NeuroForge 4.0 — The Fourth Cycle
February 10th, 2026 — starting my fourth cycle of brain-health supplementation (NeuroForge 4.0). Two months on, three months off. Same principle as always: structural building, not stimulation.
Lion’s Mane returns to the stack — it was part of an earlier cycle and I’m bringing it back for NGF signaling alongside the BDNF I get from running.
Daily protocol
Morning (with breakfast — must include fat)
| Supplement | Dose | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Uridine | 250 mg | Synaptic membrane building, synergy with DHA + Alpha-GPC |
| Alpha-GPC | 300 mg | Acetylcholine precursor → focus, processing speed |
| PQQ | 20 mg | Mitochondrial biogenesis |
| CoQ10 | 100 mg | ATP production, mitochondrial support |
| ALCAR | 1000 mg | Fatty acid transport, mental stamina, neuroprotection |
| Rhodiola | 500 mg | Adaptogen → mental endurance under cognitive load |
| Lion’s Mane | 1000 mg | NGF promoter → neuroplasticity, nerve regeneration |
| Thorne 2/Day | 1 cap | Micronutrient base (AM) |
Midday (after lunch)
| Supplement | Dose | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Bacopa | 1 tab | Long-term memory, cortisol modulation, calming |
| Thorne 2/Day | 1 cap | Micronutrient base (PM) |
Evening (2–3 hours before bed)
| Supplement | Dose | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Neuro-Mag (Mg L-Threonate) | 3 caps (144 mg Mg) | Synaptic density, working memory, deep sleep |
| Phosphatidylserine | 100 mg | Lowers evening cortisol, neuronal membranes |
| ProDHA Xtra | 2 caps (960 mg DHA + 410 mg EPA) | Neuronal structure, myelin, overnight repair |
What’s new in Cycle 4
- Lion’s Mane — back in the stack. NGF pathway, complementary to BDNF from running.
- DHA doubled — from 480 mg to 960 mg. I carry a genetic variant limiting endogenous synthesis.
- Rhodiola replaces Ashwagandha — different mechanism: monoamines and MAO inhibition vs HPA axis. Better fit for sustained cognitive output.
Architecture, not a pharmacy
Structural core (building materials): DHA, Uridine, Phosphatidylserine, Mag L-Threonate — literally what neurons are made of.
Energy infrastructure (power on the construction site): PQQ, CoQ10, ALCAR — mitochondrial biogenesis, fuel, and fatty acid transport.
Growth signals (the architect’s instructions): Lion’s Mane (NGF), Bacopa (memory consolidation), Alpha-GPC (signal transmission).
Environment (weather protection): Rhodiola (stress resilience), Thorne 2/Day (micronutrient insurance).
Timeline
- Full stack: 2 months (February–March 2026).
- Rhodiola: 8 weeks, then pause.
- DHA, PS, Neuro-Mag, Thorne: may extend to 3 months.
- Next cycle: earliest June 2026.
NeuroForge 4.0 begins.