So, you want to increase your cognitive function, focus and memory at work. Or, your young adult child wants to study and do well for an upcoming college entrance exam. Unfortunately, the American Psychiatric Association, for over 30 years, has labeled deficits in focus, memory and executive function as adult ADHD. The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) data states that 4 percent of the US population over age 17 has an ADHD diagnosis. Adult ADHD has different symptoms than child ADHD.Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the adult population has nothing to do with “hyperactivity”, treated primarily with schedule II class narcotic nootropic stimulants, with long term side effects warned by the FDA.
7 tips for Mental Health & Wellness
1. encourage yeast-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free diet& increase fiber to 40grams daily….Excessive consumption of yeast, gluten and GMO foods adversely affect digestion and elimination of toxins from the G.I. tract. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar as well as detoxification.
2. drink at least 40 ounces cold purified or distilled water…have your home water supply tested annually by an independent laboratory for chemicals as well as heavy metals
3. increase raw organic radishes and broccoli with sea salt 3x a week….isothionates contained within these vegetables help eliminate yeast from the gut and G.I. tract
4. take one tablespoonful raw organic apple cider vinegar once a day with small amount coldjuice….Malic acid is the key ingredient to help decalcify the blood, increase digestion, metabolism and detoxification as well as increase the intracellular process of energy production. At 3x the daily dose malic acid may help patients with fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
5. ¼ teaspoonful crushed cloves mixed into applesauce at bedtime 2x a week ….intestinal parasite prevention.
6. cardio exercise 4x a week….40 minutes each session.
7. Supplement your diet with plant based vitamins, minerals and herbs. Patients with chronic illness should have new blood work and physical completed after approximately two months of a Health & Wellness Intervention.
The following nootropic “smart” supplement ingredients are essential to the diet and may improve cognitive function, focus and memory.
Unlike Adderall stimulant amphetamines, the over the counter nootropicshave no addictive properties andwork by increasing neurotransmitter pathway function within the brain. The most effective nootropics act on the acetylcholine, glutamate, and dopamine neurotransmitter pathways.
Schisandra fruit extract – Chinese mangolian red berry.Schizandrachinensis increases physical working capacity and affords a stress-protective effect against a broad spectrum of harmful factors including aseptic inflammation, irradiation, and heavy metal intoxication. Studies show that Schizandra extracts exhibit strong neurological antioxidant activities.
Phoshatidylserine – using the amino acid phospholipid nutrient, phosphatidylserine, in combination with omega-3 fatty acids may aid in the treatment of ADHD in children, suggests a 2012 study published in European Psychiatry. For the study, 200 children with ADHD were assigned to 15 weeks of treatment with either a placebo or supplements containing phosphatidylserine and omega-3 fatty acids.
Bacopa plant extract complex – Bacopa is a tropical plant that is generally known for its cognitive and memory improving capabilities. In the Ayurvedic medicine system of India, Bacopa is very often prescribed for memory improvement as well as enhancing cognitive ability and to promote optimal brain function.
Alpha-Glycerophosphocholine – a natural choline compound found in the brain. It is also a parasympathomimetic acetylcholine precursor which may have potential for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Alpha-GPC rapidly delivers choline to the brain across the blood–brain barrier and is a precursor of acetylcholine.
L-Tyrosine – an amino acid, which is important for numerous cognitive functions. L-tyrosine is a critical dopamine neurotransmitter precursor in addition to other brain chemicals including epinephrine and adrenaline. Tyrosine improves memory pathway function and cognitive performance.
N-Acetyl L-Carnitine – Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid and a natural remedy super antioxidant with clinical trials supporting health benefits toward optimizing brain function. This amino acid helps supply the brain with energy by increasing energy production within the mitochondrion, the cell’s energy generator. Most importantly, Acetyl L-Carnitine promotes biosynthesis of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for brain and nerve function. Acetyl-L-Carnitine has been shown in clinical studies to benefit cognitive ability, memory and mood.
For more information to determine the appropriate nootropic supplementation, email FrankGranett@CAOOY.org for an individually designed nutritional nootropic supplementation program based on your medical history.
Frank is a local boardcertified pharmacist with over 29 years consultative experience specializing in ADHD stimulant and psychiatric medications