Introducing Microdosing
Microdosing is rapidly growing its popularity, and you might be wondering why. It’s because of the multiple scientific reports about the potential benefits of microdosing. These benefits include improved focus and productivity, increased mental agility, enhanced creativity, and better sex. Today, many people have enjoyed the benefits of this microdosing guide. However, this article is for you if you don’t know much about the concept.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing is the act of taking sup-perceptual amounts of psychedelics. Psychedelics are psychoactive substances with hallucinogenic properties. These substances mimic the naturally occurring serotonin in the body to trigger mental activities and experiences. Psychedelics generally affect memory, learning and mood.
When we say sub-perceptual, we imply an among that doesn’t leave any effects. Taking psychedelics this way will make it easier for you to enjoy the benefits it offers in a controlled way. A microdose is usually between 1/10th to 1/20th of the normal dose.
Some of the most popular psychedelics are DMT, LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin. These substances are generally considered non-addictive, unlike narcotics and opioids.
Brief History of Microdosing
The concept of microdosing has been around for a very long time now. It has many historical applications, including its use as an appetite suppressant, aphrodisiac, treatment for gout, and analgesic.
Dr. Albert Hoffman was the man that discovered LSD. After taking his first LSD dose of 250g, he said it was an overdose. This made him extend his research with smaller doses, marking the microdosing story’s beginning.
The year 2011 came with a resurgence of microdosing, thanks to James Fadiman. His book “The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys” focused on microdosing psychedelics. His book was a wake-up call for everyone to appreciate the benefits of microdosing. Dr James Fadiman provided practical information on microdosing for transformation and healing.
In 2015, microdosing experienced a greater boom, and this was after James Fadiman’s interview with Tim Ferriss. After the interview, more journalists started creating content about microdosing to increase interest and create awareness.
Understanding the Science of Microdosing
Two things happen in the brain after taking psychedelics:
- Stimulation of 5-HT2A receptor
- Dampening of DMN activity in the brain
Stimulation of 5-HT2A Receptor
The stimulation of this receptor after taking psychedelics causes two things to happen. The first is the production of brain-derived activity, and connections, stimulating neuronal growth, and an increase in neurotrophic factors. Glutamate transmission follows that, which is vital for memory, learning, and cognition.
Default Mode Network (DMN)
These are brain pathways and regions with low-frequency oscillation. Psychedelics can reduce the control of DMN over the mind, and there are different neuroimaging studies to support this claim.
Benefits of Microdosing
Here are some of the benefits of microdosing:
- Improved Mental Health
There are studies that show that microdosers experience decreased levels of stress and depression after six weeks. This is because of the effects of the drug on serotonin. Another study revealed that microdosing and psychological support could improve depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.
- Increased Creativity
Studies also show that microdosing substances like psilocybin can increase open-mindedness and creativity. This is because these substances allow parts of the brain to communicate in newer ways.
- Increased Focus and Mood
Results from a 2019 study show that microdosing psilocybin or LSD can improve mood and focus. This study was on psilocybin and LSD, and it remains unclear whether the effects are from LSD or psilocybin.
Scheduling your Microdoses: Microdosing Protocols
Before you start microdosing, it’s important that you know the different protocols available. These protocols are to ensure best practices, especially in terms of dose and dosage forms. It’s important to have a protocol to follow since you won’t be microdosing every day. Remember that these substances’ effects can last up to three days.
The two most popular protocols are Fadiman and Stamets protocols.
Fadiman Protocol
This protocol recommends taking little quantities once in three days. This is because our body tends to build tolerance and resistance that can alter the effects of microdosing. Here’s what the Fadiman Protocol recommends:
First Day: Microdose
Second Day: Reflect
Third-Day: Pause
REPEAT
Stamets Protocol
The Stamets protocol uses a different pattern to improve neuroplasticity and reshape the brain. This makes it easier for the brain to form newer neural connections. Here’s what the Stamets Protocol recommends:
First Day: Microdose
Second Day: Microdose
Third-Day: Pause
Fourth Day: Microdose
Fifth Day: Microdose
Sixth Day: Pause
Seventh Day: Rest
REPEAT
It’s worth mentioning that the Stamets Protocol also recommends including Niacin and Lion’s Mane to enhance the regimen.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to begin, here are a few pointers for you:
- Set the intention right: Before you start microdosing, you need to have a reason to microdose. This can increase your flow state, develop a spiritual connection or improve your mental health.
- Source for the substance: People microdose on different substances, including psilocybin truffles, DMT, LSD, Mescaline, Iboga, and Cannabis. If you’re microdosing psilocybin truffles, we recommend checking Microdose Bros Store.
- Select a Protocol: With your intention, and substance ready, the next thing is to choose whether you’ll follow the Fadiman Protocol or the Stamets Protocol
- Start Slow: The goal is to enjoy the experience, which is why it’s best to start slow.
Risks of Microdosing
While it offers different health benefits, here are a few cases when you should not microdose:
- If you’re feeling unwell
- You experienced trauma
- Colorblind
- If you’re on the autism spectrum
- People caring for kids
- People with preexisting mental health conditions like anxiety or schizophrenia
Is Microdosing Legal
Everything about microdosing above is on a broader scale. However, we advise people to use psilocybin truffles for their protocol at Microdose Bros. This is because it still lies within the law.
The laws guiding psilocybin and other psychedelics vary in different parts of the world. Therefore, before you microdose on any substance, it’s important to go through its legal status within your locality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
When should you stop microdosing?
Even though it is important to make you more productive, creative, and self-aware, you need to know your limits. Like other mind-altering substances, taking small quantities of psychedelics should be in moderation. You should be conscious and responsible about it.
Can you microdose and drink alcohol?
We don’t advise people to microdose and take alcohol. Alcohol is a CNS depressant and can lower the benefits of microdosing. It’s best to microdose in a sober state to maximize all the benefits it offers.
Should you microdose during pregnancy?
Even though there is no clinical evidence to answer this question, we don’t advise anyone to microdose during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a vulnerable state, and it’s generally not advisable to microdose in a vulnerable state.
How do you start microdosing?
There are different microdosing protocols; you can see details about the two common protocols above. You only need to identify which protocol is ideal for you to follow.
Can I microdose while taking antibiotics?
Like alcohol and other drug substances, it’s best not to combine microdosing with antibiotics.
In this article, we have highlighted The Ultimate Microdosing Guide: Everything to Know About Microdosing. We have a blog that covers a lot more about Microdosing. Visit our Microdose Bros store to buy magic truffles now.
