🤷♀️ Since dopamine seems to be an issue in ADHD, is there a supplement to support dopamine and help your kid focus?
Dopamine is the brain chemical that gives us a sense of pleasure and drives motivation and reward. People who are hyper or unfocused are often looking for Dopamine supplements for ADHD. Some people want to get these supplements for there kids too.
Some people might think that boosting dopamine is only a good thing, but not so fast.
There are helpful ways to trigger dopamine release—like meditation, listening to music, or going outside in the sun.
But there are also harmful ways to trigger dopamine release—like drinking alcohol, gambling, or binge eating. Over time, addictive behaviors can alter how your brain responds to dopamine.
So where do supplements fall on the spectrum of helpful to harmful?
Let’s look at the potential pros and cons.
Supplements that support dopamine may also support:
🔸 Energy
🔸 Focus
🔸 Learning
🔸 Mood
BUT too much dopamine may also come with some risks:
🔹 Impulsivity
🔹 Thrill Seeking
🔹 Tolerance (less response to dopamine over time)
That's why some people diagnosed with ADHD or ADD do worse on stimulants medicine because they may be the ones who are getting too much dopamine. If supplements that support dopamine are used unnecessarily, in too high amounts, or for too long, they could end up making the problem worse over time. So make sure you talk with a holistic pediatrician before starting your kids on any supplements.
Here are five supplements that are often recommended for supporting healthy dopamine levels:
L-Tyrosine:
Function: An amino acid that is a precursor to dopamine.
Benefits: Can improve alertness, attention, and focus.
Sources: Available as a supplement and also found in high-protein foods like chicken, turkey, fish, and dairy products.
Mucuna Pruriens:
Function: Contains L-DOPA, a direct precursor to dopamine.
Benefits: Enhances mood, motivation, and overall well-being.
Sources: Comes from a tropical legume also known as velvet bean.
Ginkgo Biloba:
Function: Enhances blood flow to the brain and has antioxidant properties.
Benefits: May improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by modulating dopamine levels.
Sources: Derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree.
Curcumin:
Function: An active compound in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Benefits: Can increase dopamine levels and improve symptoms of depression.
Sources: Available as a supplement and also found in turmeric spice.
Vitamin D:
Function: Plays a role in the production of dopamine and other neurotransmitters.
Benefits: Improves mood and cognitive function.
Sources: Can be taken as a supplement, and naturally obtained from sunlight exposure and certain foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy products.
Before starting any new supplement regimen, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Be cautious and aware if ever choosing new supplements on your own. While most are safe, it’s always best to consult with a health practitioner who understands natural supplements especially that say they will help your kid or teen focus better!
This is our specialty.
When you're ready here's how Dr. Ellie can help:
When your child, teen or young adult child is grappling with focus issues, gut issues, skin issues, menstrual issues, hyperactivity, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, or perfectionism you know they are suffering. Tummy and headaches, getting sick a lot, trouble in school, and feeling run down take a toll on your child and on you.
You want to help the ones you love ease their suffering and alleviate their symptoms by
addressing their underlying medical conditions without going straight to adding pharmaceutical medications that can come with their own set of adverse side effects and complications.
As a holistic pediatrician, I uncover and treat the underlying root causes of symptoms while working to reduce the need for medications so they can get back to being a kid and reclaim their childhood joy.
With advanced diagnostic testing and a personalized treatment program I take a thoughtful, thorough, and caring medical approach to address your child’s health. We will address genetic factors, diet, gut health, lifestyle as I walk hand in hand with you and your child toward sustainable well being, resilience, and joy.
Work with Dr. Ellie for functional consulting
For more information on holistic health check out my other posts:
Dr. Ellie MacGregor is a holistic integrative and functional medicine pediatrician who specializes in the treatment of celiac disease, food allergies, ADHD, anxiety, depression, gut issues, eczema, and other recurring symptoms using a blend the best of conventional and alternative therapies to prioritize your child's health.. She is the owner of Middle Path Integrative Pediatrics with over 14 years of experience. Dr. Ellie MacGregor helps readers separate fact from spin to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their children.
Get Dr. Ellie’s Guide to Whole Child Health for more information or view her website to get in touch.
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