AMA #3: Adaptogens, Fasting & Fertility, Bluetooth/EMF Risks, Cognitive Load Limits & More

About this video

In this Ask Me Anything episode, Huberman answers questions about adaptogens, fasting and fertility, Bluetooth and EMF risks, cognitive load limits and more, with the excerpt focused on adaptogens. He explains the definition is still evolving, but an adaptogen is typically a compound that helps buffer stress, and he divides discussion among food-derived compounds, supplement-based compounds and behaviours. Huberman reviews the shift in thinking about antioxidants and reactive oxygen species, which he explains increase as cells age or are stressed and can hinder mitochondrial function. In the middle excerpt he discusses ashwagandha in detail, recommending, if people use it, timing it later in the day rather than before exercise and limiting continuous use to periods of stress with breaks, and he also discusses lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms as adaptogens studied for inflammatory and cognitive effects.

Key takeaways

• Huberman defines adaptogens as compounds that help buffer stress, while noting the definition is evolving.
• Huberman recommends placing ashwagandha later in the day and not before exercise, if it is used.
• Huberman recommends limiting continuous ashwagandha use and taking breaks after periods of stress.
• Huberman discusses lion’s mane and chaga as supplement-based adaptogens.
• Huberman argues food and behavioural adaptogenic effects should not be abandoned for supplements.

Episode details: published January 13, 2023 · 129.4K views · 32:02 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

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