Top 4 Nutrients for ADHD
If you or someone you know is one of the 800,000 Australians affected by ADHD, we are here to help. There are many ways you can choose to support ADHD holistically, with one of these being ensuring you’re getting enough of the right nutrients to assist with symptom management. Read on as we explore four top nutrients that are star players for ADHD.
1. MG
Magnesium is an essential mineral necessary for good health and is involved in over 300 metabolic reactions in the body – many of which help with ADHD symptoms. When you’re deficient in magnesium you may present with lack of concentration, a reduced attention span, increased fatigue, irritability & nervousness. If this sounds like you, supplementing magnesium can not only address these symptoms, but also induces a calming effect on the nervous system to ensure you’re getting the support you need.
2. OMEGA 3 EFA
Omega 3 fatty acids are a great choice of nutrient to support ADHD as the benefits lie in reducing hyperactivity, impulsivity and improving attention. In fact, the brain is made up of 60% fat, meaning it relies on a steady supply of fat for its health and wellbeing. Not just any fat – essential fatty acids are key in brain health and ADHD, and that’s where omega 3 essential fatty acids step in. They work on brain function and neurotransmitter regulation, also targeting inflammation. Including fatty fish like salmon or mackerel at least twice/week into your diet or supplementing with a high-quality EPA/DHA supplement is crucial in brain function and ADHD support.
3. NAC
Numerous studies have found elevated levels of oxidative stress in ADHD – enter N-acetyl-cysteine (or NAC). NAC is an overachiever when it comes to its antioxidant properties, which are vital in protecting the body’s cells from oxidative stress. NAC supplementation may significantly reduce cognitive and inattentive ADHD symptoms by utilising these antioxidant powers. Another common presentation in ADHD patients is an elevated heavy metal load, for which NAC acts as a heavy metal chelation agent. This may benefit those who are struggling with adequate detoxification or with heavy metal toxicity. If you are curious to find out more about heavy metal toxicity or think this could be you, make sure you get in touch with one of our naturopaths to investigate further.
4. ZINC
It’s common to find zinc deficiency (and copper toxicity) in ADHD patients. This can present as inattentiveness, poor memory, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. As zinc supports brain function and is an essential cofactor for the metabolism of neurotransmitters like dopamine, when you’re deficient, it can correlate to a greater severity of ADHD symptoms. How to combat this? Ensure you’re getting adequate levels of zinc from dietary sources such as oysters, red meat & pumpkin seeds, or a high-quality zinc supplement to help support you with ADHD management.
What next?
Join our upcoming NEW NATURAL MASTERCLASS ADHD from 1st – 30th June
Consult with our Newcastle Naturopath’s to determine the most suitable activity for supporting your mental health treatments!
