- Boosts Memory
- Improves Focus
- Enhances Learning
- Increases Alertness
- Heightens Perception
ADHD can be a challenging condition to treat. At this time, there is no cure for ADHD. With that being said, you can learn to effectively treat it, reducing symptoms. There are many drugs and medications on the market that are prescribed for this purpose, however many are now looking for alternative methods.
There is a growing demand for supplements, vitamins, herbs, and other natural remedies. Not only are there many plant-based solutions for mental health, but one’s lifestyle can also play an important role. By making changes to your current lifestyle, you could positively impact your symptoms of ADHD.
Remember, not everyone is the same. We are all unique beings, with unique needs. The supplements and remedies mentioned, should not replace your current treatment. Before making any changes to your current treatment plan, please speak with your doctor.
While focusing on one’s mental health, exercise is almost always recommended. For many ADHD patients, exercise routines have provided effective therapy options. In the United States alone, 9% of children suffer from ADHD. For these children, participating in sports is often recommended.
Not only does it help them burn off energy, but it improves circulation to the brain. When neural tissue is exposed to oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, it supports higher functioning. Also, improved circulation may improve ADHD at the chemical level.
When areas of the brain are exposed to this increase in oxygen and nutrients, individuals experience higher levels of mental clarity. Increased exercise is also associated with stress reduction, helping individuals calm ‘over-excited’ nerves.
The practice of meditation has a vast and extensive history. Although meditation is commonly linked to spirituality, is can also be used as brain support. It has been found that when people take part in regular meditation, they’re able to promote a calmer, more focused mental state. Since individuals with ADHD struggle to focus, this could be a beneficial addition to any treatment.
When you’re in a state of meditation, new neural pathways begin to form. It also impacts GABA receptors, creating a calming effect. GABA is the neurotransmitter which is responsible for an inhibitory effect on excitatory neurons. Basically, when your nerve cells are over-excited, this can create feelings of stress and anxiety.
Although meditation can create this effect, so can numerous supplements. For instance, Phenibut is a daily supplements that can aid your GABAergic receptors. With that being said, when you take part in meditation over an extended period, you can create lasting effects. If you suffer from ADHD and are trying to avoid drugs and medication, learning how to effectively meditate is highly recommended.
If meditation isn’t for you, there’s another option that lies on the opposite end of the spectrum. For those that suffer from ADHD and want to avoid drugs, it’s important to keep the mind stimulated and challenged.
This is why it’s important to challenge yourself. If your child is affected by ADHD, encourage them to start a new activity. Both art and music have been shown to yield positive results. For those that like more strategic activities, puzzles and video games can provide this level of mental stimulation.
These activities help increase the level of neurotransmitters available, including serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine. Acetylcholine for example, helps promote focus and clarity. Whenever possible, encourage your child to engage in these types of activities, in comparison to watching TV or other passive options.
When you continually eat healthy and maintain a balanced diet, you help improve your neural health (as well as your physical health). Based on research, it has been recommended that those with ADHD, consume a diet which is rich in protein, low in simple carbs, high in omega-3 fatty acids, and high in complex carbs.
So, what’s the difference between simple carbs and complex carbs? Simple carbs are considered to be candy, white bread, white pasta, and other foods that breakdown quickly. This causes a spike in one’s blood sugar, creating what is sometimes known as a ‘sugar high,’ leaving the individual with a lack of energy shortly after.
With complex carbs, such as fruits, whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and brown rice; the individual’s blood sugar maintains a higher level of stability. Since these items are digested slowly, they are a more sustainable source of gradual energy. This helps individuals concentrate more effectively, which could assist those with ADHD.
B-vitamins are another area which shows promise for individuals with ADHD. In various studies, B-complex vitamins have shown to reduce hyperactivity, while increasing serotonin. For instance, vitamin B6 helps to regulate one’s mood and overall brain function. When you consume enough of this vitamin, it aids in expanding short attention spans.
Magnesium is another mineral which many are deficient in. In fact, up to 85% of Americans are deficient in this mineral; which has been associated with hyperactivity in children. Magnesium provides calming effects, which is why it’s known as the ‘anti-stress’ mineral.
Supplementation is becoming an increasingly popular area, as more natural options are being offered in place of medication and drugs. Nootropics tend to enhance cognitive functioning, improving one’s ability to stay focused. When comparing various nootropics to Ritalin for instance, there are substantial differences.
When children take Ritalin or Adderall, their brain becomes overwhelmed with extremely high levels of dopamine. These drugs can also lead to more serious side-effects, in comparison to supplementation. While focusing on the racetams class, they not only promote higher levels of focus, but also neural wellness.
Piracetam for instance, helps promote mental clarity and higher levels of concentration. This is achieved naturally, as acetylcholine receptors are activated, without exposing an individual to extreme brain chemical spikes. At this time, the most common nootropic therapy consists of Piracetam, stacked with Citicoline.
At this time, there is no cure for ADHD. However, potentially dangerous prescription medications are still being readily handed out. Yes, they do improve symptoms, but they do not work to protect one’s brain. Supplements and lifestyle changes, can help improve symptoms, while contributing to neural health and cognitive functioning.
If you or a loved one suffer from ADHD, it is suggested that you look into the benefits of more holistic solutions. Exercise, meditation, a balanced diet, and vitamin intake; are all great ways to target symptoms of ADHD (they’re also highly beneficial to those that don’t suffer from ADHD).
ADD and ADHD are challenging to treat. Depending on the severity, your child may be taking prescription medication. Many parents are becoming increasingly concerned regarding the potential side-effects associated with these medications.
Nootropics are not only being used to increase cognitive abilities, but are also being used to target various ailments, diseases, and disorders. The appeal of nootropics, are the limited side-effects in comparison to other medications on the market.
Since nootropics typically work with your natural brain chemistry, side-effects are minor and often rare. ADD and ADHD research is continually progressing, which is exciting. More modern methods are introducing nootropics, which help control various symptoms.
Both ADD and ADHD are cognitive deficits that affect both adults and children. Symptoms are generally associated with hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and inattention. Since these conditions are so prevalent in children, it is the most common reason that a child is referred to a psychologist.
Although the cause of ADD and ADHD is still unknown, it is seen across both genders. It also exists across every country and culture which has been studied. Although it can affect both girls and boys, boys are three times more likely to develop this condition.
Children are most often diagnosed, which continues into adulthood. Individuals with this disorder tend to have learning difficulties and spurts of anxiety. In some cases, this leads to serious behavioral issues, including criminal activity, while increasing one’s risk of accidents.
Today, most individuals are given Adderall or Ritalin to combat their symptoms. Unfortunately, these common medications create a long list of potential side-effects. These options are amphetamines, which are technically related to methamphetamine.
When individuals take these medications for an extended period of time, they increase their risk of ‘burning out.’ This is why many parents are looking at alternatives for their children, and maybe even themselves. Luckily, various nootropics are available that can counteract these symptoms.
As mentioned, there are various nootropics available on the market that can help combat the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. There are nootropics that target different, specific areas. Some nootropics will boost motivation, while others will improve one’s attention span. You can get very specific in terms of the effects you’d like to achieve.
Another benefit is increased mental energy. When you have higher levels of mental energy, you can perform tasks more effectively. Some nootropics boost alertness, which is an area that individuals with ADD and ADHD can benefit from.
Focusing on prescription medications again; Adderall works by increasing the level of neurotransmitters within our brain. When neurotransmitter levels are increased, your cognitive functioning will improve. Although they do help eliminate symptoms, they tend to create negative effects once the benefits have worn off.
Although nootropics also target neurotransmitters, they are not considered stimulants. They increase energy, motivation, and concentration levels more naturally. Nootropics can generally be taken without a prescription, which makes them more accessible. They are also not habit-forming, which is critical for individuals of all ages (especially children).
Since different nootropics create different effects and benefits, stacks are highly beneficial. A stack is simply two or more nootropics taken together. This explains the term ‘stack,’ as nootropic effects are stacked up together. The following stacks are some of the best choices regarding ADD and ADHD.
Stack One: Piracetam, Alpha GPC, and Fish Oil
This stack is fairly basic, which is why it’s recommended for new users and children. It includes Piracetam, Alpha GPC, and fish oil. Piracetam is a nootropic that belongs to the racetam family. It was the first nootropic ever developed, providing benefits ever since.
It targets the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as it directly influences learning, memory, and attention. It also increases the level of nutrients and oxygen in the brain. This is due to an increased blood flow, leading to higher energy levels.
Alpha GPC is used a choline source. Since choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, it’s extremely important. Although we can consume choline within our diet, many individuals are deficient. If you’re deficient in choline, you’ll be deficient in acetylcholine. This could hinder your cognitive processes.
Last, fish oil helps to balance this stack out. Fish oil is known for its high levels of omega-3. This fatty acid cannot be produced in the body, which is why it needs to be consumed through diet and supplementation. Fish is known as ‘brain food,’ and for good reason. By adding fish oil to your stack, you make the other ingredients more effective.
Stack Two: Aniracetam, Huperzine, Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, and Choline
This stack is more powerful than the first. This is why it’s recommended that you start with a more basic stack to begin. Aniracetam is in the same family as Piracetam, but is a more powerful version. It works by increasing the level of attentiveness experienced.
Although this option is more powerful than Piracetam; there are even more powerful options from this same category, including Oxiracetam and Phenylpiracetam. A racetam source and Huperzine both increase the level of acetylcholine. This leads to improved attention spans and memory. Both of these benefits are directly related to ADD and ADHD symptoms.
Including tyrosine allows you to increase the production of various neurotransmitters that improve one’s mood, energy, and focus. Some of these neurotransmitters include norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine. Once again, a choline supplement is vital for continued acetylcholine production. Including this in your stack will make the other nootropics work even better.
Stack Three: Adrafinil or Modafinil, Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, and a Choline Source
This stack is the most powerful, which is why it should be used within more severe cases. Both Modafinil and Adrafinil work in the same way. Modafinil is slightly more powerful and often requires a prescription. This is why Adrafinil is preferred by many, as it’s easily accessible.
Modafinil was first developed for sleeping disorders, such as narcolepsy. Is works as a stimulant, but not in the same way as traditional ADD and ADHD medications. Since it helps boost energy levels and increase one’s attention; it’s an optimal choice for ADD and ADHD patients.
Nootropics are a safe and effective way to combat symptoms of ADD and ADHD. If you have any concerns, speak with your healthcare professional. They will be able to help you. Do not be afraid to ask questions, especially regarding the prescription medications that either you or your child are currently taking.
There are no shortage of ADHD medications on the market. However, many medications create harsh side-effects. When you’re looking to treat ADHD symptoms, safety is the top priority. The drugs that are most commonly prescribed, are often considered to be amphetamines.
These stimulants artificially spike neurochemicals, which create the risk of addiction and side-effects. There are more natural supplements that achieve the same results; by working with one’s brain chemistry, providing lasting relief.
The difficulty in treating ADHD lies in its causes. At this time, researchers have not reached a consensus regarding the cause of this disorder. However, many have targeted dopamine levels as the core issue. Dopamine influences our ability to maintain attention, which is a weak area for individuals with ADHD.
Dopamine also plays a role in our mood, motivation, and natural energy. Therefore, many prescription drugs work by artificially spiking levels of this neurotransmitter. Both Ritalin and Adderalll are two of the most common drugs, which act as stimulants.
Like other amphetamine stimulants, these have the potential to create hormonal crashes. This can result in withdrawal symptoms, leading to dependency. New research suggests that dopamine is only a fraction of the big picture. If this is true, Ritalin may not be addressing the main issues, potentially causing more harm than good.
Mental clarity involves more than dopamine spikes. In order to achieve true clarity, you need to target all systems within the brain. Since acetylcholine is directly related to levels of focus, it may be an excellent option. Acetylcholine helps neural structures communicate and grow more effectively.
When tissues receive acetylcholine and oxygen-rich blood, new neurons and synapses flourish. When you take supplements that target these processes, you can achieve more sustainable mental focus. This led to the development of racetams, the first nootropics class.
Racetams include nootropics such as Oxiracetam and Piracetam. These target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which helps to stimulate neural growth, while increasing communication within the brain. When you stack a racetam with a choline supplement, you increase beneficial results. This is why Piracetam and related nootropics are recommended for ADHD patients.
Mental energy is a result of various factors. First, mental focus results from proper cell metabolism. When nerve cells are able to utilize nutrients and eliminate waste, functionality improves. Once this occurs, you experience heightened mental alertness and responsiveness.
It’s also important that your brain produces, disperses, and re-uptakes dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine; as they help create the feeling of energy. If you experience chronic stress, age-related decay, or illness; these hormones could be imbalanced. This will directly affect your executive functioning.
When supplementing for ADHD, it’s important to balance hormones, without causing spikes to occur. Once again, the racetams class are great options. Oxiracteam is one of the best nootropics in terms of stimulating effects. This helps to create natural energy for hours, allowing you to study or think logically.
When it comes to individuals with ADHD, staying mentally focused is a challenge. It’s not uncommon to feel restless, struggling to sit still. This can create feelings of irritability and frustration. When these feelings emerge, symptoms are generally worsened.
Effective ADHD treatments should include a component to lift one’s mood, while bringing a calming effect. This can be achieved through serotonin production. Calm emotions can also be produced when the over-firing of nerves are limited.
This is where the neurotransmitter GABA comes into play. This cuts stress levels, promoting calmness. Many nootropics create the effects of GABA, reducing feelings of anxiety. Noopept is often recommended as an ADHD supplement, helping lift mood, while improving mental focus.
When comparing natural supplements and prescription drugs in terms of safety, there is no comparison. The regular use of amphetamines can create very serious dangers that are severe and harmful. When these negative effects are paired with potential addiction and withdrawal, ADHD medications are often undesired. This is especially true, as majority of ADHD patients are under the age of 18.
When it comes to nootropics, side-effects range from mild to non-existent. Majority do not require a prescription, as they can be purchased online. Piracetams for instance, has been around for many years. In some cases, users experienced jitters or sleepiness, but these are easily adjusted through correct personal dosage.
One of the largest benefits is that symptoms are reduced, while brain health is improved. Neuro-protective qualities are important, as they help protect your brain for the future. These natural supplements are safe and effective.
Not only can individuals with ADHD purchase nootropics, they can also look into vitamins. Complex B-vitamins have been found to create positive effects, reducing symptoms of ADHD. These B-vitamins cannot be produced in the body, but are essential for your brain.
B-complex vitamins are known to reduce stress, improve sleeping patterns, boost concentration and motivation, while improving memory and acetylcholine levels. Pretty impressive. This can benefit ADHD patients, while improving their overall health. You can also find these vitamins in the powerful stack known as Alpha Brain.
ADHD is generally diagnosed in preschool, when children cannot control their behavior or pay attention. This makes it challenging for the child, parents, teacher, and classmates. In the United States alone, it is estimated that approximately 2 million children have ADHD.
It’s not uncommon for children to be prescribed all kinds of medications. These do decrease some symptoms of ADHD, but they also create a number of severe side-effects. Parents are now looking for more natural solutions for their children.
If you believe that you or a loved one may have ADHD, look for some of the following symptoms:
There have been so many medications to hit the market, that some parents are becoming frustrated with the results. The problem is, researchers cannot agree on the actual cause of the disorder. For many years, it was believed that ADHD was caused by an imbalance of dopamine.
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure, reward, attention, and motivation. Ritalin for instance, targets the imbalance of dopamine levels. It is a strong medication, leading to potential withdrawal symptoms and addiction.
Now, it’s said that ADHD is not only associated with dopamine, but is inherited structurally within certain areas of the brain. Therefore, the many individuals (both children and adults) who are taking Ritalin, may not be treating their disorder in an effective and safe manner.
Some common side effects of Ritalin include, anxiety, insomnia, headache, dizziness, stomach pain, addiction, slowing of growth in children, seizures, blurred vision, and depression. As you can see, more natural remedies are in high demand. No one wants their child to experience these side-effects.
Instead of simply spiking dopamine levels, natural remedies focus on overall brain function and health. When overall brain tissue and health improve, attention span is more likely to improve as well. There are many nootropics that focus on overall brain health and cognitive function.
Piracetam for example, is the oldest racetam nootropic. It works by enhancing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This increases alertness, brain energy, and mental sharpness. It is also known to encourage new connections to form. Piracetam is currently being prescribed to ADHD patients in Europe, due to the positive effects.
There are a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that you need to obtain through your diet. Nutrition and mental health are not independent of one another. The foods we consume have a direct correlation with brain activity.
Vitamin B Complex
B vitamins have been linked to a reduction in stress and improved neural activity. These vitamins needs to be consumed through our diet, as our body does not produce them. They have been known to improve memory, motivation levels, and concentration.
They also aid in healthy sleeping patterns and add to levels of acetylcholine. Some of the best sources include whole grains, rice, eggs, milk, nuts, fish, leafy greens, soy, meat, and liver.
When you eat protein, it releases energy sustainably. This is beneficial for a child with ADHD, as energy levels can be more stable throughout the day. If energy levels are more even, then children may have an easier time staying focused.
Sugar and Carbs
Glucose is essential for brain energy, however, many children are eating far too many items that are made with refined sugar. This spikes energy levels and then makes a person crash. This is terrible for children with ADHD. In order to keep glucose levels more stable, incorporate more complex carbohydrates (legumes, whole grains, etc.)
Ritalin has so many side-effects, so it’s ideal to take a more holistic approach. Various nootropics do not yield significant side-effects and do not create addictive behaviours. You can purchase nootropics legally online.
Different nootropics work for a variety of needs. Some will increase attention, while others will create higher levels of motivation. Nootropics target different neurotransmitters than medications like Adderall. Since they’re not stimulants, they do not produce the negative side-effects that are commonly associated with ADHD drugs.
Try some of the following stacks to achieve the results you’re looking for, without worrying about negative effects:
Piracetam and Alpha GPC
This is a basic stack, which has been shown to be effective. This is a good stack to try if you’re a beginner or a child. Piracetam influences the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which improves a number of cognitive functions. It also helps to increase blood flow to the brain, providing more oxygen, boosting energy levels.
Alpha GPC is an excellent source of choline, which is essential for the synthesis of acetylcholine. This will increase benefits, providing a better outcome than Piracetam taken on its own. Many also like to take fish oil with this stack. Fish oil is simply great for your brain health, providing it with the omega-fatty acids it needs.
Modafinil/Adrafinil, Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, and a Choline Supplement
This stack is best for more severe cases. Users can take either Modafinil or Adrafinil (Modafinil is harder to obtain because it’s a prescription drug). These act as a stimulant, but not exactly how Adderall works. They are typically used for patients suffering from narcolepsy, as they improve energy and alertness.
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine is essential for the production of various neurotransmitters: dopamine, epinephrine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters regulate mood and enhance mental alertness. The choline supplement aids in the production of acetylcholine.
As with any supplement or drug, consult your doctor with any concerns you have. If you’re taking other medications, please look into possible interactions.