Podcast Summary
ADHD Subscription Services: The launch of a subscription version of the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Wisdom podcast offers affordable access to valuable resources and support for those with ADHD, including bonus material, workshops, online community, and audio resources.
The host of the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Wisdom podcast is launching a subscription version, offering bonus material, workshops, online support, and audio resources for a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. This is a dedication to help those still awaiting assessment or diagnosis access valuable information about ADHD. Additionally, a recent episode featured a conversation with Kelly Rompel about the significant impact of genetics and epigenetics on health, particularly through the lens of ADHD, allowing listeners to better understand their condition.
Food and Mood: Understanding the impact of food on mood and behavior can lead to better nutrition and improved health, but it can also bring anxiety for parents when making choices for their children
Understanding the root causes of our exhaustion, anxiety, and cognitive challenges, as well as the impact of our genes, can help us make informed decisions about our diet and the diets of our children. This knowledge can lead to better nutrition and improved health, but it can also bring anxiety when faced with children's requests for unhealthy foods and the resulting behavioral changes. The conversation highlights the importance of making informed choices, prioritizing nutritious meals, and finding a balance between knowledge and relaxation. It also underscores the role of food in shaping our mood and behavior and the challenge of navigating these complex issues as a parent.
ADHD and anxiety in women: ADHD and anxiety frequently co-occur in women, and biological and genetic factors contribute to both conditions. Common root causes include deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, candida or parasites, and the 'worrier gene' which affects neurotransmitter metabolism.
ADHD and anxiety often go hand in hand, and women are particularly susceptible to being diagnosed with both conditions. This can lead to a overwhelming and all-consuming experience. From a clinical perspective, there are biological and genetic factors that contribute to both conditions. At a biological level, there are common root causes, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, as well as the presence of candida or parasites, can exacerbate symptoms. Genetics also play a role, with certain genes like the CONT gene, which is responsible for metabolizing brain neurotransmitters, being particularly relevant. People with a slow CONT gene, often referred to as the "worrier gene," are more prone to an overabundance of neurotransmitters, which can result in anxiety and, in turn, a lack of focus. It's important to note that ADHD does not present the same way for everyone, and the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Therefore, it's crucial to approach each case individually and consider all possible contributing factors.
Genetics and Anxiety: Genetics can contribute to anxiety, but addressing emotional stressors and considering epigenetics is essential for effective anxiety management.
Anxiety is a complex condition that can stem from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While genetics can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of anxiety, it's essential to consider other aspects of our lives as well. Emotional stressors, such as toxic relationships or a demanding job, can also contribute to anxiety. Epigenetics, the study of how our environment and lifestyle can influence gene expression, highlights the importance of addressing both the genetic and environmental factors to manage anxiety effectively. By considering the full picture, we can identify triggers and make lifestyle changes to reduce the impact of anxiety on our lives. It's important to remember that everyone's experience with anxiety is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, a personalized approach that addresses both the genetic and environmental factors is crucial for effective anxiety management.
Genetics and ADHD: Understanding certain genes, like COMT and MTHFR, can provide insights into managing anxiety and ADHD symptoms through informed dietary choices, particularly regarding foods containing glutamic acid and GABA production.
Understanding our genetic makeup can provide valuable insights into our health and wellbeing, particularly when it comes to managing anxiety and other symptoms associated with ADHD. The discussion highlighted the role of certain genes, such as the COMT and MTHFR genes, in regulating neurotransmitters and impacting our response to certain foods. Specifically, the GAD genes play a role in producing GABA, a natural relaxant, and variants of these genes can affect our ability to break down glutamic acid containing foods, leading to anxiety and other symptoms. Knowing this information can help individuals make informed dietary choices and potentially reduce anxiety symptoms. However, it's important to note that while this information can be helpful, it's not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consulting with a healthcare provider or genetic counselor can provide more personalized recommendations based on individual genetic and health factors.
Anxiety and Supplements: GABA supplements or yoga can help reduce anxiety. 5-HTP can improve sleep and mood but avoid it if on serotonin medications. Saffron outperforms antidepressants for PMS and perimenopause symptoms.
There are various supplements that can help address anxiety, improve sleep, and alleviate symptoms during PMS and perimenopause. GABA, an amino acid, can be effective for some individuals with anxiety, and it can be taken over the counter. Yoga is another natural way to increase GABA levels. 5-HTP is a supplement that can boost serotonin levels, leading to better sleep and mood. However, it should not be taken if you're on medications that increase serotonin. Saffron, another supplement, has been shown to outperform antidepressants in studies for managing symptoms during PMS and perimenopause. Remember, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Green Tea Supplements for Focus and Calm: Green tea supplement Elle Fienine improves calm focus, especially for individuals with ADHD and anxiety. A multivitamin with selenium, B vitamins, omega-3s, magnesium glycinate, and vitamin D are recommended for individuals dealing with anxiety, sleep issues, and focus problems.
Elle Fienine, which contains Elle Fienine and is found in green tea, is an effective supplement for improving calm focus, particularly for individuals dealing with ADHD and anxiety. When it comes to supplements for individuals experiencing anxiety, sleep issues, and focus problems, a multivitamin with selenium is a good starting point. B vitamins, especially a B complex, are also essential due to their impact on mood, focus, energy, and metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically those with DHA and EPA, are recommended for individuals who have difficulty breaking down plant-based omegas. Magnesium glycinate is another important supplement due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and address magnesium deficiencies. Lastly, vitamin D is a baseline recommendation for those looking to start using supplements.
Vitamin D and Genetics, Medication and Genetics: Genetic differences impact our ability to convert vitamin D from sunlight and respond to medication, highlighting the importance of individualized health approaches through pharmacogenetic testing.
While everyone may benefit from some amount of vitamin D, individual genetic differences can impact how effectively we convert vitamin D from sunlight. Therefore, supplementation may be necessary for some individuals. Additionally, medication can be life-changing for many people, especially those dealing with conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. However, not all individuals respond positively to medication, and the cons may outweigh the benefits for some. Pharmacogenetic testing can help identify which medications may be most effective for an individual, including non-stimulant options for those sensitive to stimulants. Ultimately, understanding our unique genetic makeup can empower us to make informed decisions about our health and wellbeing.
ADHD medication alternatives: For individuals with ADHD and excess neurotransmitters, stimulant medications may worsen symptoms. Consider calming medications like Klonopin as an alternative.
For individuals with ADHD who already have an excess of neurotransmitters, adding a stimulant medication may exacerbate symptoms, leading to increased aggression, irritability, and anxiety. In such cases, calming medications like Klonopin could be a more effective alternative. Klonopin is a common prescription calming medication that people turn to if stimulants don't work for them. Overall, understanding the unique needs of each individual and exploring different treatment options is crucial for managing ADHD symptoms effectively. I hope you found this episode of the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast insightful and informative. Remember, there's a wealth of knowledge and wisdom in the guests we feature, and I believe these insights can provide valuable reminders and guidance for managing ADHD. Tune in for our next episode on Thursday for more enlightening discussions. Have a great week!