Natural Ways to Boost Cognitive Function Without Stimulants
Like many people, I’ve lived with symptoms that might fall under the ADHD umbrella: hyperactivity, impulsivity, a short attention span, and trouble focusing. I’ve never been formally diagnosed—who has the time?—but those challenges shaped my learning journey. Meditation helped me train my focus in college, but it wasn’t until chiropractic school that I started experimenting with natural compounds to support my brain.
In this post, I want to share what I’ve found—specifically, safe and effective ways to support brain performance without relying on stimulants or dealing with their side effects.
But first, a reminder: the foundation of optimal brain health always starts with the basics—getting enough sleep, eating a whole-foods-based diet, and exercising regularly (think: 150 minutes of moderate cardio + two strength training sessions per week). These strategies are fundamental. What follows can give you an edge after those pillars are in place.
It’s possible to boost cognitive function without stimulants. Start with healthy fundamentals and then consider brain-boosting supplements.
Three Key Pathways to Boost Cognitive Function Naturally
When we look at improving mental performance, most of the research and clinical results point to three areas of support:
Neurotransmitters
Blood Flow
Neuron Composition
Let’s break down each one.
Supporting Acetylcholine: The Learning Neurotransmitter
Acetylcholine (Ach) is central to learning, memory, and executive function. It’s abundant in the frontal lobes and hippocampus—regions responsible for working memory and decision-making.
When acetylcholine is impaired, symptoms can look a lot like dementia or early Alzheimer’s: forgetting names, trouble with math or reading comprehension, and those “senior moments” when you lose your train of thought or misplace something.
Here are some compounds that support acetylcholine production or function:
Alpha GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine)
This lecithin-derived compound crosses the blood-brain barrier easily and serves as a precursor for acetylcholine. Studies suggest it improves cognitive capacity and may even delay Alzheimer’s progression.[i][ii]L-Huperzine A
Derived from club moss, this natural compound inhibits the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, which helps maintain optimal neurotransmitter levels. It has shown benefits in memory, cognition, and Alzheimer’s support.[iii]L-Acetyl Carnitine
Structurally similar to acetylcholine, it binds to Ach receptors and has been used effectively in treating mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s.[iv]
Here’s what’s especially great about acetylcholine support: unlike dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, acetylcholine doesn’t develop tolerance. In fact, regular stimulation actually improves receptor sensitivity over time.[v] That means your neurons get better at using acetylcholine—the more you support them, the more efficient they become.
Boosting Blood Flow to the Brain
The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen. Even a few minutes without it causes damage—and in the long term, poor blood flow is a leading contributor to cognitive decline.
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia in North America and Europe. Even mild reductions in blood flow are now being recognized under the term “vascular cognitive impairment.”[vi]
Cardiovascular health is brain health. Beyond regular aerobic activity and checking for anemia, certain herbs have been shown to support cerebral circulation:
Gingko Biloba
Enhances blood flow to brain regions responsible for memory and focus, especially the frontal and temporal lobes. One systematic review of 29 clinical trials showed it improved attention, executive function, and both verbal and non-verbal memory.[vii]Vinpocetine
Widely used for brain vascular disorders, this compound dilates cerebral arteries and improves overall blood flow to the brain.[viii]Butcher’s Broom
This herb supports blood vessel integrity and healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries and reducing fragility.[ix]Feverfew
Known for its historical use in treating migraines, feverfew also reduces inflammation in the vascular system of the brain.[x]
Brain boosting supplements (without stimulants) can improve cognitive function.
Optimizing Brain Cell Composition with Healthy Fats
Your brain is made mostly of fat, which means the type of fat you eat directly impacts your brain’s structure and function.
Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet is full of inflammatory, highly processed oils like canola, soybean, cottonseed, and sunflower. These fats can make nerve cell membranes rigid and less responsive, contributing to inflammation, degeneration, and cognitive decline.
What your brain needs are essential fatty acids, especially Omega-3s.
Where to find Omega-3s:
Cold-water fish (mackerel, sardines, salmon), flax seeds, and walnuts.Why balance matters:
The average American consumes Omega-6 to Omega-3 at a ratio of 25:1. Our ancestors ate closer to a 1:1 ratio. Shifting closer to balance can drastically improve brain health.DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)
This is the rarest—and most essential—Omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is a key building block for brain cells. It supports cell membrane fluidity, neurotransmitter signaling, dendrite growth, and overall brain function. Research shows DHA can reduce neurodegeneration and improve memory.[xi][xii]
Dr. Leopold's Personal Brain Support Routine
I’ve experimented a lot with cognitive support over the years—different dosages, supplement stacks, and brands. On days when I speak, study, or take tests, I’ll even double or triple my usual dosage. I take breaks here and there to reset and reassess.
After all that testing, here are the three supplements I recommend most:
Acetyl-Ch
Supports acetylcholine productionNeuroO2
Enhances blood flow to the brain’s microvasculatureProDHA 1000
Provides essential daily DHA for brain structure and function
Taken consistently, these supplements can lead to noticeable improvements in memory, mental clarity, and cognitive endurance. Most people feel the benefits within a few days, and the long-term effects can help slow age-related cognitive decline.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Boosting Cognitive Function
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Yes! The protocol is designed to support anyone who wants to improve focus, mental clarity, and memory—diagnosis or not.
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Many people notice improvements within a few days, especially with focus and mental clarity. Long-term benefits build with consistent use.
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Yes, the recommended supplements are safe for daily use. In fact, acetylcholine support becomes more effective with regular stimulation.
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Unlike dopamine- or serotonin-targeting supplements, acetylcholine support doesn’t typically lead to tolerance. Receptors often become more responsive over time.
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Start with Acetyl-Ch to support acetylcholine production—this has a fast and noticeable effect on focus and cognitive sharpness.
Key Takeaways
Basic health habits are foundational. Sleep, a whole-foods diet, and regular exercise are essential for cognitive performance and should come first.
Natural compounds can safely enhance focus. Supplements that support acetylcholine—like Alpha GPC, L-Huperzine A, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine—can boost memory and learning without the risk of tolerance.
Improved blood flow = better brain function. Herbs like Gingko Biloba and Vinpocetine help nourish the brain by increasing circulation, especially to memory-related areas.
Healthy fats build a better brain. Essential fatty acids, especially DHA, support neural health and help prevent age-related cognitive decline.
The Brain Boost Protocol offers lasting results. With daily use and periodic cycling, this supplement stack supports immediate focus and long-term brain resilience—perfect for busy professionals and those managing ADHD traits.
[i] Lopez, C. M., et al. "Effect of a new cognition enhancer, alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, on scopolamine-induced amnesia and brain acetylcholine." Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 39.4 (1991): 835-840.
[ii] Moreno, Maria De Jesus Moreno. "Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial." Clinical therapeutics 25.1 (2003): 178-193.
[iii] Wang, Rui, Han Yan, and Xi‐can TANG. "Progress in studies of huperzine A, a natural cholinesterase inhibitor from Chinese herbal medicine 1." Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 27.1 (2006): 1-26.
[iv] Montgomery, Stuart A., L. J. Thal, and R. Amrein. "Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease." International clinical psychopharmacology 18.2 (2003): 61-71.
[v] Kharrazian, Datis. “Why isn’t my brain working: a revolutionaryunderstanding of brain decline and effective strategies to recover your brain’s health”. Elephant Press, Carlsbad, CA. 2013. (274)
[vi] Wolters, Frank J., and M. Arfan Ikram. "Epidemiology of vascular dementia: nosology in a time of epiomics." Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology 39.8 (2019): 1542-1549.
[vii] Kaschel, Reiner. "Ginkgo biloba: specificity of neuropsychological improvement—a selective review in search of differential effects." Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental 24.5 (2009): 345-370.
[viii] Patyar, Sazal, et al. "Role of vinpocetine in cerebrovascular diseases." Pharmacological Reports 63.3 (2011): 618-628.
[ix] Bouskela, Eliete, F. Z. Cyrino, and Gilbert Marcelon. "Effects of Ruscus extract on the internal diameter of arterioles and venules of the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation." Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology 22.2 (1993): 221-224.
[x] Ernst, E., and M. H. Pittler. "The efficacy and safety of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): an update of a systematic review." Public health nutrition 3.4a (2000): 509-514.
[xi] Devore, Elizabeth E., et al. "Dietary intake of fish and omega-3 fatty acids in relation to long-term dementia risk." The American journal of clinical nutrition 90.1 (2009): 170-176.
[xii] Cao, Dehua, et al. "Effects of docosahexaenoic acid on the survival and neurite outgrowth of rat cortical neurons in primary cultures." The Journal of nutritional biochemistry 16.9 (2005): 538-546.
About Leopold Chiropractic
Leopold Chiropractic is a holistic clinic in Oakland, California, founded by Dr. Peter Leopold. The practice specializes in root-cause healing through chiropractic care, functional neurology, and functional medicine. Services include corrective exercise, neuroplasticity-based therapies, and personalized nutritional counseling, all aimed at restoring nervous system balance and long-term wellness. Dr. Leopold offers both in-person and intensive programs for individuals seeking comprehensive, integrative care.
Dr. Peter Leopold is a chiropractor and board-certified functional neurologist who specializes in neuroplasticity, nutritional counseling, and root-cause healing. He’s trained in the Melillo Method™ and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine.
