Posted by Adrian Carol
Attention deficit disorder, whether it’s hyperactive or not, is one of the most common psychological disorders, commonly seen in children, yet prevalent among adults too. ADHD is strongly linked to the levels of two essential neurotransmitters: norepinephrine and dopamine.
These two neurotransmitters help in maintaining focus, alertness, and sustaining thought and motivation. Dopamine synthesizes into norepinephrine in the brain and the latter is crucial because it helps your brain collect what your senses pick up.
Attention deficit disorder is characterized by difficulty concentrating, maintaining focus for longer periods of time, difficulty finishing tasks, which norepinephrine helps to balance. Serotonin and acetylcholine are also involved in ADHD, mostly the “hyperactivity” elements like lack of attention and impulsivity.
The unique structure of each person’s brain chemistry makes it difficult to find the right treatment. Adderall might work for some people, yet prove ineffective for others.
Top Cognitive Enhancers For ADHD
That’s why testing and seeing what works for you is the best option if you’re looking to combat an ambiguous disorder like ADHD. A few of them are:
1. Modafinil
Modafinil is a strong nootropic and a wakefulness-promoting agent widely used to treat ADD and narcolepsy. Many people regard it as the best alternative to Adderall due to its effectiveness and safety. Modafinil boosts cognition, motivation levels and helps in maintaining focus for extended periods of time.
Despite it being a potent nootropic, Modafinil doesn’t make you crash when the effects have worn off. This is because Modafinil isn’t actually a stimulant. Its stimulating effects are comparable, although encouraged rather than forced.
There are a few reliable places where you can buy Modafinil online, though it’s best to consult your doctor first.
2. Piracetam
Piracetam is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA. It’s one of the most popular and safest nootropics in the world. It boosts blood flow to the brain and is used to treat various other psychological disorders like depression schizophrenia and epilepsy.
Piracetam is a powerful cognitive enhancer that boosts concentration, energy and even increases synaptic plasticity. People with ADHD should use doses ranging between 3200 – 6400 mg to get the desired effects.
3. Noopept
Noopept is similar in its effects and mechanism of action to Piracetam, though much more potent. A typical Noopept dose is between 10 and 40 mg. Noopept improves memory retention and recall, making you process information at a faster rate.
It helps you stay focused for longer periods of time and also has neuroprotective properties. On top of that, its side-effects are minimal. Noopept is healthy for your brain because it encourages the formation of new synapses and neurons.
4. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest trees in the world and its leaves are widely used in herbal remedies to treat cardiovascular illnesses, alleviate stress and depression.
It also helps to maintain a healthy blood flow to the brain. Ginkgo is especially useful for increasing attention spans in people with ADD and ADHD. Also, it helps those who suffer from anxiety disorders and is often used in combination with Ginseng.
5. L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that is synthesized within the body from phenylalanine. L-Tyrosine is important in the production of many of the body’s proteins and neurotransmitters which are linked to ADHD: epinephrine, dopamine and norepinephrine.
Studies from the 1980’s hypothesized that ADD may be a product of L-Tyrosine deficiency. Although that probably isn’t the cause, L-Tyrosine can boost focus and energy levels by increasing the production of the dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
6. Ginseng
Ginseng is one of the most widely researched and effective tonics in the world. Due to the presence of ginsenosides, ginseng is effective at relieving some ADD-related symptoms by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine levels.
Ginseng has been found to improve cognitive performance, speed of performing memory tasks and accuracy of attention-related tasks. Also, it increases overall mental energy and significantly boosts memory when taken with Ginkgo Biloba.
7. Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri, or Brahmi as it is called, is a marsh plant that grows in India, used for centuries to improve cognition and memory retention. It’s also an adaptogen, meaning that it helps people deal better with stress and feel socially at ease.
Whether you’re suffering from attention deficit disorder or not, Brahmi can help you focus on the task at hand while also making you feel relaxed.
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Summary
Picking an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals can be daunting when it comes to ADHD. People react differently to treatments due to differing brain chemistry and gravity of the disease.
The best way to proceed is to experiment with different supplements and see which one is more effective.
Of course, there are other ways to decrease and avoid worsening the symptoms of ADD. You should avoid sugar or other unhealthy foods that will only worsen the condition. Exercise and quality sleep are two effective natural remedies for ADD.
Make sure that you have enough of both before you consider switching supplements.
