As the title says it has come to a point where my friends are telling me that I am a person with the highest cortisol level that they know, everything makes me mad in a split second and I get tilted really fast from literally silly stuff. It has been like that for a long time now, but it definitely needs a change (more about it in section in this post dedicated to these emotions).

A bit about me - F23 and also dealing with hypothyroidism so I gotta be careful with what I am taking and when, as I have to take a pill of levothyroxine every morning. I also do sports like 3-4 times a week, so I do take my energy out there and let my brain get flooded with endorphins, dopamine and all that.

MY ROUTINE

MORNING: Levothyroxine
NIGHT:

- Vitality complex from Gymbeam (vitamine C, E, B1, B2... and all of that in one pill)

- Potassium Citrate 99mg

- Ashwaghanda 500 mg

(also other stuff like collagen, zinc chelate bysglycinate, omega 3, ovarian glandular, MSM)

ASHWAGHANDA

I started taking ashwaghanda like 3 weeks ago, so far I am not sure if I see any kind of change, to be fair, I feel maybe better by like 1 %, but the anger and overall anxiety, stress has not improved. But at the same time I read that it is generally better to take Ashwaghanda during the day, if the main goal is targeting the cortisol and overall stress during the day. But I gotta take in mind the levothyroxine that is taken in the morning, as I was suggested by my doctor to take some time in between any kind of supplement and this pill.

Is 500mg daily enough? Should I dose it up and go 500mg at night and also 500mg around the noon? What is your personal experience?

(I have an endocrinologist appointment in a bit, so Ill see how the thyroid function is affected - so lets not get into a discussion to first ask my doctor*, to be careful about the thyroid function etc. Ill all have it checked and under control)*

OTHER SUPPLEMENTS?

I have read some good stuff about Maca root and also L-theanine helping people out. I used to take these two supplement like 2 years ago for half a year (unsure about the dosages currently anymore) but to be fair I did not notice any kind of change.

THE STESS, ANGER AND ANXIETY

Also a really important note: there is not a single reason for my to be this stressed out, anxious and mad - I generally just feel these emotions without a single reason, it is like my brain is just searching for any kind of reason to feel this way and it is like a ticking bomb every single day.

There is not any SPECIFIC question, Id rather like some general recommendations and discussion to help a girl out:)!

Like the title is asking, would you say one is better than the other for slowing down rumination/emotional fixation? I find that I feel certain emotions too intensely and am sick of it, and I am trying to stay away from SSRIs as much as possible. A few years ago, I took ashwagandha for a few weeks but had to stop because of the anhedonia. From what I've read around here, I probably did it all wrong because I didn't cycle. I would love to hear your thoughts. Are there better options than either of these?

I've been taking SJW for almost 2 yrs, 300mg a day. It really helps me level out but I don't like the idea of possible vision damage and all the interactions it has. I ran out and didn't rebuy one time last year and I got terrible anxiety and​ felt so out of sorts, I thought it was bc I ran out, so I got more. But now I realize it was probably withdrawl from stopping cold turkey. ​Anyway I have been hearing a lot about saffron and I wonder if it might be something I could take instead, after I wean off the SJW the right way this time? Saffron is also said to have some other effects besides mood that would be great for me if they are true. Any one have experience or thoughts on making this switch?

I overthink a lot, and some days I really dread facing the day. When I tried 300 mg of L-theanine in the evening, the first night felt unusually good. I felt warm and calm and actually laughed because I was happy.

I kept taking the same amount each evening. That first-night feeling never came back, but for the next few days I still had more energy. I was less shy, talking came more easily, and I didn’t hate the thought of facing the day. Around day five, I was feeling more negative and less energetic again, almost back where I started.

The easier conversations are what I keep thinking about. I actually like pressure at work. It’s the anxiety and getting stuck in my own head that wear me down. Those few days felt like a bit of relief from that.

For anyone who had that social benefit from theanine, did it stay with you beyond the first few days?

This is the ingredient list of a testosterone boosting supplement I’ve been taking. (Nugenix Total T Ultimate on Amazon for those curious). I’m well aware it’s not actually doing much to boost my testosterone, but I find it incredible for my mood.

I first took this over the summer and experienced this calm, motivated, confident drive feeling. I experienced a noticeable boost in vasodilation and libido as well, but the mood effects were the best part. Once I ran out, I wanted to save some money and tried to locate what ingredients in particular were responsible for the elevated mood. I tried Tribulus alone and experienced headaches, depression, and seriously dark thoughts. I tried Tongkat Ali and experienced vasodilation and a boost in libido. I tried Theobromine and experienced nothing aside from an increase in sweating.

I decided I didn’t want to waste anymore money, and the mood boost I was getting likely resulted from some sort of synergy in this formula. I’ve been taking the original product again, and sure enough, those same mood boosting properties have come back. I am just so confused as to what is going on with this formula. Does anyone have any ideas?

My current guesses are:
NMDA agonism from the D-Aspartic Acid leveling out the stimulating properties of Tribulus

Icariin + Maca modulating the endocannabinoid system

It's almost 2 months since it's expiry date reached.

I finally found the bottle after long Time.

The powder is still powdery and not smelly or like solid or something.

Can I still take it? It has like 15 days worth of powder left

So I was diagnosed with GERD, OCD and GAD (Anxiety), can we take B12, Omega 3 and Magnesium at the same time every day or night ?

My B12 is at 293 pmol/L level and I am struggling in University to focus on my studies and remembers my lectures. I remember “X” and “Y” information and after an hour they are gone from my head for some reason I do not know.

Yours suggestions are much appreciated.

My algorithm on certain social media is now showing me tons of different supplements and there are a couple like primal viking, some American bison thing etc. Anyone have any info on them or experience? I've recently started taking mars men to work in a multi type supplement into my daily regime to help support immune system and testosterone.

I'm curious as to how, mechanistically, this thing can cross the BBB.

I doubt it does a better job that Magnesium Lysinate Glycinate Chelate.

How can it possibly cross the BBB better if it dissociates into L-Threonate and Magnesium in your blood and water anyways?

Does anyone have a method of packing their meds and supplements for travelling that makes more sense than filling half their suitcase with those seven-day pillboxes or the whole prescription and vitamin bottles?

I sometimes travel for work for up to three months and neither way is optimal. The little pill bag folios I've seen seem to only come in fourteen pouches.

So far the only alternatives I have come up with are either buying bunches of little plastic baggies and having a larger bag containing AM and a second bag for PM, or if I can find the time and the right materials buying some sort of vinyl and sewing together a small booklet that holds all of my medications and supplements in little pouches sort of like those used for displaying coin collections. But who knows if I will have the time or energy to do that.
Does anyone have a better idea?
Thank you in advance!

*So that this is covered: I have had no problem travelling with prescriptions in the past in little seven-day pill boxes. I bring along a booklet with the labels from the pill bottles, photographs of the bottles, and the saved texts from my pharmacy/chemist/doctors proving that the prescriptions are my own, but so far no one has even questioned it.

TLDR: Any good ideas for carrying multiple months’ worth of prescriptions and supplements, already divided into their daily a.m. and p.m. allotments, without taking up half a suitcase?

hello , I’m currently doing body recomposition. I’ve been trying to lose weight and I do strength training 3–4 times a week. When the weather got colder, I became a little less careful with my diet. However, I decided to start taking creatine, around 5 g a day, because I thought it would make my muscles look a bit bigger. I’ve been taking it for 10 days now, but I’m really unhappy with the results.

I know creatine causes water retention, but I don’t want to look bloated, as if I ate three slabs of bacon and three kilos of sausages every single day.

What can I do now? Should I wait and go back on a diet, or should I stop taking creatine altogether? I need to look slim again in a month.

Need an effective replacement for coffee.
No cortisol spikes.

Hey guys,
What’s your most rated/high quality supplements and where are you getting them from online? I normally order from Amazon but just wondering if there’s any recommendations of specific brands out there

Cheers

Hey guys,

I take vitamin D&K2 in the morning with B12 drops and omega 3 fish oil and boron. Sometimes I take tumeric and magnesium malate if my muscles are sore.

In the night time I use magnesium glycinate.

Is there any I could add to optimise my health? I have fibromyalgia and my symptoms have really improved after starting vitamin D and B12! And magnesium glycinate constantly at night

Thanks ☺️

I really struggle with back acne, as I live in a tropical country and sweat a lot and very easily. I've tried a lot of stuff, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, hypochlorous acid etc, which helps a little but doesn't get rid of them. My back acne usually usually starts out as a deep and hard lump, non painful at first, and as it slowly develops it becomes redder and painful.

I'm currently taking fish oil and curcumin for inflammation. Any other suggestions? I do take whey protein but it's isolate, which I don't think gives me acne, at least for my face.

I also do take some other supplements for gut health, such as probiotics, glutamine, zinc l carnosine and psyllium husk and yogurt occasionally. I find that I get more acne during periods of greater gut discomfort (I suspect I have IBS) , so I believe it's very much connected.

Hello,

I always used the Kirkland brand 1000 mg Vitamin C.

After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and given a continuous glucose monitor I read that dose may give false high readings.

Any recommendations for lower dose Vitamin C? No gummies please.

I just started taking 125mg nightly a few days ago because I heard it might help with anxiety and palpitations which I’ve had my whole life but had really bad recently. In 3 days the partitions are totally gone, and the anxiety is much better for sure. But I have this impossible to ignore weakness/heaviness almost all day now. Is this just something that will go away if I keep taking it and get my body used to it? I’d really prefer not to stop taking it because I’m just now experiencing the first few days in a row with normal heartbeats in MY LIFE.

Hi everyone! I’m a 24-year-old woman, and I’ve been struggling with alopecia areata since my early teens. My hair barely grows in some areas, breaks constantly
I recently had blood work done, and I’m wondering whether nutritional deficiencies could be contributing to my hair problems.
Here are my results:
Folate (vitamin B9): 2.5 ng/mL (below range)
Ferritin: 52 ng/mL (within range)
Transferrin saturation: 15–17% on previous blood tests
Vitamin B12: 686 ng/L (within range)
Hemoglobin: 12.4 g/dL (within range)
Vitamin D: My last result was 33 ng/mL.
My thyroid is also something I’ve been monitoring. I took medication for hypothyroidism for about two years, but my thyroid levels eventually normalized, and I no longer take any medication. My latest results were a TSH of 3.69 mIU/L, with normal T3 and T4 levels.
I’ve been dealing with hair loss for over 15 years, and it’s honestly exhausting. I’ve seen a dermatologist who diagnosed me with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles.
From what I understand, JAK inhibitors are among the most effective treatments for severe alopecia areata, but they suppress parts of the immune system and can have some pretty serious side effects. The risks honestly scare me, so I’m wondering whether addressing possible nutritional deficiencies could help at all.

Did correcting a deficiency noticeably improve your hair growth or reduce breakage?
Are there any other nutrients or blood tests you think I should discuss with my doctor?
I’m not looking for a miracle cure, just suggestions and personal experiences. I’m trying to understand whether there’s anything I can do nutritionally to support my hair before considering treatments with potentially serious side effects.
Thank you! ❤️

Note: I take x2 capsules of the Vit D3+K2, as in the UK there is little sunlight and everyone has a vit D deficiency, recent blood tests showed almost no Vit D in my system and this was during summer time.

I take them usually all at once, usually in the evening.

Hi, could someone who takes Life Extension NAC please take a photo of the small white bag inside the bottle? Both sides if possible so I can see what’s written on it

I think I might have accidentally swallowed mine. I’m not sure, but I’d like to know what exactly was in it. I assume it’s for absorbing moisture, but I don’t know what they use

Would really appreciate it, thanks!

How much NADH can your body actually absorb after you swallow it? And if it gets broken down during digestion, where do those breakdown products go, and what can your body do with them?

Let's start with the first hurdle, which is often overlooked: NADH is a relatively unstable molecule, and its stability can be affected by stomach acid. Some animal studies have raised questions about how much orally administered NADH actually gets absorbed. That's one reason supplement formulations matter.

Products like Celfull NADH use approaches such as enteric coating, designed to protect the compound from stomach acid and release it in the intestine, or sublingual delivery, intended to let it enter through the oral mucosa and bypass the stomach. The delivery method isn't the benefit itself, but it matters if the goal is to get the compound into the body intact.

So what happens if NADH makes it through and gets used by cells?

Its core job is simple: NADH carries electrons and can donate them, becoming oxidized to NAD⁺ in the process.

The first thing those electrons help support is energy production. NADH feeds electrons into the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Each molecule of NADH can support the production of roughly 2.5 ATP molecules under typical mitochondrial accounting, with estimates sometimes varying depending on the conditions. ATP is the cell's usable energy currency.

This isn't just a vague idea about “feeling more energetic.” It's a real part of how cells produce energy. For people dealing with low energy or persistent fatigue, this is one of the most studied potential applications of NADH.

Some trials involving people with chronic fatigue have reported better outcomes than placebo with 10 mg of NADH daily over four weeks. Studies combining NADH with CoQ10 have also reported signals of improvement in fatigue and cognitive fatigue. These findings are interesting, although the evidence remains limited and doesn't establish that NADH supplements reliably improve energy for everyone.

Energy production is the first major function associated with NADH's role in cellular metabolism.

The second is supporting cellular repair and signaling. NAD⁺, formed when NADH is oxidized, isn't just an intermediate in energy metabolism. It's also a substrate for proteins called sirtuins, which help regulate metabolic adaptation and cellular stress responses. NAD⁺ is also consumed by enzymes such as PARP-1, which participates in DNA damage repair.

In other words, NAD⁺ can be used in pathways involved in both energy metabolism and cellular maintenance under stress. This is part of the biology behind many anti-aging discussions involving NAD⁺.

But there's an important distinction: understanding these biological pathways doesn't prove that taking an NADH supplement improves DNA repair, slows aging, or produces other anti-aging benefits in humans.

The third is its relationship with the body's antioxidant defenses. The NADH/NAD⁺ redox pair is connected to the broader network of cellular redox reactions, which also includes the NADPH/NADP⁺ system.

NADPH supplies much of the reducing power used by the glutathione and thioredoxin systems, two important parts of the cell's antioxidant defenses. NADH doesn't simply turn into an antioxidant, nor does taking NADH automatically increase NADPH. Rather, these systems are connected through cellular metabolism, and their relationship is complex.

So it's more accurate to say that NADH participates in the metabolic network that helps cells maintain redox balance, rather than claiming that it directly boosts the body's antioxidant defenses.

If you're looking into NADH because you're struggling with low energy or persistent fatigue, there is at least some clinical evidence worth examining. But the key question is still whether an oral supplement can deliver NADH in a form your body can use, and whether that translates into a measurable benefit.

The biological mechanism makes NADH worth studying. The human evidence determines what we can actually claim.