Can We Increase Orexin?

Self-Hacked claims that pickles, sauerkraut, fish (Omega 3s) and daily exercise can increase orexin. Self-Hacked also advises reducing carbs and boosting the intake of dietary protein. [1] These recommendations and foods are compatible with the Wakeup Diet.^™ (Compatibility requires that you maintain the Wakeup Diet^™ schedule.)

Is Self-Hacked right that certain remedies can increase orexin? Maybe. For example, the Wakeup Diet^™ does relieve narcolepsy effects. And many of these effects seem to descend from narcoleptics' orexin deficiency. But the picture might be more complicated. Conclusion: We don't know for sure if Self-Hacked is right.

May be harmful. Many Self-Hacked remedies seem to reduce blood sugar levels. The idea is that blood orexin levels increase as blood sugar levels decrease. True, but how much change is the right amount? What if you have diabetes? What if the “remedy” makes you shiver uncontrollably? Words to the wise: Some allegedly “orexin-increasing” measures are harmful, or even deadly. “Remedies” have side effects. Increasing orexin shouldn't be an end in itself. Look before you leap.

• NOTICE. For more information about a footnoted topic, click the footnote. (Examples: [1], [2], [3].) The footnotes include an informal summary of heath alerts. For a link to further details, click on a footnote title of interest (in blue).

♦ CAUTION. Some practices and treatments that Self-Hacked recommends are not compatible with the Wakeup Diet.^™ See the table below.

AVOID: Not Compatible with Wakeup Diet^™
•Green tea (Caffeinated tea is a taboo, as it shifts circadian rhythms).
•Dopamine, including through herbs (Many addictions involve this neurotransmitter).
•Fructose binges (Sugar; stores as fat; possibly addictive).
•Bag breathing (Oh, come on).
•Keto diets (The Wakeup Diet^™ isn't ketogenic).
•Yohimbe (Stimulant; upsets circadian rhythms; irritates urethra; distorts perception & reasoning; causes frequent passage of orange urine; endangers several organ systems). [2]
•Glucosamine (No effect).
•Nicotine (Dangerous carcinogen; addictive stimulant).
•Alcohol (Depressant; causes attacks & upsets circadian rhythms).
•Marijuana, THC (Depressant; causes attacks & upsets circadian rhythms).
•Prescription opiates (Dangerous depressants; can be hallucinogenic; cause attacks & upset circadian rhythms).

AVOID: May Not Be Compatible
•Forskolin (May be unsafe; blood thinner; promotes headaches; untested). [3]
•Berberine (No effect). [4],[5]
•Noni (No effect). [6],[7]
•Galantamine (Untested). [8]
•Other hormones, neurotransmitters, & pathways (Untested & far-fetched).

HELPFUL: Compatible with Wakeup Diet^™
•Cold exposure (within reason, such as standing on a cold, basement floor). Foods: •Pickles, sauerkraut, fish (Omega 3s). OTC Medications: •CBD oil without THC (CBD for pain, not for narcolepsy symptoms). Behaviors: •Daily exercise. •Reducing carbs. •Increasing protein. •NOTE. Meals & exercise periods must follow Wakeup Diet^™ schedule.

▲ WARNING. If you are a diabetic, or have difficulties with your blood sugar level: Avoid treatments, supplements, herbs, or remedies that alter your blood sugar level. Anything that modifies or reduces your blood sugar level may jeopardize your health. Consult with a licensed medical doctor before changing diet or exercise routines.

♦ CAUTION. The claims of Self-Hacked are the exclusive opinions of its author. This statement is true, despite citations from allegedly reputable researchers. Science is a moving target. Scientific opinions differ, even among peers. These opinions are subject to refutation, disagreement, or modification. While Self-Hacked is intriguing, I don't warrant any claims by Self-Hacked. You're on your own. —The Webmaster

1. Pupya Uazdi, MD, “12 Natural Factors that May Increase Orexin & Wakefulness,” last modification January 6, 2020, access on March 3, 2021, https://is.gd/qXesG1
▶Re: There are parallels between recommendations on this “Self-Hacked” blog page & Wakeup Diet.^™

2. “Yohimbe,” (See sections: “Side Effects,” “Precautions,” and “Interactions.”) Root site: WebMD.com, last modification March 12, 2021, access on March 15, 2021, https://is.gd/Ftxnfy
▶Re: Stimulant. Avoid yohimbe if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease. Yohimbe may harm heart, kidneys, liver, or prostate gland. May arbitrarily modulate blood pressure. May worsen bleeding disorders. May increase anxiety. May cause mania or suicidal tendencies. Diabetics: May interfere with insulin. May cause confusion, dizziness & frequent urination. May pass into breast milk. May be toxic to unborn or to children. May cause lupus-like symptoms. May cause dry mouth. Yohimbe can be fatal. Yohimbe alters effects of several medications.

3. Melinda Ratini, DO, MS, “Forskolin,” Root Site: WebMD.com, last modification March 12, 2021, access on March 13, 2021, https://is.gd/4gLdvW
▶Re: Forskolin side effects may include upper respiratory tract & eye irritation. May cause headaches. Interacts with other medications. Avoid taking with blood thinners or anti-platelet drugs. Avoid taking if you have polycystic kidney disease. May be unsafe for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

4. “Berberine”: Webmaster personally tested Berberine capsules by Naturegenics during the month of July, 2021.
▶Details: Quantity: 2 capsules per day. Dose total (for both capsules): 1 gram. 30-day test produced no noticeable effect.

5. “Berberine,” (See sections: “Special Precautions and Warnings,” & “Interactions”) Root site: WebMD.com, last modification March 12, 2021, access on March 13, 2021, https://is.gd/O2en2Z
▶Re: Berberine side effects may include brain damage, especially in infants & possibly older children. May contaminate breast milk. Likely unsafe for use by pregnant women. May transfer to unborn. Can lower blood pressure. Can reduce blood sugar. Danger to diabetics under treatment. Interacts with other medications.

6. “Noni”: Webmaster personally tested Noni capsules by Swanson Vitamins starting in November, 2022 (60 daily doses).
▶Details: Quantity: 2 capsules per day. Dose total (for both capsules): 1 gram. 60-day test produced no noticeable effect.

7. “Noni,” (See sections: “Special Precautions” and “Warnings”) Root site: WebMD.com, last modification March 12, 2021, access on March 13, 2021, https://is.gd/2nRw4w
▶Re: Noni side effects may include liver damage. May also worsen kidney disease. Likely unsafe for use by pregnant women. May transfer to unborn. Interacts with other medications.

8. “Galantamine,” (See sections: “Precautions” and “Interactions”) Root site: WebMD.com, last modification March 12, 2021, access on March 13, 2021, https://is.gd/NCanQN
▶Re: Avoid Galantamide if you have liver disease, or kidney disease. WebMD discusses possible impact on internal systems (stomach, heart, lungs, prostate, brain). Alcohol or marijuana may intensify side effects of Galantamide, such as dizziness or drowsiness. May pass into breast milk. Galantamine is prescription drug, only available through licensed MD.

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