Lostfalco's Extensive Nootropic Experiments [Curated]
#1771
Posted 03 February 2014 - 07:10 PM
Four or five inches is quite a ways out. Even on the head with the vetro where the first quarter in. is bone I don't think anyone is talking about penetration to that depth.
Though it looks like some of the effects are systemic/travel via downstream factors to other sites.
AFAIK 5mw wouldn't be enough for anything more than laser acupuncture.
#1772
Posted 05 February 2014 - 01:04 AM
Basically you're just putting it against a region in your head and holding it for 30 seconds or so? For some reason I thought the process would be different, like it would blink or something.
I received the LED today. The red lights are there when I plug it in, but very difficult to see.
#1773
Posted 05 February 2014 - 01:39 AM
To 'laser' using one of lostfalco's recommended LED's ...
Basically you're just putting it against a region in your head and holding it for 30 seconds or so? For some reason I thought the process would be different, like it would blink or something.
I received the LED today. The red lights are there when I plug it in, but very difficult to see.
The reason its hard to see is that these LEDs are near infrared. That means they are barely visible to the human eye. If they were true infrared, you wouldn't be able to see the light emitted at all.
But rest assured, if you are able to see a faint red glow, you are good to go.
#1774
Posted 05 February 2014 - 01:20 PM
Basically you're just putting it against a region in your head and holding it for 30 seconds or so?
That's it. 30 seconds is a good spot to start at.
It is common to experience fatigue following the first session. For me it extended well into the following day, while subsequent sessions have not really had the same type of notable 'fatiguing' effect.
#1775
Posted 05 February 2014 - 04:42 PM
#1776
Posted 11 February 2014 - 04:12 AM
When did you decide to stop taking Modafinal? Was it because of increasing LLLT effectiveness and being overstimulated?
PS. Inspirational efforts in both experimentation AND (more importantly?) communication.
#1777
Posted 11 February 2014 - 04:17 PM
Lostfalco, regarding Modafinal and LLLT..
When did you decide to stop taking Modafinal? Was it because of increasing LLLT effectiveness and being overstimulated?
PS. Inspirational efforts in both experimentation AND (more importantly?) communication.
What's up leonidas? Thanks man, I appreciate it. =)
I stopped Moda back in Sept. I've tried it a handful of times since the middle of Jan (out of curiosity) but I really don't think I need it anymore. It's been relegated to VERY occasional status, if at all. You hit the nail on the head...other things are cheaper and more effective for me. Of course, YMMV (I think every sentence I write should just be assumed to have that caveat. ha)
#1778
Posted 11 February 2014 - 04:51 PM
I'm making huge numbers of flashcards on Anki and memorizing the hell out of physics, biophysics, chemistry, organic chemistry, nutrition, etc.
Crazy dreams every night and when I wake up in the morning I remember (almost) everything I studied the previous day. It's pretty damn fun. I'll talk more about the science over in the "Microbiome" thread but the basic idea is this: resistant starch feeds bifidobacteria, bifido feeds butyrate producing bacteria (called 'cross feeding'), butyrate gets into bloodstream, butyrate 'hyper-acetylates' neuronal histones (by inhibiting HDACs), histones move into "open chromatin" (euchromatin) formation, open chromatin allows transcription factors to cause BDNF expression, BDNF stabilizes axons and dendrites, stabilized axons and dendrites contribute to long-term potentiation. End result: massive memory improvement! (Sorry about all the "sciency" words....basic idea: take resistant starch, improve memory)
My friends, this is seriously Copernican (imo).
Caveats:
1. Sorry about the flatulence...it's gonna happen on the starch. =) Richard Nikoley recommends taking about 3 days off of the starch in order to reduce it. I'm just living with the 'music' for now (they don't smell...I promise!).
2. Yes, that is a lot of resistant starch. Will I get bacterial overgrowth in my large intestine? Possibly (I doubt it though). There is risk here. Proceed at your own discretion.
3. It's always dangerous to speculate too much about mechanisms of action. Science is changing all of the time as new experimental results are reported. If I'm wrong about the causal sequence above (butyrate, histones, bdnf, LTP), please correct me nicely. =) I actually left out quite a few steps for the sake of brevity. I'll fill it out more soon.
Open chromatin diagram
http://respiratory-r...21-7-21-1-l.jpg
Starch (I found it for $3.86 at my local grocer): http://www.swansonvi...ZTm7AodYGEAfw
Cheap PQQ that might be worth a try ($16.79): http://www.pipingroc...007550000003116
Anki (Spaced Repetition Learning): http://ankisrs.net
Gwern's excellent discussion of why Spaced Repetition Learning is awesome: http://www.gwern.net...ed repetition?2
Edited by lostfalco, 11 February 2014 - 07:36 PM.
#1779
Posted 11 February 2014 - 05:53 PM
Have you gained any weight after implementing the starch into your diet? And can you confirm (based on your research) that it is indeed zero carbs if taken RAW?
I've been taking about 20g or so for the last week, but I've read some reports of people gaining weight on the starch which makes me nervous
#1780
Posted 11 February 2014 - 06:32 PM
Gut Microflora http://missinghumanm...oflora-4101.jpg
Bifidobacteria http://www.institut-...um-R175_big.jpg
Butyrate causes hyperacetylation (by inhibiting HDACs) http://genetics.unc....mages/chart.jpg
Inhibiting HDACs enhances learning and memory through CREB http://upload.wikime...s'_role.jpg
CREB upregulates BDNF http://pharmaceutica...12/12/fig11.jpg
Histone Acetylation (I prefer butyrate over valproate though) http://www.retroviro...90-4-18-7-l.jpg
Open Chromatin allows transcription factors and RNA polymerase to access DNA http://genome.wellco...GEN10000675.jpg
BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) and its receptor, TrkB; presynaptic AND postsynaptic http://www.nature.co.../nrn2738-f2.jpg
Edited by lostfalco, 11 February 2014 - 06:46 PM.
#1781
Posted 11 February 2014 - 07:20 PM
Hey, what's up Megan? I haven't gained any weight from the starch. In my experience it actually seems to curb hunger and make it easier to eat a reasonable number of calories.Hi lost,
Have you gained any weight after implementing the starch into your diet? And can you confirm (based on your research) that it is indeed zero carbs if taken RAW?
I've been taking about 20g or so for the last week, but I've read some reports of people gaining weight on the starch which makes me nervous
I'll have to double check the research and get back to you on the carb thing. Theoretically, I would guess zero...since it 'resists' small intestine digestion and feeds your large intestine bacteria (which primarily produce SCFAs: acetate, propionate, butyrate). However, there are very strong indications in the research of IGN (intestinal gluconeogenesis). Glucose, of course, is a carb. Not sure if that round-a-bout glucose production counts. =) Regardless, IGN looks like a pretty good thing.
http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/24412651
Cell. 2014 Jan 16;156(1-2):84-96. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.12.016. Epub 2014 Jan 9.
Microbiota-Generated Metabolites Promote Metabolic Benefits via Gut-Brain Neural Circuits.De Vadder F1, Kovatcheva-Datchary P2, Goncalves D1, Vinera J1, Zitoun C1, Duchampt A1, Bäckhed F3, Mithieux G4.
Abstract
Soluble dietary fibers promote metabolic benefits on body weight and glucose control, but underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Recent evidence indicates that intestinal gluconeogenesis (IGN) has beneficial effects on glucose and energy homeostasis. Here, we show that the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) propionate and butyrate, which are generated by fermentation of soluble fiber by the gut microbiota, activate IGN via complementary mechanisms. Butyrate activates IGN gene expression through a cAMP-dependent mechanism, while propionate, itself a substrate of IGN, activates IGN gene expression via a gut-brain neural circuit involving the fatty acid receptor FFAR3. The metabolic benefits on body weight and glucose control induced by SCFAs or dietary fiber in normal mice are absent in mice deficient for IGN, despite similar modifications in gut microbiota composition. Thus, the regulation of IGN is necessary for the metabolic benefits associated with SCFAs and soluble fiber.
Edited by lostfalco, 11 February 2014 - 07:22 PM.
#1782
Posted 11 February 2014 - 10:11 PM
I've been on the LTTT + 20mg PQQ + 300mg CoQ10 + 25mg or so RS for a little over a week. I've worked my way up to about a minute for each region when I laser (every other day), using both of your recommended LEDs.
I admit I haven't felt much impact aside from a little spaciness / tiredness. I'll keep at it, though, and hope for the best.
I also take additional supplements — cod liver oil, skate liver oil, multivitamin, and a protein shake (plant protein + almond milk) every day.
Hopefully it works out. Today I've been pretty spaced out, unfortunately.
Edited by Megan Boehm, 11 February 2014 - 10:11 PM.
#1783
Posted 11 February 2014 - 10:46 PM
#1784
Posted 12 February 2014 - 12:28 AM
Thanks for your meticulous research Lostflaco, but how is it that histone acetylation leads to induction of apoptosis? http://www.retroviro...90-4-18-7-l.jpg
Sure Aarfai. =) I'll let these studies explain.
http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/24495951
Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2014 Feb 4. [Epub ahead of print]
Colon cancer cell apoptosis is induced by combined exposure to the n-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid and butyrate through promoter methylation.
Cho Y, Turner ND, Davidson LA, Chapkin RS, Carroll RJ, Lupton JR.
Author information
Abstract
DNA methylation and histone acetylation contribute to the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in apoptosis. We have demonstrated that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) and butyrate enhance colonocyte apoptosis. To determine if DHA and/or butyrate elevate apoptosis through epigenetic mechanisms thereby restoring the transcription of apoptosis-related genes, we examined global methylation; gene-specific promoter methylation of 24 apoptosis-related genes; transcription levels of Cideb, Dapk1, and Tnfrsf25; and global histone acetylation in the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line. Cells were treated with combinations of (50 µM) DHA or linoleic acid (18:2 n-6), (5 mM) butyrate or an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferases, and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC, 2 µM). Among highly methylated genes, the combination of DHA and butyrate significantly reduced methylation of the proapoptotic Bcl2l11, Cideb, Dapk1, Ltbr, and Tnfrsf25 genes compared to untreated control cells. DHA treatment reduced the methylation of Cideb, Dapk1, and Tnfrsf25. These data suggest that the induction of apoptosis by DHA and butyrate is mediated, in part, through changes in the methylation state of apoptosis-related genes.
Free full text: http://www.ncbi.nlm....les/PMC3378095/
http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/22517765
Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2012 Jun 15;302(12):G1405-15. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00543.2011. Epub 2012 Apr 19.
Butyrate suppresses colonic inflammation through HDAC1-dependent Fas upregulation and Fas-mediated apoptosis of T cells.
Zimmerman MA, Singh N, Martin PM, Thangaraju M, Ganapathy V, Waller JL, Shi H, Robertson KD, Munn DH, Liu K.
Author information
Abstract
Butyrate, an intestinal microbiota metabolite of dietary fiber, has been shown to exhibit protective effects toward inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammation-mediated colorectal cancer. Recent studies have shown that chronic IFN-γ signaling plays an essential role in inflammation-mediated colorectal cancer development in vivo, whereas genome-wide association studies have linked human UC risk loci to IFNG, the gene that encodes IFN-γ. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the butyrate-IFN-γ-colonic inflammation axis are not well defined. Here we showed that colonic mucosa from patients with UC exhibit increased signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation, and this STAT1 hyperactivation is correlated with increased T cell infiltration. Butyrate treatment-induced apoptosis of wild-type T cells but not Fas-deficient (Fas(lpr)) or FasL-deficient (Fas(gld)) T cells, revealing a potential role of Fas-mediated apoptosis of T cells as a mechanism of butyrate function. Histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) was found to bind to the Fas promoter in T cells, and butyrate inhibits HDAC1 activity to induce Fas promoter hyperacetylation and Fas upregulation in T cells. Knocking down gpr109a or slc5a8, the genes that encode for receptor and transporter of butyrate, respectively, resulted in altered expression of genes related to multiple inflammatory signaling pathways, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in mouse colonic epithelial cells in vivo. Butyrate effectively inhibited IFN-γ-induced STAT1 activation, resulting in inhibition of iNOS upregulation in human colon epithelial and carcinoma cells in vitro. Our data thus suggest that butyrate delivers a double-hit: induction of T cell apoptosis to eliminate the source of inflammation and suppression of IFN-γ-mediated inflammation in colonic epithelial cells, to suppress colonic inflammation.
Extended Quote:
"A promising class of agents with both preventive and therapeutic potential to counteract inflammation-mediated UC and colorectal cancer is short-chain fatty acids, most notably butyrate (10, 22, 43). Butyrate is a major metabolite in colonic lumen arising from bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber and has been shown to be a critical mediator of the colonic inflammatory response (10, 21–22, 24, 40). One mechanism underlying butyrate function in suppression of colonic inflammation is inhibition of the IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling pathways (23, 40). Butyrate may exert its anti-inflammatory function through acting as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor (10–11, 48); however, the specific molecular targets of butyrate as a HDAC inhibitor and molecular mechanisms of inhibition are not well-defined.
We conducted an in-depth analysis of butyrate function in both T cells and colonic epithelial cells and determined that butyrate delivers a double-hit to inhibit inflammation: first, butyrate inhibits IFN-γ-induced STAT1 activation and iNOS upregulation to suppress inflammation in colonic epithelial and carcinoma cells; second and more importantly, butyrate inhibits Fas promoter-bound HDAC1 activity to induce Fas promoter hyperacetylation and Fas upregulation to enhance Fas-mediated apoptosis of T cells, resulting in termination of the uncontrolled T cell activation, thereby, eliminating the source of inflammation in the colonic tissue."
Edited by lostfalco, 12 February 2014 - 12:33 AM.
#1785
Posted 12 February 2014 - 02:30 AM
#1786
Posted 12 February 2014 - 04:16 AM
I just bought PQQ and CoQ10, and had the laser (850nm 48 LED), do you take the PQQ and CoQ10 right before the LLLT session or do you wait x amount of minutes before you start LLLT?
2nd Question:
I understand the 2 days on/1 day off and one day on/one day off routine, but what seems to be the soonest you can repeat the stack back-to-back? Is 12 hours in between sufficient time? I ask this if confronted with the situation where you were to use it the night before for studying, then around the time you wake up for an exam the next day.
Any help would be much appreciated!
#1787
Posted 12 February 2014 - 05:29 AM
Perhaps it is only due to some unidentified pathology, but I find the effects when applied to non-brain sites pretty profound, but even there I'm only doing a minute per site with the 96 LED array.
The effects are also pretty definitely cumulative, so perhaps a good dosing strategy would be finding a dose that doesn't make you tired and sticking with it even if the positive effect doesn't present immediately.
Regarding dosing time, I don't think it would matter much if dosing at night, as the effects are supposed to be regulatory changes. However, I feel I have noticed generalized potentiation of other psychotropics by the LED, probably due to vasodilation.
#1788
Posted 12 February 2014 - 12:31 PM
I don't think people should be afraid of staying at 30 s per site (or less if dealing with a pathology... recall seeing a report with an Alzheimer's patient where ten seconds of a similar set-up were being used per site.
Would love if you could find it. People here are using VERY low doses compared to the studies cited in this thread.
#1789
Posted 12 February 2014 - 01:26 PM
I think this is right on!Low doses seem to work well for me... I don't think people should be afraid of staying at 30 s per site (or less if dealing with a pathology...)
I think this is even more right on! That's exactly it....find a dose that doesn't make you tired and stick with that for a while. The results are most definitely cumulative due to the next thing you said....The effects are also pretty definitely cumulative, so perhaps a good dosing strategy would be finding a dose that doesn't make you tired and sticking with it even if the positive effect doesn't present immediately.
Um, yeah...this post is awesome macro. The main benefits of LLLT come from the 'signaling cascade' that is initiated by the photons. This cascade ultimately leads to increased VEGF, BDNF, repair mechanisms, transcription factor activity, cAMP, neurotransmitters, etc. Again, 'exercise/weightlifting' are the analogies here. You lift heavy and then your body responds. The benefits don't come 'while lifting'...they come 'while resting after lifting'. Great post macro.Regarding dosing time, I don't think it would matter much if dosing at night, as the effects are supposed to be regulatory changes. However, I feel I have noticed generalized potentiation of other psychotropics by the LED, probably due to vasodilation.
For more, check out Gonzalez-Lima's distinction between primary effects (while the light is on) and secondary effects (while the light is off) of LLLT. https://dl.dropboxus...nzalez-lima.pdf
Edited by lostfalco, 12 February 2014 - 01:47 PM.
#1790
Posted 12 February 2014 - 01:44 PM
Long time no see
I benefit enormously from your LLLT discovery. I'm about to start experimenting with p. starch soon.
However, I would be happy to get your response regarding: (I've post it here couple of weeks ago, must've been lost)
- What the optimal timing you've found, that taking the supplements for LLLT is most beneficial?
The research I made about the pharmacokinetics properties of the different LLLT enhancers
conclude that they should be taken 2.5 hours (average of all the different substances) priory to
the LLLT for maximum plasma concentration.
- What is your favorite EEG points for LLLT ?
- What is your opinion about combination of curcumine+ peperine with the LLLT protocol ?
- (excuse me if I missed it while I was absent) What is your opinion towards combination of MB with LLLT?
Raz
Edited by Raz007, 12 February 2014 - 01:47 PM.
#1791
Posted 12 February 2014 - 03:38 PM
Frank Madeo, Phd (Professor, Institute of Molecular Biosciences at University of Graz, Austria) has done research that shows the combination of resveratrol and spermidine increases autophagy. Spermidine increases resistance to free radicals and stress by methods dependent on autophagy and also independent of autophagy. Spermidine has been shown to be enriched in the blood of healthy humans who have lived over 90 years of age. Dr. Madeo eats food high in spermidine: soybeans, green beans, pears, lentil soup, and mushrooms (listed in descending order of content).
Source: p.92, March 2014 Life Extension Magazine
Also, not related to the above but to LLLT, wouldn't taking a copper supplement, in addition to CoQ and PQQ, be a good idea? Copper is required for complex IV of the electron transport chain.
Edited by cylack, 12 February 2014 - 03:44 PM.
#1792
Posted 12 February 2014 - 04:33 PM
However, I feel I have noticed generalized potentiation of other psychotropics by the LED, probably due to vasodilation.
If I may ask — which psychotropics are you referring to? And at what doses?
Thanks for your post. I'm going to laser again tonight but keep it at about 30-35 seconds each.
Edited by Megan Boehm, 12 February 2014 - 04:34 PM.
#1793
Posted 12 February 2014 - 07:06 PM
Hey there Lostfalco !
Long time no see
I benefit enormously from your LLLT discovery. I'm about to start experimenting with p. starch soon.
However, I would be happy to get your response regarding: (I've post it here couple of weeks ago, must've been lost)
- What the optimal timing you've found, that taking the supplements for LLLT is most beneficial?
The research I made about the pharmacokinetics properties of the different LLLT enhancers
conclude that they should be taken 2.5 hours (average of all the different substances) priory to
the LLLT for maximum plasma concentration.
- What is your favorite EEG points for LLLT ?
- What is your opinion about combination of curcumine+ peperine with the LLLT protocol ?
- (excuse me if I missed it while I was absent) What is your opinion towards combination of MB with LLLT?
Raz
If you don't mind me chiming in... personally I'd go for a curcumin without piperine. These two sources seem worthwhile:
http://www.bcm95.com/ (this one actually comes with the turmeric 'essential oils' which, if you look on the site, have TONS of research behind them for decreasing inflammation and what not);
http://www.integrati...min/Theracurmin (curcumin nanoparticles - you can get a sample from them before purchasing).
#1794
Posted 12 February 2014 - 08:33 PM
Why not consume curcumine with piperine? according to some articles adding piperine in ration of 2:5 (5 units curcumine) increase the bioavailability of the curcumine significantly
Edited by Raz007, 12 February 2014 - 08:34 PM.
#1795
Posted 12 February 2014 - 08:39 PM
Alternatively, I've heard of people doing injections of curcumin...
#1796
Posted 12 February 2014 - 08:50 PM
The result was 5 gram of curcumin powder + 2 gram of black pepper powder. mixed together with olive oil to form a kind of paste. I let it set for a while and then drink it with some water. It's not for everyone - but it's extremely cost effective and seems to produce some nice results
Edited by Raz007, 12 February 2014 - 08:52 PM.
#1797
Posted 12 February 2014 - 08:59 PM
#1798
Posted 12 February 2014 - 09:06 PM
Anyone using heat lamps or anything for red/infrared light? I just received a 250-watt infrared heat lamp from Ebay and it feels nice and seems to increase my cognition (I'll test this through quantified-mind soon enough). I think I may get 2-3 more and just sit under them alllll day as I study.
#1799
Posted 12 February 2014 - 10:09 PM
It's a pricey curcumin, but worth it. One thing about curcumin in general though is that it is anti-androgenic (along with a whole host of other supps like green tea and licorice). That's why I'm only taking the curcumin for a month before I discontinue it. I'm on a detox protocol now after having mercury fillings removed and the curcumin is good for reducing brain inflammation. I also stopped taking green tea because of the anti-androgen properties.
#1800
Posted 12 February 2014 - 11:20 PM
Hey, what's up Raz!? That's awesome that LLLT has been working so well for you man.Hey there Lostfalco !
Long time no see
I benefit enormously from your LLLT discovery. I'm about to start experimenting with p. starch soon.
However, I would be happy to get your response regarding: (I've post it here couple of weeks ago, must've been lost)
- What the optimal timing you've found, that taking the supplements for LLLT is most beneficial?
The research I made about the pharmacokinetics properties of the different LLLT enhancers
conclude that they should be taken 2.5 hours (average of all the different substances) priory to
the LLLT for maximum plasma concentration.
- What is your favorite EEG points for LLLT ?
- What is your opinion about combination of curcumine+ peperine with the LLLT protocol ?
- (excuse me if I missed it while I was absent) What is your opinion towards combination of MB with LLLT?
Raz
-2.5 hours sounds about right to me.
-I'm lasering my whole brain.
-curcumin looks very interesting...still researching. Haven't tried it yet.
-MB + LLLT should be undertaken very cautiously. If spaced far enough apart, the combo is probably ok.
Keep us updated...I hope the starch works well for you!
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