Pay Attention, Ladies! 3 Foods To Keep You Focused

Okay, this statistic might just shock you: According to expert estimates, up to 90% of women have some form of ADHD, yet the majority of us (75%) are undiagnosed. Adult ADHD occurs when the brain doesn’t properly produce dopamine, a neurochemical that plays a major role in focusing.

According to author John Gray, Ph.D., women who unknowingly live with ADHD for years do so by adapting and focusing even more on the things that are important them. “They constantly give too much to others and neglect their own needs. That leaves them overwhelmed, on edge and exhausted – even when they appear to have things under control,” he says.

There are known foods that can naturally boost your dopamine levels, helping to restore balance in your brain and life.

1. Green Tea

Instead of coffee and caffeinated soft drinks to keep you alert, go for a cup of green tea instead. Green tea contains high amounts of theanine, a dopamine booster that also helps to relieve stress. Caffeine can actually make ADHD symptoms worse by reducing blood flow to the brain and green tea contains 75% less caffeine than coffee.

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2. Foods Rich in Tyrosine

Your body needs tyrosine to make dopamine. Foods like almonds, bananas, avocados, lima beans and pumpkin seeds can help encourage dopamine production in your body.

3. Whey Protein

According to Dr. Gray, the brain makes the most dopamine with the first two hours of waking up and eating a breakfast rich in protein will maximize dopamine production. Undenatured whey contains glutathione, a compound that helps the brain respond to dopamine. Incorporate more undenatured whey protein into your diet by adding it to a smoothie for breakfast.

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Avocado Vanilla Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1/2 of a large avocado (60g)
• 1 1/2 cups cold milk of choice (360g)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch pure stevia, or 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or sugar of choice
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 4 ice cubes, optional

Directions

• Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
• For an added boost, add a scoop of whey protein.

Visit the BlackDoctor.org ADHD center for more helpful articles and tips.