cup of coffee over 6 hours) -- I wish I could find the citation for where I read that J . I'm not a regular consumer of caffeine, but this is how I dosed for my board exam preparation. I don't suggest coffee for worn-out people, people who don't drink enough water, migraine sufferers (except to treat migraines) or kids (Haitian children universally drink coffee from about age 2), but it is an antioxidant, stimulates detoxification, and helps the bowels move J Foods I don't like for brains: In general, processed/packaged foods Sodas, sugary drinks (including undiluted fruit juices) In general, a carb-heavy diet -- basically goes with the above 2, but balance is best. Don't go crazy on grains just because they grow from the ground, and go with less grains if you have weight to lose. Exercise: #2 area to focus in my opinion. Exercise balances neurotransmitters in the brain, enhances mood regulation, increases insulin sensitivity, and has been shown to both enhance memory and stave off Alzheimer's. A combination of cardio and weights is best. If you have not weight trained properly before, working with a reputable Personal Trainer is a great way to create a program, set goals, and learn proper exercises. There are all kinds of hacks for gaining strength/endurance, gaining mass, or losing fat, but for brain boosting, we want to be doing SOMETHING, CONSISTENTLY rather than paralysis by analysis. And if you DO want to hack your exercise, read The 4 Hour Body