Whether you’re juggling a jam-packed schedule, tackling a demanding project, or simply trying to remember where you left your keys, you know that mental sharpness matters. It’s why so many of us are searching for ways to stay clear-headed and focused throughout the day—without relying on another cup of coffee. One increasingly popular approach? Learning how to biohack your brain to boost clarity, energy, and resilience.
Ahead, learn the ins and outs of brain biohacking, plus get expert recommendations for the nutrients and everyday habits that will help clear the cobwebs and put you on the track to achieving superior cognitive function.
- ABOUT OUR EXPERTS: David Friedman, N.D., D.C. is a naturopathic doctor and clinical nutritionist. Sunjya Schweig, M.D., is an integrative family physician and Founder at California Center for Functional Medicine. Teryalyn Sell, Ph.D., is a psychologist and brain health consultant.
What Is Brain Biohacking?
Once a fringe concept reserved for Silicon Valley types, biohacking has gone mainstream. In a nutshell, it’s the act of giving your brain the right tools to function at its best. “It’s about taking proactive steps, from simple dietary shifts and supplements, to mindfulness practices and technology breaks, all aimed at optimizing your mental energy, memory, and overall brain health,” explains naturopathic doctor and clinical nutritionist David Friedman, N.D., D.C. In other words, it means tapping into nutrition and everyday habits that support cognitive health, reduce mental fatigue, and keep your brain firing on all cylinders.
Fortunately, you don’t need to completely overhaul your lifestyle to get started with biohacking. Small, science-backed shifts can go a long way—especially when it comes to the nutrients you’re consuming and how you’re taking care of your body and mind.
Read More: How To Fight (And Fix) Persistent Brain Fog
Top Brain-Boosting Nutrients
One of the most accessible ways to biohack your brain? Start with what you’re feeding it. Here are some of the key nutrients experts recommend prioritizing.
B vitamins
B vitamins—especially vitamin B6, folate (B9), and vitamin B12—play a critical role in producing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which influence everything from focus and memory to mood stability, explains Sunjya Schweig, M.D., integrative family physician and Founder at California Center for Functional Medicine.
“B vitamins are also key players in methylation, a process that affects gene expression and detoxification, and they help regulate homocysteine, an amino acid linked to cognitive decline when elevated,” he says. “Even a mild B12 deficiency may impact cognitive performance, including focus and mental clarity.”
Low levels of B vitamins are surprisingly common, especially among older adults, vegans, and anyone under chronic stress. Supplementing with a quality B-complex or multivitamin that contains methylated forms (like methylcobalamin and methylfolate) can help support mental clarity, energy metabolism, and long-term brain health, notes Schweig. In other words, B vitamins are small nutrients with big cognitive impact.
Magnesium
The mineral magnesium plays a surprisingly big role in how your brain feels and functions, explains Schweig. Magnesium is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body—including those that regulate neurotransmitter activity, stress response, and brain plasticity. In fact, low magnesium levels may be associated with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and occasional mood fluctuations.
Read More: Your Guide To All Of The Different Magnesium Supplements Out There
Supplementing with magnesium glycinate or magnesium L-threonate—two highly absorbable forms—can help support a more balanced nervous system and sharper cognitive performance, notes Schweig.
Zinc
Often overshadowed by flashier nutrients, zinc is a quiet powerhouse when it comes to brain health. This trace mineral plays a vital role in neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and overall brain cell communication, explains Schweig.
“Zinc helps regulate signaling between neurons and supports enzymes that protect the brain from oxidative stress,” he says. “Low zinc status may affect memory, focus, and mood support.”
Zinc also supports immune and gut health—two systems that are closely connected to brain function. And because stress, poor diet, and certain medications can deplete zinc levels, many people may be running low without realizing it, Schweig adds.
To help support mental clarity, memory, and mood, Schweig recommends supplementing with a highly absorbable form like zinc picolinate—especially if you don’t regularly consume zinc-rich foods like shellfish, seeds, or legumes.
Vitamin D
Best known for supporting bone health and immunity, vitamin D also plays a crucial role in brain function and emotional well-being. “Vitamin D helps regulate the production of neurotrophic factors, which support the survival and growth of brain cells,” explains Schweig. “It also influences the expression of genes involved in mood regulation and helps reduce inflammation in the brain,” he says.
Read More: How To Choose The Right Vitamin D Supplement For You
Low vitamin D levels may impact cognitive function and mood, and maintaining healthy levels is important for long-term brain health, according to research.
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread—especially for those who spend limited time in sunlight, live in northern climates, or have darker skin tones. That’s why Schweig recommends getting your levels tested and, if needed, supplementing with vitamin D3 for optimal absorption.
Vitamin C
You might reach for vitamin C when you’re fighting a cold, but this antioxidant also plays an important role in keeping your brain sharp. “Vitamin C helps protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, which is like rust for your brain,” explains Schweig. “It also helps your body make important neurotransmitters—like dopamine and serotonin—that affect your mood, focus, and memory,” he says.
Because vitamin C isn’t stored in the body, it’s important to get it regularly through food or supplements. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries are all great natural sources. But if your diet falls short, Schweig recommends supplementing with 500–1,000 mg per day to help protect your brain and support overall mental clarity.
Omega-3s
When it comes to brain health, omega-3 fatty acids—especially DHA—are some of the most important nutrients you can get. “Omega-3s help build and maintain the structure of brain cells, making it easier for them to communicate and function properly,” explains Teryalyn Sell, Ph.D., psychologist and brain health consultant. “They also support cognitive clarity and can help with issues like brain fog, mood swings, and memory challenges,” he says. In fact, low omega-3 levels have been linked to slower thinking, poor concentration, and even depression.
Read More: All The Things You Didn’t Know Omega-3s Could Do For Your Health
The best sources of omega-3s are fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel. But if you don’t eat fish regularly, supplementing with a high-quality fish oil or algae-based DHA can help fill the gap. Sell recommends looking for a supplement that provides at least 250–500 mg of DHA and EPA combined per day for general brain support.
Everyday Habits That Enhance Cognitive Function
You don’t need a lab or high-tech gadgets to biohack your brain. Small, everyday habits can make a big difference in how you think, feel, and focus—especially when practiced consistently. Here are five foundational habits that support cognitive performance, mood balance, and long-term brain health.
Prioritize sleep
Sleep is your brain’s nightly reset. It’s when your body clears out waste, processes emotions, and consolidates memories, explains Sell. Even one night of poor sleep can slow your thinking, reduce focus, and spike irritability, according to research.
Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night, as recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. That means creating a calming wind-down routine (like reading or stretching), keeping your bedroom cool and dark, and limiting screens at least 30–60 minutes before bed. If you struggle with sleep, supplements like magnesium glycinate or melatonin can support a more restful night.
Read More: Make These Changes To Your Evening Routine To Sleep Better
Move your body regularly
Exercise does more than tone muscles; it’s a natural brain booster, according to Schweig. “Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support mental clarity, focus, and memory,” he says.
Even light movement—like a brisk walk or a few yoga stretches—can elevate your mood and help clear mental fog. “Over time, regular movement boosts levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that helps brain cells grow, connect, and adapt,” Schweig says.
While cardio is great, don’t forget strength training, which offers unique neurological benefits, according to Schweig. “Resistance exercises increase the production of growth factors, such as IGF-1, which cross the blood-brain barrier and support neural growth,” he says. “Studies show that strength training in older adults can enhance executive function and memory performance and may even slow structural brain changes linked to aging.”
Eat to support blood sugar balance
Your brain runs on glucose, but blood sugar spikes and crashes can leave you foggy, distracted, or emotionally drained, Schweig says. But eating balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps keep energy levels—and mental focus—more steady throughout the day.
He recommends starting your day with a protein-rich breakfast, like eggs with avocado or a smoothie with nut butter and greens. “Avoid ultra-processed snacks high in sugar or refined carbs, which can lead to energy crashes and cloudy thinking,” he says.
Manage stress
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which may impact memory, focus, and emotional regulation over time, according to research. That’s where mindfulness comes in.
Practices like meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or simply unplugging for 10 minutes can help regulate your nervous system and bring you back to center, notes Schweig. “You don’t need to sit cross-legged for hours—just a few mindful minutes per day can improve emotional regulation, focus, and clarity.”
Herbal supplements like ashwagandha, L-theanine, or rhodiola are often used to help the body adapt to stress and promote a sense of calm focus.
The Bottom Line
The best brain upgrades don’t require a total life overhaul. With just a few consistent habits—like quality sleep, daily movement, and smart nutrition—you can boost focus, clarity, and resilience over time.