In the U.S., about 1 in 9 children between the ages of 3 and 17, or 7.1 million, have been diagnosed with ADHD. Out of these, more than half (58.1%) had moderate to severe cases, yet surprisingly, 30.1% hadn’t received any treatment at all.
ADHD is being described as a growing public health concern. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that in 2022, around 1 million more children had received an ADHD diagnosis compared to 2016. While part of this rise could be attributed to better awareness, diagnosis, and even pandemic-related stress, there’s also a growing concern that toxic exposures are contributing to the increasing numbers.
In this article I outline proven methods of helping manage ADHD naturally.
The Steep Rise in ADHD Cases
In 2016, about 9.9% of children in the U.S. had been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives. By 2022, that number had climbed to 11.4%. Out of the 6.5 million children living with the condition, nearly 78% had at least one other disorder, such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While more than half of these children were on ADHD medications, less than half received any form of behavioral treatment.
ADHD is more than just a difficulty with focus It can seriously impact academic success, job performance, relationships, and daily functioning. Kids with ADHD often struggle with self-esteem and social interactions, and these issues frequently carry over into adulthood. Adults with ADHD often battle low self-worth and are harsher on themselves, which only adds to the challenges they face.
The Broader Impact of ADHD
There are also physical health risks tied to ADHD. People with ADHD are more likely to develop addictions to substances like nicotine, alcohol, and drugs like cocaine. They also have higher rates of obesity, binge eating, self-harm, and even suicide. An extensive review in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlights how deeply ADHD can impact a person’s life, ranging from mental health vulnerabilities to physical health issues like sleep problems, oral health, and injuries. Beyond that, it affects key aspects of life like education, employment, and relationships, and it’s associated with risk-taking behaviors.
Chemical Intolerance and ADHD
Interestingly, a chemical intolerance in parents has been linked to a higher likelihood of having children with ADHD or autism. Parents who are more sensitive to things like mold, chemicals, pesticides, and certain foods are 2.1 times more likely to have a child with ADHD. Research suggests that rising rates of ADHD and autism could be tied to toxicants from fossil fuels and other sources, which may alter certain genes that can be passed down through generations.
On top of that, exposure to insecticides like pyrethroids during pregnancy or early childhood has also been linked to behavioral issues and developmental delays. Studies found that children with higher levels of pyrethroid metabolites in their systems were twice as likely to have ADHD compared to those with lower exposure.
As ADHD cases continue to rise, it’s clear that we need to look beyond just awareness and diagnosis. Environmental factors, like chemical exposures, are likely playing a larger role than many realize, and understanding these causes is key to addressing the ADHD epidemic.
Understanding ADHD: Symptoms, Causes, and More
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects both kids and adults, making it harder to focus, control impulses, and manage behavior. Even though it’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, there’s still a lot of confusion and misinformation around it. So, let’s break down the symptoms, causes, and what you really need to know about ADHD.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) presents a wide range of symptoms that affect attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. These symptoms are typically divided into three categories: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined (a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms). The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person and can evolve.
Let’s break down these symptoms in more detail:
Inattentive Symptoms
People with the inattentive type of ADHD may struggle with focus, organization, and follow-through with tasks. These symptoms often get overlooked, especially in adults, because they’re less obvious than hyperactivity. Here are the most common inattentive symptoms:
- Difficulty Sustaining Attention
Individuals with ADHD frequently find it hard to focus on tasks or activities, especially those that require sustained mental effort. They may get easily distracted or lose interest quickly, particularly in tasks they find boring or challenging.
2. Careless Mistakes
People with ADHD often overlook details or rush through work, leading to frequent errors. This can occur at school, work, or even in everyday tasks like following instructions or planning events.
3. Disorganization
Staying organized can be a significant challenge. They often struggle with keeping their space tidy, managing time effectively, or staying on top of deadlines. Losing important items like keys, wallets, or documents is common.
4. Poor Time Management
Those with ADHD may underestimate how long tasks will take, often resulting in being late or failing to meet deadlines. This poor sense of time can cause significant problems at work, school, or even in personal relationships.
5. Difficulty Following Through
Starting tasks is often easier than finishing them. People with ADHD may begin multiple projects but struggle to complete them. They often move on to something new before finishing what they started.
6. Forgetfulness in Daily Activities
Forgetting appointments, important dates, or daily tasks like returning calls or paying bills is common. This forgetfulness isn’t due to laziness, but rather a genuine difficulty with memory and follow-through.
7. Avoiding Tasks That Require Sustained Focus
Individuals with ADHD may procrastinate or avoid tasks that require prolonged concentration, like writing reports, studying, or reading. The mental effort required for such tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to avoidance.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are often more noticeable and easier to spot in both children and adults. These behaviors can interfere with daily life and relationships. Here are the key hyperactive-impulsive symptoms:
1. Fidgeting and Squirming
People with ADHD often feel restless, even in situations where it’s important to remain still. They may fidget with their hands or feet, tap their fingers, or shift in their seat frequently. It’s like they always need to be in motion.
2. Inability to Stay Seated
This is especially noticeable in structured settings like classrooms or meetings, where sitting still is expected. They may get up frequently, even when it’s inappropriate, or feel the urge to move around.
3. Excessive Talking
Many with ADHD struggle with talking too much, often without noticing that they’re dominating the conversation. This can be frustrating for others and can lead to misunderstandings in social situations.
4. Interrupting Others
Impulsivity makes it hard to wait for their turn in conversations. They may interrupt or blurt out responses before someone finishes speaking, which can come across as rude, even though it’s not intentional.
5. Impatience
Waiting in line or sitting through long meetings can be agonizing for those with ADHD. They may become visibly agitated or restless when forced to wait.
6. Difficulty Playing or Engaging Quietly
People with ADHD often struggle to do anything quietly or calmly. Even in leisure activities, they may engage with a level of intensity that seems excessive to others, making relaxation difficult.
7. Acting Without Thinking
Impulsiveness is a hallmark of ADHD. This can manifest in making quick decisions without considering the consequences, such as spending money impulsively, interrupting others, or making rash comments.
Combined Symptoms
The combined type of ADHD includes a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. People with this type may experience a blend of difficulty focusing, restlessness, and impulsive behaviors, making it harder to pinpoint one specific area of difficulty.
Additional Symptoms and Issues Associated with ADHD
While inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are the primary indicators of ADHD, there are other associated challenges that often go hand-in-hand with the disorder. These secondary symptoms can make living with ADHD even more complicated:
- Emotional Dysregulation
Many people with ADHD struggle to manage their emotions. They may feel intense frustration, anger, or excitement, and have trouble calming down. Emotional outbursts or mood swings are common.
2. Low Self-Esteem
Growing up with ADHD often means hearing criticism from teachers, parents, or peers for behaviors that are hard to control. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, shame, or low self-worth.
3. Difficulty with Relationships
Both personal and professional relationships can be affected by the symptoms of ADHD. Impulsivity may lead to misunderstandings, while forgetfulness and disorganization can create frustration for partners, friends, and coworkers.
4. Poor Listening Skills
People with ADHD may have trouble following conversations, especially if they lose focus or are distracted by something else. This can make them appear disinterested or inattentive, which can hurt relationships.
5. Hyperfocus
Interestingly, while ADHD is characterized by inattention, people with ADHD can also experience periods of intense focus known as hyperfocus. During these times, they can become so absorbed in an activity that they lose track of time and other responsibilities. Hyperfocus can be a double-edged sword—helpful for productivity but detrimental when it leads to neglect of other important tasks.
6. Sleep Problems
Insomnia, trouble falling asleep, and poor sleep quality are common in people with ADHD. Hyperactivity and an overactive mind can make it hard to wind down at night, exacerbating other symptoms like fatigue, poor focus, and irritability during the day.
7. Risk-Taking Behavior
Impulsivity can sometimes lead to engaging in risky or dangerous activities without fully considering the consequences. This might include reckless driving, risky financial decisions, or impulsive social behaviors.
How ADHD Symptoms Vary by Age
- Children: In children, hyperactivity is often more visible. They may have trouble sitting still in class, act impulsively, or talk excessively. Symptoms like difficulty following instructions or staying focused in school are usually the first signs.
- Teens: As children grow into teens, hyperactivity may decrease, but issues with attention, organization, and impulsivity often remain. Teens may struggle with time management, completing schoolwork, and social relationships.
- Adults: In adults, ADHD symptoms often manifest as difficulty managing responsibilities, such as maintaining a job, keeping up with household tasks, or balancing relationships. Hyperactivity may become more internal, appearing as restlessness or difficulty relaxing.
What Causes ADHD? A Closer Look at the Factors
When it comes to ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), there isn’t a single cause we can point to. Instead, it’s more like a puzzle with multiple pieces, each playing a role in how ADHD develops. From genetics to environmental exposures and even diet, let’s break down the key factors contributing to ADHD.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency has been linked to ADHD, as iodine is essential for proper thyroid function and brain development. When the body lacks iodine, it can lead to an underactive thyroid, which affects cognitive function, attention, and mood—key areas impacted by ADHD. Studies have shown that low iodine levels during pregnancy and early childhood may increase the risk of ADHD and other developmental issues. Addressing iodine deficiency could help improve thyroid health and potentially reduce ADHD symptoms in those affected.
Poor Thyroid Health
One lesser-known factor contributing to ADHD-like symptoms is thyroid health. Thyroid hormones play a critical role in brain development, mood, and cognitive function. If the thyroid isn’t functioning properly—either due to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)—it can lead to symptoms that mimic ADHD, such as difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and mood swings.
Thyroid imbalances can affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin, which are crucial for mood and attention. This means that if someone has undiagnosed thyroid issues, their ADHD symptoms could actually be a result of an underlying hormonal imbalance. Treating the thyroid condition could significantly improve ADHD symptoms.
The thyroid gland, located in your neck, produces hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism, energy, and even brain function. When the thyroid isn’t functioning properly—whether it’s overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism)—it can cause a range of symptoms that overlap with ADHD, like difficulty focusing, mood swings, and even forgetfulness.
For example, if your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), you might feel fatigued, sluggish, and have trouble concentrating—all of which can look a lot like the inattentive symptoms of ADHD. On the flip side, if your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can make you feel restless, anxious, and impulsive—symptoms commonly associated with ADHD’s hyperactive type.
Thyroid hormones play a key role in brain development and cognitive function. These hormones, especially T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) help regulate the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are essential for focus, mood, and emotional regulation. When thyroid hormones are out of balance, it can disrupt these neurotransmitters, leading to symptoms like poor concentration, memory issues, irritability, and even anxiety—all of which mirror ADHD.
This is why sometimes treating an underlying thyroid issue can actually improve ADHD symptoms. For instance, if you’re diagnosed with hypothyroidism and you’re experiencing ADHD-like symptoms, addressing the thyroid imbalance can help with both your energy levels and focus.
Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors, like chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and even some personal care products, can interfere with the body’s hormone system and have been linked to ADHD. These chemicals mess with how our hormones, like thyroid hormones, function, which plays a big role in brain development and behavior. When kids are exposed to these disruptors—whether in utero or early in life—it can increase their risk of developing ADHD. It’s concerning how everyday exposures to things like BPA and phthalates might be contributing to the rise in ADHD and other cognitive issues. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could be a key step in protecting brain health.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic can play a big role in ADHD. These toxins, often found in contaminated water, air, and even some foods, can interfere with brain development, especially in children. Exposure to heavy metals has been linked to issues with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—all classic ADHD symptoms. It’s alarming how something as common as lead exposure in early childhood could significantly increase the risk of ADHD. Reducing exposure to heavy metals is crucial for protecting brain health and lowering the chances of developing ADHD. Lead exposure, especially during pregnancy or early childhood, has been linked to an increased risk of ADHD. This is because lead can damage brain development and affect areas responsible for behavior regulation and focus.
Brain Structure and Function
ADHD isn’t just about behavior; it’s deeply tied to differences in brain structure and function. Brain imaging studies have shown that people with ADHD often have variations in the size and activity levels of certain parts of the brain, especially in areas like the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions like planning, attention, and impulse control. This part of the brain tends to be smaller or less active in people with ADHD, which can explain why focusing or organizing tasks can be such a struggle.
Another key area is the basal ganglia, which helps regulate movement and emotions. In ADHD, this area can also be affected, leading to hyperactivity or difficulty controlling emotional responses. These structural differences often lead to irregular activity in the brain’s reward system, making it harder for individuals with ADHD to experience the same sense of satisfaction or motivation that others might feel when completing tasks.
It’s not just the brain’s structure that matters, but how certain brain chemicals (or neurotransmitters) like dopamine and norepinephrine are regulated. These chemicals play a crucial role in focus, attention, and regulating emotions. In ADHD, the brain may have trouble using these neurotransmitters efficiently, which leads to the classic symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Developmental Risks of ADHD
Issues occurring during the developmental years can significantly increase the risk for ADHD including
- Premature birth: Babies born too early often have an increased risk for developmental issues, including ADHD, likely due to underdeveloped brain regions at birth.
- Low birth weight: Babies who are smaller at birth may have had restricted development in utero, which can affect brain development and lead to conditions like ADHD.
- Maternal substance use: Using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco during pregnancy can interfere with brain development and increase the likelihood of ADHD in the child.
- Stress During Pregnancy: Even high levels of stress during pregnancy can impact fetal brain development, leading to an increased risk of ADHD. This is because stress hormones, like cortisol, can alter the way the baby’s brain forms, particularly in areas related to attention and emotional regulation.
Fluoride Toxicity and ADHD
There’s growing concern that fluoride exposure could be linked to ADHD. Found in drinking water and dental products, fluoride may impact brain development, especially in kids. Some studies suggest that higher fluoride levels can mess with thyroid function and lower IQ, which are tied to ADHD symptoms like trouble focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. While more research is needed, it’s raising questions about whether fluoride might be contributing to the rise in ADHD and other neurodevelopmental issues.
Processed Foods and ADHD
Processed foods include artificial ingredients, GMOs, glyphosate, inflammatory seed oils, and added sugars; these ingredients are like a “time bomb”, inflaming the brain and the body and leading to hyperactivity. Furthermore, they cause Leaky Gut so that the body cannot assimilate the good nutrients into the body from healthier foods. Leaky Gut has been shown to cause mood disorders and focus issues.
Some food additives, like artificial colorings and preservatives, have been linked to hyperactivity in children, especially those who are already prone to ADHD symptoms. For example, certain dyes found in processed foods have been shown to increase hyperactive behaviors in some kids.
Sugar and ADHD
Beyond additives, sugar is another big factor. While sugar doesn’t cause ADHD, it can worsen hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, particularly in kids who are already sensitive to it. High sugar intake can lead to rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, which can cause mood swings, irritability, and difficulty focusing—all symptoms commonly seen in ADHD.
Leaky Gut and ADHD
There’s also growing research into how gut health can influence brain function and behavior. The gut-brain connection suggests that a poorly functioning gut, particularly one with an imbalance in healthy bacteria, could affect the brain’s ability to regulate mood and focus. This is why some people with ADHD report improvements in their symptoms when they switch to a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods and probiotics.
Chronic Stress and ADHD
Stress can really amplify ADHD symptoms, making it even harder to focus, stay organized, or manage emotions. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt brain function, especially in areas that control attention and impulse control. For people with ADHD, this can lead to more frustration, forgetfulness, and even anxiety. Managing stress through things like exercise, mindfulness, or simply taking breaks can help calm the mind and reduce the intensity of ADHD symptoms.
Poor Sleep and ADHD
Poor sleep can make ADHD symptoms so much worse. When you don’t get enough quality rest, it becomes harder to focus, control impulses, and manage your mood. Many people with ADHD struggle with insomnia or restless sleep, creating a cycle where ADHD makes sleep difficult, and lack of sleep intensifies ADHD symptoms. Prioritizing good sleep habits—like sticking to a routine or limiting screen time before bed—can make a huge difference in helping manage ADHD and staying focused throughout the day.
Childhood Trauma and ADHD
In some cases, ADHD may also be linked to early childhood trauma or neglect. While these experiences don’t cause ADHD, they can exacerbate symptoms, especially when the child lacks a stable, supportive environment.
Genetics and ADHD
One of the biggest contributors to ADHD is genetics. If you have a parent or sibling with ADHD, there’s a much higher chance that you or another family member might develop it as well. ADHD tends to run in families, and this is largely due to certain genes that affect how brain chemicals, like dopamine, function. Dopamine is critical for attention, motivation, and impulse control. When dopamine isn’t regulated properly, it can lead to many of the symptoms we associate with ADHD, such as difficulty focusing or controlling impulses.
Interestingly, some of the same genes linked to ADHD are also involved in conditions like depression and bipolar disorder, which might explain why these conditions often overlap. The genetic influence on ADHD is strong—so much so that it’s one of the most heritable mental health disorders.
Supplements to Help Support ADHD
ADHD affects millions of people worldwide, impacting focus, behavior, and daily functioning. While traditional treatments such as medication and therapy are often the first lines of defense, many individuals are exploring natural alternatives to complement their care. Supplements can play a pivotal role in supporting brain health, improving focus, and regulating mood.
Let’s look at the science behind these supplements, how they work, and what to consider when incorporating them into a holistic ADHD management plan.
Accelerated Cogniblast®
Accelerated Cogniblast® is a unique brain-boosting supplement that blends traditional Ayurvedic herbs with advanced “smart” nutraceuticals, all enhanced with Scalar frequencies to maximize brain performance and overall well-being.
Key Benefits for Brain Health:
- Boosts Mood: Helps you feel more positive and emotionally balanced.
- Enhances Focus: Sharpens attention and improves short-term concentration.
- Increases Energy: Supercharges your brain and body with more cellular energy (ATP).
- Reduces Anxiety: Helps manage stress and keeps anxiety in check.
- Increases Motivation: Keeps you driven and productive.
- Supports Long-Term Brain Health: Lowers your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Neutralizes Free Radicals: Protects your brain from damage.
- Reduces Inflammation: Supports a healthy brain and body.
- Supports Vital Organs: Benefits your liver, lungs, kidneys, and more.
- Improves Circulation: Ensures better blood flow for peak brain function.
- Lowers Stress: Keeps stress levels in balance.
- Optimizes Energy: Keeps you energized and ready for the day.
Scalar Frequencies for Extra Benefits:
Accelerated Cogniblast® is enhanced with Scalar frequencies designed to:
- Clear Trauma: Helps release emotional and physical shock.
- Boost Memory: Improves memory and recall abilities.
- Detoxify Glands: Clears toxins and decalcifies the pineal, pituitary, and hypothalamus glands.
- Balance Brain Hemispheres: Ensures both sides of the brain are working together optimally.
Powerful Ingredients for Mental Clarity:
- Magnesium BHB: Increases brain energy by using fat for fuel.
- Centrophenoxine: Boosts memory, mood, and motivation while protecting the brain from aging.
- DMAE: Improves mood and memory, and helps prevent cognitive decline.
- Ginkgo Biloba: Enhances cognitive function and circulation.
- Bacopa & Ashwagandha: Improve memory, reduce stress, and protect the brain.
- American Ginseng & Reishi Mushroom: Boost mental function, energy, and immune health.
- Lion’s Mane & Cordyceps: Support nerve growth, memory, concentration, and endurance.
- Frankincense & Menthol Crystals: Improve synaptic connections and enhance mental clarity.
- Lemon Balm & Rhodiola: Calm the nervous system and protect the brain from stress.
- Theacrine & Benfotiamine: Boost focus, and energy, and prevent cognitive decline.
If you’re looking to optimize brain performance, enhance memory, and reduce stress, Accelerated Cogniblast® brings together ancient herbal wisdom and modern science to support your brain health like never before.
Acceleradine® Iodine
Iodine plays a surprisingly important role when it comes to brain health and may even be beneficial for people with ADHD. Since iodine is essential for proper thyroid function, it directly impacts your energy levels, metabolism, and brain performance. Low iodine levels can lead to an underactive thyroid, which is often associated with cognitive issues like difficulty focusing, memory problems, and mood swings—symptoms commonly seen in ADHD.
By ensuring proper thyroid function, iodine helps regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are crucial for attention, impulse control, and motivation—key areas that often struggle in people with ADHD. Additionally, iodine helps detoxify the brain from harmful substances like heavy metals and fluoride, which can negatively affect brain function.
Accelerated Methylene Blue™
Accelerated Methylene Blue™ may offer promising benefits for people with ADHD by supporting brain function and boosting cognitive performance. As a powerful antioxidant and neuroprotective agent, methylene blue helps reduce oxidative stress in the brain, which can improve focus and clarity. One of its standout features is its ability to enhance mitochondrial function, increasing cellular energy production (ATP) in the brain. This boost in brain energy may help alleviate symptoms of ADHD like difficulty focusing, brain fog, and lack of motivation.
Additionally, methylene blue has been shown to improve memory, cognitive function, and even mood by increasing serotonin levels. Its potential to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow in the brain may further contribute to better attention and overall cognitive performance. For those looking for alternative or complementary treatments for ADHD, methylene blue could offer some support in managing symptoms.
Accelerated Methylene Blue™ could be the brain boost you’ve been looking for, especially if you’re dealing with issues like ADHD, brain fog or cognitive decline. Here’s why it’s so powerful:
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: It fights off oxidative stress, which is often linked to aging, brain health problems, and chronic diseases.
- Neuroprotective Benefits: Methylene blue has shown potential in treating conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by improving how your brain cells use oxygen and reducing oxidative damage.
- Boosts Mitochondrial Function: It supercharges cellular energy production by supporting mitochondria, which leads to better ATP levels and brain function.
- Antimicrobial Properties: It’s effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can help clear up brain fog.
- Cognitive Enhancement: Some studies suggest it can improve memory and sharpen cognitive function.
- Antidepressant Effects: Methylene blue may help increase serotonin levels, offering potential mood-boosting benefits.
- Improves Blood Flow: By increasing nitric oxide, it helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation to the brain.
- Brain Injury Support: Its neuroprotective properties can aid in managing brain injuries by reducing inflammation and supporting cell repair.
Accelerated Thyroid®
Optimizing thyroid health is essential for optimal cognition, focus, and brain health. Accelerated Thyroid® is a powerful supplement that blends traditional wisdom with modern science to support thyroid health and overall well-being. It’s made with grass-fed thyroid glandular, which provides the nutrients and peptides your thyroid needs to function optimally. Along with this, Ayurvedic herbs like Kanchanara help detoxify the thyroid by clearing out toxins, while essential amino acids support the thyroid’s key functions.
This combination not only boosts thyroid health but also improves circulation to the brain, helping to lift brain fog and elevate your mood. What sets Accelerated Thyroid® apart is that it’s enhanced with scalar frequencies, which help detox heavy metals and radiation from your body and your thyroid. By naturally balancing your thyroid, this supplement can help you feel more energized, focused, and clear-headed, supporting both your mental and physical health.
Accelerated Fast™
Stabilizing blood sugar and feeding the brain ketones have been shown to help ADHD significantly. Accelerated Fast™ helps fuel your brain with ketones and stabilize blood sugar by encouraging intermittent fasting and abstaining from processed foods. It’s one of the quickest ways to balance blood sugar, reduce brain inflammation, and boost mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. When paired with intermittent fasting and a high protein diet, the ketones produced by Accelerated Fast™ supercharge ATP production, giving you a noticeable boost in both mental and physical energy.
Diet and Lifestyle to Support ADHD
Controlling ADHD symptoms isn’t just about taking a pill or supplements; lifestyle and dietary changes need to be made. Below are the most important tips to follow.
Cut Out Sugars, Carbs, and Processed Foods
Eliminating sugars, carbs, and processed foods from your diet can have a huge impact on your brain health. These foods can cause gut inflammation, making it harder for your body to absorb nutrients properly. Processed foods and oils can damage your intestinal lining, which interferes with the production of mood-boosting hormones and can lead to insulin resistance and leaky gut. These issues are often linked to ADHD, attention problems, anxiety, depression, and brain fog. Cutting them out helps stabilize blood sugar, reducing those energy crashes that make it hard to focus.
Choose Wild Animal Protein
For better brain energy and neurotransmitter support, focus on eating wild animal proteins like bison, lamb, venison, elk, wild fish, and organic eggs. These proteins are rich in the nutrients needed for healthy hormone balance and a strong metabolism. Unlike poultry and conventional beef, which can be high in inflammatory fats and amyloid proteins that can mess with your gut, these wild sources provide cleaner, more effective fuel for your body and brain.
Choose Veggies Low in Oxalates, Sulfur, and Mold
Not all vegetables are created equal when it comes to supporting your liver and brain health. Some veggies contain plant toxins like oxalates and excess sulfur, or even carry mold, which can slow down your liver’s detox process and potentially contribute to issues like slow cognition, attention issues, joint pain, and brain fog. To keep your liver working efficiently, it’s important to focus on better vegetable options that won’t add extra strain. Using tools like the Accelerated Food Guide can help you find the best veggies that support your thyroid and brain health while avoiding the ones that could hold you back. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, more efficient detox system and feel more mentally clear and focused.
Intermittent Fasting: A Boost for Focus and Clarity
Many students and adults with ADHD find that intermittent fasting helps sharpen their concentration and mental clarity. By eating within a 6-12 hour window, you give your gut a chance to heal, which reduces inflammation and boosts the production of important neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA—all essential for a balanced mood and focused mind. Pairing intermittent fasting with Accelerated Fast™ can take it to the next level by promoting autophagy—the process of cleaning out damaged cells and increasing ATP production, stabilizing blood sugar, and giving you more energy in the brain and body.
Prioritize 7-8 Hours of Sleep
Lack of sleep is a sure way to sabotage your concentration and brain power. Quality sleep—a solid 7-8 hours a night—helps reduce inflammation, supports brain recovery, and keeps your mind sharp. It’s during sleep that your brain gets a chance to clear out toxins and consolidate memories, so don’t skimp on rest if you want to perform your best.
Make Time for Exercise
Regular exercise is a game changer for your mood and focus. It releases endorphins (your natural “feel-good” hormones) and boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which helps with mood, creativity, and overall brain health. Aim for two HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) sessions per week, along with some endurance and weight training to keep your body and mind in top shape. It’s not just about physical fitness—exercise is like a power-up for your brain, helping you tackle challenges with more energy and focus.
The Bottom Line: ADHD is Multifactorial
Ultimately, ADHD develops due to a complex interplay of genetics, brain chemistry, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors. No single factor explains the disorder, but understanding these causes can help in creating better treatment plans, through supplements, lifestyle changes, and possibly therapy. Recognizing the many potential influences on ADHD helps ensure that treatment is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
Sara Banta
Sara Banta is a Stanford University Graduate with a Degree in Economics and Psychology, and a certified Natural Supplement Expert & Graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Sara is the Founder of Accelerated Health Products and host of the health & wellness podcast, Accelerated Health Radio.
