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I’ve heard about a class of drugs and supplements that purportedly have the ability to enhance a person’s mental capabilities. These can include such natural supplements as Ginko Biloba and Omega 3/6, L-Theanine (tune your radio to 97.5 on any Thursday at 12 if you don’t know what that is), to certain drugs given to people with dementia.
Ultimately, the problem with these “smart drugs” is that there is little to no research done to validate their effectiveness. They might be effective…but maybe that’s just in rats. But the idea is interesting…
My first thought was that we are each given our mental tools to work with and leave the narishkeit alone. But then I thought (assuming these things actually worked), why would it be different from drinking coffee for a boost in the morning (or afternoon)?
So what are your thoughts: If there was a supplement that was proven to improve your ability to understand or focus on a blatt gemara, would you say one should take it, could take or shouldn’t?
Derech
I wouldn’t take such things unless there are guaranteed to be no side effects and since these drugs areso new and there hasn’t been enough research yet there’s no way to guarantee safety at this point. Maybe it will make me smarter now or improve my memory but 40 years down the road cause brain problems or make me more susceptible to certain conditions. No thank you.
WIY: so what about more mainstream stuff like fish oil (omega Derech mentioned) or B complex? The benefits of some supplements are easier to understand than others, especially if one is deficient. And the risks seem negligible. I don’t bother, but I wouldn’t laugh off someone that does.
DY
If its safe and it improves your mind why would it be a problem? Id probably buy it if it was proven to work and not just hype and if its reasonably priced.
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