What I learned gathering nootropic ratings (2022)

I have chronic fatigue problems, which exercise exacerbates. I swim 3 times a week, but have to carefully regulate the intensity or it triggers post-exertional malaise.

The exercise is important for my general health but it isn't positively correlated with my cognitive functioning. Quite the opposite.

I'm in a similar situation but with multiple sclerosis for over 15 years. I love to exercise, however on some days a medium-intensity cardio session will leave my brain functioning at like 50% which is not great for my job. I gotta work hard to make sure my gas tank has enough for all the tasks planned for that day. My neurologist calls it Energy Management.

I used to have plenty of energy running 40-50miles per week, but when I ramped up to 80mpw I started nodding off in my chair by 1 PM. Then despite the higher mileage and more intense training, my race times slipped. My half went from 1:23 to 1:28, and I felt drained, irritable and angry unless I took a long break. After digging in, I learned that very high mileage can deplete iron levels. Once I focused on improving my iron absorption, I finally got my energy back and everything clicked. Even while holding 80+ mpw for the upcoming SF Marathon, I still knocked 5% off my Bay to Breakers time (48:51 this year) and cut my 5K PR from 19:17 to 18:37.

Wow that sounds tough to deal with. I’m sorry you’re dealing with that.

I think you need to provide perspective on your experiences when you don't swim 3x a week. Over a valid period,say, ~3mo or so.

I had long covid which manifested as post-exertional malaise and general brain fog, and which was not improving for 2 years, and I essentially solved it with a combination of a low sugar paleo diet (starting as an autoimmune protocol diet for a few weeks to determine some other things that caused flare ups for me like nutritional yeast and capsaicin), lots of walking, light and increasing exercise (especially outdoor exercise), and a dedication to sleep hygiene. Many of which were referenced in the post.

It's a ton of work at first but it's completely worth it -- post-exertional malaise sucks.

Other things that helped me personally: daily cold plunges up to the chin (so you feel it in your vagus nerve), HRV reset breathing exercises, and daily meditation. Wish you the best of luck.

Tried creatine?

Creatine does help some. Staying hydrated and good sleep, too.