BDNF literally grows your brain cells, leading to better cognitive...

@Outdoctrination
Dalton (Analyze & Optimize)@Outdoctrination
121 views Jan 02, 2026 ~2 min read
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BDNF literally grows your brain cells, leading to better cognitive function, mood and memory.

Here are 5 of the best ways to boost it (🧵1/6):

#1 Magnesium

Magnesium threonate was shown to increase the BDNF levels in the prefrontal cortex.
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#2 Lion's mane

Lion's mane powerfully regenerates the brain.

Extracts of the mushroom showed huge increases in the length and number of neural projections.

Various components in mushrooms have TrkB activity - promoting BDNF signaling that drives brain cell growth & maturity.

It can also upregulate BDNF production.
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#3 Lithium

Serum BDNF levels increase when people are treated with lithium medication,

but this effect can even be seen within brain tissue at "sub therapeutic" low doses common in supplementation.
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#4 Omega-3 fats

Recent trials have shown that extra omega 3 (here 2 grams per day) can markedly increase BDNF in the serum.

This aligns with what we know about the importance of these fats for reducing neuroinflammation, maintaining membrane fluidity and signal transduction.
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#5 Nicotine

A recent landmark study (covered below) showed that nicotine can reverse several signs of aging in the brain.

That included heightened BDNF in the hippocampus of the brain.
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Do you see a pattern with all of these?

They share common mechanisms that control the expression of BDNF:

◇ Inflammation reduction - inflammatory mediators like NF-κB can directly downregulate the cascade necessary to produce BDNF
◇ NMDA receptor modulation - this receptor increases calcium influx into neurons, which downstream turns on BDNF production
◇ Dopamine signaling - CREB is the main controller of BDNF expression in the nucleus of the cell. Activation of D1 dopamine receptors increase cAMP signaling - which activates CREB.
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Looking for some personalized help with YOUR health goals? We're here for you.

We help people all the time over at PRISM.

Book a free call here for more: go.prism.miami/consultation
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