If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD), you understand how difficult and stressful the disease can be. People of all ages with the illness may become easily agitated or fidgety when their medicine wears off at different times of the day.
Many people struggle with ADHD, and while conventional medications may be helpful, others resort to natural therapies like green tea to help alleviate symptoms.
So, does green tea help ADHD? In this article, we'll explore all the facts about green tea ADHD benefits.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, executive functioning, and impulse control. Symptoms typically appear in childhood, although many people go undiagnosed until adulthood.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 9.4% of children in the United States match the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, but just 4.4% of adults do. This could be because adults have developed coping abilities to regulate their symptoms and often have enough control over their environment to prevent symptoms from interfering.
ADHD is a persistent condition that makes concentrating, paying attention, and regulating impulses difficult. People with ADHD may also be easily distracted, disorganized, and forgetful, impacting their productivity at work, school, or home.
While there is no cure for ADHD, medication and counseling can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. Numerous blogs, books, and articles offer precise and thorough advice for living with ADHD. However, a multifaceted approach to ADHD management is required. And, thanks to new medical studies, symptom relief may be as simple and natural as a cup of tea. We’re talking about green tea for ADHD!
The Components Of Green Tea
Green tea has long been praised for its numerous health advantages. It is native to China and India and has recently gained popularity in the United States. The main ingredient, L-Theanine, is responsible for many of green tea's benefits.
L-Theanine is a type of free amino acid. In human studies(1), synthetic L-Theanine supplementation was found to stimulate alpha brain waves, indicating the presence of an attentive yet calm state of mind. Alpha waves have also been observed during meditation(2).
L-Theanine has been shown in animal studies to boost dopamine, GABA, and serotonin concentrations in the brain, all of which are key neurotransmitters that regulate mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
So, what’s the link between ADHD and green tea? Because ADHD symptoms are usually related to low dopamine levels, L-theanine may be a possible modulator. This substance is also known to help people relax and reduce stress while improving sleep quality. Children with ADHD have reported improved sleep with 400 mg of L-theanine supplementation.
The advantages do not end there. Many individuals know that elevated stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are associated with anxiety and depression. However, studies have shown that L-theanine can reduce stress, blood pressure and anxiety.
A Japanese study(3) revealed that taking L-theanine regularly could help those who suffer from anxiety focus better on their everyday activities. This is a significant step forward for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety.
The electrical activity of the participants was measured during the study. It was discovered that people who received L-theanine had increased brain waves. Furthermore, those given the green tea ingredient instead of a placebo showed better attention, slower heart rates, and faster reaction times. This is a significant improvement over many standard anxiety therapies, which include side effects such as reduced concentration, delayed reflexes, and increased sleepiness.
Green tea contains Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant that protects the brain from inflammation and oxidative stress. According to research, EGCG may have a beneficial impact on cognitive function and attention.
Furthermore, EGCG has been shown to boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, two neurotransmitters required for attention and focus.
Using Green Tea As A Complementary Approach
Green tea can be incorporated into your ADHD treatment plan in various ways. The tea can be consumed as a hot or cold beverage, supplement, or extract in cooking or baking.
You can also try out different lifestyle modifications. Close monitoring of your traits, for example, may help you identify that you need more organization so you can spend less time looking for misplaced goods. Adding more structure and getting organized could help you manage your traits better.
It is important to remember that green tea should not be used in place of regular drugs prescribed by a healthcare practitioner. Green tea can be an effective supplement for improving cognitive performance, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
Precautions And Considerations
While green tea is typically safe, some people may experience adverse effects. If consumed in large quantities, the caffeine in green tea can cause jitters, uneasiness, and insomnia.
Furthermore, the L-Theanine in green tea has been linked to nausea, dizziness, and headaches in some people. Before starting green tea supplements, please consult a healthcare expert to ensure they are safe for consumption.
FAQs About Green Tea ADHD
Does Green Tea Increase Dopamine?
L-theanine, found in green tea, boosts dopamine and alpha wave production in the brain. It is a safe and natural way to increase dopamine levels while improving overall brain function and a good mood.
Can Green Tea Interact With ADHD Medications?
The caffeine in green tea may interact with medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. Therefore, if you are taking ADHD medication, choose green tea with low caffeine content.
How Much Green Tea Should Someone With ADHD Consume?
The most effective dosage of green tea for ADHD symptoms is 100-200 mg daily. This indicates that taking supplements is a better alternative.
Key Takeaways
Many doctors and dietitians endorse using natural therapies such as green tea to treat ADHD symptoms. While additional research is needed to validate green tea ADHD benefits, early results seem promising. Green tea can be a valuable supplement for ADHD symptoms but should not be used instead of prescribed drugs or therapies.
References
- Green Tea Catechins and Sport Performance, (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26065095/
- Brain waves and meditation, (2)https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100319210631.htm
- Anti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an l-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial, (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728665/
Let Us Know Your Comments