Supplements
for Executive function
The human brain is a supercomputer that has been a scientific mystery for centuries. As recently as 15 years ago, scientists believed that adult brains were unable to change or grow.
Although we learn more over time, we experience a steady decline in our ability to process new information and solve problems in real time starting from age 20.
That’s bad news for traders over 40.
The good news, however, is that modern neuroscience has proven that the brain is capable of growth and repair.
Regardless of age, our brain often responds well to supplementation and other pro-cognitive factors (such as exercise.)

What is EXECUTIVE FUNCTION and why is it important for traders?
My personal goal in using supplements is to enhance executive function, which is the ability to remember and execute a plan as well as inhibit impulsive, ill-considered actions. These are key factors for every trader.
Executive function is highly dependent on adequate levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Impulsivity, hyperactivity, FOMO, chasing, and the inability to follow a plan even when you want to, are symptoms of low baseline dopamine levels in traders.
Those levels are partly set by genetics and partly by diet.
Prescription stimulants used to treat Adult ADD boost dopamine, but they never worked for me, so I had to find non-prescription alternatives.
Fortunately, scientists have identified dozens of natural compounds that gently improve cognitive function, learning, processing speed and memory and over the years I’ve tried many of them.
There are some supplements that I consider “basic brain food.” They are nutrients, not stimulants. I take them daily and plan on taking them for the rest of my life.
There are other supplements that I think of as “enhancers” that probably have a more limited utility. Some of these are pure chemical compounds made in laboratories and some are herbal (leaves, roots, berries and extracts.)
Because each of us is biologically unique, it’s impossible to know in advance which compounds might work for any one individual. I’ve simply tried various options, one at a time, and observed the effects.
Keep in mind, however, that taking supplements can interfere with some prescription medications. I am not a medical doctor. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Consult with your healthcare professional before you experiment. This material is presented for general information purposes only. Follow the links for more detailed information.
MY BASIC BRAIN FOOD DIET & SUPPLEMENTS
My nutritional foundation is a diet rich in non-GMO and/or organic fruits & vegetables, grassfed meat and Scottish salmon (Wester Ross.)
I supplement it with the products listed below. Supplements vary greatly in terms of quality. Some are made in China and I avoid those. I’ve tried many brands and these are the brands I use.
Cold Brew Coffee
SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine)
Bulletproof Brain Octane softgels
Jarrow Neuro Optimizer
Krill Oil
Phosphatidyl Serine (PS)
Magnesium Threonate
Dopamind
Goji Berries
Exercise
Sitting too much is bad for the brain. Research has confirmed that regular exercise improves mood and cognition. There are measurable benefits from just walking 3 days a week, but more exercise may be useful for some individuals.
I personally play tennis 5 times a week. I also use a ball chair to activate core muscles while sitting. This is a link to the chair I use.
Kristi is a tennis pal who is trained in Myofascial Release. I go to her for all my aches and pains. She recommended that I try these “special” socks. She said they helped her movement and balance… plus they also improved her concentration and lowered anxiety. I immediately thought of a possible application for traders so I ordered a couple of pairs.
I didn’t expect to notice anything, but I did. It might have been a coincidence, but within 2 weeks I put on the best futures trade of my life due to being able to hold a winner much longer. I was just more relaxed about the trade.
There is anecdotal evidence that these socks have some unusual positive balancing effects on the human nervous system, especially the mid-brain. Plus they are very comfortable. Order with this button and Kristi gets a small commission.