It’s no secret that those of us with ADHD often have to find ways to manage some of the behaviours that come along with it. For me personally, this often looks like keeping running task lists in apps on my phone, to setting alarms to remind myself to eat and drink – throw in my polar opposite tendencies that come along with my Autism diagnosis and it’s like a chaotic party in my brain.
When going through my diagnosis, I was prescribed multiple medications, both stimulant and non-stimulant, to help manage some of the things I was struggling with, but I quickly learned that medications were simply not going to work for me.
Whilst the stimulants definitely stimulated, this quickly led to intense periods of hyperfocus, often leading me to neglect my health for long periods of time and then completely crash when burnout hit, to various other physical side effects that I just couldn’t deal with long term.
I was left completely disheartened, thinking that this was going to be it. I just had to live with the constant battle that was going on in my head and suffer the consequences. In a last-ditch attempt to help myself, I started doing some research into holistic methods of helping my ADHD symptoms – that’s when I went down a rabbit hole of research into how natural supplements can have a significant effect on the symptoms of ADHD. Then began the journey of developing Roots.
Here are some of the findings from my research when developing our Calm Focus Supplement:
Reducing Side Effects: Some supplements can mitigate the side effects of ADHD medications. For example, magnesium and zinc have calming properties that can counteract the insomnia or anxiety that some individuals experience with stimulant medications.
Support for Brain Health: ADHD medications primarily target neurotransmitters to improve symptoms. Supplements such as B vitamins, iron, and amino acids support overall brain health and neurotransmitter production, potentially making medications more effective in the long term.
Natural Symptom Management: For individuals who opt not to use medications like me, supplements can offer a more natural approach to managing ADHD symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, and zinc are among the supplements that have shown promise in reducing symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity.
Holistic Approach: Supplements are often a part of a broader holistic approach to managing ADHD. When combined with dietary changes, exercise, and behavioural strategies, supplements can contribute to a more balanced and comprehensive management plan.
Fewer Side Effects: Many individuals with ADHD such as myself avoid ADHD medications due to the experience of side effects. Supplements, when used appropriately, generally have fewer side effects and can be a safer alternative for long-term management of ADHD.
Support for Underlying Conditions: ADHD symptoms can sometimes be exacerbated by other underlying conditions such as sleep disorders, anxiety, or nutritional deficiencies (or in my case Comorbities such as Autism). Supplements can help address these conditions, thereby reducing overall ADHD symptoms.
These are just some of the reasons that I wanted to create an all-in-one supplement that could help address many of the areas of difficulty many of us with ADHD experience. A supplement for anyone with ADHD, whether medicated or not, or even just someone who struggles with things such as anxiety and sleep issues, or simply want to contribute to their long-term brain health - No ADHD required!
Whilst I agree that supplements should not replace conventional treatments for ADHD if these methods are what work for you personally, they can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive management plan. For those on medication, supplements can enhance the benefits and reduce side effects. For those not taking medication, they offer a natural alternative to support long term brain health and manage symptoms. And whilst our supplements are formulated with ADHD brains (both medicated and unmedicated) in mind, as with any health intervention, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially for individuals with ADHD, to ensure safety and efficacy.