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AMA #19: Collagen vs. Whey Protein, Creatine, Smelling Salts, Stimulants & More

Apr 25, 2025 18m 16s 13 insights
Welcome to a preview of the 19th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium. If you're an existing Huberman Lab Premium member, you can log in to access the full episode at https://hubermanlab.supercast.com. You can access the transcript here. If you’re not a member, you can learn more and join Huberman Lab Premium at https://www.hubermanlab.com/premium. ROKA Wind Down™: https://www.roka.com/huberman Huberman Lab Essentials: https://go.hubermanlab.com/essentials
Actionable Insights

1. Be Your Own Scientist

Adopt a scientific approach to your health by trying different protocols, carefully observing your body’s specific reactions, and adjusting your behaviors or intake based on what works best for you.

2. Dim Lights for Better Sleep

Dim your lights at night to significantly facilitate your transition to sleep and improve sleep quality, as bright lights can reduce melatonin and increase cortisol.

3. Engage in Regular Exercise

Incorporate both resistance training and cardiovascular training into your routine, as resistance training, even to failure, is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall health.

4. Target Optimal Protein Intake

Aim to consume approximately one gram of quality protein per pound of lean body weight (or desired body weight) daily to support muscle protein synthesis, recovery, and general health.

5. Prioritize Leucine-Rich Proteins

Choose protein sources high in leucine, such as whey protein, beef, chicken, or eggs, if your primary goal is to grow or repair muscle and enhance protein synthesis.

6. Base Protein on Whole Foods

Obtain 60-70% of your daily protein requirement from whole food sources like lean meats, chicken, eggs, or fish, ensuring a broad spectrum of essential amino acids.

7. Consider Blue-Green Blockers

Wear blue-green light blocking glasses at night, especially when exposed to bright lights, to counteract melatonin suppression and cortisol increases that can negatively impact sleep.

8. Supplement Protein as Needed

Use protein powders or bars, such as whey protein, for the remaining 30-50% of your daily protein intake if you find it challenging to meet your targets solely through whole foods.

9. Use Collagen for Skin Health

Ingest 15 grams of collagen protein (powdered form) or bone broth daily for at least two weeks to support improvements in skin elasticity and overall appearance.

10. Test Whey Protein for Acne

If you experience acne, temporarily remove whey protein from your diet for several days or weeks to assess if its high leucine content is contributing to or worsening your skin condition.

11. Women: Adjust Whey for Cycle

Women experiencing acne may consider adjusting or pausing whey protein intake during specific phases of their menstrual cycle, as hormonal fluctuations can interact with leucine’s effects on skin.

12. Explore Alternative Proteins for Acne

If whey protein appears to exacerbate acne, try replacing it with a casein protein or another high-quality protein source to observe if your skin symptoms improve.

13. Access Premium Content

Subscribe to the Huberman Lab Premium channel at hubermanlab.com/premium for $10/month or $100/year to access full AMA episodes, transcripts, early event access, and store discounts.