Alternatives to ADHD Medication

People who suffer from attention deficit disorders are often treated with Adderall to help them focus and maintain status quo at work or school. The national Adderall shortage has left many who rely on this prescription medication searching for alternatives. Below, I have provided a few non prescription supplements that may help with ADHD symptoms, attention and focus.

Fish oils: Omega-3 fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) have anti-inflammatory properties and regulate neurotransmitter and immune function which may improve ADHD.

L-carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine: L-carnitine is made in the body by the amino acids lysine and methionine. l-carnitine has a role in energy production, it transports fatty acids into mitochondria. This increase in mitochondrial activity promotes dopamine signaling which could improve ADHD symptoms.

Phosphatidylserine: A phospholipid which is a fatty substance that is found in high amounts in the brain which helps transmit messages between nerve cells and is necessary for healthy nerve cell membranes and myelin. This protective mechanism has a positive effect on the signaling of neurotransmitters in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD **this one is best for patients over 25 due to its positive effects on brain aging and acetylcholine synthesis**

zinc (as glycinate): Essential mineral which many enzymes rely on for proper function.

L-tyrosine: An amino acid found in the diet that produces dopamine and norepinephrine.

Alpha-GPC: Alpha-glycerophosphocholine is a phospholipid which contains choline, a precursor of acetylcholine. Increasing levels of acetylcholine aids in increase in memory, attention, motivation and focus.

Vitamin C: Required for the synthesis of collagen, L-carnitine and norepinephrine which means vitamin C has beneficial effects on brain health, depression and cortisol levels.

LOVE, D

Emotional Stress & The Digestive System|GI Tract

Emotional stress can wreck our digestive system causing decreased digestion, dysbiosis, decreased bacterial diversity and increased intestinal permeability.

Digesting food takes a lot of energy. When we are in emotional distress or simply a state of stress where adrenaline is surging and our sympathetic response is activated (Fight or flight), our bodies divert our energy towards other functions that are necessary during this time and there is a decrease in digestion.

Stress also alters gut bacteria’s composition through the activation of our sympathetic response (fight or flight) which releases stress hormones, toxins and causes inflammation. Stress has an influence on which gut microbes thrive (in this case bacteria) and lead to bacterial imbalances (dysbiosis) as well as decreased bacterial diversity. The release of these stress hormones may trigger changes in our eating habits and alter our mood. I will also mention that digestive issues such as Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are linked to the aforementioned due to what we know as the gut-brain axis or brain-gut connection.

I’m sure most of us have heard the terms “leaky gut” or increased intestinal permeability. Recent studies show that stress weakens the tight barrier that keeps bacteria, toxins and partially digested food from leaking from our intestines into the blood stream. This is a topic that is still considered theoretical and is being studied in greater depth due to the complexity of the gastrointestinal system. I’d be happy to share a podcast that discusses this topic in detail for those who are interested.

I’d like to note that stress is NOT the ONLY factor that compromises our microbiome, use of antibiotics, lifestyle choices such as exercise, substance abuse, sleep habits and genetic predisposition are taken into consideration as well, but here we are focusing on stress.

A certain amount of stress is necessary for survival, the immunity and focus; however, there are ways to regulate emotional stress that leads to anxiety, depression and a compromised microbiome. There are also ways to strengthen our microbiome and prevent digestive disorders. See below for some tips! If you are interested in learning more about any of the following, or have any questions feel free to reach out to me via Instagram.

Regulating emotional stress:

· Meditation

· Breathing exercises

· A morning routine that involves time alone to self soothe, journal, go on a walk, or simply

do anything that feels good for YOU

· Exercise

· Limiting screen time (social media, television) especially after 10 pm and when you

wake up

· Getting at least 10 minutes of direct sunlight first thing in the morning

· Setting boundaries and learning how to say NO

· Clearing clutter in your home and workspace

· Breaking ties with those that no longer add positivity to your life

· Spend more time in nature

· Donate or help those in need

· Find a hobby or passion project

· Express your needs and avoid people pleasing

· Psychotherapy: here you can learn to tend to your inner child, process trauma, transform

limiting beliefs, find your purpose and meet yourself at a deeper level.

· Acupuncture

Strengthening our microbiome & aiding digestion:

· Taking quality Probiotics that have been quality assured and independently validated

· Eat fermented foods such as Kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut

· Eat an array of complex carbs

· Consume a broad variety of plants (vegetables)

· Avoid highly processed foods

· Limit sugar intake and artificial sweeteners

· Avoid extreme dieting and fasting if not monitored by a health professional

· Prioritize sleep

· Avoid over sanitizing your environment

· Check your micronutrient levels with a blood test

· Eat your meals slow and mindfully, avoid eating when emotionally charged or anxious

· Acupuncture

** There are many herbs/botanicals that aid in digestion & decrease bloating, but a personal evaluation is necessary in order to suggest the appropriate blend since every individual has their own unique digestive rhythm and or digestive issue. Also, not every herb/botanical is safe to ingest during pregnancy such as Orange Peel for example, due to its teratogenic effects.

Emotional Stress & Causes of Disease Intro.

When experiencing bloating, unexplained weight gain, acne, fatigue, infertility, anxiety, high blood pressure or just feeling "off", our labs may point out exactly where our systems are out of balance and other times we may be left not knowing what else to do because the lab results come back "normal". There may not be any significant markers to take into account, but where can we look to next?

Our emotions play a big role in our physiological processes and if not managed properly can give rise to both acute and chronic issues. I agree that medication is necessary in some cases, especially when dealing with mental illness, but I don't agree in the WAY it is prescribed. If we pay close attention to how we feel, when we feel it, oftentimes we can find the why and what is causing the issue or at least a hint in the right direction.

When we experience an emotion, physiological changes in our bodies happen automatically through the control of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which has two branches known as the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is known for its “fight or flight” reactions and the parasympathetic nervous system is known for its “rest and digest” mechanisms.

Similarly, in Chinese medicine (TCM) there are two major components in all physiological processes known as Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang, here Kidney Yin can be associated with the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) activity and Kidney Yang with the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT axis). In short, cAMP/cGMP activity can be mostly related to the state of “rest and digest” and the HPT axis to “fight or flight”.

In the posts to come, I will be sharing information on the ANS and the physical effects of emotional stress on the lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, reproductive and vascular systems as well as how TCM, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help with conditions associated with these systems.

Some of the topics will include blood sugar regulation, gut health, hormone health, boosting the immune system, and lowering inflammation.

My goal is to share as much knowledge as possible in a simplified way so that you are better able to understand what is happening in your own body and feel confident and empowered when making decisions about your health.

I'm very excited about this blog and to continue learning as I go! Please feel free to reach out with any questions from here on out.

Love,

Denise