ADD/ADHD/Anxious & Sad Thoughts Basics

Why Protein Foods and Amino Acids like Tryptophan, Tyrosine, 5HTP, GABA, L-Theanine matter for Focus, Anxious Thoughts, Sad Thoughts and Mood. ☺️

Did you know that what you eat can directly influence your focus, anxious thoughts, low mood and overall sense of calm?

There are 7 different types of ADD/ADHD, 6 types of Anxiety & Depression which I refer to as Sad/Anxious Thought Patterns. Dr. Daniel Amen (psychiatrist), a leading expert in brain health for decades, has been studying brain images with over 150,000 patients and has highlighted different patterns or "types" based on brain activity (blood flow in the brain). (A quick disclaimer: supplements aren't a substitute for professional care and there are times when western medicine may be needed. As an example, a bad infection that may require antibiotics, herbal antibiotics, etc.)

Your brain relies on building blocks called Amino Acids (from protein-rich foods and/or dietary supplements) to produce key chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These often help regulate attention, stress, sadness and relaxation. Understanding how the different compartments of the brain 🧠 make someone feel, is key to understanding why your feelings happen.

Did you know Amino Acids in everyday foods can boost Dopamine for better ADD/ADHD management?

For example: Tyrosine, an amino acid converts to Dopamine (for focus, motivation and managing unfocused thoughts often seen with ADD/ADHD). Remember just because someone has been "labeled" with ADHD, you have to know which type because not everyone is "Hyper". My personal type of ADD is Classic ADD and I am not Hyper ☺️

Tryptophan or 5HTP boosts Serotonin (your happy neurotransmitter which reduces feeling worried, sad or negative and less argumentative. Think of Serotonin as the brains gear shifter)

GABA and L-Theanine support relaxation and a sense of calm without drowsiness.

Someone struggling with these thoughts can also be a depleted of key amino acids and co-factors like

B Vitamins (especially B6, B9/folate and B12), Antioxidants (from colorful fruits/veggies) which protect brain cells from stress damage, Minerals such as Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin D (plays a role in mood regulation and brain health) and other key nutrients. Think of co-factors as helper nutrients for the brain.

Why co-factors matter: Chronic Stress depletes key co-factors that help those amino acids do their job properly. Without enough of these, even the best amino acid intake might not fully help!

📍Start here: Learn how simple dietary tweaks with protein foods and amino acids may help. Visit our blog and video page at https://www.stopsprayingglyphosate.com/educational-videos for more information. Please feel to reach out to us at lgagan@lucky2BeMe.org

What’s your go-to brain-boosting food? First simple tip, amino acids like tyrosine in eggs can support focus. Sip a little decaf green tea and see what wonders it can do for you. Remember, consistency is the key and understanding how food is medicine and medicine is food is a key to a healthier brain 🧠