Get Smart About Improving Productivity

[View this email in your browser]( Improve Your Productivity with Nootropics Nootropics, AKA “smart drugs,” include foods and over-the-counter compounds that may maximize your brain power so you can improve learning, memory, and productivity. But before you take any “brain helper,” your first step is to make sure that you are supporting your body and brain with healthy lifestyle choices. You want to choose a healthy, nutrition-packed diet, get plenty of physical activity daily, manage your stress, get enough restful sleep, and cultivate a supportive network of friends and colleagues. In addition, you want to avoid all smoke and vaping (even second- and thirdhand) and eliminate alcohol. Those steps help reduce body-wide inflammation, optimize blood flow to the brain, and help you avoid cognitive problems, reduced productivity, and diminished motivation that can be associated with obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic stress. Now, let’s look at food- and supplement-based nootropics and explore their benefits. Brain Foods & Supplements Foods and drinks that deliver brain-stimulating or brain-protective compounds to help your memory and cognition include: caffeine; [omega-3 fatty acids]( (fish/algae oil); [resveratrol]( (in the skin of grapes, blueberries and dark chocolate); [creatine]( (made in the liver, kidneys and pancreas from amino acids like arginine and glycine and found in herring, cod and tuna); and [alpha-GPC]( (made in the body from choline, which is found in fish, soybeans, and shitake mushrooms, and in the lab). Vegetarians and vegans: Omega-3 fatty acids are in algae oil! And while no plant-based foods contain creatine, seeds and beans provide the amino acids that the body uses to produce creatine. A supplement of [phosphatidylserine]( a kind of lipid (fat) that protects brain cells involved in memory and cognition, is recognized as generally safe by the FDA if it comes from fish, soy lecithin and sunflower. [Ashwagandha]( an Ayurvedic medicine, is helpful in regulating the balance of hormones, such as cortisol, and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, that are involved in the body’s response to stress. It also improves sleep. That combination enhances energy, focus and productivity throughout the day. [Ginseng]( extract helps boost physical and mental resilience and overcome fatigue. To learn more about how stress-busting ginseng can help allow you to realize your potential—check out “[Ginseng & Stress]( There is also some research showing that in healthy folks the extract from the leaves of the [gingko biloba]( tree improves cognition. And if you are adventurous, try the ancient ayurvedic herb [Bacopa]( which might help memory according to a few studies. Scientists gave the herb to rats for six weeks and witnessed improved learning and memory. Then they examined the animals’ brain dendrites, which facilitate cell-to-cell communication, and found they were longer, allowing the brain’s neurons to communicate better with each other. Those ancient doctors were on to something. For more information, check out “[5 Natural Nootropic Supplements to Boost Your Cognitive Power]( and “[Brain Health Supplements Are Gaining Popularity—Here’s Why]( And for detailed information on studies of the benefits of Ashwagandha, enjoy “[Ashwagandha—The Best Supplement for Stress Support.]( Fresh Salmon Cakes A great way to enjoy omega-3 fatty acids is with Daphne Oz's fresh salmon burgers (salmon cakes, really) with Fresno chiles, mint, and red onion and devour it over salad for a filling, healthy, protein-packed, and ultra-delicious meal. Pops of capers and fresh herbs keep your taste buds guessing, while a bit of heat from the chiles is tempered nicely by the richness of the salmon. Enjoy! [Get the Recipe]( This newsletter is not a substitute for your physician’s advice and the claims have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Know someone who might be interested in this newsletter? Please share it with them! First time reading? [Sign up here.]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( Copyright © 2024 ZoCo Productions LLC, All rights reserved. You're receiving this email because you signed up for a ZoCo Productions newsletter. Our mailing address is: ZoCo Productions LLC 555 W 57th St.New York, NY 10019 [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.