Podcast Summary
Genes and epigenetics in ADHD: Understanding genes and epigenetics can help identify root causes of exhaustion, anxiety, and cognitive challenges in ADHD. Prioritize nutrition in one meal a day and consider supplements for the rest.
Our genes and epigenetics play a significant role in our health, particularly for those with ADHD. Understanding this through the ADHD lens can help us identify the root causes of exhaustion, anxiety, and cognitive challenges. While it's important to strive for healthy eating habits, it's also realistic to prioritize nutrition in one meal a day and consider supplements for the rest. As Kelly Rompel shared, it's essential to do our best and make informed choices, even when faced with challenges like kids begging for less nutritious options. By gaining knowledge about our genes and epigenetics, we can not only help ourselves but also support our children and explore alternative solutions.
ADHD and Anxiety: Managing ADHD and anxiety requires a holistic approach, addressing nutritional deficiencies and implementing effective coping strategies for anxiety
Managing both ADHD and anxiety can be an overwhelming experience for parents. The speaker shares her personal struggle with ensuring her children eat healthy diets to improve their behavior, while also dealing with her own anxiety and control issues. It's common for women to receive an ADHD diagnosis after their children are diagnosed, leading to a lot of research and self-improvement efforts. The combination of ADHD and anxiety often stems from similar root causes, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and genetics. From a clinical perspective, it's rare to work with an ADHD client who doesn't also have anxiety. Addressing both conditions requires a holistic approach, including correcting nutritional deficiencies and implementing effective coping strategies to manage anxiety.
Genetics and anxiety/ADHD: Genetics play a significant role in anxiety and ADHD, and genetic testing can provide valuable insights, but it's essential to consider both genetic and environmental factors when dealing with these conditions.
Understanding the root causes of anxiety and ADHD requires a holistic approach. While getting rid of Candida or parasites is important, genetics also play a significant role. For instance, certain genes like the CONT gene, which metabolizes brain neurotransmitters, can influence our susceptibility to anxiety and focus issues. People with slow CONT genes may experience an overabundance of neurotransmitters, leading to anxiety and distraction, a situation that might not show up as a dopamine deficiency in tests. ADHD is a spectrum disorder, and its manifestations can vary greatly from person to person. Therefore, it's crucial to consider both genetic and environmental factors when dealing with anxiety and ADHD. Genetic testing can provide valuable insights, but it's also essential to reflect on our emotions and circumstances, as they can significantly impact our mental health. In summary, addressing anxiety and ADHD requires a comprehensive approach that includes genetic testing, self-reflection, and an understanding that everyone's experience is unique.
Genes and anxiety: Understanding genetic factors and lifestyle can help manage anxiety, with certain genes increasing susceptibility to anxiety when consuming glutamic acid containing foods.
Our genes and lifestyle interplay significantly in shaping our anxiety levels. Epigenetics can exacerbate anxiety when life is stressful. However, altering habits and lifestyle can help manage anxiety, making it less debilitating. Different stages of life, such as having young children, can also trigger heightened anxiety due to increased responsibility and hyper-vigilance. Additionally, certain genes, like the MTHFR and GAD genes, can increase our susceptibility to anxiety when consuming glutamic acid containing foods. Understanding these genetic factors can help individuals identify dietary triggers and make informed choices for improved mental health.
GABA deficiency and anxiety: A deficiency in producing or breaking down GABA, a natural relaxant, can lead to increased anxiety. Some people find relief through supplements, yoga, magnesium-rich foods, and vitamin B6. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements.
Our bodies produce a natural relaxant called GABA, and a deficiency in producing or breaking down GABA can lead to increased anxiety. Medications like Xanax and Ativan work on GABA to increase its levels, and if you're not getting enough GABA from your diet due to genetic factors, you may be more prone to anxiety. While testing can help identify deficiencies, some people find relief by trying supplements like GABA over the counter. Other natural ways to boost GABA include practicing yoga and consuming foods rich in magnesium and vitamin B6. Additionally, supplements like 5HTP, which improve serotonin levels, can also help increase GABA production. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements to ensure safety.
Supplements for mood, focus, and sleep: 5-HTP and saffron increase serotonin and melatonin levels, respectively, while altheanine provides calm focus. A multivitamin with selenium and B complex, omega-3s, and possibly saffron are recommended for mood, focus, and sleep support.
Certain supplements can help boost mood, focus, and sleep, particularly during times of hormonal change or when dealing with anxiety and ADHD symptoms. 5-HTP and saffron are two examples of supplements that can increase serotonin and melatonin levels, respectively, leading to better sleep and mood. Altheanine is another supplement that can provide calm focus, making it beneficial for those dealing with anxiety and ADHD. For those on a budget, a multivitamin with selenium and a good B complex are recommended, as they contain essential nutrients that directly impact mood, focus, and energy metabolism. Omega-3s, specifically those with DHA and EPA, are also suggested for individuals who have difficulty breaking down plant-based omegas.
Supplements and Health: Omega-3, magnesium glycinate, and vitamin D are beneficial supplements for overall health. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and mood regulation, while magnesium glycinate does not disrupt the blood-brain barrier. Medications can be helpful for some individuals, but genetics and consultations with healthcare professionals are crucial before making any significant changes.
Certain supplements, such as omega-3, magnesium glycinate, and vitamin D, can be beneficial for overall health and wellbeing. While sunlight can help the body produce vitamin D, some individuals may still require additional supplementation due to genetic factors. Magnesium glycinate is a preferred form of magnesium as it does not disrupt the blood-brain barrier. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and mood regulation, and its importance goes beyond those living in sunny climates. Medication can be life-changing for some individuals, particularly those dealing with conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. However, for others, the cons of medication may outweigh the benefits, leading them to explore alternative options. While genetics can provide insight into which medications may be effective for certain individuals, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to one's health regimen.
ADHD medications and genetics: For individuals with ADHD and the slow COMT gene, calming medications like Blonfecine may be a better alternative to stimulants due to reduced aggression, irritability, and anxiety.
For individuals with ADHD who have tried stimulants but experienced increased aggression, irritability, and anxiety, it may be worth considering a calming medication instead. This is particularly relevant for those with the slow COMT gene, which can lead to an overabundance of neurotransmitters when stimulants are introduced. Blonfecine is a commonly prescribed calming medication in such cases. While stimulants are designed to increase focus and alertness, calming medications help to reduce anxiety and agitation. It's essential to remember that everyone's response to medication is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it's crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment approach. In summary, understanding the role of genetics and how it can influence the effectiveness and side effects of various medications is vital in managing ADHD symptoms effectively.