Intermittent fasting is a rapidly growing health trend based on skipping meals at regular intervals. It has been practiced around the world for thousands of years, often for religious reasons. Now, modern nutritional science is starting to confirm it’s various health benefits.
This method encompasses eating patterns in which you might go from 12 to as long as 48 hours with little or no energy intake. It is broken up by intervening periods of normal food intake.1Mattson MP, Longo VD, Harvie M. Impact of intermittent fasting on health and disease processes, Ageing Res Rev. 2017
What Are The Best Nootropics For Intermittent Fasting - Quick Answers
| Blood Sugar Breakthrough | Stabilizes and promotes healthy blood sugar levels | Learn More |
| Magnesium | #1 Magnesium Product | Learn More |
| Mind Lab Pro | #1 Nootropic For Beginners | Learn More |
| Cordyceps Mushroom | The Aphrodesiac Mushroom | Learn More |
| Qualia Mind | Most Nootropics Per Serving | Learn More |
| Reishi | A staple in Eastern medicine | Learn More |
| Phosphatidylserine | Critical building block of your braincells | Learn More |
| Phosphatidylcholine | Crucial component of all neural cells | Learn More |
| L-Glutamine | The most abundant amino acid in your body | Learn More |
| GABA | Your body's natural relaxant | Learn More |
| NALT | Effective, natural way to support dopamine | Learn More |
| Alpha-GPC | Great source of choline that works well in nootropic stacks | Learn More |
| Ashwagandha | Traditional herb with potent relaxing effects | Learn More |
| Rhodiola Rosea | Ancient herbal performance enhancer | Learn More |
| Adrafinil | A legal over-the-counter version on Modafinil | Learn More |
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
The most typical intermittent fasting routines include:
- 16/8: fasting for 16 hours every day, then eating during an 8-hour window in the evening.
- 1-on-1-off: fasting for 24 hours every other day
- 5/2: fasting for 48 hours once every week.
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- Reduce Stress and Anxiety
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Regardless of the schedule, many people report a wide variety of physical and mental improvements from fasting at scheduled intervals.
Intermittent Fasting Health Benefits
One of the major reasons people turn to intermittent fasting is for weight loss. People have used calorie restriction since practically forever as a method to shed pounds. Obviously, eating less means less caloric intake, which means (hopefully) losing weight.
Read More: Why You Should Never Buy Nootropics From Amazon
However, most of these restricted-calorie methods have mixed results. But, while intermittent fasting can be considered a form of calorie restriction, the time-restricted feeding structure actually leads to more profound results.
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Some of the major benefits of intermittent fasting over typical calorie restriction include better insulin and blood sugar control, increased metabolic rate, and more balanced hormone levels (including higher levels of Human Growth Hormone).2Mansell PI, Fellows IW, Macdonald IA. Enhanced thermogenic response to epinephrine after 48-h starvation in humans,Am J Physiol. 19903K Y Ho, et al. Fasting enhances growth hormone secretion and amplifies the complex rhythms of growth hormone secretion in man, J Clin Invest. 1988
This may allow for more sustainable, effective weight loss over the long-term.
There is clinical evidence that intermittent fasting may also be able to treat:4Mizushima N. Autophagy: process and function, Genes Dev. 2007 5Choi KS. Autophagy and cancer, Exp Mol Med. 2012 6Louiza Belkacemi, et al. Intermittent Fasting Modulation of the Diabetic Syndrome in Streptozotocin-Injected Rats, International Journal of Endocrinology. 2012
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Preventing free-radical damage
- Metabolic disorders
Not eating for extended periods of time allows your body to clean up and eliminate intracellular waste. This necessary process can help overall cellular function and prevent disease.7Mehrdad Alirezaei, et al. <a href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3106288/”
Brain Benefits Of Fasting
Many intermittent fasting enthusiasts report feeling more clear-headed, focused, and mentally sharp while following this schedule.
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It’s also possible that intermittent fasting can also help with mental issues like:
Sticking to an intermittent fasting routine is not only helpful for your physical health. It can also have profound effects on cognition and mental function.
Research shows that intermittent fasting can increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. These are powerful mechanisms that contribute to brain-plasticity and neurogenesis.8Navin Maswood, et al. Caloric restriction increases neurotrophic factor levels and attenuates neurochemical and behavioral deficits in a primate model of Parkinson’s disease, PNAS. 2004
Intermittent fasting has also been shown to improve memory and prevent memory loss.9Shin BK, et al. Intermittent fasting protects against the deterioration of cognitive function, energy metabolism and dyslipidemia in Alzheimer’s disease-induced estrogen deficient rats, Exp Biol Med. 2018
There is also evidence that this regimen can help treat the symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.10Halagappa VK, et al. Intermittent fasting and caloric restriction ameliorate age-related behavioral deficits in the triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, Neurobiol Dis. 2007 11Xiang Bai, et al. Rapamycin improves motor function, reduces 4-hydroxynonenal adducted protein in brain, and attenuates synaptic injury in a mouse model of synucleinopathy, Pathobiology of Aging & Age-related Diseases. 2015 12Bruce-Keller AJ, Umberger G, McFall R, Mattson MP. Food restriction reduces brain damage and improves behavioral outcome following excitotoxic and metabolic insults, Ann Neurol. 1999
Can Intermittent Fasting Cause Brain Fog?
Many people claim that this routine can lift brain fog and give them more overall mental clarity.
According to some research, longer fasts can be associated with higher cognitive abilities.13Rima Solianik, et al. Effect of 48 h Fasting on Autonomic Function, Brain Activity, Cognition, and Mood in Amateur Weight Lifters, Biomed Res Int. 2016
However, other people find that going long stretches without food makes them foggy-headed and irritable. For many, this will clear up after a few days or weeks of intermittent fasting, after their body adjusts to the new routine.
For others, it will continue causing issues, and so they may need to quit the fasting schedule. Everybody is different, and the most important thing is to listen to yours.
If you have problems thinking clearly that does not relent after your initial couple of intermittent fasting, it simply might not be for you.
So, while it does seem like sticking to a fasting routine can lift brain fog for many people, it all ultimately comes down to the individual.
When To Take Nootropics While Fasting
In general, we don’t recommend taking these nootropics while actively fasting, as most of these are better absorbed with food.
Best Nootropics For Intermittent Fasting
If you are currently on or considering an intermittent fasting schedule, some nootropics may have some specific benefits for you.
Best Nootropics for Intermittent Fasting
1. Blood Sugar Breakthrough
Stabilizes and promotes healthy blood sugar levels
Blood Sugar Breakthrough is the most advanced blood sugar stabilizing formula on the market.
It includes a blend of research-based ingredients that optimize blood sugar levels by increasing your body's insulin sensitivity.
This is the perfect supplement for intermittent fasting which is also meant to sensitize your cells to insulin and lower blood glucose.14Stephen D. Anton, Keelin Moehl, William T. Donahoo, Krisztina Marosi, Stephanie Lee, Arch G. Mainous, III, Christiaan Leeuwenburgh, and Mark P. Mattson, Flipping the Metabolic Switch: Understanding and Applying Health Benefits of Fasting, Obesity (Silver Spring). 2018 15Martin M. Grajower1 and Benjamin D. Horne, Clinical Management of Intermittent Fasting in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus, Nutrients. 2019
The compounding effects of Blood Sugar Breakthrough Formula while intermittent fasting can 10x your blood glucose management, boost overall metabolism, and increase your results.16Rona Antoni , Kelly L Johnston , Adam L Collins , M Denise Robertson, Effects of intermittent fasting on glucose and lipid metabolism, Proc Nutr Soc. 2017
2. Magnesium Breakthrough
#1 Magnesium Product
During intermittent fasting, we are at a higher risk for electrolyte deficiency, muscle cramps and insomnia. A few studies suggest that consuming magnesium during intermittent fasting may enhance the overall outcome.17Arlet V. Nedeltcheva, MD, Jennifer M. Kilkus, MS,2 Jacqueline Imperial, RN,2 Dale A. Schoeller, PhD,3 and Plamen D. Penev, MD, PhD, Insufficient sleep undermines dietary efforts to reduce adiposity, Ann Intern Med. 2010
This is because, magnesium performs a bunch of essential functions including, maintenance of cell membrane function, fluid/ electrolyte balance, regulation of potassium and calcium.18Nicola Veronese, Jacopo Demurtas, Gabriella Pesolillo, Stefano Celotto, Tommaso Barnini, Giovanni Calusi, Maria Gabriella Caruso, Maria Notarnicola, Rosa Reddavide, Brendon Stubbs, Marco Solmi, Stefania Maggi, Alberto Vaona, Joseph Firth, Lee Smith, Ai Koyanagi, Ligia Dominguez & Mario Barbagallo, Magnesium and health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational and intervention studies, European Journal of Nutrition. 2020
Hence, it is recommended to increase the intake of dietary magnesium during intermittent fasting to avoid muscle contractions, promote enzymatic reactions, and produce optimum energy during long fasting periods.19Behnood Abbasi , Masud Kimiagar, Khosro Sadeghniiat, Minoo M Shirazi, Mehdi Hedayati, Bahram Rashidkhani, The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, J Res Med Sci. 2012
Magnesium has also been found to upregulate melatonin levels, which eventually improves the quality of sleep and helps with insomnia associated with intermittent fasting. Magnesium Breakthrough contains several forms of dietary magnesium which support healthy fat loss, and promote sound sleep. This supplement comprises cofactors such as B6, manganese and “monoatomic magnesium” which boosts the absorption of magnesium in the body.
3. Mind Lab Pro
#1 Nootropic For Beginners
- Mind Lab Pro's comprehensive yet simplistic formula is excellent for intermittent fasting.
- Ingredients like Lion's Mane and CDP-Choline work synergistically with your body as it shifts into fat-burning mode.
- The adaptogens and L-theanine will also help control the cortisol response that comes from any fasting stress.
- You also get B-vitamin co-factors to enhance absorbability.
- The supplements themselves are 3rd party tested and free of excess fillers and toxic ingredients.
- I love this stack for nootropic newbies and experienced nootropic users alike.
4. Cordyceps
The Aphrodesiac Mushroom
Cordyceps is an adaptogenic nutrient-dense herb. It also contains multiple trace minerals which makes it the perfect food item to take during or after intermittent fasting.
Consuming cordyceps while intermittent fasting supports and stabilizes your body and brings it back to balance.20Ashok Kumar Panda and Kailash Chandra Swain, Traditional uses and medicinal potential of Cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim, J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2011
As per scientific literature, cordyceps contains numerous complex compounds with the aptitude not only to enhance the immune system response but also to modulate its response.21Gitishree Das,Han-Seung Shin,Gerardo Leyva-Gómez,María L. Del Prado-Audelo,Hernán Cortes,Yengkhom Disco Singh,Manasa Kumar Panda,Abhay Prakash Mishra,Manisha Nigam,Sarla Saklani,Praveen Kumar Chaturi,Miquel Martore,Natália Cruz-Martins,Vineet Sharma,Neha Garg,Rohit Sharma,Jayanta Kumar Patra, Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials, Front. Pharmacol., 2021
Adding this to your fasting period will help you intensify mental caliber, improve attention span, and prevent stress, anxiety, and fatigue.22E J Buenz , B A Bauer, T W Osmundson, T J Motley, The traditional Chinese medicine Cordyceps sinensis and its effects on apoptotic homeostasis, J Ethnopharmacol. 2005
Freshcap Mushrooms provide the highest percentage of beta glucans and fruiting body nutrients, making this mushroom product my preferred choice for Cordyceps.
5. Qualia Mind
Most Nootropics Per Serving
- Qualia Mind's comprehensive formula is an excellent complement for anyone looking to optimize intermittent fasting's many mental benefits.
- Feeding your brain the 28 neuro-compounds included in Qualia's formula help boost your mind as it begins burning fat for fuel.
- You'll experience more motivation, more energy, fewer cravings, and better metabolism.
- This stack is great for more experienced biohackers or anyone who needs a significant boost in brainpower.
6. Reishi
A staple in Eastern medicine
Studies have found that the polysaccharides and triterpenes present in Reishi mushrooms promote the mechanism of cellular autophagy making it a perfect addition to your intermittent fasting routine.23Haitao Pan, Yujie Wang, Kun Na, Ying Wang, Lu Wang, Zhenhao Li, Chengjie Guo, Dandan Guo & Xingya Wang, Autophagic flux disruption contributes to Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide-induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells via MAPK/ERK activation, Cell Death & Disease. 201924Anita Thyagarajan, Andrej Jedinak, Hai Nguyen, Colin Terry, Lee Ann Baldridge, Jiahua Jiang, Daniel Sliva, Triterpenes from Ganoderma Lucidum induce autophagy in colon cancer through the inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated kinase (p38 MAPK), Nutr Cancer. 2010
Both Reishi mushrooms and intermittent fasting stimulate the lysosomes in the cells to consume the damaged cellular structures, thus promoting regenerative processes at a cellular level.25Mohammad Bagherniya , Alexandra E Butler , George E Barreto , Amirhossein Sahebkar, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30172870/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The effect of fasting or calorie restriction on autophagy induction: A review of the literature, Ageing Res Rev. 2018
Due to their similar mechanisms of action, when combined together, Reishi and intermittent fasting can have an additive beneficial effect on the overall health outcome.
Freshcap Mushrooms provide the highest percentage of beta glucans and fruiting body nutrients, making this mushroom product my preferred choice for Reishi.
7. Phosphatidylserine
Critical building block of your braincells
This amino acid is critical for overall metabolism.
L-Glutamine helps maintain the integrity of your gut lining. This helps both digestion and immune function regulation during fasting.26Mignon M, Beaufrère AM, Combaret L, Meynial-Denis D. Does long-term intermittent treatment with glutamine improve the well-being of fed and fasted very old rats?, JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2007
Phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring phospholipid that makes up a significant part of every cell membrane in your body. It may be useful to supplement this compound while your body is in a fasting state.
It can help with blood glucose regulation which may enhance the benefits of fasting, including lowering stress.27Michael A Starks, et al. The effects of phosphatidylserine on endocrine response to moderate intensity exercise, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2008
Intermittent fasting is known to increase a process called apoptosis, or clearing out cellular waste. According to research, phosphatidylserine can help identify cells for clearance in apoptosis. This may increase the efficiency of this process.
This could have a broad range of benefits for mental and physical processes, as well as treat the symptoms of a number of disorders.28R B Birge. Phosphatidylserine is a global immunosuppressive signal in efferocytosis, infectious disease, and cancer, Cell Death And Differentiation. 2016
8. Phosphatidylcholine
Crucial component of all neural cells
Phosphatidylcholine is the counterpart of phosphatidylserine, and together they compose large amounts of your cell membranes.
This nootropic supplement can increase the function of the liver and aid in transporting lipids.29Author links open overlay panelSergio O.Serna-SaldivarJanet A.Gutiérrez-UribeSilverioGarcía-Lara. Phytochemical Profiles and Nutraceutical Properties of Corn and Wheat Tortillas, Wheat Flour and Corn Products. 2015
During starvation, your liver breaks down lipids in the bloodstream in a process called macrolipophagy. This is an important process that can regulate metabolism and possibly prevent some metabolic disorders.30Singh R, et al. Autophagy regulates lipid metabolism, Nature. 2009
Phosphatidylcholine can theoretically support this process while you are fasting.
9. L-Glutamine
The most abundant amino acid in your body
This amino acid is critical for overall metabolism.
L-Glutamine helps maintain the integrity of your gut lining. This helps both digestion and immune function regulation during fasting.31Mignon M, Beaufrère AM, Combaret L, Meynial-Denis D. Does long-term intermittent treatment with glutamine improve the well-being of fed and fasted very old rats?, JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2007
Glutamine has been shown to improve gut and colon barrier function, which could ultimately help brain function through the gut/brain axis.32Clément L’Huillier. Glutamine, but not Branched-Chain Amino Acids, Restores Intestinal Barrier Function during Activity-Based Anorexia, Nutrients. 2019
10. GABA
Your body's natural relaxant
GABA is an amino acid and neurotransmitter that is often described as the “brakes” of the central nervous system. It can also affect glucose and insulin levels, possibly making GABA supplements useful for fasters.
GABA and GABA-enriched natural products can be effective agents in lowering blood glucose, attenuating insulin resistance, and stimulating insulin release.33Soltani N, et al. GABA exerts protective and regenerative effects on islet beta cells and reverses diabetes, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011
In one study, GABA significantly reduced the concentrations of fasting blood glucose, and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in the High Fat Diet-fed mice. More importantly, after the onset of obesity, GABA inhibited the continued weight-gain and stabilized insulin and glucose levels.34Tian J, et al. Oral treatment with γ-aminobutyric acid improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity by inhibiting inflammation in high fat diet-fed mice, PLoS One. 2011
This means that GABA supplementation may help your body stabilize during intermittent fasting.
11. NALT
Effective, natural way to support dopamine
N-acetyl L-tyrosine, or NALT, is a potent derivative of the essential amino acid L-tyrosine. Both NALT and L-tyrosine convert rapidly into dopamine, one of your body’s most important neurotransmitters.
Fasting can (naturally) cause you to experience mental and physical stress. Luckily, studies show that NALT helps cognitive ability while under stress.35O'Brien C, et al. Dietary tyrosine benefits cognitive and psychomotor performance during body cooling, Physiol Behav. 2007
NALT can help with overall mood and behavioral deficits that may come as a result of the stress of intermittent fasting. This may be especially relevant as you start a fasting routine and your body adjusts.36Lehnert H, Reinstein DK, Strowbridge BW, Wurtman RJ. Neurochemical and behavioral consequences of acute, uncontrollable stress: effects of dietary tyrosine, Brain Res. 1984
So, this could be a good option to maintain cognitive function while fasting for extended periods.
12. Alpha-GPC
Great source of choline that works well in nootropic stacks
Alpha-GPC is a direct, highly-bioavailable source of choline, which is an essential nutrient. Adding Alpha GPC to your stack can work as a sort of neurohack to increase overall brain processing and problem-solving.37Amenta F, Parnetti L, Gallai V, Wallin A. Treatment of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease with cholinergic precursors. Ineffective treatments or inappropriate approaches?, Mech Ageing Dev. 2001
Choline has many neurological benefits, and it can overall enhance the mental benefits of intermittent fasting.38Parnetti L, Amenta F, Gallai V. Choline alphoscerate in cognitive decline and in acute cerebrovascular disease: an analysis of published clinical data, Mech Ageing Dev. 2001
Alpha-GPC can enhance inter- and intra- cell communication, which is important during the cellular cleanup work that happens during intermittent fasting.39Zeisel SH, Blusztajn JK. Choline and human nutrition, Annu Rev Nutr. 1994
As a supplement, it may be good for helping maintain strength for those who may feel weak and nutrient deficient after fasting.40Tim Ziegenfuss, et al. Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2008
13. Ashwagandha
Traditional herb with potent relaxing effects
Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogenic herb that has been used in traditional medicine for millennia to combat stress and balance hormones.
Fasting can induce physical stress and tilt the autonomic nervous system more towards sympathetic responses (stress responses).41Solianik R, Sujeta A. Two-day fasting evokes stress, but does not affect mood, brain activity, cognitive, psychomotor, and motor performance in overweight women, Behav Brain Res. 2018
Luckily, there is evidence that ashwagandha can help control and lower cortisol output to help relax the body during fasting-induced stress.42Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults, Indian J Psychol Med. 2012
According to research, ashwagandha can lead to a statistically significant reduction in anxiety, depression, and overall stress ratings, as well as an increase in testosterone in men.43Lopresti AL, et al. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Medicine (Baltimore). 2019
14. Rhodiola Rosea
Ancient herbal performance enhancer
Similar to ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen with a long history of use for stress relief and increased mental ability.
This herb has adaptogenic and stimulatory qualities to help keep you energized and alert during times of fasting and keep your mental acuity high.
Taking Rhodiola can boost learning and memory as well. Even one dose of Rhodiola extract was found to improve learning and memory in rats. Researchers suspect that this is most likely due to its adaptogenic qualities.
As you may imagine, by boosting mood and lowering anxiety/stress, you indirectly give your brain more energy to use on productively.44Petkov VD, et al. Effects of alcohol aqueous extract from Rhodiola rosea L. roots on learning and memory, Acta Physiol Pharmacol Bulg. 1986
Rhodiola can significantly increase stamina and energy. Young military cadets who took Rhodiola extract performed much better on cognitive tests after engaging in physically strenuous activity.
They were consistently more alert and "on top of it" compared to their counterparts who took a placebo. They even showed lower physiological measures of fatigue, such as blood pressure and heart rate.45Shevtsov VA, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work, Phytomedicine. 2003
This makes Rhodiola a great overall nootropic for anyone interested in fasting.
15. Adrafinil
A legal over-the-counter version on Modafinil
Usually, modafinil (and it’s prodrug adrafinil) are considered stimulant/anti-narcolepsy drugs.
But, there is clear evidence that modafinil/adrafinil can also decrease appetite. Obviously this may be useful if you are attempting to fast.46Perez GA, et al. Modafinil decreases food intake in humans subjected to simulated shift work, Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2008
Keep in mind that these nootropics are a bit stronger than some of the others on this list, and may have more side-effects.
Modafinil requires a prescription in most places (including the US), but adrafinil is an over the counter supplement.
Where to Buy Adrafinil:
Wrapping Up
Have you been intermittent fasting? What’s been your secret to success? Let us know in the comments!
