Losing Your Focus? It Might be Adult ADHD

It’s estimated that adult ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) affects almost 3 percent of the world’s population, with symptoms that include difficulty concentrating, lack of organization, inability to complete work, and memory problems. Left untreated, it can result in stress, depression, obesity, and addictive behaviors such as smoking and drug use.

ADHD is sometimes referred to as ADD (attention deficit disorder). Both terms describe the same thing: a neurobiological condition characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity. The condition is usually diagnosed by a set of inattention and hyperactivity symptoms and other criteria listed in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

Adult ADHD symptoms are markedly different from childhood symptoms. Inattention symptoms include lack of attention to detail, being easily distracted or forgetful, losing things, and difficulty paying attention or staying on task. Hyperactivity-impulsivity signs include a general feeling of restlessness, a tendency to be easily bored (which shows up as switching jobs or leaving projects uncompleted), taking risks, or spending money impulsively. The symptoms of adult ADHD vary widely, are often subtle, and can mimic other conditions. Not surprisingly, the condition is often misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar disorder.

Natural Therapies to Try

Because adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from stress, depression, or other emotional problems, treatment is important. Pharmaceuticals such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Strattera can be effective, but often have significant side effects, including nausea, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, and mood changes.

A number of recent studies have pointed to specific herbs, supplements, and other holistic treatments that can help. If you suspect you or someone you know has ADHD, consult with your health care provider, and try some of these natural alternatives:

Mind Your Zinc Intake 

Several studies have found that people with ADHD have lower levels of zinc. Low zinc levels have also been linked with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. Because zinc regulates brain chemical activity and improves cognitive function, zinc supplements may help improve symptoms of ADHD. A number of studies have found that zinc reduces signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity, and can increase attentiveness in people with ADHD. Other studies suggest that 30 mg of zinc sulfate daily can reduce the need for medications, increase the effectiveness of medications, and help control symptoms of ADHD.

In addition to supplements, foods that are high in zinc include oysters, red meat, turkey, chicken, beans, nuts, and dairy products.

Feed Your Head Some Fat

The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the brain has been well documented, and studies suggest that omega-3 fats can improve ADHD symptoms as well as—and in some cases, better than—drugs. Other essential fatty acids also have benefits: In one study, children who were treated with a mix of omega-3s, omega-6s, and evening primrose oil showed improvements in attention and behavior.

The best dietary sources of omega-3s are fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, and sardines. Flax seeds and walnuts also contain omega-3 fats, but in a form that must be converted by the body into useful forms.

Healthy sources of omega-6 fats include evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil, all of which contain GLA (gamma linolenic acid), an omega-6 fat that also helps reduce inflammation. A good supplement or well-balanced blend of oils is your best bet.

“B” Brainy

Like omega-3s, B vitamins are associated with overall brain health and cognitive function. They can improve symptoms of ADHD by increasing the brain’s levels of dopamine, which enhances alertness and focus. In some studies, B vitamins reduced aggression and antisocial behavior, and improved other symptoms of ADHD.

Other studies suggest that B vitamins are especially effective when used with magnesium, a mineral that has a calming effect on the brain. Several studies have shown that B vitamins and magnesium can relieve ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity, aggression, and inattention. In one study, after subjects stopped taking B vitamins and magnesium, their symptoms returned. And in another interesting study, researchers found that pregnant women who lacked folate in their diets were more likely to give birth to children with hyperactivity disorders.

The best dietary sources of B vitamins include chicken, turkey, salmon and other fish, egg yolks, leafy greens, peanuts, and fortified grain products (try organic, sprouted versions). Also take a B-vitamin complex supplement—sublingual and liquid forms tend to be more easily absorbed.

You may also want to consider trying Cognizin, which has been the subject of more than 550 published scientific articles. The unique ingredient is a proprietary form of citicoline, a B vitamin-like nutrient.

Iron: Why You Might Need More

Several studies suggest that people with ADHD may be deficient in iron. In one study using MRI scans, patients with ADHD showed abnormally low levels of iron in the area of the brain that controls consciousness and alertness. In another study, 84 percent of the children with ADHD had significantly reduced iron levels, compared with 18 percent of the control group.

Studies have found that 80 mg of iron, in the form of ferrous sulfate, treated symptoms of ADHD as effectively as drugs. Good dietary sources include red meat, organ meats, oysters or clams, beans, dried fruit, and egg yolks.

The Best Herbs for ADHD

The research on botanicals as possible treatments for adult ADHD is mixed and inconclusive, but a few popular herbs do show promise.

Ginkgo biloba appears to improve ADHD symptoms, including antisocial behavior and hyperactivity. And ginseng in combination with ginkgo helped improve social problems, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Bacopa (also known as Brahmi) is an Indian herb that’s been shown to improve the ability to retain information, and may be helpful in ADHD.

Calming herbs, such as valerian, passionflower, and lemon balm, can soothe irritability and restlessness, and may help promote sleep—important for people with ADHD who suffer from insomnia.

Pycnogenol, the antioxidant-rich extract from French maritime pine trees, can lower stress hormones and has been shown to decrease neurostimulant activity in people who have ADHD.

Brain Foods: Eat More of These

Studies are limited, but most anecdotal evidence suggests that a high-protein, lower-carb diet with a good mix of healthy fats can help reduce symptoms of ADHD. Cutting back on white sugar, white flour, pasta, and potatoes helps keep blood sugar levels—and mood—stable, and some research suggests that excessive sugar intake leads to alterations in brain signaling.

High-protein foods such as beans, eggs, fish, meat, and nuts quickly boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels, leading to increased alertness. And healthy fats such as omega-3s promote overall brain health.

Foods & Preservatives to Avoid

Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives may exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Although research on adults is scarce, studies found increased hyperactivity in children after eating foods containing artificial coloring and additives.

Another study suggests preservatives, especially sodium benzoate, can cause hyperactivity even in kids without ADHD.

In some cases, food allergies can be part of the problem. If you suspect a hidden allergy, ask your health care provider about food allergy testing.

Mind-Body Healing 

Relaxation, meditation, massage, hypnotherapy, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback may help treat ADHD by reducing stress and calming the nervous system. Neurofeedback—a type of biofeedback—has been shown to be effective in adult ADHD.

One of the top experts on mind-body medicine is James S. Gordon, MD, founder of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, DC. Visit their website for self-care resources and to hear Podcasts on a variety of topics—from guided imagery to soft-belly breathing.