AMA #19: Collagen vs. Whey Protein, Creatine, Smelling Salts, Stimulants & More

Welcome to a preview of the 19th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium. If you're an existing Huberman Lab Premium member, you can log in to access the full episode at https://hubermanlab.supercast.com. You can access the transcript here. If you’re not a member, you can learn more and join Huberman Lab Premium at https://www.hubermanlab.com/premium. ROKA Wind Down™: https://www.roka.com/huberman Huberman Lab Essentials: https://go.hubermanlab.com/essentials Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 The Importance of Light Management for Sleep 00:00:58 Huberman Lab Premium 00:01:33 Research Funding & Matching Donations 00:03:05 Subscription Details & Benefits 00:03:48 Protein Sources 00:05:18 Comparing Whey Protein, Bone Broth, & Collagen 00:10:08 Protein Intake Recommendations 00:14:22 Whey Protein & Skin Health 00:17:42 Conclusion In the full AMA episode, we cover: Creatine & Water Retention Creatine for Brain Health Creatine Use in Teenagers Safety & Effects of Smelling Salts Other Stimulants: Caffeine & Nicotine Prescription Stimulants & Cognitive Enhancers Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss the science of vision and share simple, effective tools to enhance eyesight and preserve eye health. I explain how the eyes and brain work together to process light, color and motion using specialized structures such as the retina and photoreceptors, and why conditions like nearsightedness, visual hallucinations and lazy eye occur. I also cover specific visual protocols to increase alertness and focus during work, improve sleep, and support visual health. Additionally, I highlight key vitamins essential for vision and discuss supplements such as lutein and astaxanthin for maintaining long-term eye health. Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes—approximately 30 minutes—focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and full-length episodes will continue to be released every Monday. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Improve Vision 00:01:01 Eyes, Lens, Eyelashes 00:02:40 Retina, Photoreceptors & Brain 00:06:34 Eyesight & Subconscious Vision Effects 00:07:25 Sponsor: Eight Sleep 00:09:02 Time of Day & Retina, Tool: Morning Sunlight Exposure 00:12:02 Tool: Reduce Nearsightedness & Outdoor Time 00:12:33 Accommodation, Focus, Tools: Panoramic Vision; Upward Gaze 00:16:20 Sponsor: AG1 00:18:14 Improve Vision, Tools: View Distances; Smooth Pursuit; Accommodation 00:21:08 Binocular Vision, Lazy Eye, Children 00:23:57 Hallucinations & Visual System 00:25:09 Sponsor: ROKA 00:26:57 Improve & Test Vision, Tool: Snellen Chart 00:29:03 Support Vision, Tool: Vitamin A & Vegetables 00:30:23 Supplements, Lutein, Astaxanthin 00:32:52 Recap & Key Takeaways; Cardiovascular System Disclaimer & Disclosures

My guest is Ryan Soave, LMHC, a leading expert in addiction recovery with extensive experience helping people heal from all types of substance and behavioral dependencies. We discuss actionable tools for breaking out of the addictive cycle and staying free of obsessions and compulsions. We also examine the relationship between trauma and addiction. We explore the full recovery process—from detoxing and physical stabilization to building distress tolerance. We review evidence-supported tools to structure your life at each stage of recovery and highlight the power of learning “self-directed state shifting” through yoga nidra (NSDR), breathwork, meditation and prayer. We explain how to recognize signs of addiction in yourself and others, and the treatment options available across all levels of resources, from residential programs to 12-step. If you or someone you know is struggling with any kind of addiction, this episode offers practical steps to break free and stay free. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Levels: https://levelshealth.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Ryan Soave 00:01:32 Addiction, Addictive Behaviors, Relief 00:06:10 Rehab, Detox, Physical & Emotional Stability 00:13:33 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Levels 00:16:08 Recognizing Addition; Video Games, Parents & Responsibility 00:23:38 Experiencing Real Life vs Addictive Behavior; Dopamine Dynamics 00:29:38 Drugs & Feelings; Reordering Your Life; Roles, Kids vs Parents 00:40:03 Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT 00:43:13 Tool: 30 Days Abstinence & Addiction; Impact 00:46:10 Creating a Life Post-Addiction, Jellinek Curve 00:55:30 Tool: Emotional Weather Forecast, Gratitude, Plan, Strivings 01:02:48 Connection with Others, Mental Willpower Throughout Day, Defining Best Self 01:08:39 Emotional Weather Map, Navigating Life 01:10:16 Sponsor: Function 01:12:03 Tolerating Stress, Sailing Analogy, Discomfort 01:16:03 Building Distress Tolerance, Proactive Behaviors, Cold Plunge 01:23:55 Stilling Leads to Seeing, Tool: Recognizing Stress Response; Relationships 01:30:56 Yoga Nidra, Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NDSR) 01:38:54 Yoga Nidra & Authenticity, Breaking Patterns 01:45:45 Yoga Nidra Timing, Regulation of Autonomic Nervous System; Breathwork 01:52:53 Sponsor: Waking Up 01:54:28 Alcoholism, Social Acceptability, Community, AA, Powerlessness 02:02:23 Gambling, Kids & Susceptibility 02:08:58 Transmuting Energy, Running, Dopamine, Feelings 02:15:41 Cocaine, Amphetamine, Stimulant Addiction 02:18:21 Overcoming Porn Addiction, Shame 02:30:03 Struggle, “Discomfort Appetite” 02:36:09 Addiction Treatment, Detox, Rehab Centers, 12-Step Meetings, AA 02:46:54 Is Addiction the Problem?, Trauma, Stress & Addiction Cycle 02:49:05 GLP-1 Agonists & Addiction Treatment?, HALT; Addicted to Stress? 02:52:44 Sugar Addiction, Caffeine; Ibogaine, Psylocibin & Considerations 02:59:56 Helping Someone With Addiction 03:04:58 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how to build endurance and describe targeted protocols to enhance different types of endurance. I discuss how endurance—the ability to sustain effort—requires the coordination of physical and mental systems driven by energy availability, brain willpower, and specific training adaptations in the muscles, heart, lungs and neurons. I explain conditioning protocols designed to enhance four types of endurance, from long-duration steady state to muscular endurance and high-intensity intervals, and how each training style triggers unique adaptations in the body and brain, such as improved mitochondrial function and oxygen utilization. Additionally, I highlight the crucial role of hydration and electrolytes, which are essential for neural function and influence the brain’s willpower to sustain effort. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Follow Huberman Lab Instagram Threads X Facebook TikTok LinkedIn Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Build Endurance 00:00:50 Energy Sources, ATP, Oxygen 00:04:14 Neurons & Willpower, Glucose & Electrolytes 00:09:19 Heart, Lungs; Physiology & Performance Limiting Factors 00:10:35 Sponsor: AG1 00:12:30 Muscular Endurance, Protocol, Concentric Movements, Mitochondria 00:19:10 Sponsors: LMNT & Eight Sleep 00:22:00 Long-Duration Endurance, Efficiency, Mitochondria, Capillaries 00:25:54 High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Anaerobic Endurance, Protocol 00:32:33 High-Intensity Aerobic Endurance, Adaptations 00:35:30 Sponsor: Function 00:37:26 Brain & Body Adaptations, Heart 00:40:40 Hydration, Tool: Galpin Equation 00:42:21 Supplements, Stimulants, Magnesium Malate 00:43:11 Recap & Key Takeaways Disclaimer & Disclosures

My guest is Dr. Mark Hyman, M.D., a physician and world leader in the field of functional medicine. We discuss a systems-based framework for diagnosing and treating the root causes of disease, rather than simply managing symptoms. We also cover cutting-edge health and longevity tools such as peptides, NAD/NMN, exosomes, proactive blood testing and cancer screening, as well as nutrition, supplementation, detoxification, and strategies for addressing specific diseases and health challenges. This discussion will benefit anyone seeking to improve their vitality or combat specific health concerns. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Mark Hyman 00:01:48 Functional Medicine, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Mercury; Systems Medicine 00:08:51 Metabolic Psychiatry; Medicine, Creating Health vs Treating Disease 00:12:19 Sponsors: Joovv & Eight Sleep 00:15:06 Wholistic View of Body, Root Causes 00:19:48 Medicine & Research; “Exposome”, Impediments & Ingredients for Health, Whole Foods 00:26:30 Seed Oils, Starch & Sugar, Ultra-Processed Foods; Obesity Rise 00:36:27 Sponsors: Function & ROKA 00:40:05 Tool: Ingredients for Health, Personalization; Multimodal Approach 00:46:25 Essential Supplements, Omega-3s, Vitamin D3, Multivitamin, Iodine, Methylated B12 00:56:54 Supplements & Traditional Medicine; Limited Budget & Nutrition 01:02:54 Air, Tool: Air Filters; Tap Water Filter; Tool: Health, Expense & Whole Foods 01:09:03 Food Industrialization, Processed Foods 01:14:23 Sponsor: AG1 01:16:18 Declining American Health & Nutrition, Politics, MAHA 01:26:03 Toxins, Food Additives, Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) 01:29:25 SNAP Program & Soda, Food Industry & Lobbying 01:36:58 Big Food, Company Consolidation, Nutrition Labels 01:44:21 GLP-1 Agonists, Doses, Risks; Food as Medicine, Ketogenic Diet 01:51:29 Cancer, Diets & Alcohol 01:54:03 Blood Markers, ApoB, Cholesterol, Tool: Test Don’t Guess, Individualization 02:02:54 Mercury; Tool: Detoxification, Sulforaphane, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) 02:04:56 Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, Fertility, Tool: Hormone Panels; Heavy Metals 02:11:36 Upregulate Detox Pathways, Gut Cleanse, Tools: Cilantro Juice, Fiber 02:17:08 Peptides, PT-141 (Vyleesi), BPC-157, Thymosin Alpha-1; Risks, Cycling 02:22:03 Cancer Screening, Data & Personalized Health; Alzheimer’s Disease 02:30:45 Longevity Switches, NAD, NMN; Exosomes, Stem Cells 02:39:50 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss how to build muscle strength and size (hypertrophy) and cover key training principles to enhance athletic performance and offset age-related muscle decline. I explain how the nervous system drives muscle movement, the key differences between training for hypertrophy or strength, and resistance training protocols to build muscle for performance and healthy aging. Additionally, I discuss tools for assessing recovery and the role of key nutrients—such as creatine and electrolytes—in supporting muscle development and performance. This episode provides actionable, science-backed strategies to enhance movement, preserve strength with age, and boost energy levels. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. We want to hear from you. Take our quick survey to help improve Huberman Lab. Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Muscle 00:02:02 Muscle & Nervous System 00:03:24 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & LMNT 00:06:03 Strength & Aging, Henneman's Size Principle, Use Heavy Weights? 00:10:09 3 Stimuli, Muscle Strength vs Muscle Growth (Hypertrophy) 00:12:11 Tool: Resistance Training Protocol, Increase Muscle Strength 00:15:55 Sponsor: AG1 00:17:50 Tool: Advanced Resistance Training & Volume; Speed, Rest 00:21:12 Testing for Recovery, Heart Rate Variability, Grip Strength 00:24:29 Sponsor: Function 00:26:16 Testing for Recovery, Carbon Dioxide Tolerance 00:29:20 Ice Bath Timing; NSAIDs & Exercise 00:30:34 Salt & Electrolytes; Creatine; Leucine Disclaimer & Disclosures

My guest is Lori Gottlieb, MFT, a psychotherapist and bestselling author who specializes in helping people build strong relationships by first understanding themselves and the stories they’ve internalized about themselves and others. We explore how our parents, wounds and unique strengths—both consciously and unconsciously—influence our partner choices and how we show up in relationships, as well as how to avoid and break free from destructive patterns. We also discuss the impact of texting, social media and dating apps on partnership. Lori shares which signals to follow to become the best romantic partner possible and how to make choices that lead to greater vitality, happiness and fulfillment in all areas of life. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. We want to hear from you. Take our quick survey to help improve Huberman Lab. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Lori Gottlieb 00:02:01 Patient & First Question; Talked Out of Feelings 00:06:15 Self-Regulation vs Co-Regulation, Tool: Pause & Perspective 00:10:04 Sponsors: Helix Sleep & BetterHelp 00:12:36 Relationships, Childhood & Unfinished Business 00:17:13 Unconscious Mind, Hurtful Parent & Familiarity, Role of Therapy 00:26:35 Excitement & Chaos, Cherophobia; Storytelling, First Date & Sparks? 00:36:27 Tool: Awareness of Death & Living Fully; Vitality; Fear vs Acceptance 00:47:27 Sponsors: AG1 & David Protein 00:50:35 Activate vs Energize; Tool: Technology, Numbness & Overwhelm 00:54:50 Numb or Calm?, Gender Stereotypes, Tool: Mentalizing 01:00:51 Feelings, Projective Identification, Tool: Owning Your Feelings 01:03:25 React vs Respond; Space, Tool: Face-to-Face Conversation vs Text 01:10:16 Behavioral Change, 5 Steps of Change, Tool: Self-Compassion & Accountability 01:15:38 Sponsor: LMNT 01:16:54 Deadlines & Rules; Idiot vs Wise Compassion, No Drama & Assumptions 01:26:27 Silent Treatment, Crying & Manipulation, Shame vs Guilt, Self-Preservation 01:33:01 Self-Reflection, Individual & Couples Therapy, Transference; Agency 01:38:56 Texting, Conflicts, Breakups, Pain Hierarchy, Tool: Move Forward 01:46:42 Relationship Breakups, Daily World & Loss 01:53:30 Bank of Goodwill; Talking About Partner, Focus, Comparison 02:01:13 Infidelity, What If vs What Is, Attention & Appreciation 02:04:56 Gut Instinct, Change Behavior, Danger, Productive vs Unproductive Anxiety 02:15:27 Knowing Oneself, Relationships, Flexibility, Shared History 02:20:30 Romantic Relationships & Teens, Social Media, Privacy 02:27:09 Online Apps & Choices, Maximizers vs Satisficers, Tool: Identify Your Weakness 02:33:09 Fixing Issues Early, Tool: Self vs Partner Lists & Character Qualities 02:41:51 Feeling Toward Partner, Calm, Content; Tool: Operating Instructions 02:46:48 Help-Rejecting Complainers; Relationships, Love & Core Wounds 02:51:22 Stories & Unreliable Narrators, Editing, Tool: 5 Senses 02:59:04 Young Men, Masculinity, Confusion 03:07:03 Grief, Making Sense of Loss 03:09:54 Maybe You Should Talk to Someone Workbook; Ask The Therapist, Choosing a Bigger Life 03:20:26 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore how the nervous system impacts fat loss and how certain behaviors and supplements can accelerate fat burning. I explain how non-exercise movements like fidgeting and shivering trigger adrenaline to boost fat metabolism. I also examine the impact of exercise intensity and fasted workouts on fat burning, and how supplements such as caffeine, GLP-1 and berberine can further support fat loss. These science-based tools go beyond traditional calorie counting to enhance metabolism and improve body composition. Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. We want to hear from you. Take our quick survey to help improve Huberman Lab. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Fat Loss 00:01:00 Calories In, Calories Out; Nervous System 00:02:57 Fat Burning, Nervous System & Adrenaline 00:06:31 Sponsor: David 00:07:45 Increase Adrenaline, Shivering, Tool: Fidgeting 00:11:25 Shivering & Fat Loss, White & Brown Fat 00:14:42 Tool: Deliberate Cold Exposure Protocol 00:16:43 Sponsor: AG1 00:18:38 High, Medium vs Low-Intensity Exercise, Exercise Fasted? 00:24:30 Tool: Exercise for Fat Loss; Adrenaline 00:27:18 Sponsor: LMNT 00:28:34 Caffeine, Dose, Exercise & Fat Loss 00:30:17 GLP-1, Yerba Mate, Exercise; Semaglutide 00:33:16 Berberine, Metformin, Insulin 00:34:12 Diet, Adherence, Carbohydrates & Insulin 00:35:52 Recap & Key Takeaways Disclaimer & Disclosures

My guest is Dr. Chris Palmer, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School. He explains how specific nutrition, exercise, supplement-based, and other factors can improve mitochondrial health and thereby provide relief from adult and childhood ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and symptoms of autism. We discuss mitochondrial biology, whether vaccines can impact inflammation and mitochondrial health, and the potential ramifications. We also review creatine, methylene blue, and urolithin A, as well as the role of B vitamins and iron in treating depression. By the end of this episode, you will understand the powerful link between metabolic health and mental health, and the lifestyle, dietary, and other factors you can leverage to help overcome common mental health challenges and disorders. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. We want to hear from you. Take our quick survey to help improve Huberman Lab. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Chris Palmer 00:02:15 Integrating Metabolic, Mental & Physical Health; Childhood Trauma & Risk 00:10:46 Sponsors: Our Place & LMNT 00:13:44 Depression Causes, Molecule Model?, Neuroplasticity?; Metabolism 00:22:20 Mitochondrial Functions, Stress Response, Mental Health 00:31:09 Sponsors: AG1 & Eight Sleep 00:33:59 Mitochondrial Health & 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine 00:39:38 Stimulants, Mitochondria, Dopamine; Alcohol 00:45:47 Nicotine; Substance Use, Metabolic Health & Disease 00:52:23 Children, Energy & Metabolic Function; Diseases of Aging & Mental Disorders 00:59:18 Sponsor: Function 01:01:06 Diet & Metabolism; Ultra-Processed Foods, Additives, GRAS 01:09:30 Rebellious Spirit, Ultra-Processed Foods & Food Industry Funding 01:19:14 Ketogenic Diet, Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, Bipolar 01:22:52 Ketogenic Diet, Fasting & Mitochondria; Gut Microbiome, Brain Metabolism 01:30:06 Low-Fat Diets; Tool: Occasional Fasts; Ketogenic Diet; Intermittent Fasting 01:38:40 Nutrition Research, Food Industry Lobbyists; Ultra-Processed Foods, Addiction 01:46:55 Creatine & Mitochondrial Health 01:52:34 Methylene Blue & Mitochondria; Serotonin Syndrome 02:02:58 Urolithin A, Mitochondria Function; Supplements & Appropriate Use 02:11:14 Vitamin Deficiencies, Iron Deficiency 02:16:06 Vitamin B12 & Folate Deficiency, Autoimmune Disorders 02:24:48 Mental Illness & Root Causes 02:29:02 Vaccines, Inflammation, Mitochondria, Autism 02:39:17 Neurodevelopmental Disorder Onset & Follow-Up 02:45:31 Vaccines, Autism, Future Research; Mother Obesity & Diabetes 02:51:23 Father Obesity & Autism; Poor Metabolic Health, Blood Biomarkers 02:56:44 Assessing Metabolic Health & Biomarkers; National Institutes of Health (NIH) 03:02:59 Future Directions, Bridging Mental & Physical Health 03:09:27 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore how to improve motor skill learning and proficiency—whether for athletic performance, learning an instrument or refining any physical skill. I explain practical tools to build skills, including how to structure learning sessions to focus on repetitions, use internal feedback systems and learn from errors—key elements for accelerating progress. I also discuss strategies such as visualization, metronoming, idle time and the impact of supplements like alpha-GPC and caffeine on performance. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to accelerate and optimize their motor skill development. Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. We want to hear from you. Take our quick survey to help improve Huberman Lab. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/lmnt Mateina: https://drinkmateina.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Learning Motor Skills 00:01:10 Building New Skills, Tools: Open vs Closed Loop; Focus 00:03:58 Sponsor: LMNT 00:05:15 Skills & Realistic Expectations, Super Mario Effect 00:09:34 Tube Test & Brain, Tool: Increase Repetitions 00:12:19 Importance of Errors, Framing Effect, Neuroplasticity 00:14:39 Sponsor: AG1 00:15:43 Learning Session Protocol, Tool: Idle Time Post-Learning 00:19:44 Movement Speed, Ultra-Slow Movements 00:21:49 Skill Proficiency & Errors, Tool: Metronoming 00:24:16 Sponsor: Mateina 00:25:42 Mental Rehearsal & Limits, Tool: Visualization 00:28:24 Skill Learning & Supplements, Alpha-GPC, Caffeine 00:32:14 Recap & Key Takeaways Disclaimer & Disclosures