ADHD

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a disease that affects about 2 million Americans. It is the most commonly diagnosed childhood behavioral disorder, although the cause of the condition is not known at this time.

ADHD is multifactorial and involves both environmental and biological influences. Many genetic, pharmacological, and molecular studies have been conducted, which suggest neurotransmitter involvement in the development of the disease. Several genes have been discovered to contain variants that are involved in regulating dopamine and other neurotransmitter pathway changes that are reported to be associated with ADHD.

ADHD And Nutrient Deficiencies

Deficiencies in many nutrients (like minerals including selenium and zinc, fatty acids such as DHA and EPA, and an amino acid called methionine) influence the functioning of neurons and impact children’s behavior, as well as produce defects in neural plasticity.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a natural tranquilizer that the brain produces. GABA supplements can’t cross the blood-brain blockade, so it can’t influence the central nervous system. However, GABA is used to treat hypertension. GABA is the result of the biochemical reaction between the vitamin pyraxidal and glutamic acid, as well as decarboxylase.  

Benzodiazepines are used to increase GABA in the brain by enhancing its receptor ability, which leads to relaxation and reduced anxiety. GABA often referred to as an amino acid, utilizes Vitamin B and Vitamin B3 to relieve ADHD symptoms in both adults and children. Vitamin B3 helps to handle stress by combining it with receptors of benzodiazepines.

Some of these symptoms include distractibility, restlessness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, among others. These stress-triggered symptoms cannot be relieved until the person is away from a stressful situation, or the stressor gets removed.

Kyorin University Medical School in Japan conducted a study, which indicated that GABA may potentially be used for ADHD. In the study, 100 grams of a type of GABA called PharmaGABA was given to almost 60 students before being given a math test. Those students who had GABA in their system got 20% more answers correct, indicating that GABA improves mental performance. Even though there have not been any studies directly establishing a connection between GABA and ADHD, some doctors suggest that these findings show that GABA can be effective to enhance the brain’s health.

GABA can be found in supplements almost anywhere. It is found in many local shops, including mom and pop stores and pharmacies. It can be found in many online shops, as well.

GABA Vs Other ADHD Treatments

Many ADHD treatments are anti-depressants. Unlike those, amino acids play an important part in keeping and restoring the balance between the mind and the body. GABA is currently being used as a replacement for ADHD drugs, and it has been determined as safe to use.