The ultimate foundation of cognitive performance is not supplementation, but rigorous lifestyle habits—sleep, a balanced diet, physical activity—combined with a state of mild caloric restriction, which is said to promote mental clarity.

noli's read

The community converges on the idea that biological fundamentals outweigh substances, while debating the residual utility of supplements. The effect of hunger on concentration is supported by observational studies and animal models suggesting that intermittent fasting may stimulate survival mechanisms and the release of hormones like orexin or adrenaline, promoting alertness (source: fasting studies, observational/preclinical type). However, the claim that hunger is a 'universal' performance strategy is exaggerated; the metabolic response varies drastically between individuals and can induce cognitive fatigue in some. The importance of sleep is widely validated by numerous meta-analyses as the number one pillar of brain function. Finally, while the idea that a nutrient-dense diet corrects deficiencies (rendering certain supplements unnecessary) is scientifically robust, the idea that the thinness of tech leaders proves the efficacy of fasting is anecdotal correlation without causal evidence.

the sources

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8. 8Harrison DE, Strong R, Alavez S, et al. 2019
9. 9r/Nootropics