The Best Peptide & Supplement Stack For Hair Growth, Smart Drugs For An Aging Brain, "Aging Anxiety" & More! Solosode #499
Auto-extracted preview. These recommendations were transcribed and classified from the episode audio. Timestamps link to the source; classifications are not yet editorially verified.
What Ben Greenfield recommended
In transcript order-
Sponsor read
Formula IQ's copper supplement paired with cofactors to support mitochondrial energy, iron balance, and metabolic health.
“copper paired with the cofactors the body actually uses to handle copper properly
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Modern hair transplant method considered gold standard for receding hairline; moves individual follicles leaving dot scars.
“modern FUE... is the gold standard for a receding hairline
CaveatsDoes not stop progressive loss of native hair; underlying causes must still be addressed.Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Regenerative cell and exosome treatments combined with scalp microneedling to halt hair loss and stimulate follicle generation.
“mu cells, which are specialized regenerative cells... and exosomes
DosageMicroneedling/scalp aggravation combined with topical applicationCaveatsNot widely available worldwide; requires a doctor.Certaintyhedgedrecommendation -
Organic (prompted) In a protocol
Topical tripeptide applied after scalp microneedling to stimulate fibroblasts, promote blood vessel formation, and prevent follicle shrinking.
“one of the most well-researched hair peptides in existence
DosageApply topically after dermarolling/microneedlingCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Organic (prompted) In a protocol
Over-the-counter transdermal GHK copper peptide serum from Dr. Patel's Auro company, used by Ben.
“transdermal GHK copper peptide... company is called Auro
Certaintypersonal onlypersonal use -
Organic (prompted) Alternative
Biomimetic peptide in topical serums that strengthens extracellular matrix proteins around hair follicles; has outperformed minoxidil in trials.
“outperformed topical minoxidil, and I think it is somewhat safer
DosageTopical applicationCaveatsMore fringe and harder to find.Certaintyhedgedrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Conventional topical hair loss treatment; not a huge deal but can cause scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on nearby skin.
“Topical minoxidil is not a huge deal
CaveatsCan cause scalp irritation, dryness, itching, unwanted hair growth.Certaintyhedgedmild caution -
Organic (prompted)
Oral form of minoxidil; Ben warns against due to tachycardia, hypertrichosis, and water retention side effects.
“Oral minoxidil, bigger issue
Certaintyexplicitstrong warning -
Organic (prompted) Alternative
12-ingredient topical serum (niacinamide, caffeine, Capilia Longa) to slow hair loss; used with their shampoo and conditioner.
“Scandinavian Biolabs has a product called the Biopiloxin Activation Serum
DosageApply after dermarolling; use with shampoo and conditionerCaveatsMay slow loss more than stimulate new hair.Certaintyhedgedrecommendation -
Sponsor read
Oral pouches with B6, B12, paraxanthine, alpha-GPC, L-theanine, ginseng as a nicotine alternative for focus and energy.
“a healthy alternative to nicotine
DosageOne pouch in mouth; lasts 1-2 hoursCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Sponsor read
Himalayan shilajit gummies (250mg) for energy, mitochondrial function, and detox; engineered to taste good.
“Organifi Shilajit gummies do everything that Shilajit does
Dosage250 mgCertaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted) Alternative
Microneedling pen with depth more than 1 mm (ideally 1.0–1.8 mm) to reach scalp follicle stem cells; Dr. Pen derma stamp recommended.
“need to puncture the dermis where the hair follicle stem cell resides
Dosage1.0–1.8 mm depth; once per weekCertaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted) In a protocol
Derma roller from Alitura that Ben uses for scalp/skin microneedling.
“the derma roller, I get mine from Alitura
DosageOnce per week at ~1 mmCertaintypersonal onlypersonal use -
Organic (prompted)
Low-level laser therapy device for hair growth, held over an area for ~3 minutes.
“one company called Lima. We have one of their lasers
Dosage~3 minutes per areaCertaintypersonal onlypersonal use -
Organic (prompted) In a protocol
LED/laser red light helmet worn daily (~12 minutes) for hair growth.
“I wear a Red Light helmet... every morning
Dosage12 minutes dailyCertaintypersonal onlypersonal use -
Organic (prompted)
5-alpha reductase inhibitor that helps lower DHT levels for hair loss caused by high DHT.
“saw palmetto at a range of about 300 or 400 milligrams per day
Dosage300–400 mg/dayCertaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted) In a protocol
Daily essential amino acid supplementation to support dermal matrix and protein needs.
“about 20 grams of essential amino acids on a daily basis
Dosage~20 g/dayCertaintyexplicitpersonal use -
Organic (prompted) Alternative
Supports the dermal matrix that anchors hair follicles.
“collagen peptides or essential amino acids
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Plain creatine monohydrate (Creapure) at higher doses improves working memory, processing speed, and reduces mental fatigue.
“creatine improves working memory, processing speed, and reduces mental fatigue
Dosage8+ g/day; 10 normal day, 15–20 g sleep-deprivedCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Organic (prompted)
Ayurvedic herb with strong human evidence for improving language, learning, and memory; acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
“strongest human evidence base of any of the natural nootropics
DosageConsistent use 8–12 weeks minimumCaveatsTakes weeks to feel effects.Certaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Organic (prompted)
Low-dose lithium supplementation supports BDNF and may inhibit GSK3-beta linked to Alzheimer's pathology.
“Lithium is catching a lot of attention
Dosage~75 mg (Kaufman protocol); lower doses in Life Extension/Pure EncapsulationsCaveatsBen personally didn't notice much; high doses require prescription.Certaintyhedgedrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Polyamine that promotes cellular autophagy and supports mitochondrial integrity in aging brains.
“Spermidine works by cellular autophagy
Dosage1–3.5 mg/day for 3+ monthsCertaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Mushroom extract that promotes nerve growth factor synthesis and may improve cognition in mild cognitive impairment.
“Lion's Mane can again help with cognitive function
Dosage~1 g extract or 3 g dried; 8–16 weeksCaveatsTrial results are mixed.Certaintyhedgedrecommendation -
Sponsor read
Cutting-edge beauty line with methylene blue spray, GHK-Cu, vampire exosomes, and NAD+spermidine moisturizer.
“most scientifically advanced cutting-edge company I know of in the beauty space
DosageSpray, then exosomes, then NAD/spermidine moisturizerCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Sponsor read
Powdered blend of 13 nootropics and adaptogens with low caffeine (theacrine) for balanced energy and focus.
“blended 13 carefully selected nootropics and adaptogens
DosageMix in morning waterCertaintyexplicitpersonal use -
Organic (prompted)
Choline precursor that crosses blood-brain barrier and combines with DHA to build synaptic membranes.
“gasoline for the brain
Dosage250–500 mg/day (note: speaker says mcg but likely mg)Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Amino acid that declines with age; supplementation may support brain function, especially in plant-based eaters.
“taurine seems to help quite a bit with brain function
Dosage1–3 g/dayCaveatsLimited human trials; mostly anecdotal.Certaintyhedgedrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Low-intensity scalp electrode current that modulates cortical excitability and may enhance memory and executive function.
“can significantly enhance memory access
CaveatsBen personally didn't feel subjective benefit.Certaintyhedgedrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Transcranial and intranasal near-infrared photobiomodulation device for memory, reaction time, and mood.
“transcranial near-infrared light... penetrates the skull
Certaintyexplicitpersonal use -
Organic (prompted)
EEG-guided neurofeedback headband used for napping, meditation, and sleep.
“I have a Muse headband
Certaintypersonal onlypersonal use -
Organic (prompted)
Clinical-grade neurofeedback (Dr. Andrew Hill) to up- or down-regulate brain electrical activity in specific regions.
“clinical-grade neurofeedback
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Guest recommendation
Tommy Wood's book about challenging the brain through unpredictability and risk to maintain cognitive function.
“Dr. Tommy Wood, who wrote a book called The Stimulated Mind
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Get a sleep study or wear an overnight oxygen/heart-rate monitor; sleep apnea is the most underdiagnosed cause of cognitive decline in middle/older age.
“single most underdiagnosed cause of cognitive decline
Certaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Organic (prompted)
Use methylfolate (and B-complex) instead of folic acid if homocysteine is elevated, to support methylation and brain health.
“avoid folic acid and introduce compounds like methylfolate
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Test for mercury and lead via hair or blood; heavy metal burden contributes to cognitive issues.
“worth getting some type of a metal test
DosageHair or blood testCertaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Low-intensity aerobic training, the single most evidence-backed intervention for neurogenesis and BDNF.
“single most evidence-backed intervention for neurogenesis
Certaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Organic (prompted)
Lifting weights combined with cardio for neurogenesis and slowing cognitive decline.
“zone 2 cardio combined with resistance training
Certaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Organic (prompted) Alternative
HIIT may be as effective as zone 2 for cognitive benefits and saves time.
“high-intensity interval training is probably just as good as zone 2 cardio
CaveatsExtrapolation from young adult studies.Certaintyhedgedrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Diet associated with slowing cognitive decline, partly due to omega/DHA intake.
“Mediterranean diet... associated with slowing cognitive decline
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Organic (prompted)
Fish oil rich in EPA and DHA to support membrane fluidity and aging brain.
“fish oil that's rich in EPA and DHA
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation