17. October 2008 by Shirley.

Tyrosine Is A Key Neurotransmitter For ADD/ADHD

Tyrosine is an essential amino acid that plays a major role in improving alertness and focus. It is also necessary for the body to be able to make the natural skin pigment melanin. But most importantly, it’s needed to produce the hormones Norepinephrine-Revving Up Neurotransmitter and Dopamine-Focus Neurotransmitter (both important to the brain and the nervous system) which are extremely important for ADD/ADHD. Tyrosine also produces the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

Tyrosine is considered a natural antidepressant. It is currently being studied for its effects on the body’s production of neurotransmitters, depression and other mood disorders because it is so closely tied to hormones. Tyrosine is not only being studied for it’s benfits with ADD/ADHD and depression but also it’s benefits for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.

Most people who take Tyrosine as a supplement are using it to boost their energy, since it is so closely connected to the brain and the nervous system. However, Tyrosine has to be taken in combination with a B-vitamin complex or with a multivitamin containing the B-vitamins, because there are several vitamins that the body needs to be able to convert Tyrosine into neurotransmitter Dopamine (Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, and Copper).

Tyrosine is a very safe supplement, and is not known to have any side effects. Large doses, up to 7 grams per day, have been taken by people participating in a variety of medical studies with no problems, although the average person would never get that much Tyrosine in their diet. L-tyrosine is most commonly found in proteins, as well as in dairy products, wheat, oats, and fermented foods such as yogurt and miso (a kind of thick paste made from soybeans and usually used in soups).

Biometics Get-Go N contains 500mg of Tyrosine and contains B-vitamins too.

Enthusiastically yours,

Posted in ADD/ADHD Neurotransmitters, ADD/ADHD Brain Chemistry, Proper Nutrition for ADD/ADHD | No Comments »

6. October 2008 by Shirley.

If you think you or your child may have ADD/ADHD, you should request to take a neurotransmitter test. It’s always nice to have a starting point and to also see the exact neurotransmitters you are lacking. After 2-3 months down this natural remedies path for ADD/ADHD, take another neurotransmitters test so you or your child can track your results. You should also become familiar with your key neurotransmitters. One of your major players is Acetylcholine (memory neurotransmitter) which is synthesized from Choline.

Choline is in the B-vitamin family. One of the most important functions of Choline is to be turned into both Phosphatidylcholine and Acetylcholine by the body. Phosphatidylcholine is essential for normal brain function, and proper liver health and function. Acetylcholine is important for normal brain development in infants, and for conduction of nerve signals and brain function in adults. Researchers have concluded that during pregnancy, the Choline intake of the mother can influence memory and brain development in the growing infant. For this reason, the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences has recommended that pregnant and nursing women increase their intake of Choline. There was a study done at NC State where children at the age of 2 were given an IQ test. The children that took Choline during pregnancy tested higher on their IQ test than children who did not get this supplement during pregnancy.

So for ADD/ADHD pregnant women or for any pregnant woman for that matter, I would highly suggest being on a Choline and Omega (also important for proper brain development) supplements. For children and adults with ADD/ADHD, Acetylcholine is the most vital neurotransmitter when it comes to memory and cognitive abilities!! It can boost your memory for up to 4-5 hours. If you are an athlete, this is great supplement to take 15-30  minutes before games (football, basketball, baseball, soccer, etc) because it helps with eye and hand coordination.

BIOMETICS’advanced liquid nutritional Bio Alert supplement contains 1000mg of Choline. Remember Biometics has a patent process that allows you to absorb 85-100%, so it’s very powerful! You should start with 1/2 tbsp for about 3-5 days before going up to a full serving size. Great stuff!!!! If you decide to go with another brand of Choline, try to purchase a high quality liquid form versus capsule.

Enthusiastically yours,

Posted in ADD/ADHD Neurotransmitters, ADD/ADHD Brain Chemistry, Proper Nutrition for ADD/ADHD | 1 Comment »

8. September 2008 by Shirley.

I always tell parents or adults with ADD/ADHD that you should donate at a minimum 1 hr a day for researching information for you or your child. Well here is some of the information I came across today. Did you know ADD/ADHD have low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin? This is also common for Bi polar and depression as well. Did you know that serotonin is produced between 2-3am during your deep REM sleep. So the more often your sleep is disturbed the less serotonin is produced. If you have low levels of serotonin then you are going to have low levels of melatonin because serotonin converts into melatonin. A remedy for proper sleep is to take melatonin before bed. Personally I use Biometics Bio Nite because it’s a delicious liquid form of melatonin. Also taking amino acid L-Trypotophan (5-HTP) will also help synthesize serotonin.

Did you know that you can naturally raise your serotonin levels by:

1. Doing random acts of kindness (Giver)

2. Being the recipient of someone that gives or acts out kindness (Receiver)

3.Witnessing random acts of kindness, you don’t even have to do ANYTHING but just notice a good deed (Observer)

4. Everytime you pet your cat, dog, bird, whatever….

5. Choosing a hobby or career path that you love (having passion) to do.

Individuals who have low levels of serotonin not only do not sleep well but always have a craving for chocolate or starchy foods because it’s a quick serotonin fix. Some of the major reasons for low levels of serotonin are:

1. Yo Yo diets, not getting enough amino acids

2. Medications use up large amounts of serotonin and dopamine

3. Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine depletes serotonin levels over time

4. Chronic stress depletes serotonin levels

5. Aging; neurons make smaller amount of neurotransmitters as you get older

6. Neurotoxins (Pesticides, insectidies,etc) decrease serotonin production

7. Hormone Imbalances influence serotonin release and activity

8. Genetics, you are born with low neurotransmitter level

Enthusiastically yours,

Posted in ADD/ADHD Neurotransmitters, ADD/ADHD Personal Development, ADD/ADHD Brain Chemistry | No Comments »