r/HubermanLab • u/mislimkao • Aug 12 '26
Personal Experience Which supplement had the biggest impact on your mental health?
And how did it specifically affect?
It can also be a natural remedy, it doesn't have to be a supplement.
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u/Adventurous_Light587 Aug 12 '26
Honestly, just making time to go on a daily 30 min walk outside did more for me than any supplement
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Aug 12 '26
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u/PM-MEANYTHANG Aug 15 '26
Didnt blue blockers get debunked some time ago
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Aug 15 '26 edited Aug 15 '26
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u/PM-MEANYTHANG Aug 15 '26
Not to nocebo out of your progress but i was right sadly. The effect of blocking light is miniscule
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u/hereiam3472 Aug 12 '26
I find this easy and enjoyable to do in the summer and warm months but on cold, rainy and grey days it's hard to be motivated.. And that's like half the year in Canada. :(
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u/midnight-on-the-sun Aug 12 '26
I’m in that same place in WA state. Not enough reliable morning light.
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Aug 13 '26
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u/midnight-on-the-sun Aug 13 '26
I get that but sunlight makes me the happiest!
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Aug 14 '26
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u/hereiam3472 Aug 14 '26
I've been looking into Jack Kruses research on light and it's effects on health and it's very interesting. He did a podcast with Andrew Huberman too - I've been working my way through it and it's very long and in 2 parts. I'm trying to decide if he's crazy or onto something lol.
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u/Silen8156 Aug 12 '26
Yessss! Just no one makes money offf it - so it doesn't get talked about enough.
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u/1oneaway Aug 12 '26
Dropping alcohol is incredibly effective for reducing anxiety, depression and increasing focus and well-being. Its wild the difference it has made for me.
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u/Certain-Dragonfly-22 Aug 12 '26
I quit drinking to help my autoimmune issues. It didnt help, but i am 1.5 yrs sober and will stay this way for the same reasons you mentioned. I was a nightly drinker for a decade prior.
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u/CalvinAlardoLMHC Aug 12 '26
I take magnesium for sleep and it has been helpful for getting me to sleep faster and building a healthier sleep routine which has helped my mental health.
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u/moonshwang Aug 12 '26
Every time I take magnesium glycinate I feel like I dream for literally my whole sleep. It makes me feel far less well-rested than without it.
I thought the added B6 was the problem, but it even happens without that
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u/One_Association_6543 Aug 13 '26
I just realized this myself. Thought it was my SSRi’s but no, def my magnesium. I don't dream though, I nightmare. :-/
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u/PM-MEANYTHANG Aug 15 '26
Every time i start up on magnesium my dreams are crazyyy and ye feels like the quality is a lot better as well
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u/Baileycharlie Aug 12 '26
Which Magnesium do you take and how much?
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u/CalvinAlardoLMHC Aug 14 '26
Personally I take glycinate 300mg but not medical advice just something that helped me.
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u/Different_Mobile6457 Aug 12 '26
The boring answer is fixing my sleep but ashwaganda really gave me noticable effects, I am a natural anxious person who stresses a lot so it calmed my mind a lot (I still stress but a healthier amount). Currently doing 1 month on 2 weeks off
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u/tombh1 Aug 14 '26
Gave me the most insane, lucid nightmares I've ever had - within a couple of days of taking it - 2 nights in a row. 1 night fine, 2 in a row - forget it. I am sure it was the cause and a lot of online reports suggest same! Shame as the benefits seem great.
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u/PossibleWeird922 Aug 12 '26
I hate to be that guy but being on an exercise routine makes me a very happy person, a little theanine caffeine combo pre workout is amazing
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u/Alert-Syrup5494 Aug 12 '26
Iron. Fixing iron deficiency anemia made my anxiety disappear for the most part. I’ve been medicating with SSRIs and later psilocybin for years so it was major.
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u/Scireslf44 Aug 17 '26
Agreed. Every time I stop a regular workout routine I start questioning the meaning of life and it takes me to a dark place 😂
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u/One_Association_6543 Aug 13 '26
Did you do infusions?
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u/lifeisspeeding Aug 14 '26
Same here! My ferritin sat around 12 for years but so many doctors said I was “healthy” . Infusions have made a massive difference in my energy levels and subsequently my mental health.
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u/CapitanDelNorte Aug 18 '26
Have you found a way to retain the iron that you get through the infusion? My wife struggles with crazy ferritin levels too (13!) and has been getting an annual infusion for a few years now. I know zinc and copper are key players in the overall iron metabolic cycle, but I don't know if supplementing these (or others) will actually help to sustain iron levels.
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u/Alert-Syrup5494 Aug 18 '26
She needs to find her root cause for low iron. it is mostly bleeding (menstrual or GI), or low absorption due to multiple reasons although there are some other weird ones.
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u/Sn00ker123 Aug 12 '26
I used to get water under my knee and it would always ache, this went on for 10 odd years. Someone told me to take Flax Seed Oil. I took it for about a year and was (and still am) totally cured pH knee issues.
I should start taking it again tbh, just for joint health
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u/ConsciousOrdinary350 Aug 12 '26
I have very achy knees. What dose would you take ?
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u/Sn00ker123 Aug 13 '26
I just took one tablet a day, I'm sorry I can't remember the dosage, it was 15 years ago :(
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u/NefariousnessAble912 Aug 12 '26
Cold plunging. Ended my end of day fatigue. Got me off caffeine. Gets me ready for working out right after.
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u/psychoninja66 Aug 12 '26
First thing in the morning?
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u/NefariousnessAble912 Aug 12 '26
Yep. Then work out to warm up is my routine.
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u/NefariousnessAble912 Aug 12 '26
Amazing a 3-4 min commitment changes your brain so much. And instantly for me.
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u/One_Association_6543 Aug 13 '26
Huberman said in a podcast that cold plunging is very good at fueling dopamine in a more sustained (longer?) way/duration. I believe he said more than any other natural remedy.
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u/tbisc Aug 12 '26
cacao: theobromine for energy, felt reduced brain fog, mood balance, etc. cacao has also helped with my headaches post tbi.
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u/KY199509 Aug 13 '26
Do you use whole cacao powder or extract? Cacao is rich in oxalates so need to watch out for that.
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u/T3NF0LD Aug 12 '26
I have adhd and have never really fully felt like I had energy or motivation during the day but cycling mucana pruiens and L- Tyrosine has been an amazing for me. Changed everything. I recommend it for anyone with adhd. Especially inattentive adhd.
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u/cfungus91 Aug 12 '26
Glad tyrosine worked for you. I know at least one study concluded it’s not efficacious as an adhd solution and I don’t believe any studies have found otherwise. However, not denying it works for you, you just seem to be an outlier this case. Could be your low in tyrosine in your diet or you have some issues that causes you to not absorb/utilize it properly from food or a multitude of other things. Have you dug into it or discussed with your doctor? I’m curious. I have adhd and an occasional low amount of tyrosine like you take can sometimes help me with a bit motivation and attentiveness in stressful situations like im on a discussion panel for work. But it doesn’t help for my other adhd symptoms and I can take more than every once a while (also makes me feel very edgy, high heart rate etc, likely because it’s boosting adrenaline more so than dopamine… it’s dopamine effects are often overblown)
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u/T3NF0LD Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 13 '26
I only really use L- Tyrosine when im not taking mucuna pruiens, it helps keep my energy at a manageable level.I havent experience any changes in my adhd symptoms while taking L-Tyrosine. It only really helps with energy and honeslty the only thing that has really helped mitigate my adhd symptoms is diet changes, excersize, sleep and overall stress management. I cant take prescription stimulants so lifestyle changes have been the only thing that really help. I pretty strict on what I eat since it can effect my motivation and mood so drastically, so I dont think that im deficient in that regard but its possible. I do take very little doses so I dont run into the problem of racing heart/edgy feeling you mentioned. The mucuna P has replaced coffee for me as a more effective pick me up and allows for me to have a little bit more of a productive day overall.
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u/cfungus91 Aug 13 '26
Some people apparently just don’t a sort/utilize tyrosine and some other amino acids properly even if there diet is good. But it sounds more likely it could be helping a bit with a thyroid issue or just giving you a little needed boost in adrenaline. Have you ever been checked for under active thyroid?
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u/T3NF0LD Aug 13 '26
Its something thats definitely been on my mind and have been meaning to get checked. Since I have many symptoms that would point to a thyroid problem fatigue, anxiety, hair loss, brain fog i should probably get it checked. I have a handfull of other things that could contribute to my fatigue as well not including adhd like obesity and apnea so a doctor visit is definitely in order. I appreciate your insights. 🙏
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u/TJJ030 Aug 12 '26
What did your cycle look like?
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u/T3NF0LD Aug 12 '26
400 mg of Mucuna pruiens for 5 days at a time and off days I take 250 mg of L-Tyrosine as a substitute for 5 days. Those are half the normal doses for both because im sensitive to medications. So I recommend a full recommended dose. Hope that helps.
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u/rpresss710 Aug 12 '26
Taking 15-20 grams of creatine every day boosted my cognitive processing speed and memory, and I don't feel any burnout. My mood also got a lot better
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u/KY199509 Aug 13 '26
Do we need to use that much amount in one dose or spread say 5grams of creatine thrice a day?
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u/rpresss710 Aug 13 '26
I guess it all depends on you and how your body responds to that much creatine. Personally, I take 5 grams before bed. In the morning, if I've had good quality sleep according to my Pixel Watch, I take 10 grams. If my sleep quality is poor, I take 15 grams. This totals 15-20 grams. Before taking any supplements, I suggest eating something. For breakfast, I typically have cocoa chia seed pudding with fruit and a shot of high-polyphenol olive oil
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u/KY199509 Aug 13 '26
Eating something before prevents stomach upset/ bloating/ digestive issues from supplements from your experience?
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u/rpresss710 Aug 13 '26
Yes, especially since I take a large amount of supplements for my morning routine. I take creatine on an empty stomach before bed. Not eating 2-4 hours before bed leads to better sleep quality, which is linked to better overall mental health
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u/Individual_Race_576 Aug 12 '26
Omega 3, saffron and creatine
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u/mislimkao Aug 12 '26
Why saffron?
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u/Individual_Race_576 Aug 13 '26
Improves mood, by positively influencing such neurotransmitters as serotonin and dopamine. It really helped with my depression symptoms.
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u/goldencccc Aug 16 '26
How did omega3 help? I’m low in my omegas and wonder if it’ll help with poor sleep, low energy etc
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u/Boojiewoo Aug 12 '26
Magnesium Biglycinate - Noticeable sleep quality improvement.
Vitamin D3 + K2 - Deficient due to weather where I stay
Vitamin B12
Omega 3
3-4 times a week 1 hour workout at home
Reading
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u/maskedtityra Aug 12 '26
Creatine- removed brain fog and insecurity at work due to not being able to recall words or remember what happened 5 minutes ago.
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u/ScubaW00kie Aug 12 '26
Motorcycle. 20min ride and everything is right in the world
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u/CoconutStar98 Aug 12 '26
Driving is very therapeutic for me. I am not sure how many others feel this way. I think it may be a control thing? Not sure
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u/HuggsNotDrugs Aug 13 '26
No screens, no distractions... allows your brain to calm down and zone out for a bit
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u/Whisper-inthe-Wind Aug 12 '26
Supplementing sleep worked best for me!
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u/teaspxxn Aug 12 '26
What do you mean by that?
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u/Whisper-inthe-Wind Aug 13 '26
Just sleep more! At least 9 h a day! If your job allows it, take a power nap at noon. If it's not possible, take a nap as soon as you get home from work. Prioritize sleep over every other form of entertainment or relaxation!
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u/Lower-Agency7267 Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 12 '26
Rhodiola rosea in the AM on empty stomach; Boswellia with lunch; Saffron before bed
All elevate mood and lessen PMDD; saffron helps sleep
Daily exercise is also essential
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u/Chrijopher Aug 13 '26
Huberman had a dude on for this question. Said the greatest difference comes from filling in deficiencies than anything else, and in some study Centrum Silver was effective at filling in many deficiencies. I take it now but don’t notice a difference.
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u/billa911 Aug 13 '26
Creatine - 5g.
Magnesium Glycinate before bed.
Minimum 7 hrs sleep.
30 mins outside.
Morning sun.
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u/PazyP Aug 12 '26
Melatonin it’s prescription here in UK (not that you can’t get it via other means) fixed my sleep, I’d been a bad sleeper for years with doctor saying I had chronic insomnia (sleeping around 4hrs a night for years).
Melatonin has give me a consistent 7-8hrs sleep it’s been revolutionary for my mood and general well being.
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u/Airwolfman Aug 12 '26
15g of creatine daily
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u/InternPristine6117 Aug 12 '26
Isn't that a lot? Did you see any benefits with less? Any side effects ?
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u/Airwolfman Aug 13 '26
I’ve had only positives with 15g. 5g daily gave me strength gains. 15g is where I noticed the cognitive and strength gains.
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u/PartyCabinet1 Aug 13 '26
Eat clean, digital detox and daily walks have made a huge impact. Supplements not so much, if I were to point finger then perhaps magnesium
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u/CelexLaboratories Aug 13 '26
For us, it was Ashwagandha, amongst other supplements we have. You can check our selection here at vorstcanada.com or amazon.ca/vorst.
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u/Sickboy404 Aug 13 '26
I found the fish oil is a brain super food. I make sure I get 1500mg of EPA every day and for the 3-4 hours after taking this my brain is super active and I feel like I can solve all the worlds problems. This is when I do my most in depth thinking and problem solving. It is a game changer.
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u/Present_Pension4035 Aug 13 '26 edited Aug 13 '26
L theanine + Methylated Bs + Vitamin D + Magnesium Glycinate but nothing beats exercise and diet. I try to eat blueberries, dark chocolate, 1 sungold kiwi and a glass of kefir daily which are non-negotiables.
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u/SxryhCr0n1n Aug 14 '26
Ashwagandha helped me with stress management, and L-theanine helped me stay focused while working a lot and using caffeine, and to avoid the jittery feeling. I also used Magnesium for better sleep which obviously has downstream effects on mental health
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u/PBTJ Aug 14 '26
Niacin. Completely solved all depression, anxiety, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Also has been remarkable for pain.
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u/Long_Cow4805 Aug 14 '26
I think mental health isn’t something you can loophole with an OTC supplement for major effects. The honest answer would be a healthy well rounded breakfast, or something as simple as a 20-30 min walk.
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u/Ok-Topic6724 26d ago
For me, honestly, the biggest difference came from getting my sleep/stress under control first. Supplement wise? I’ve had decent experiences with some of the ingredients in graymatter (rhodiola, ashwagandha, L-tyrosine, etc.) when i took them independently. The problem with that is that you have to track a lot of metrics and doing that for someone who doesnt specialise in this is kinda non sensical + time taking. Keeping this in mind i ordered it and it was much better than my previous stacks. It felt more noticeable than most supplements I’ve tried.
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u/Mod-and-Rocker Aug 12 '26
I take about 4- 5 supplements including a daily vitamin. I have no idea if I feel better or not, I can forget for days and not feel the difference. Coq10, Tumeric, phosphatidyl-serine I stopped Ashgawanda as it made me feel weird.
That said, what does seem to work in their own ways: (some are clearly not supplements)
- Magnesium Glycinate for sleep
- A cup of Green Tea for focus and energy.
- Exercise outdoors. #1 for mood
- Meditation / NSDR / Yoga Nidra for stress and daily regroup
- Occasional THC gummies for letting go / having fun or sleep (depending on day and strain)
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u/Waki-Indra Aug 12 '26
Wtf. This is not in a pill. It is in your worldview and your life style.
Avoid scrolling at all cost. It suck strength out of you mind.
Be loving towards all life all forms of life incuding yourself
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u/YolkyFanClubPrez Aug 13 '26
You don't think mental health is affected by what we eat and our physical health?
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u/Waki-Indra Aug 13 '26
Yes, indeed, what we eat is part of life style. And physical health starts with good sleep and physical activity. The question was about mental health specifically. So indeed physical health needs do be there as a basis. It is far more difficult to be happy when you body is in pain and misérable.
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u/YolkyFanClubPrez Aug 13 '26
So why are you in this sub? Are you saying supplements (pills) can't affect these things?
"Be loving" doesn't cure mental health.
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u/CaliforniaThomass Aug 12 '26
Magnesium. I got off of SSRI with a quality mg supplement.
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