In just 20 years, the cases of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has nearly doubled. A lot of changes have taken place in how we live our lives over the past two decades. Our children are the first products of these advancements, and the statistics are looking scary. One of the most significant changes we’ve seen over the past couple of decades is the rise of convenience-based foods. We have GrubHub to deliver deep-fried foods, gas stations to grill low-quality hot dogs, and sugar-rich candy at every checkout counter across the globe. These changes in eating patterns are leaving lasting changes in our children.

Change in Diet Leads to Change in Behavior

We rely on food for its nutrients. When we consume food, our digestive system breaks down the solid material and the small intestine reintroduces vitamins and minerals back into the system. Depending on the chemical from the food and how it interacts with the system, these molecules can provide us with anything from energy to hormone production to cell growth. Some of the most essential of these compounds are fatty acids.

In the Standard American Diet (SAD), we get our fair share of fatty acids. Unfortunately, a good portion of these fatty acids are omega-6s. Omega-6 fatty acids are typically found in red meat, dairy, and other foods that often leave us feeling uncomfortably full.

When you fill-up on omega-6 fatty acids, it leaves little room for omega-3s. While many have credited this imbalance with being a top cause for cardiovascular disease, scientists find it’s doing a number on the brain as well.

High Cholesterol and ADHD

One research analysis looked at cholesterol levels in pregnant women. They paid close attention to those who had low levels of LDL cholesterol, the “good cholesterol,” that helps combat HDL cholesterol.

After analyzing 1,479 mother-infant pairs, the analysis stated, “Results from multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that a low maternal HDL level (<60 mg/dL) was associated with an increased risk for ADHD compared with higher maternal HDL levels.” Furthermore, the research stated that male offspring were more likely to develop ADHD as compared to females.

Those with low levels of LDL cholesterol tend to have elevated levels of omega-6 fatty acids. This realization further lends credence to the impact lipid imbalance has on the brain, especially if it can impact the fetus while it’s still developing in the uterus.

Lipids and Brain Power

Scientific journal, Pediatrics, recently released an article looking into the correlation between low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and ADHD. The results alarmed the researchers, making them look further into lipid imbalances.

Next time someone calls you a fat-head, take it as a compliment. After all, the brain is about 60% fat. Whenever you consume fats, your brain just gobbles them up. When a bunch of fatty acids becomes stored in an area, they are called lipids. The body breaks lipids down for energy. So, for an organ that is 60% fat, burning lipids is literally brain fuel.

Therefore, the quality of the fatty acids in your lipids will determine the quality of your thoughts, cognitive functioning, and focus. The problem with filling your brain up with too many omega-6s is that these fatty acids aren’t the most efficient source of energy.

Don’t get us wrong; they’re necessary for pivotal cellular functions. However, a majority of omega-6s are long-chain. Unless you’re running a marathon or cramming for an all-nighter, you most likely won’t burn through all of the omega-6s fatty acids. Therefore, they turn to fat tissue in the gut or take up space in the brain.

Not to mention, when omega-6 fatty acids are abundant, it can start an inflammation. That is why it’s essential to supplement with all-natural, anti-inflammatory supplements. For instance, Focusene has grape seed extract in it. Grape seed extract has anti-inflammatory properties that help fight off heavy metal toxicity. It contains bioflavonoids that help transport oxygenated blood cells to the brain.

This characteristic is essential for boosting the brain of someone who has high levels of LDL cholesterol and omega-6 fatty acids. That’s because their arteries tend to get clogged, making it harder for fresh blood to make it to the heart, let alone the brain. That is why the quality of lipids in the brain is so important.

ADHD and Lipids

A lipid imbalance can throw off many vital functions. If the brain isn’t powering on all cylinders, then everything it controls isn’t going to work optimally either. One analysis looked at a lipid imbalance within those with schizophrenia.

Researchers found that an abnormal ratio of fatty acids had an adverse effect on dopamine and serotonin receptors. These receptors regulate emotional responses such as focus, mood, and cognitive function. All of those are also adversely affected by those who are diagnosed with ADHD.

With this knowledge, other scientists began looking at lipid imbalances among other mental health disorders. They found that having low levels of omega-3s in comparison to omega-6s may influence cases of:

• ADHD
• Autism
• Dyslexia
• Developmental coordination disorder (Dyspraxia)

The reason for this is that omega-3s work well with other phosphates, which are compounds that use salts or esters for energy. One of the biggest influencers on our brains is a phosphate known as Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP). For an optimal mental boost, you want to make sure your cAMP has plenty of support.

Boosting cAMP with All-Natural Supplements

Energy comes in many forms. Most of us think of eating sugar, getting a boost in performance, and then petering out. Others think of downing a Gatorade for electrolytes and running a marathon. Our brains use cAMP to burn for brainpower, but there are enzymes like Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) that can break down cAMP before our brains can use it.

To counteract the onslaught of PDE4, try supplementing with Focusene. A predominant ingredient in Focusene in dandelion. This flower is rich in luteolin. Research on this compound finds that luteolin inhibits PDE4. Therefore, your brain is free to use the cAMP for itself.

Focusene also has forskolin in the formula. This plant compound has shown to boost levels of cAMP in the brain. While increasing cAMP is beneficial, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. That’s because excess cAMP deregulates the compound, acetylcholinesterase, which has shown to be bad for focus.

Counteracting Focus Issues with Focusene

We need cAMP levels to be up in order to combat ADHD, but having excess acetylcholinesterase is counterproductive. That’s why Focusene also contains acetyl-L-carnitine. Our livers naturally create this compound, which helps counteract acetylcholinesterase in the system. Therefore, you can boost your cAMP levels without the worry of losing focus.

In addition, Focusene contains phenylalanine. As we mentioned earlier, lipids are essential for brain functioning. An essential amino acid, phenylalanine, is the precursor to dopamine. Dopamine plays a monumental role in compulsiveness, the number one issue for children with ADHD.

Also, Focusene is enriched with L-theanine. Derived from green tea, this amino acid gives the body a jolt of energy without the jitters of caffeine. It helps increase levels of GABA in the brain. This neurotransmitter is essential for calming down the mind, which can help prevent a child with ADHD from acting out in class.

Do you or a loved one suffer from ADD or ADHD? How do you handle this condition? Let us know in the comments below!