Nootropics & Supplements for Focus
Supplement and nootropic stacks for focus, energy, and sleep — the doses, mechanisms, and trade-offs, not the hype.
The Cortisol Crash Protocol: 4 Adaptogens For HPA Recovery
Four compounds with evidence for restoring HPA-axis function after chronic stress. Mechanism, dosing, timing relative to cortisol curve, and contraindications.
The Mitochondrial Stack: CoQ10, PQQ, Creatine, B-Complex
CoQ10, PQQ, creatine, and B-complex for the cellular energy deficit behind ADHD chronic fatigue. Mechanism, dosing, and the 8-12 week effect curve.
The Mastery Stack: Bacopa, Lion's Mane, Phosphatidylserine, ALCAR
Four compounds with evidence for sustained learning and memory consolidation, calibrated for users pursuing multi-year skill mastery rather than acute focus.
Nutrient Timing Myths: The "Anabolic Window" Is Wider Than 30 Minutes
The post-workout 30-minute "anabolic window" was bro-science. The actual research-supported timing is more relaxed. What matters, what doesn't, and where the marginal returns actually live.
Fat Loss Without Muscle Loss: The Three-Lever Protocol For Body Recomposition
"Cutting" doesn't have to be a muscle-loss process. The three operative levers — protein, strength training, and a moderate deficit — preserve nearly all muscle while shedding fat. The protocol is unsexy and works.
The RSD Anxiety Stack: L-Theanine, Magnesium, Taurine, Saffron
Four compounds with evidence for emotional dysregulation and acute anxiety, including the disproportionate cortisol response of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.
The 1g/lb Protein Rule: Where It Comes From, Where It's Wrong, And What The Real Number Is
"One gram of protein per pound of bodyweight" is the most-cited and least-examined number in fitness. The actual research-derived target is more nuanced — and often lower.
Caloric Deficit: The Only Real Rule Of Fat Loss (And What The Rest Is)
Energy in vs energy out is not a meme — it is thermodynamics. Every fat-loss "diet" works through the same single mechanism. Understanding it lets you skip 95% of nutrition content.
The Mood Stack: EPA, Vitamin D, SAM-e, Methylfolate
EPA, Vitamin D, SAM-e, methylfolate: four mood-support compounds with substantial clinical evidence for the ADHD-depression overlap.
The Dopamine Reboot Stack: NAC, Mucuna, And L-Tyrosine
Three compounds with real evidence for dopamine system support during recovery from chronic over-stimulation. Mechanism, dosing, and what the research actually says.
The Deep Work Stack: L-Theanine, Caffeine, Alpha-GPC, Lion's Mane
Four compounds with evidence for extending focused-work duration. Mechanism, dosing, timing, and the failure modes most "nootropic stack" guides skip.
The Transmutation Stack: Maca, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Done Right
The exact biology of the three classical transmutation adaptogens, their HPA / HPG axis effects, dosing, cycling protocols, and the contraindications most stack guides skip.