Latest update: January 6, 2023. Page URL indicates original publication date; meanwhile, times change and the updates continue.
This article was originally written when all about NZT was the craze. That era has come and gone, leastwise for the time being. The emphasis of this page is now more concerned about natural and real brain foods and anti-brain foods. If that is why you are here, the relevant information is towards the last part of the page. The NZT information remains for folks who are still interested
Is NZT Real? No, It Is Not.
I discovered a series on Netflix called
Limitless awhile back, an excellent show by-the-way. A major part of the plot is a memory-enhancing, mind- expanding, fictional drug called
NZT-48.
[Side Note. There actually are some real brain and anti brain natural foods. They are listed towards the end of the page. Meanwhile, onto the NZT...]
NZT-48 Is Not Real
Along about episode five or six of the show, it occurred to me on a whim to do an internet search for NZT. I was nonplussed to discover there were both ads and websites purporting to sell this imaginary drug or a substitute. The prices that I noticed ranged from $50 to over $100. I shall not comment about those ads or websites.
It then occurred to me to do a search for any real foods or supplements that can enhance memory and boost brain function.
How to Make Your Own Natural Ingredients NZT Substitute at Home
It appears the only widely recognized, memory enhancing, brain-boosting, supplement out there is the well-known herb, ginkgo biloba. Valerian is a well-known herb that reduces stress. The St. John's Wort herb has been scientifically proven to increase the brain's serotonin levels; serotonin is the well-known brain chemical that enhances one's sense-of-well-being.
Quite frankly, it has been my experience that taking these herbs in their original capsule form has no effect whatsoever. I suspect this is because 90% of it passes through the digestive system undigested. Tea form, however, is an entirely different matter. Like many beverages, it passes directly from the stomach to the bloodstream. In this form, the effects can increase 10-fold.
3-Herb Synergistic Tea Recipe Natural NZT Ingredients Concoction
- 2 capsules ginkgo biloba
- 1 capsule Valerian
- 1 capsule St John's Wort
Note the milligram content of the respective capsules. You are striving for a 50%:25%:25% mixture ratio. Over time, you may decide to formulate your own ratios. Be forewarned. The herbal supplements industry appears to be completely unregulated. Buy only reputable brands from reputable stores.
If needed, this particular
herb article explains exactly how to turn the capsules into tea, i.e., taking apart the capsules, microwave times, etc. A reminder that tea eventually stains teeth.
Do not drink more than one cup of this tea per day. If you drink more, your digestive tract will probably issue a rather unpleasant complaint. For that matter, even the first-time, single cup might elicit a sit-down as well.
Will it do what NZT does? Of course not, but it is better than nothing. Besides, without the imaginary enzyme to protect you against the imaginary NZT, the imaginary side-effects would eventually kill you anyway.
This 3-herb, tea concoction will temporarily impair your ability to drive, operate machinery, climb a ladder, or even safely use a pair of scissors, etc. So don't do any of those things or anything similar for awhile. The Valerian component could very well induce a pleasant, afternoon nap. The ginkgo biloba and St. John's Wort components won't begin to have the sought-for effects until maybe a week's worth of daily tea consumption. However, the possibly disorienting side-effects occur almost immediately along with the Valerian sedative effect.
Effects are much more pronounced on an empty stomach.
A Necessary Medical Warning as to the St. John's Wort Component
As noted in the above referenced herb article relating to converting capsules into tea, St. John's Wort is the real deal when it comes to alleviating anxiety and depression. The effects are significant enough and pronounced enough that many websites advise when St. John's Wort is mixed with certain other medications, there is the possibility they may not interact well; this includes certain prescription drugs. If you are taking St. John's Wort in any form, let the doctor and pharmacist know. And read the warnings and cautions on the St. John's Wort container. And check the documentation included with any prescriptions you are taking to see if St. John's Wort is mentioned. Actually, it's a good idea to tell your doctor about all herbs and supplements you may be taking, even plain old multivitamins.
And while we are at it, here is a relevant
article from the National Institute of Health about mental acuity brain foods and anti-brain foods.
Real Mental Acuity Brain Foods
- Fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids
- Spinach, nuts, and other foods rich in vitamin E
- Curcumin (found in the spice, turmeric)
- Cumin is reported to reduce stress and enhance memory (so says this Medical News Site).
- Coffee and other foods/beverages containing caffeine (but not to excess)
Anti Brain Foods, i.e., What Foods to Avoid
- Cheese, butter, whole milk, cream, regular ice cream, fatty fresh and processed meats, and any other foods high in saturated fat
- Candy, cookies, doughnuts, cake, lemonade, sodas, punch, and any other foods or beverages high in refined sugar
As for the anti-brain foods and needless to say and like everyone else, I eat these foods anyway. It's just the way it is.
The aforementioned NIH article also has other information and is worth the read.
And here is another worthy article from the NIH, anti-depressant foods: An evidence-based nutrient profiling system for depression. The key anti-depressant foods are fruits, vegetables, some dairy products, cereals, beans, fish, and poultry.
- End of Article -
Re: Using Mobile?
Home: site intro and featured articles/resources.
View Web Version: displays Main Menu article categories (will be located below), additional site info (below and side), search function, translation function.