Natural cures for ADHD (really)
If you’re dealing with ADHD symptoms, whether diagnosed or just feeling constantly distracted and unfocused, it can be exhausting. While meds are one option, there are also natural supplements that can really make a difference. Things like magnesium, B1, potassium, Omega-3s, and DMAE work together to help calm your brain, sharpen focus, and improve mental clarity. Here’s a breakdown of how each one works and why, when combined, they can create a powerful solution to ease ADHD symptoms.
Here’s a breakdown of each of these and why they help alleviate ADHD symptoms:
-
- Magnesium: Magnesium plays a key role in regulating neurotransmitters that influence focus, calmness, and cognitive function. It’s often low in individuals with ADHD. Supplementing with magnesium can reduce hyperactivity, anxiety, and improve attention span, as it helps to calm the nervous system and reduce impulsivity.
-
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): B1 supports brain function by aiding in glucose metabolism, which fuels the brain. For ADHD, a well-functioning brain metabolism can enhance memory, focus, and overall mental clarity. A deficiency in B1 can lead to fatigue, irritability, and concentration difficulties.
-
- Potassium: Potassium helps maintain nerve function and muscle control. For ADHD, potassium’s role in regulating electrical signals in the brain ensures smooth communication between neurons, improving mental clarity and reducing hyperactivity. Adequate levels contribute to steady energy and focus, while deficiencies can cause brain fog and fatigue.
-
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, are essential for brain health and have been shown to significantly improve ADHD symptoms. They enhance neurotransmitter function, improve mood regulation, reduce impulsivity, and promote cognitive focus. Low Omega-3 levels are often associated with attention and behavioural issues.
-
- DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol): DMAE is a compound that enhances acetylcholine production, a neurotransmitter involved in attention, learning, and memory. It boosts focus and concentration, making it a potent cognitive enhancer. For ADHD, DMAE helps to sharpen mental clarity and improve attention span by directly impacting brain signalling.
Combined Effects:
Taking these together is incredibly powerful for ADHD. Each supplement targets a different aspect of brain function—neurotransmitter regulation, cognitive energy, and focus. Together, they create a balanced synergy that enhances focus, reduces hyperactivity, and improves overall mental performance. Magnesium and potassium stabilise brain signals, B1 powers brain metabolism, Omega-3s enhance neurotransmitter function, and DMAE boosts cognitive focus, making this combination a robust natural strategy for managing ADHD symptoms effectively.
Social media:
Andrew Huberman has discussed how constant social media use and frequent task-switching can lead to symptoms that mimic ADHD, particularly in adults. He emphasises that excessive screen time, especially engaging in activities like endless scrolling, can negatively impact focus, attention span, and the ability to engage in deep work. This behaviour can create habits of constant distraction, leading to difficulties in concentration and making the brain more prone to seek immediate gratification rather than sustained focus.
However, Huberman also notes that these symptoms are not always the same as clinically diagnosed ADHD. The brain can adapt to these habits over time, but they can be reversed by reducing social media use, practising mindfulness, and engaging in activities that train sustained attention, such as reading or meditation.