Scientific study shows a clear link between stimulants and positive effects on the cognitive processes associated with attention and focus. Most clinicians agree that when using medication to help with attention or focus disorders like ADD or ADHD, stimulants are the first pharmacologic treatment of choice -- what is called stimulant therapy. The main concern with this drug therapeutic approach is that these pharmaceuticals often create secondary problems, sometimes worse than the root issue. Just visit any of the major pharma company sites and check the list of side-effects for their add / adhd stimulant drugs. They can be frightening.
While we may not have a cure for attention disorders, science shows that natural as well as synthetic stimulants can have beneficial effects on symptoms like problems focusing or maintaining concentration. Moreover, because nutrition clearly plays such a central role in attention issues, natural or food stimulants can help in a variety of key ways (without those pesky side-effects.)
When addressing attention health problems, do the simplest solutions first.
Since stimulant drugs do not address the crucial nutritional aspects of attention disorders (add / adhd), and because they can have other unwanted issues, it makes perfect sense to try less harmful tactics first. Why use a sledgehammer when a regular hammer will do? Maybe by balancing your biology, just by changing your diet, you can improve the attention deficit problem and maybe even avoid focus drugs altogether. We want to be smart about addressing the problem, so start with the simple and work out from there. Just make certain you always discuss any health decisions with your doctor first. But nothing we are suggesting here is controversial.
How Does Nutrition Play a Role in Attention Problems?
Research shows that certain nutritional deficiencies or excesses can be linked to attention problems. While they may not necessarily be the cause of the deficiency, they can play a role and may worsen associated symptoms. Clinicians will often prescribe a diet of elimination to get rid of what is causing the problem, or a diet of supplementation to make up for a deficiency that is causing the problem. We are going to focus on the latter because the former is straightforward: sugar, processed and fast foods, simple carbohydrates, and artificial coloring being the most egregious culprits. Get rid of them right away for an instant boost to focus!
There are a few key areas where nutrition directly influences focus and attention. Both brain cells and their myelin sheath require nutrients to allow proper speed of electrical signal transmissions between neurons, as well as many other processes that underlie good focus and concentration. Along with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, your brain needs specific nutrients to function at peak performance capacity. If these are absent, the brain misfires and you end up feeling out of focus and unable to perform well.
So what should we add to our diet for better focus?
The good news is that the answer is both widely agreed upon and easily implemented. Scientists concur that any food good for your brain health is good for attention and concentration health. Makes sense.
On a more general level, we know that protein is essential to good brain function and thus strong attentiveness. That means consumption of beans, nuts, seeds, eggs, and lean meats can promote higher levels of focus. Earlier we mentioned that simple carbohydrates are bad news and to avoid them where possible, but on the flipside, some complex carbs can be very helpful for boosting your attention levels. Eat green and colorful vegetables high in fiber, and fruits like oranges, berries, apples, pears, and kiwi for better concentration. Finally, a heathy level of Omega's are critical, so if you are not eating enough fatty fish like salmon or tuna, a fish oil supplement would be advisable to help improve attention.
On a more specific level, there are also micronutrients and amino acids that are fundamental to good brain health. Amino acids like tyrosine and phenyalanine are precursors to those crucial neurotransmitters and therefore are key to good focus. Tyrosine (a key ingredient in JUMPSTART EX) is used by the body to synthesize dopamine and norepinephrine, the two neurotransmitters believed to be involved in attention and focus (which is why they are the targets of ADD & ADHD stimulant medications.) Some studies have shown that children with attention problems may have lower levels of this amino acid and benefited from supplementation. By increasing the intake of tyrosine, tryptophan, carnitine and phenylalanine through diet or with supplements, it is possible to increase the amount of serotonin, dopamine, choline, and norepinephrine available in the brain, which may have very beneficial effects on focus.
Finally, a range of vitamins and minerals are central to proper brain health, but the most important are vitamins B, C, and iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium. Research has also suggested that DMAE (dimethylethanolamine - an analogue of the B vitamin) is an excellent compound for raising choline levels in the brain, leading to better mental performance. Proper levels of these nutrients helps increase focus and concentration. One study stated that "poor nutritional habits in children that lead to low concentrations of water-soluble vitamins in blood impair brain function" and may directly cause add symptoms as well as behavioral issues. Understanding the role of these key nutrients is essential to improving focus and attention, especially if you are a parent.
Getting help for and dealing with attention problems should be a holistic concern, which means considering diet and lifestyle as well as therapeutics. Do the least harm in your solution, so address these natural and nutritional concerns first and you may head off other issues or needs later on. It only makes good sense. Choose fresh, whole foods that satisfy these nutritional requirements and you are certain to experience both better brain health and better attention and focus.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. 4 Organics takes no responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider.
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