· By PYM STORE
Nootropics for ADHD: Balancing Brain Chemicals for Improved Focus
Improve Attention Naturally with Stimulant-Free Nootropics
Have you ever gotten to the end of the day feeling totally overwhelmed and defeated because you didn't accomplish anything on your to-do list? If you have experienced this or other symptoms of adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), then you know how it can limit quality of life. Brain-boosting nootropic supplements can help.
Stimulant drugs like Adderall are often used to treat ADHD, and while they can be amazing for some, they aren't right for everybody. Nootropics for ADHD represent a safe, natural, and stimulant-free alternative option that may help to improve attention, focus, memory, and more. In this article, we will share the best ADHD supplements and the nootropic ingredients that make them effective.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide, primarily characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
ADHD can have a significant impact on daily life, including academic and occupational performance. Adults with ADHD symptoms may experience changes in cognitive performance associated with a range of cognitive and behavioral issues including:
- Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, frequent careless mistakes, trouble organizing tasks, and forgetfulness.
- Hyperactivity: Restlessness, fidgeting, and difficulty sitting still.
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting for one's turn.
ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders, affecting approximately 5-10% of children worldwide. It also affects approximately 4.4% of adults. ADHD is also largely under-diagnosed in adult females.
Brain Chemical Imbalance in ADHD
The underlying cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an imbalance in certain neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine, collectively known as catecholamines.
1. Norepinephrine: This neurotransmitter plays a critical role in regulating attention and arousal. In individuals with ADHD, there may be dysregulation in norepinephrine levels, contributing to inattention and poor focus.
2. Dopamine: Dopamine is involved in motivation, reward, and executive functions. Low dopamine levels are associated with difficulties in organization, planning, and impulse control, which are common in ADHD.
3. Epinephrine: Stimulates the brain for sharp, quick thinking under stress
Unbalanced catecholamine levels are associated with ADHD.
Catecholamine levels are critical for our brains' executive functions, including attention, working memory and impulse control. It's easy to see how a disruption of the catecholamine system might affect focus, decision-making, mood, social interaction and other ADHD symptoms.
Nootropics for ADHD: Balancing Catecholamines
Nootropics, also known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, are substances that can potentially enhance cognitive function, including attention and memory. While not a replacement for conventional ADHD treatments, some nootropics may help address the catecholamine imbalances associated with ADHD.
Dopamine-supporting nootropics may help to sharpen attention safely, naturally and without the use the stimulants.
Best Nootropics for ADHD symptoms
1. L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine. By providing the building blocks for these neurotransmitters, L-Tyrosine supplementation may help improve focus and attention in individuals with ADHD.
L-Tyrosine has been shown in human research to boost cognitive function in individuals who are in stressful situations. People who supplemented with L-Tyrosine had enhanced working memory and mental multitasking in harsh situations including sleep deprivation, extreme cold exposure, and combat training.
2. L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is an amino acid that plays a role in energy production within brain cells. It helps turn the fat from our food into energy. One small study found that 54% of a group of boys with ADHD showed improvement in behavior when taking L-Carnitine.
3. Taurine
Taurine has calming properties and can help mitigate the overstimulation often experienced by individuals with ADHD. It may also support the regulation of neurotransmitter levels.
4. L-Theanine
L-Theanine is a natural amino acid found in green tea and is mostly known for its "wakeful relaxation" benefits. It can help to sharpen focus without jitters or crashes that are somethings associated with stimulants.
It is thought that L-Theanine relaxes the mind and sharpens focus without drowsiness or jitters by significantly increasing activity in the alpha frequency band. Research has shown that L-Theanine has a significant effect on mental alertness.
ADHD is also associated with higher rates of anxiety. L-Theanine has been shown to reduce stress and may reduce feelings of anxiousness by elevating production of GABA and serotonin.
5. L-Glycine
ADHD is associated with trouble sleeping. L-Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter has been shown to improve sleep quality.
As an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord and brainstem, L-Glycine may also help with restlessness and fidgeting symptoms that can come with ADHD.
6. Zinc
While more research is needed, this study found some evidence that giving children and teenagers with ADHD more iron and zinc might be helpful in treating their symptoms. Iron and zinc deficiency can lead to problems with memory, attention and mood.
Zinc is also a cofactor required for the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine into dopamine.
7. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a key player in the synthesis of converting amino acids into neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
8. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 gives you a natural energy boost by converting your food into energy. It is also crucial for the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, to help lower stress and anxiousness.
Attention Chews for Procrastination, Productivity and Focus
Attention Chews are supplements formulated with all the amino acids, vitamins and minerals your body needs to produce dopamine. Attention Chews support with procrastination, focus and motivation, helping you to boost your mood and conquer your to-do's!
Disclaimer: Attention Chews should not be used to treat ADHD symptoms. It may help with the symptoms associated with ADHD, but it should not be used as a replacement for ADHD medication. Please consult with a medical professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition, and these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Conclusion
While nootropics for ADHD can offer a potential natural approach to managing symptoms, it's essential to approach their use with caution. Individual responses to these supplements can vary, and they should not replace prescribed ADHD treatments. Before incorporating any nootropic into your ADHD management plan, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness. Additionally, lifestyle modifications and behavioral therapies can complement nootropic supplementation for a more comprehensive approach to managing ADHD symptoms. Balancing catecholamine levels through nootropics may provide a valuable tool in the management of ADHD, but it is only one piece of the puzzle in the broader treatment plan for this complex disorder.