ADHD and Magnesium, No-Shoes Startups & Cucumber Salad

ADHD brains burn through magnesium, startups kick off shoes for health, and a viral cucumber salad turns into a nutrient cheat code. Plus: why U.S. healthcare still lags behind.

Author

Tash Jamieson
August 22, 2025

🧠 Superpower Signals — 22 August, 2025

Hi readers 👋 This week: Magnesium matters more if your brain runs spicy, why you must take your shoes off at the office (and nope, it’s not about cosy slippers), and the humble cucumber salad becomes a nutrient trifecta.

One number:

Study presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (Abstract #P250, Anaheim, California) by Hilary Spyers‑Duran and Ryan Kim

⚡️ ADHD brains lose magnesium 3x faster under stress.

Studies have shown that individuals with ADHD often have lower magnesium levels compared to their neurotypical peers [study]. That drop can worsen hallmark symptoms like distractibility, restlessness, and impulsivity.

Our take: Even if you don’t have ADHD, this finding is important! About half of U.S. adults don’t get enough magnesium1,2,3. This mineral directly shapes brain circuits, and deficiencies (often missed on standard blood tests), undermine focus, stress resilience, and emotional balance4,5,6. Food sources matter, but well-absorbed supplements (glycinate, malate, citrate) can give extra support for brain health7,8,9.

Julija R, (Clinical Strategy, Superpower)

👣 No shoes at the startup.

Ben Lang, angel investor and AI guy at $9.9B startup Cursor, sparked debate on X about the company’s “no-shoes rule”. While the post sparked mixed reactions—some worried about smelly feet, others think it’s comfortable— Lang said that Notion also had the same policy [the tweet].

Our take: At Superpower, we leave shoes at the door. Before you come at us, here's why: First, it's cozy af (you don't know comfort until you've entered a conference room in slippers). Second, it’s healthier. Shoes drag in pesticides, microplastics, and heavy metals — all of which end up in the dust and air you breathe all day long. Case in point: One study found up to 90% of pesticide residues in household dust come from outdoor footwear [the study]. As the world’s healthiest HQ, going shoeless is just one of the ways we protect our space — and ourselves.

Kathryn L (Content & Media, Superpower)

🇺🇸 American healthcare behind peers, despite top spending.

A Commonwealth Fund study shows the U.S. spends more on healthcare than any wealthy nation yet ranks dead last in access, outcomes, and equity. Even top states like Hawaii trail peers on life expectancy, with high costs, weak primary care, and coverage gaps driving avoidable deaths [the article].

Our take: This, right here, is why we started Superpower. It's no secret that the healthcare system in the U.S. is broken. I've experienced it firsthand, and chances are many of you have too [Max’s story]. Your health shouldn't be out of reach. It shouldn’t take thousands of dollars or months of waiting to understand your own body. That’s why we built Superpower, and why we dropped the price to $199 this week. Now, preventative, personalized care can be the standard for everyone.

Max M (Co-founder, Superpower)

“Our take” is a quick, off-the-cuff perspective on the health trends catching our eye this week. It might be a personal anecdote, a gut-check, or a philosophical lens. It’s not medical advice, just our two cents. Read with nuance.

Superpowered by you: Cucumber salad 🥗

We’ve all seen the viral cucumber salad. Dr. Molly Maloof, a friend of the company, gave it her own spin.

The mix of cucumbers, avocado, feta, and toasted walnuts isn’t just tasty — it’s a nutrient trifecta. Cucumbers hydrate, avocado delivers healthy fats, feta adds protein and calcium, while walnuts bring omega-3s and polyphenols. Fresh herbs like dill and basil layer in antioxidants, and lemon juice boosts absorption of iron and other minerals.

That’s a lot of nutrition in one bowl, but the real trick is the balance: fibre + fat + protein. It slows digestion, steadies blood sugar, and leaves you fuller for longer.

This salad is viral for a reason. Quick to make, science-backed, and delicious.

Check out her recipe:

Superpower members have the best life hacks and health stacks. Got one? Reply and we might feature it in the newsletter 🔦

If you’ve been on the fence to try Superpower, there is a new $199 plan available so more people can finally get answers about their health. Check it out!

Talk soon.

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.