works like an ampakine nootropic in the brain.
     
    Resveratrol is an inhibitor of enzyme PDE4 (Phosphodiesterase-4).[xiv] Studies demonstrate that when you inhibit PDE4, you raise levels of cAMP in the brain. cAMP-dependent pathways in the brain activate AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase).
     
    Inhibiting PDE4 and boosting cAMP also makes the effect of normal dopamine production more effective. Boosting processes in this stream of chemical pathways in the brain increases learning, memory and motivation.
  • Rhodiola Rosea – In Russia, Rhodiola Rosea is widely used as a remedy for fatigue, poor concentration, and decreased memory. It’s also believed to make workers more productive. Research shows Rhodiola can increase attention to detail-oriented tasks by improving concentration over a prolonged period. The ideal study nootropic.
     
    Rhodiola Rosea stimulates your nervous system to fight fatigue that stifles mental clarity. And studies show it even saves injured neurons. And encourages the growth and development of brain cells (neurogenesis).[xv]
     
    Any kind of fatigue you experience – regardless of source – Rhodiola Rosea is like your “magic bullet”. Mood, energy, stamina, concentration and motivation can all increase with a dose of this herb.
  • Sulbutiamine – Synthesized in the lab from Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Sulbutiamine is another favorite of mine because it boosts memory, motivation and is a heck of an antidepressant.
     
    Thiamine is essential for producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).[xvi] ACh is used to relay messages between neurons in your brain. And is critical for cognition, learning, memory and motivation.

Final Notes on Motivation

If you’ve ever felt mentally drained after writing an exam, an intense study session, a misunderstanding with your partner, or working out a business problem – select 2 – 3 nootropics from the list above for your nootropic stack.

Or save some time and money and get a bottle of Mind Lab Pro® which contains an effective dose of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine to raise dopamine levels in your brain. As well as Rhodiola Rosea which is widely used as a remedy for a lack of motivation, fatigue, poor concentration, and decreased memory.

And if a lack of energy is holding you back, try a bottle of Performance Lab® Energy which helps your brain produce the fuel it needs for better motivation

Energy and motivation go hand-in-hand.

When I’m energized, it usually translates into motivation to get things done. When energy stores are depleted in my brain and body, I’m burned out and nothing much is going to happen.

Mental fatigue has a variety of causes. Depleted neurotransmitters can cause fatigue as well as a host of other issues. A lack of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) which is the energy source for brain cells is another cause of mental fatigue. And leads to neurodegenerative disease.

Hormones that are out of balance can cause fatigue. And poor cerebral circulation which provides oxygen and nutrients to brain cells can result in fatigue.

The amount of available mental energy in your brain has a direct influence on your cognitive performance.

So now that you know how the motivation pathway works in your brain. Add two or three of the nootropics suggested in this post. Or just get some Mind Lab Pro® and Performance Lab® Energy. And instead of feeling guilty for being a slacker, join the go-getters who are living life to the fullest.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] Correa M., Salamone J.D. “THE MYSTERIOUS MOTIVATIONAL FUNCTIONS OF MESOLIMBIC DOPAMINE” Neuron 2012 Nov 8; 76(3): 470–485. (source)

[ii] Treadway T.T. et. Al. “Dopaminergic Mechanisms of Individual Differences in Human Effort-Based Decision-Making” The Journal of Neuroscience, 2 May 2012, 32(18):6170-6176 (source)

[iii] Qi J., Zhang S., Wang H.L., Wang H., de Jesus Aceves Buendia J., Hoffman A.F., Lupica C.R., Seal R.P., Morales M. “A glutamatergic reward input from the dorsal raphe to ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons.” Nature Communications. 2014 Nov 12;5:5390. (source)

[iv] Berridge K.C., Robinson T.E. “What is the role of dopamine in reward: hedonic impact, reward learning, or incentive salience?” Brain Research; Brain Research Reviews. 1998 Dec;28(3):309-69. (source)

[v] Testa B., Mayer J.M. (1 August 2003). Hydrolysis in Drug and Prodrug Metabolism. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 109–. ISBN 978-3-906390-25-3. (source)

[vi] Peterson A.L., Gilman T.L., Banks M.L., Sprague J.E. “Hypothyroidism alters striatal dopamine release mediated by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy).” Synapse. 2006 Apr;59(5):317-9. (source)

[vii] Malenka R.C., Kauer J.A., Perkel D.J., Nicoll R.A. “The impact of postsynaptic calcium on synaptic transmission — its role in long-term potentiation” Trends in Neurosciences Volume 12, Issue 11, p444–450, 1989 (source)

[viii] Moriguchi S., Han F., Shioda N., Yamamoto Y., Nakajima T., Nakagawasai O., Tadano T., Yeh JZ, Narahashi T., Fukunaga K. “Nefiracetam activation of CaM kinase II and protein kinase C mediated by NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors in olfactory bulbectomized mice.” Journal of Neurochemistry. 2009 Jul;110(1):170-81 (source)

[ix] Ostrovskaya R.U., Gudasheva T.A., Zaplina A.P., Vahitova J.V., Salimgareeva M.H., Jamidanov R.S., Seredenin S.B. “Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampus.”Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2008 Sep;146(3):334-7. (source)

[x] Copani A., Genazzani A.A., Aleppo G., Casabona G., Canonico P.L., Scapagnini U., Nicoletti F. “Nootropic drugs positively modulate alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-sensitive glutamate receptors in neuronal cultures.” Journal of Neurochemistry. 1992 Apr;58(4):1199-204. (source)

[xi] Firstova Y.Y., Abaimov D.A., Kapitsa I.G., Voronina T.A., Kovalev G.I. “The effects of scopolamine and the nootropic drug phenotropil on rat brain neurotransmitter receptors during testing of the conditioned passive avoidance task” Neurochemical Journal June 2011, Volume 5, Issue 2, pp 115-125 (source)

[xii] Stoll L., Schubert T., Müller W.E. “Age-related deficits of central muscarinic cholinergic receptor function in the mouse: partial restoration by chronic piracetam treatment.” Neurobiology of Aging. 1992 Jan-Feb;13(1):39-44. (source)

[xiii] Brust P. “Reversal of scopolamine-induced alterations of choline transport across the blood-brain barrier by the nootropics piracetam and pramiracetam.” Arzneimittelforschung. 1989 Oct;39(10):1220-2. (source)

[xiv] Li Y.F., Cheng Y.F., Huang Y., Conti M., Wilson S.P., O’Donnell J.M., Zhang H.T. “Phosphodiesterase-4D knock-out and RNA interference-mediated knock-down enhance memory and increase hippocampal neurogenesis via increased cAMP signaling.” Journal of Neuroscience. 2011 Jan 5;31(1):172-83 (source)

[xv] Panossian A., Wikman G., Sarris J. “Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy.” Phytomedicine. 2010 Jun;17(7):481-93. (source)

[xvi] Martin P.R., Singleton C.K., Hiller-Sturmhofel S. “The Role of Thiamine Deficiency in Alcoholic Brain Disease” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism nih.gov Retrieved April 7, 2016 (source)

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Join The Discussion - 124 comments

Deni
January 26, 2019

Hi David,

At age 4 months my son had menigacoccal meningitis, its very difficult to say as he was so young, but he slept very well and was very calm baby prior to this, from hospital he seemed unsettled and didn’t sleep very well, this has continuied throughout his life and at age 29 years, we are finally trying to get a diagnosis, as this type of disease, (we have read) can cause ABI, Associated Brain Injury. He is having tests, and they have currently diagnosed him with PTSD, psychiatrist has admitted he doesn’t know anything about ABI! We are in the UK.

Basically, the meningitis was found in the later stages, after rash had appeared, doctors at the time said he made a good recovery and appeared fine but would definately be left with something, possibly learning difficulties, he was watched closely and this didn’t appear to happen, he started walking at 9 months, talking very quickly and academically did not struggle in fact the opposite, he learns quickly and has good intelligence, however he does suffer greatly with poor sleep, which has never recovered, and has symptoms of apathy, low motivation, at times very intravert and gets frustrated easily and although he tries to manage it he is aware that being around him you get a sense that he is very agitated and this can appear quite quickly, he can be in conversation with you and will become agitated.

I am trying to keep this as brief as possible, but I am wondering if any of the nootropics could be a good place to start, or are his symptoms and lack of diagnosis to vague to suggest a starting place for supplementation.

I am happy to research further if you think I should.

Many thanks
Deni.

    David Tomen
    January 26, 2019

    Deni, I have no easy answer or suggestions for you because there is no way to really know exactly what is causing these symptoms. Especially at a relatively young age.

    Carefully experimenting with different nootropic supplements is the only way to find out what may work. If he is experiencing ‘agitation’ I would start with something calming like Aniracetam and Sulbutiamine. But following dosage recommendations carefully.

    Agitation is often caused by excess norepinephrine so I’d stay away at least initially with any nootropic that directly boosts dopamine.

    For sleep, please see my post here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-sleep/

Aleksandar
January 2, 2019

David,

What do you think about this content (all these are in one product, plus solid vitamin and mineral doses, daily serving – 8 capsules)? Recommendation is to split it in two daily doses. My golas in dopamine (and less serotonin) boost, focus and motivation.

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine – 500 mg
DMAE – 200 mg
Gotu Kola – 200 mg
Bacopa – 100 mg
Rhodiola – 100 mg
Gingko – 60 mg
NAC – 250 mg
ALA – 100 mg
Inositol – 200 mg
Choline Bitartate – 500 mg

Thanks

    David Tomen
    January 2, 2019

    Aleksandar, this stack is OK. Wonder why they use Choline Bitartrate and not Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. It’s likely because of cost. But the rest of the stack is fairly well-balanced.

ammie
December 31, 2018

im looking for a combination notropics for motivation!! low energy, low self esteem…..looking for a reply…to get off antidepressant meds.

    David Tomen
    December 31, 2018

    Ammie, you’ll have a difficult time increasing your energy levels and self esteem as long as you using antidepressants. You could try 2 or 3 supplements mentioned in this post as long as they are not contraindicated with whatever meds you’re taking. Or try a pre-made stack like Mind Lab Pro.

    But it’s an uphill battle while using antidepressants because they are so powerful.

Laura
October 2, 2018

David, You’re motivation hack guide is great! but where do I start? Lifetime of low motivation…which Racetam first? I’m 60, I want to break the ‘slow steady spiral into long-term guilt, poor self-esteem and ongoing depression.’ I tried l-acetyl-cartinine seemed to make me very negative.

    David Tomen
    October 3, 2018

    Laura, one nootropic will not do it for boosting something like motivation. You’ll likely need a stack of several supplements to get where you want to go. But where to start …

    If ALCAR didn’t work for you then it isn’t for you. And I wouldn’t suggest starting with one of the racetams either if you are just getting started. Please see this post I wrote on the “aging brain” here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/

    I suggest starting with the fundamentals. A high quality multivitamin like Performance Lab Whole-Food Multi for women. Magnesium, iodine, and a bio-identical B-Complex supplement.

    Then try something to boost dopamine like L-Tyrosine and something to boost serotonin like L-Tryptophan.

    Follow the dosage suggestions for each of these which you’ll find in the individual reviews on Nootropics Expert. See how you feel in a couple of weeks. Then check back and we’ll go from there.

    Keep in mind that you have 60 years of wear and tear and whatever other health issues you may be dealing with. Possibly even undiagnosed issues you may not be aware of. It will take some time and dedicated effort to get your brain healthy before you should even consider boosting anything.

james
June 19, 2018

Hello david i was just wondering if you could point me in the right direction of a list of nootropics that can help with alcohol addiction i am trying to form a supplment that help people withdraw i have been studying nootropics for alcoholic addiction for 18 months phenibut is dangerous if you have problems with addiction

    David Tomen
    June 19, 2018

    James, I haven’t spent much time in research on nootropics for addiction and withdrawal. However, I just wrote a review for PEA here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/phenylethylamine/. Some neurohackers reported PEA helped them quit Phenibut and caffeine.

    And I agree that Phenibut is a very bad idea. Anything that could potentially invite dependence would not work.

    I suggest you do some research on exactly how and why addiction forms in the brain. Find out what it does and how it works. Then look for nootropic supplements that could help whatever that is. See how PEA works and it may give you some ideas on the direction to go.

Debbie
February 6, 2018

Hi David,

Thank you for giving me hope again! Know will not be an overnight fix, but sharing your own story has helped me to not lose faith. Believe we’ve shared similar challenges.
And reminded me about thyroid health, lost track of for sure. Yes, Nature Throid, took for 1.5 yrs, compounded to meet my needs & worked wonders! Not with pain, I still believe 100% is nerve damage caused by mercury(47.0). Mercury disrupts NAC needed by liver for conversion process, & leads to breakdown of mylin sheath resulting in nerve damage & pain, believe is how was explained to me keeping in mind my memory is way below par. Thanks for including info about thyroid health & iodine, I lost sight of this.
The “light bulb” came on, bet I have 3 issues causing all of this; metal & toxin stores, poor thyroid health & long term affects from using strong pain meds. And now I wonder if monthly injectable for pain causing prob’s too?
If so, will deal with for now, 16 wks nearly pain free has been beyond wonderful. Will start with my thyroid, willing to bet is a contributing factor to my recent and rapid cognitive decline, thick fog, inability to get anything done, difficulty speaking & remembering words. I will begin as you recommended, not familiar with iron but will do some research. I’ve modeled my stack after yours with exception of Mind Lab Pro due to cost right now, initial investment huge & waiting on Iodoral, Sulbutiamine,
Vinpocetine, PS, B8 and B9 to arrive. I take LE B-Complex 2 x’s day, only brand works for me or get cracks corner of mouth which is classic symptom of B deficiency. But since my depression is palpable, felt extra Folate & Inositol may help to combat the blues. Had already purchased a few items and was trying different stacks a few weeks prior to stumbling upon your site. Have Alpha GPC and Citicoline which alternate. Did order CDP Choline in powder form as is more economical, 3rd party tested, GPC & 14 yrs in business. Eat super clean, make a priority & same with supplements, not worth it to scrimp end up with questionable products of poor quality. Did follow your lead, increased DHA & tbsp virgin coconut oil 3 x’s day. Had Aniracetam purchased yrs ago at LE, didn’t know was a racetam! Still have half bottle & even though expired seems to be working, it replaced Adrifinal used in prior stack. And 100 mg Phenylpiracetam, bought 7.5 grms prior to finding your site. Been taking NAT-caps, NAC in liquid
form & NAL Cysteine caps all along, 200mg LE SAMe blister packed 3 x’s day (mercury causes prob’s with SAMe). Added L-Theanine 100mg 2 x’s day & love! Added L Dopa & Bacopa, just started. And started back on 5-HTP, 100mg day. Found bottle of Adrenal Support never finished, contains Ashwaganda, Rhodiola, Basil & Macca Root – time will tell. So far, believe this will be a good stack for me along with Ritalin hope to get soon. I take 150 mg liquid magnesium in my morning juice with 100mg liquid selenium. Get rest of magnesium from food & topically from quality spray. Take extra C but do eat a lot of fruit & produce, nuts & seeds. Try to eat clean, no processed or fast food. One step and one day at a time! But know must get a thyroid panel done asap. Thanks David!

Debbie
February 5, 2018

Hi David, I agree with all recommendations 100%. I will need to purchase your book when something improves financially, trying to rent out spare bedroom. In very serious trouble, procrastinated much too long but never expected to lose over 50% of my biz in such a short amount of time. May try disability, although Clinician at Henderson said no way due to the use of pain meds. I know type of Dr I need, must be member of; Acadamy of Anti-Aging Medicine, is where the functional not conventional Dr’s are found, to avoid Rockefeller Med School mentality designed to feed the drug co’s at the expense of our health as we know most often the cycle never ends & not being treated to actually correct health issues. It’s so sad how many people don’t understand most all health problems are caused by poor nutrition, imbalances and deficiencies. And exactly why I feel as though I hit the brain lotto finding your site, exactly what I needed to continue down the wellness trail! Yes, know am hypothyroid, & know better, but too many issues, $ prob’s, ran out of liquid Lugol’s but didn’t replace, shame on me. Ordered Iodoral Sat. I can get a thyroid panel done through Life Extension for $78 without seeing a Dr. When get results back can request to review with an LE Dr, they are all functional MD’s, helped me last time. But back then had insurance & life was easier, was able to get ??? same as Armour but better & can’t remember name but was compounded dessicated swine thyroid. I’m not able to do this now, am lucky to have utilities on! I wonder if iodine and N Acetyl Tyrosine will be enough for my thyroid to heal and for my T3 and T4 to readjust? I understand can’t give me health advice but your opinion on this?

It’s unreal how different I am now, as if in another person’s body, as if I’m gone! I let everything go but almost didn’t care as all crumbled around me, maybe because it was just too much at once and dealing with tolerance & true severe pain issues. I can only hope the damage caused by the mercury, lead & fluorilisic acid…bromide, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum & God knows what else, can only pray not permanent as I’ve read. I believe the body has an amazing ability to heal with proper nutrition & if address deficiencies. I learned the hard way not to chelate mercury on my own ever again! Not with such high levels, found myself in a terrible health crisis. I followed Dr Brown’s iodine detox protocol with Lugol’s 50 mg per day, but ended up with chronic fatigue so bad, slept for 20 hrs straight, many times, my Tenitus got worse & could barely formulate a sentence, scary! And prior to that was using high quality Chlorella powder to remove mercury but believe my levels are too high & unable to chelate as most others can, and should use chelators once a week to remove any toxin stores to prevent accumulation. When cross that line and body can no longer correct or keep at “bay” toxic assualt (lack of glutathione I believe but you would know better) all of a sudden you have symptoms never had prior, health begins to deteriorate. Traditional Dr’s search for a label then a drug to match, and so many are weirdly interchangeable & must wonder how that can be!
I’ve been fed so many CRAP med’s over past decade. And you are correct, these drugs over time can cause other problems, & some side affects can be
devastating. Anti depressant meds some of the worst. I’ve fired sooo many Dr’s, you must really watch your back. I went through a terrible bout with reflux for 8 Mo’s & will never forget a $300 specialist told me to get the Enterex procedure done, coat inside of esophagus with plastic to avoid heartburn, when 5 min prior said I have no heartburn, didn’t even listen to me! A few months later FDA banned procedure, ppl were dying left and right. My advice to everyone, do your homework. I was first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. In my humble opinion just a name or label for pain when no apparent cause. Didn’t accept the label, pain happens for a reason, it’s your body telling you there’s a problem.

Glad to hear you don’t have issues filling Ritalin. I have gone without as well, not a year as you did, but I know that I need it, and eventually will find the best Dr to help me. I want to thank you again for caring, for giving back. I will be sharing your site with friends and family, no need to go anywhere else to learn about Nootropics, hands down you’re the true expert! Hope I didn’t overstep with sharing, it’s been a long haul & never know when can help another, just as you are!

    David Tomen
    February 5, 2018

    Debbie, thank you for sharing our story. I know many others will be able to relate. And it will give them hope.

    For your thyroid, and until you can get Armour, NP Thyroid or Nature-Throid you can help your thyroid with iodine, NALT, selenium, magnesium and possibly iron.

    I found fibromylagia finally went away after I got my T3 levels in check. That took about 3 years of consistent trial and error. And nature taking its course and fixing things that needed to be fixed.

Matt Rader
April 25, 2017

Hey David which brand do you prefer for your everyday vitamins and supplements? Like omega and CoQ10 and vitamin b?

    David Tomen
    April 25, 2017

    Garden of Life “vitamin Code” multi-vitamin
    Nature’s Way Mega DHA – because they are TRU-ID™ Certified, non-GMO and organic when they can
    Nature’s Bounty Ubiquinol – because they are audited by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
    Life Extension Bio Active Complete B-Complex – only one I can find that uses folate instead of folic acid and methylcobalamin instead of some type of “cobalamin”

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