Nootropics and Cognitive Enhancement: The Natty Plus Brain Stack

The Natty Plus Mind: Where Cognitive Enhancement Meets Physical Optimization

Your brain is the ultimate performance-enhancing drug. Everything starts there—every rep, every decision, every breakthrough. I’ve been experimenting with nootropics as part of the Natty Plus Protocol because optimizing your mind isn’t separate from optimizing your physique. They’re the same spectrum.

Connor Murphy’s transformation wasn’t just physical. His testosterone doubled from 340 to 700 ng/dL in 11 days, his growth hormone increased 15-fold, but what people don’t talk about is how his cognitive performance exploded during this process. The same compounds that rebuilt his physique rebuilt his brain.

The Brain-Body Spectrum: Why Nootropics Fit the Natty Plus Philosophy

The traditional bodybuilding world creates false dichotomies everywhere—natural versus enhanced, body versus mind, safe versus effective. The nootropics stack obliterates these artificial boundaries. When Connor was rating supplements on his 1-10 naturalness spectrum, cognitive enhancers fell into the same sweet spot as his physique compounds: powerful enough to matter, safe enough to use long-term.

Here’s what the research shows about the brain-body connection: optimizing your hormones directly enhances cognitive function. When we boosted Connor’s testosterone from that pathetic 340 ng/dL to a robust 700, his decision-making improved, his motivation skyrocketed, and his ability to focus during workouts became laser-sharp. This isn’t coincidence—it’s biology.

The Natty Plus Rules Apply to Brain Enhancement

Every nootropic in this stack follows the same three rules Connor established:

• Relatively healthy: No cognitive function at the expense of overall health
• Non-suppressive: Enhances natural neurotransmitter production without shutting down your brain’s natural systems
• No dependence: You can cycle off without cognitive crashes or withdrawal

Plus Connor’s fourth rule: so beneficial there’s no logical reason not to use them.

Connor Murphy’s Brain Building Nootropics Stack

Connor’s approach to cognitive enhancement mirrors his physique protocol—strategic, evidence-based, and sustainable. He’s not looking for short-term cognitive stimulation that crashes later. He wants compounds that enhance both immediate performance and long-term brain health.

The Peptide Foundation: Selank and Semax

These Russian-developed peptides form the cognitive core of advanced nootropic protocols. In my experiments, Selank provides anxiolytic effects without the cognitive dulling of traditional anti-anxiety compounds. Users report enhanced focus with reduced stress response—exactly what you need for both intense training and complex cognitive tasks.

Semax operates through different mechanisms, enhancing BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and improving cognitive flexibility. The dosing protocols I’ve tested range from 100-300 mcg daily, typically administered nasally for optimal bioavailability. What makes these peptides fit the Natty Plus philosophy is their ability to enhance natural cognitive processes rather than artificially stimulating them. This is a direct application of the Tony Huge Laws of Biochemistry Physics—targeted peptide signaling to upregulate endogenous pathways without suppression.

I rate Selank and Semax around a 4 on Connor’s naturalness spectrum—more advanced than basic supplements, but working with your biology rather than against it.

Hormonal Cognitive Enhancement

The most overlooked aspect of cognitive enhancement is hormonal optimization. When Connor’s testosterone jumped from 340 to 700 ng/dL using compounds like Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis, his cognitive benefits were immediate:

• Enhanced motivation and drive
• Improved decision-making under stress
• Better spatial reasoning
• Increased confidence in social situations

Growth hormone optimization provides different cognitive benefits. The 15-fold increase Connor experienced enhanced his sleep quality, which directly improved memory consolidation and cognitive recovery. Growth hormone peptides like MK-677 (which Connor used) enhance deep sleep phases where the brain clears metabolic waste and forms long-term memories.

The Sleep-Cognition Connection

Sleep optimization is non-negotiable for cognitive enhancement. Connor’s protocol includes several compounds that improve both sleep quality and cognitive function:

Melatonin: Connor rates this as highly natural despite being an external hormone. Optimal dosing appears to be 0.5-3mg, not the massive doses many people take. Higher doses can disrupt natural circadian rhythms.

Magnesium Glycinate: 400-600mg before bed enhances both sleep quality and reduces cortisol, which directly impacts cognitive function the next day.

GABA supplements: While GABA doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier effectively when taken orally, compounds that enhance GABA function (like Phenibut, used sparingly) can dramatically improve both sleep and next-day cognitive performance.

Advanced Nootropic Protocols

Beyond the foundation, advanced cognitive enhancement requires compounds that work synergistically with the physique-building aspects of Natty Plus.

Racetam Family Compounds

Piracetam, Oxiracetam, and Aniracetam work through different mechanisms but share the ability to enhance neuroplasticity. In my experiments, Oxiracetam provides the most noticeable acute cognitive enhancement, while Piracetam excels at long-term brain health benefits.

Dosing protocols I’ve tested:

• Piracetam: 1.6-4.8g daily, divided doses
• Oxiracetam: 800-2400mg daily
• Aniracetam: 600-1500mg daily with fats for absorption

These compounds enhance acetylcholine utilization, so combining with choline sources (Alpha-GPC or CDP-Choline) prevents potential headaches and maximizes benefits.

Modafinil and Armodafinil

For acute cognitive enhancement, modafinil represents the gold standard. It provides sustained focus without the jitters and crashes of traditional stimulants. I rate modafinil around a 6 on Connor’s spectrum—more aggressive than basic nootropics but without the health risks of harder compounds.

The key is strategic use rather than daily dependence. Modafinil excels for:

• Extended work sessions requiring sustained focus
• Travel and jetlag mitigation
• Periods requiring reduced sleep (sparingly)

Typical dosing: 100-200mg, taken early morning to avoid sleep disruption.

Natural Cognitive Enhancers

Several natural compounds deserve inclusion in any nootropics stack:

Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Enhances nerve growth factor and supports neuroplasticity. I’ve seen benefits at 500-1000mg daily of standardized extracts. This rates about 1.5 on the naturalness spectrum—concentrated but naturally occurring.

Bacopa Monnieri: Excellent for memory enhancement and stress reduction. Requires 12 weeks of consistent use for full benefits. Standard dosing: 300-600mg daily of 50% bacosides extract.

Rhodiola Rosea: Adaptogenic properties that enhance cognitive performance under stress. Particularly effective for training sessions and high-pressure situations. Optimal dosing: 200-400mg of 3% rosavin, 1% salidroside extract.

Synergistic Compounds: Physique and Cognition

The beauty of the Natty Plus approach is identifying compounds that enhance both physical and cognitive performance simultaneously.

Creatine: The Dual-Purpose Powerhouse

Connor rates creatine as 1.25 on his naturalness spectrum, and for good reason. Beyond the well-known muscle benefits, creatine enhances cognitive function by improving brain energy metabolism. Studies show 5g daily can improve working memory and processing speed.

The brain uses significant ATP during intense cognitive tasks. Creatine supplementation ensures optimal energy availability for both muscle contractions and neuronal firing.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

EPA and DHA are foundational for both muscle recovery and brain health. The anti-inflammatory effects benefit both training recovery and cognitive function. Optimal dosing appears to be 2-3g combined EPA/DHA daily.

Higher DHA ratios favor cognitive benefits, while balanced EPA/DHA ratios provide more systemic anti-inflammatory effects.

Vitamin D3: The Hormone Optimizer

Connor correctly identifies Vitamin D3 as an external hormone that most people need. Optimal levels (40-60 ng/mL) enhance testosterone production, immune function, and cognitive performance.

My bloodwork consistently shows cognitive benefits when vitamin D levels are optimized, typically requiring 4000-8000 IU daily depending on baseline levels and sun exposure.

Cycling and Tolerance Management

Connor emphasizes cycling supplements to prevent tolerance, and this principle is crucial for nootropics. Many cognitive enhancers lose effectiveness with continuous use.

Strategic Cycling Protocols

Foundation compounds (creatine, omega-3s, vitamin D) can be used continuously without tolerance issues.

Intermediate compounds (racetams, Lion’s Mane, adaptogens) benefit from periodic cycling—8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off.

Advanced compounds (modafinil, Phenibut, stimulants) require careful cycling to prevent dependence—no more than 2-3 times per week maximum.

Monitoring and Adjustments

Just like Connor tracks his bloodwork for hormonal optimization, cognitive enhancement requires monitoring. Key metrics include:

• Sleep quality and duration
• Subjective energy and motivation levels
• Cognitive performance during specific tasks
• Stress response and recovery

Regular blood panels should include thyroid function, vitamin levels, and inflammatory markers—all directly impact cognitive function.

The Enhanced Labs Cognitive Stack

Several Enhanced Labs products excel for cognitive enhancement while maintaining the Natty Plus philosophy:

Huge Supplements Cognition: Contains researched nootropics at effective doses without proprietary blends or underdosing issues common in the industry.

Enhanced Labs Sleep Aid: Combines multiple sleep-enhancing compounds that directly benefit next-day cognitive function.

Enhanced Labs Stress Support: Adaptogenic compounds that enhance cognitive performance under stress while supporting overall health.

Advanced Sourcing: SwissChems and NexChems

For more advanced cognitive enhancers, SwissChems and NexChems provide research-quality compounds. Their peptide selection includes Selank, Semax, and other cognitive enhancers difficult to source elsewhere.

Quality matters enormously with nootropics. Underdosed or contaminated cognitive enhancers don’t just fail to work—they can be actively harmful. These suppliers provide third-party testing and consistent dosing.

Integration with Training and Nutrition

Cognitive enhancement isn’t separate from your training and nutrition—it amplifies everything else you’re doing.

Pre-Training Cognitive Enhancement

Mental preparation directly impacts training quality. Connor’s ability to maintain focus during workouts improved dramatically during his transformation. Pre-training nootropics can include:

• Moderate caffeine (100-200mg) with L-theanine for focused energy
• Alpha-GPC (300-600mg) for enhanced mind-muscle connection
• Rhodiola for stress adaptation during intense sessions

Post-Training Recovery

Cognitive recovery parallels physical recovery. Compounds that enhance sleep and reduce cortisol benefit both muscle growth and cognitive function:

• Magnesium glycinate for nervous system recovery
• Ashwagandha for cortisol management
• Melatonin for enhanced sleep quality

Practical Implementation: Your Cognitive Enhancement Plan

Start with the foundation and build systematically. Connor’s approach of gradual implementation prevents overwhelming your system and allows proper assessment of individual compounds.

Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

• Creatine: 5g daily
• Omega-3: 2-3g EPA/DHA daily
• Vitamin D3: 4000-8000 IU daily
• Magnesium glycinate: 400-600mg before bed

Phase 2: Natural Nootropics (Weeks 5-8)

• Add Lion’s Mane: 500-1000mg daily
• Add Bacopa Monnieri: 300-600mg daily
• Add Rhodiola: 200-400mg morning

Phase 3: Advanced Compounds (Weeks 9-12)

• Consider racetam family (start with Piracetam)
• Add Alpha-GPC: 300-600mg daily
• Strategic modafinil use (max 2-3x per week)

Phase 4: Peptides and Optimization (Weeks 13+)

• Research Selank and Semax protocols
• Optimize sleep compounds based on individual response
• Refine cycling protocols based on tolerance patterns

The goal isn’t to take everything at once—it’s to build a sustainable system that enhances both cognitive and physical performance without negative health consequences. Connor’s transformation proves this approach works when implemented intelligently.

Interesting Perspectives

While the core stack focuses on established nootropics, the frontier of cognitive enhancement is constantly evolving. Some researchers are exploring the cognitive benefits of compounds traditionally used for physique enhancement. For instance, the neuroprotective and potential neuroregenerative effects of certain SARMs and peptides are being investigated beyond their anabolic applications. The concept of “metabolic flexibility” for the brain—using compounds like exogenous ketones or MCT oil to provide alternative fuel sources during intense cognitive work—mirrors strategies used by endurance athletes. Furthermore, the gut-brain axis represents a massive, underexplored frontier; optimizing the microbiome with specific probiotics and prebiotics may enhance neurotransmitter production and reduce brain inflammation, creating a foundational layer for all other cognitive enhancers to work upon. The most advanced biohackers are looking at timed nutrient delivery—syncing nootropic intake with circadian biology to maximize absorption and effect, similar to nutrient timing around workouts.

Citations & References

Your brain built your physique. Now it’s time to build your brain.