College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC HEALTH REMEDIES

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

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Written by John Immel Asheville, NC

AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

ADHD is a nervous system disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can be broken down into several types: ADHD is perhaps a misnomer, because clients do not have a deficit of attention. Instead, their attention switches too rapidly. It would more accurate to name the condition attention switching disorder. It is a state of disinhibition where the cerebral cortex fails in its ability to analyze and calm down the limbic system down after stimulation. The result is 3 negative traits: Distraction, Impulsivity, and Hyperactivity. According to Dr. Ned Hallowell, "ADHD is like having a Ferrari engine for a brain with bicycle brakes. Strengthen the brakes and you have a champion."

Symptoms of ADHD

The neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine help regulate various functions in the brain, including mood, attention, and behavior. Low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine may create the inattention and impulsivity seen in ADHD. Serotonin is known to play a role and has been linked to ADHD but the relationship between serotonin and ADHD is not well understood. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Low levels of GABA have been linked to hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Clinical Features of ADHD

ADHD individuals are typically lean individuals. Brain scans of patients with ADHD show deficient blood flow to the brain.

Lifestyle Changes

Individuals with ADHD show willingness to take risks and may thrive in adventure sports, as entrepreneurs, etc.

Supplements

The following herbal actions may be beneficial:
  • Cerebral Vasodilators - Herbs such as Ginkgo that improve cerebral circulation may reduce symptoms of ADHD.
  • Nervines, Brain Tonics - To nourish the nervous system and brain.
  • Adaptogens - Rhodiola & ashwagandha can help calm the nervous system down and modulate stress.
  • Sedatives, Muscle Relaxants, etc - To reduce stress hormones & tension. Example: Valerian
  • Dopminergic, Stimulants - Stimulant medications are used in ADHD to increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
  • Alteratives, Hepatoprotectives - To strengthen the livers ability to clear ama and other nervous system irritants. Example: Guduchi
  • Rebuild electrolytes
In Ayurveda, herbs such as Shankhpushpi, Brahmi, and Guduchi are commonly used to help balance vata and improve symptoms of ADHD. Shankhpushpi is believed to improve memory and cognitive function, Brahmi is thought to improve overall brain function and Guduchi is considered to be a Rasayana herb that helps to nourish and rejuvenate the body and mind. The following supplements may help:
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Believed to help improve brain function and reduce inflammation.
  • Zinc: An important mineral for brain development and function. Zinc deficiency has been linked to ADHD.
  • Magnesium: Aids nerve function, relaxes muscles, and can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
  • Iron: Iron is essential for healthy brain development. Iron deficiency can be linked to ADHD symptoms.
  • Vitamin B6: Important for brain development and function. Increases serotonin. Vitamin B6 has been shown to be as effective as Ritalin in ADHD.
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of ADHD.
  • Serine: Serine is an amino acid involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. It is also a component of the phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS), which is found in high concentrations in the brain. Studies suggest that phosphatidylserine supplementation in combination with omega-3 fatty acids may help improve attention and hyperactivity in children with ADHD.
  • Choline: Choline is a nutrient that supports production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in various brain functions, including memory, attention, and muscle control. Phosphatidylcholine supplementation in combination with omega-3 fatty acids may help improve attention and hyperactivity
  • Carnitine: Carnitine is an amino acid derivative involved in energy metabolism in the body, particularly in the heart, brain and muscles. It works by aiding fatty acid metabolism in mitochondria. It is also thought to have antioxidant properties and is a b
  • Glutamine: Glutamine one of the most abundant amino acids in the blood and it plays an important role in many bodily functions. It is both a source of energy and a precursor for GABA.
  • Lithium: Lithium deficiencies have also been known to be common in ADHD
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, fasting, and intensity.

Disclaimer: 'Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)' could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.

ARE YOU NEW TO AYURVEDA? GET THE BASICS

WHAT HAS ALREADY HELPED YOU HEAL ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)?

Improve the accuracy of your recommendations by letting us know what is working.

DIET REMEDIES FOR 'ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)'

Answer some questions about how foods make you feel. Then you'll receive a full food report customized for you.
COMPUTE MY DIET FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
OR, GET A GENERAL DIET FOR BALANCING ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

Augment your diet with these specially chosen ingredients below which may be useful for 'Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)'. Individual results vary depending the cause of your imbalance and by constitution. Please research the ingredients below to find which are most helpful for you, and check with your doctor before making any changes to your health and wellness routine.
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HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS FOR 'ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)'

Please check with your medical doctor before making any changes to your health & wellness routine, and for the proper use of these products.
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MORE MIND STRESS SLEEP TIPS

DISCLAIMER: The pathogenesis of each person's condition is unique, and so the diet must be fit to the individual and the unique root causes of the condition in your body. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat a medical condition. It is not a substitute for medical care. Please check with your doctor before making any changes to your health and wellness routine.

Nerve Relaxant Grounding

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

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Anxiolytic

ANXIOLYTIC

Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.

SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

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Boosts Gaba

BOOSTS-GABA

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, reduces nerve excitability. It is the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, it promotes relaxation, calm, and sleep.

SEE ALL 'BOOSTS-GABA' FOODS / HERBS

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Brain Tonic

BRAIN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the brain and thereby enhances memory or other cognitive functions and improves mental stamina or stability.

SEE ALL 'BRAIN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

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Nervine

NERVINE

Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.

SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

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Sedative

SEDATIVE

Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.

SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Adaptogen

ADAPTOGEN

Herbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.

SEE ALL 'ADAPTOGEN' FOODS / HERBS

Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

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Rebuild Electrolytes

REBUILD-ELECTROLYTES

Substances that increase your electrolyte balance. Electrolytes help you retain water, keep your palate moist, and truly quench your thirst.

SEE ALL 'REBUILD-ELECTROLYTES' FOODS / HERBS

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Vasodilator

VASODILATOR

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.

SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Muscle Relaxant

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.

SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

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Relieves Tension

RELIEVES-TENSION

An herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle.

SEE ALL 'RELIEVES-TENSION' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Carnitine,
Choline

CHOLINE

Precursor to acetylcholine. Essential nutrient that supports liver and brain development, metabolism, and muscle and nervous system function. It is lipotropic (aiding fat metabolism in the liver).

SEE ALL 'CHOLINE' FOODS / HERBS

, Glutamine,
Iron

IRON

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.

SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS

,
Magnesium

MAGNESIUM

Helps muscles relax. Laxative.

SEE ALL 'MAGNESIUM' FOODS / HERBS

, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D, Zinc

Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

HOW TO ADDRESS ISSUES IN STAGE OF DISEASE #4

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) IS IN STAGE OF DISEASE #4 - TISSUE DISEASE

If you have symptoms in this category it means your imbalances have overwhelmed your body's resistance causing a full-fledged disease. Once imbalance reaches this stage it is more likely to cause acute or chronic conditions. You might be tempted to focus your attention on fighting symptoms in this category, but dismiss earlier warning signs of imbalance - i.e. symptoms in the stage 1 category. It is ideal to find and address the root causes weakening your system and remove them first. This ensures you are not adding fuel to the fire of disease. Once the root causes are removed, you can work on addressing the disease head on along with strengthening your body. This typically yields a quicker recovery and prevents recurrence. Ayurveda's preventative approach suggests you pay careful attention to every stage of disease development. (See all disease stages on JB)

GET MY FREE AYURVEDA BODY MAP

AVOID DIETS, LIFESTYLES & HERBS THAT AGGRAVATE THESE EFFECTS

According to Ayurveda, one or more of the following doshas and biocharacteristics may aggravate 'Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)'. If you have an excess of one of these doshas or biocharacteristics below, Ayurveda recommends reducing foods and lifestyle habits that aggravate them. Click on the biocharacteristic to learn what foods and lifestyle habits should be reduced.

Symptoms Tell A Story

The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms. Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances. Symptoms show you where your body is weakened. Ultimately, all disease has a root in tissues too weak to defend itself. Ayurveda describes these patterns of weakness using doshas & biocharacteristics. If you notice a biocharacteristic or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.
BIOCHARACTERISTICFOODS TO AVOIDDO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE?
VATA
FIND OUT

Status Unknown

Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Vata' dosha.
PITTA
FIND OUT

Status Unknown

Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Pitta' dosha.
MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

FIND OUT

Status Unknown

Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Mobile' guna.

To learn more about the symbols above, click on them. See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

SEE A DIET WHICH REMOVES THESE CAUSES

Are you prone to a problem with 'Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)'? Find your imbalances and create a diet for your Mind Stress Sleep by taking the free mind stress sleep quiz:

TAKE THE MIND STRESS SLEEP QUIZ
The following symptoms & habits may be related to 'Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)'. See your quiz results for a computerized assessment of your body type. Please click on the symptoms below to learn more about them.

DISCOVER YOUR BODY WITH YOUR FREE INDIVIDUALIZED BODY MAP

Find ideal foods, herbs and lifestyle tips. See your imbalances, and locate intervention points. Your body map contains a complete analysis of your Ayurvedic imbalances, organ by organ. Give your chart to your functional medical doctor or any alternative health practitioner.

GET MY FREE BODY MAP / CHART

HOW AYURVEDA WORKS

ARE YOU WONDERING HOW AYURVEDA CAN HELP YOU?

WHY IS AYURVEDA THE RIGHT SOLUTION?

Ayurveda strengthens the body while opposing disorders. It takes a holistic, systemic approach that looks at the whole body. Ayurveda shows how to interpret signs and symptoms of imbalance, and how to address them using diet, lifestyle adjustments, and herbs. It shows a person how to optimize their health on a continual basis. You can't take the doctor home with you, but you can take Ayurveda home with you. Ayurveda is the most advanced and easy to use home system for self healing.

HOW DOES AYURVEDA WORK?

Ayurveda starts by identifying your body type, which identifies certain tendencies in your body to get sick (as well as identifying your strengths). It uses body type to determine the likely root causes of your disorders. Next, Ayurveda analyzes the nature of your disorder. It fits all your signs and symptoms into a pattern, expressed as a combination of biocharacteristics (gunas). For example, you may have a heat disorder, a cold disorder, or an oily disorder, etc. This simple categorical approach shows you how to correct systemic imbalances and strengthen your body as a whole.

On Joyful Belly, we've created an extensive categorization of food so you can easily match food to your imbalanced biocharacteristics. By eating an optimal diet that balances your biocharacteristics, your whole body is strengthened and the conditions that created the disorder are removed. Once the root causes of the disease are removed, the disease lessens in strength or disappears altogether. Additional remedies - such as herbs and lifestyle practices - focused on the specific disorder, can greatly enhance your healing.

GET STARTED

To get started on your Ayurvedic journey, we first recommend that your find your body type by taking our free quiz. In Ayurveda, every solution is based on your unique body type, so by taking this quiz, you’ll get the best results.
FIND YOUR BODY TYPE

5 WAYS TO HEAL YOUR BODY WITH AYURVEDA - FREE REPORT!

New to Ayurveda? Not sure how Ayurveda can help you? This free report shows you 5 simple ways you can heal your body with Ayurveda. It shows you simple, practical ways manage your health.

CLAIM FREE OFFER

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 7 kids live in Asheville, NC

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