Tim Ferriss Supplements: How To Think and Focus Like a Boss

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Published by James Cunningham, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: March 29, 2024
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As a health and performance coach, I've seen trends come and go, but Tim Ferriss's supplement recommendations stand out.

Known for his rigorous approach and practical results, Ferriss's choices intrigue both fitness enthusiasts and wellness beginners.

In this article, we delve into the supplements he swears by, offering potentially game-changing insights for your health and performance.

Who Is Tim Ferriss?

Entrepreneur and lifestyle guru Tim Ferriss focuses keenly on his appearance, diet, and workout routine. His wellness commitment inspires many, making his supplement regimen a frequent topic.

In his 2016 Men’s Health interview, Ferriss shared his supplement choices, excluding psychedelics.

Let's explore his recommendations.

What Supplements Does Tim Ferriss Take?

To come up with this list of supplements by Tim Ferriss, I have listened to countless interviews and podcasts, as well as read all the blog posts that covered everything from energy boosters to cognitive function and even cancer.

 

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A post shared by Tim Ferriss (@timferriss)

While some of them are aimed at boosting fat loss, you will notice that he takes a more holistic view of dietary supplements.

1. Optimal Health Bridge Pure Berberine

Optimal Health Bridge Pure Berberine capsules on a table

As a performance coach, I've observed similar benefits of berberine in athletes, much like Tim Ferriss.

Its impact on blood glucose and inflammation aligns with my approach to holistic athlete health.

Research in the Frontiers journal highlights its ability to lower blood glucose, which is beneficial for diabetes management [1].

Ferriss includes it for longevity, particularly after meals. Its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic qualities also make it valuable during the cold and flu seasons.

While Tim's specific brand is unknown, I've had positive experiences with Optimal Health Bridge Pure Berberine, appreciating its pure formulation without any additives.

2. Metformin

Metformin tablets on a table

Metformin, specifically, has demonstrated anti-aging properties in cellular studies, as reported in a 2020 Cell Metabolism journal article [2].

Tim Ferriss recommends it for its anti-aging effects, and there's speculation it may soon be available over-the-counter following FDA approval.

Yet, I've advised athletes on prescription supplements like Metformin, emphasizing consultation with healthcare professionals for personalized health goals.

3. Swanson Lithium Orotate

Swanson Lithium Orotate capsules

Tim regularly takes 5mg of lithium orotate to combat stress and anxiety, noting its preventive effects against depression for those with hectic lifestyles.

A Nutrition Journal study highlights its safety for daily use, showing no significant side effects [3].

For individuals experiencing anxiety or depression, lithium orotate is a beneficial, cost-effective addition to their daily supplements.

4. Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar

Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar on a kitchen table

Often overlooked, Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar is a regular in Tim Ferriss's daily regimen, taken twice a day for its numerous health benefits. It's effective for reducing acid reflux, especially after large meals.

Additionally, it aids in lowering cholesterol, supporting weight loss, and stabilizing blood sugar levels, making it valuable for both immediate relief and long-term health.

This organic and affordable product is recommended by Tim for daily use.

Check out our article on the best Apple Cider Vinegar gummies.

5. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Phospholipids

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Phospholipids supplement on a table

Nordic Naturals offers a unique Omega-3 supplement enriched with phospholipids, not just for heart health but also for brain health, as evidenced by Lipids in Health and Disease journal research [4].

Tim Ferriss endorses it for these distinct benefits. This product's efficacy is backed by placebo-controlled trials.

Sourced from wild-caught anchovies, sardines, and herring roe, it guarantees high quality and can be taken twice daily for optimal results.

If you want to read more on the topic, check out this article: Best Omega 3 Supplements for You.

6. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin Capsules on a bowl

Curcumin, derived from turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties.

It's useful for chronic inflammation in joints, muscles, and the digestive tract. NutriExtract's daily capsule can alleviate many inflammation-related issues.

7. Quest MCT Oil Powder

Quest MCT Oil Powder on a kitchen table

Tim Ferriss incorporates MCT oil into his diet for enhanced brain function. A 2017 Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience study links ketones to improved brain metabolism [5].

And Quest has created a product that can be easily added to your daily food intake.

Simply add a serving to your breakfast or morning coffee, and you can set yourself up for a very productive day.

8. Now Sports L-Glutamine

Now Sports L-Glutamine supplement

L-glutamine, vital for repairing muscle tissue, is recommended by Ferriss post-workout.

While some protein supplements include it, Now Sports offers a capsule form, best taken after intense physical activity.

9. BPI Sports Protein

BPI Sports Protein powder on a kitchen table

Ferriss takes a two-step protein approach pre- and post-workout, combining whey protein with BCAA to enhance muscle fiber repair and build lean mass.

BPI Sports offers a highly rated option for bodybuilders.

10. Testosterone Booster

Testosterone Booster supplement capsules

Testogen, a legal and natural testosterone boosters, improves strength and endurance when taken pre- and post-workout. It also enhances human growth hormone levels for muscle building.

Testogen is a tried and tested supplement that comes in the form of a powder supplement that you can easily mix into a shake.

11. Optimum Nutrition Zinc and Magnesium

Optimum Nutrition Zinc and Magnesium supplement capsules

Tim uses a zinc and magnesium supplement for restful sleep and muscle repair. Magnesium addresses restless legs, and zinc boosts immunity.

Optimum Nutrition's ZMA product includes vitamin B6 to further support hormonal activity.

12. Nature’s Life Policosanol

A top view of Nature’s Life Policosanol tablets

Derived from sugar cane, policosanol lowers cholesterol and blood clotting risks, as per WebMD [6].

A daily dose with meals is recommended.

13. Life Extension Green Tea Flavanols

Life Extension Green Tea Flavanols capsules

For those averse to the taste of green tea, Life Extension's extract supplements offer a palatable alternative, providing antioxidants, an immune boost, and healthy cholesterol maintenance.

14. Nature's Bounty Garlic Extract

Nature's Bounty Garlic Extract capsules on a person's hand

Garlic extract offers cancer prevention and arterial plaque reduction benefits without the downsides of raw garlic consumption.

It's part of Ferriss's daily intake.

You may also want to check out ​another article about Vegan-friendly multivitamins, where another product from Nature's is featured.

15. Nova Nutrition Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Nova Nutrition Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplement capsules

This is a supplement that Tim has mentioned on occasion and it claims to help prevent heart and liver disease as well as neurological issues that are common during the natural aging process.

It's a part of his popular PAGG stack besides policasonol, green tea flavanols, and garlic extract. It's a stack designed to optimize fat loss and enhance overall metabolic health.

The recommended daily maximum is 1200mg, with capsules available in various strengths.

Top three supplements, I would say omega-3 phospholipids, curcumin, that’s generally thought of as turmeric plus black pepper for bioavailability. Then anything that has a high composition of medium-chain triglycerides.

- Tim Ferris, Author & Entrepreneur

Tim Ferriss Supplements stack Final Words

Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss's supplement stack is curated for enhancing mental health and slowing aging.

These supplements, reflecting his dedication to optimal mental and physical well-being, are an excellent choice until a definitive anti-aging solution emerges.

While primarily focused on brain health, resulting in a scarcity of vitamins, incorporating regular fitness routines can further boost physical and mental fitness.

There is a bit of a lack of vitamins on this list, but that’s mainly due to the fact that he’s focusing on brain functions.

For those looking to add vitamins, our blog offers several recommendations worth exploring.

​Recommend posts:

References:

  1. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1015045/full
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5709209/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2248201/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3316137/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8429829/
  6. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-137/policosanol
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About The Author

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer & Senior Coach
James Cunningham, BSc, CPT holds a BSc degree in Sport & Exercise Science from University of Hertfordshire. He's a Health & Performance Coach from London that brings a unique blend of academic knowledge of health supplements and practical exercise experience to the table for his readers.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD is a published peer-reviewed author and renowned physician from India with over a decade of experience. With her MBBS from Bharati Vidyapeeth and an MD from Rajiv Gandhi University, she actively ensures the accuracy of online dietary supplement and medical information by reviewing and fact-checking health publications.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Kristy June Dayanan, BS, MD is an author with a BS degree from University of the Philippines and an MD from University of Perpetual Help System. Her ability to simplify medical science complexities and dietary supplement jargon for the average reader makes her a valued medical fact checker and reviewer.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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