Ask HN: tips for fueling your brain each day?

I've been transitioning to the troglodiet (tm): fresh veggies, legumes, meat. More or less the caveman diet, Atkins, paleo, Eat to Live, etc.<p>This Dr Terry Wahls TEDx talk has been very motivating.<p>Minding Your Mitochondria <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjgBLwH3Wc" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjgBLwH3Wc</a><p>Dr. Wahls is mitigating her MS thru nutrition. For me, eating lots of vegetables makes my chronic psoriasis go away. When I slack on the nutrition (eg traveling), my psoriasis comes back.<p>I believe, but cannot prove, that psoriasis is basically external arthritis. I figure better nutrition is improving my health overall, including brain function.<p>One side effect I did not expect: I now crave hearty kale salads. Years ago I had a gf who was really gunghu for kale, chard, sorrel, and other leafy greens. I could handle it once or at most twice a week. Blech.<p>Now things are different. Better recipes certainly help. I think once my body got used to the good stuff, it demands more.<p>Moderate exercise and plenty of sleep too, of course.<p>Good luck.

I drink tea instead of coffee. This is probably the smartest thing I've done as a programmer. I find that drinking tea makes me able to retain my energy over a longer period than with coffee (or colas, which absolutely nukes my energy after a short period). I probably consume three teapots of white tea (specifically White Peony/Bai Mu Dan) per day. I find this particular tea oddly stabilising and being lighter than black and green tea, it's not as savoury, which means I can drink it all day long.

I like to do what I call mind-candy or life-candy. Simply, it is just to engage in enjoyable acts.<p>Some of mine are: Watch an engaging documentary, read part of a book, take my laptop to an interesting place to work, (museum, park, cafe with a great view) cook a great meal or even buy a snack I love. Have coffee someplace nice, go for a walk in a scenic area, call an old friend, play with a dog.<p>I also like to watch documentaries or other factual programming. I DVR nature shows--the life of the ant was a good one--and sometimes even play them in the background while working. Being a skier and outdoor enthusiast, watching some ski movies pumps me up and helps me work. (Warren Miller movies are my favorites.) This may be more encouragement than brain health. Letting the Dick Proenneke documentaries play in the background is inspiring.<p>These activities can take a lot of time if you let them, but you can also be done with little commitment. I cook dinner anyway, with proper planning, making a special meal adds a negligible amount of time. Having a meeting somewhere? Do it in a public area of the museum or other inspiring setting.

I find drinking a lot of water keeps me alert. I read that the brain uses a lot of water so I started drinking water and trying to stay hydrated at all times. Not sure if its placebo or it actually works. I have also started meditating recently and I find it very good to relax before I go to sleep. It also keeps me happy and sane.I use this site, I haven't upgraded to the paid version. <a href="http://www.getsomeheadspace.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.getsomeheadspace.com</a> I find the below a good blog for productivity and well being articles. <a href="http://www.bakadesuyo.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.bakadesuyo.com</a>

It sounds awful, and you don't need to buy the advertised product online. I recommend you give this a try just one morning and let me know how you feel.<p>[<a href="http://www.bulletproofexec.com/coffee/" rel="nofollow">http://www.bulletproofexec.com/coffee/</a>]<p>I use locally roasted coffee and Kerry Gold Irish Butter (Grass-fed butter). It has changed my life.

Drink plenty of water, avoid foods with lots of sugar and avoid pasta as is makes you tired. Also, instead of eating 3 big meals per day, eat small meals/snacks often, it will keep your energy going.<p>Don't forget to exercise and of course to get some sleep! That what works best for me.

"as does exercise, though I can't see as direct a impact on brain energy as sleeping and napping."<p>You sleep better if you exercise effectively.

exercise as you already mentioned and Green Tea. Lots of Green Tea.

Piracetams.

Hydration, which requires more than mere water. You need electrolytes and other things to stay properly hydrated. That piece shouldn't be "news" to anyone. We have an entire industry built on producing sports drinks which contain sugars and electrolytes.<p>I find sea salt is better than table salt. Certain carbs, like aloe drinks, better than sugar per se. And I find that I stay better hydrated when I get enough of the right oils and avoid oils that I personally have issues with. I find butter and palm oils helpful, but I would suggest you try an elimination diet and figure out for yourself which oils are helpful for you as an individual and which are a problem.