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What products does Huberman recommend for health and performance?

4 min read

According to sources like the 'Ask Huberman Lab' feature, Andrew Huberman recommends a focused and personalized approach to supplementation and product use. This means building your stack around specific goals like sleep, cognitive function, and physical performance, rather than taking supplements without a clear purpose. This article details the research-backed products Andrew Huberman recommends, breaking them down by function.

Quick Summary

This article explores the supplements and tools that Andrew Huberman recommends based on scientific evidence presented on his podcast. It covers products for sleep, focus, physical performance, and overall health, emphasizing a targeted approach rather than a random stack.

Key Points

  • Targeted Supplementation: Huberman advocates using supplements for specific goals like improving sleep, enhancing focus, or supporting physical performance, rather than taking a random stack.

  • Sleep Cocktail: He recommends a combination of Magnesium L-Threonate, Apigenin, and L-Theanine to aid sleep, avoiding melatonin for hormone regulation reasons.

  • Cognitive Boosters: For enhanced focus and memory, products like Alpha-GPC and L-Tyrosine are mentioned due to their effects on neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine.

  • Performance Aids: Creatine monohydrate is recommended for both physical performance and cognitive function, supporting energy production in both muscles and the brain.

  • Sponsor Products: Certain brands like Athletic Greens (AG1) and LMNT are frequently mentioned, covering foundational nutrition and electrolyte needs.

  • Foundational Health: Supplements are seen as secondary to fundamental health practices like consistent sleep, proper diet, and exercise.

In This Article

Foundational Health and Performance Products

Andrew Huberman consistently emphasizes that supplements are meant to complement a solid foundation of proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise, not replace them. With that in mind, he recommends several products and compounds that address core health needs.

General Supplements and Hydration

For foundational nutrition, Huberman has long endorsed AG1 (Athletic Greens). He has used this all-in-one supplement for years to cover nutritional bases, gut health, and immune system support. For electrolytes, he often recommends LMNT, emphasizing its high sodium, potassium, and magnesium content without added sugar. Hydration is a core pillar of his recommendations, especially for optimizing cognitive and physical performance.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Huberman highlights several vitamins and minerals as crucial for overall well-being.

  • Vitamin D3 and K2: Recommended for immune function, hormone regulation, and bone health, especially for those with limited sun exposure. He advises taking it with a fat-containing meal for better absorption and often mentions getting blood levels tested.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Recommended for mood, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health.
  • Magnesium: Different forms of magnesium are highlighted for different purposes. Magnesium Threonate and Magnesium Bisglycinate are recommended for sleep quality and brain health due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
  • Zinc: Advocated for immune support.

Optimizing Sleep with the Huberman Cocktail

Huberman has popularized a specific combination of supplements, often referred to as the 'Huberman sleep cocktail,' to improve sleep quality without relying on melatonin. He emphasizes taking this stack before bed on an empty stomach.

The Huberman Sleep Cocktail components include:

  • Magnesium L-Threonate: A form of magnesium that promotes deep sleep and relaxation.
  • Apigenin: A compound found in chamomile that can reduce anxiety and aid relaxation before sleep.
  • L-Theanine: An amino acid from green tea that promotes calmness without sedation. He notes that the amount should be adjusted based on tolerance.

Products for Cognitive Enhancement and Focus

For those looking to boost focus, memory, and mental clarity, Huberman has discussed several nootropics and supplements.

  • Alpha-GPC: A form of choline that can enhance cognitive function and focus by increasing acetylcholine levels.
  • L-Tyrosine: This amino acid supports dopamine and norepinephrine production, helping with focus and performance, especially during stressful periods.
  • Creatine: Beyond its muscle-building reputation, creatine has been shown to support ATP production in the brain, improving working memory and cognitive function. He recommends creatine monohydrate daily, often post-workout.

Performance and Hormone Support

For optimizing physical performance and supporting hormone levels, Huberman has highlighted several products.

  • Creatine Monohydrate: Considered the gold standard for improving strength and recovery.
  • Tongkat Ali: An herb known to support testosterone production and vitality. He uses it daily, five days a week.
  • Fadogia Agrestis: A lesser-known herb suggested to increase testosterone, which he uses cautiously and cyclically.
  • Adaptogens: Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea are mentioned for stress resilience and boosting mental and physical performance under fatigue.

Other Notable Recommendations

Beyond supplements, Huberman has discussed other categories of products on his podcast, including tools for better living and sponsor endorsements.

General Product Recommendations

  • Skin Care: He and dermatologist Teo Soleymani recommend simple, fragrance-free soaps like unscented Dove bar soap for sensitive skin. They also suggest mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
  • Sleep Technology: Sponsors include Eight Sleep and Helix, which provide technology-driven solutions for optimizing sleep environment and quality.
  • Eyewear: He endorses Roca eyeglasses and sunglasses for their durability and lens clarity.
  • Health Tracking: Tools like InsideTracker are mentioned for providing personalized health analytics.

Conclusion

Andrew Huberman's product and supplement recommendations are diverse, but they follow a consistent philosophy: prioritize foundational health behaviors and use targeted, research-backed tools and supplements for specific goals. Whether it is the 'sleep cocktail' or creatine for both mind and body, his recommendations stem from a pragmatic, science-informed approach. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it is right for your individual needs.

Huberman's Supplement Recommendations Compared

Product Primary Purpose Typical Timing Brand Noted Key Feature
Magnesium L-Threonate Sleep, cognitive function Before bed Momentous Crosses blood-brain barrier
Apigenin Sleep, relaxation Before bed Momentous Reduces anxiety
L-Theanine Sleep, calmness, focus Before bed (or with caffeine) Momentous Increases GABA levels
Creatine Monohydrate Performance, cognitive function Daily, often post-workout Momentous Boosts ATP in muscle & brain
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Brain, mood, inflammation Daily, with food Momentous Critical for brain health
Alpha-GPC Focus, cognitive performance Daily, early in the day Momentous Boosts acetylcholine
Tongkat Ali Hormone support Morning, 5 days per week Momentous Supports testosterone
LMNT Electrolytes, hydration Morning or pre-workout LMNT High in sodium, potassium, magnesium
Athletic Greens (AG1) Foundational nutrition Morning AG1 All-in-one vitamin, mineral, probiotic

Frequently Asked Questions

Andrew Huberman recommends a 'sleep cocktail' consisting of Magnesium L-Threonate, Apigenin, and L-Theanine, taken before bed.

Yes, Andrew Huberman frequently endorses Athletic Greens (AG1) for covering foundational nutritional needs, immune support, and gut health.

For focus and concentration, Huberman suggests supplements like Alpha-GPC and L-Tyrosine to support cognitive function during demanding tasks or stress.

Huberman advises against using melatonin regularly due to concerns about its effects on hormone regulation and the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

For testosterone support, Huberman mentions Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis, though he advises caution and recommends bloodwork to monitor effects, stressing they are more experimental.

Yes, he frequently recommends specific brands like Momentous for single-ingredient supplements and LMNT for electrolytes, in addition to mentioning sponsors such as Athletic Greens (AG1).

Huberman recommends creatine monohydrate for both its physical benefits (strength and recovery) and its cognitive advantages, such as improving working memory and mental clarity.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.