ADHD L theanine

Matcha green tea is more than just a drink. People have relied on the stress-relieving, sleep-promoting powers of matcha green tea for centuries.

Centuries ago, Japanese Zen monks first discovered that drinking matcha before long hours of meditation helped with their focus and kept them awake during long sessions of mental focus. Soon the Samurai adopted drinking matcha as a ritual to optimize their physical and cognitive performance during training and battle.

The secret is matcha’s high concentration of the amino acid L-theanine, which reduces stress, and promotes a sense of peaceful focus.

Made from the entire leaf, matcha green tea’s health benefits far outweigh those of traditional loose-leaf green tea.

L-Theanine is a non-protein amino acid found naturally in the green tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and in small amounts in Bay Bolete mushrooms. It is a precursor to GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and supports healthy relaxation without drowsiness. Because it can cross the blood-brain barrier, L-theanine helps increase brain dopamine levels and helps support a healthy immune system.

One of the appealing aspects of L-theanine is that it works to relax without sedating. That can make L-theanine a good choice for people looking to enhance their “wakeful relaxation” without worrying about becoming sleepy and fatigued during the day.

3 Benefits of L theanine for ADHD

1. Enhancing Attention, Focus, Memory, and Learning. 

L-theanine, caffeine, and their combination seem to improve sustained attention and overall cognitive performance in children with ADHD.

Research shows L-theanine can increase attention span and reaction time in people who are prone to anxiety. It may help improve accuracy—one study shows that taking L-theanine reduced the number of errors made in a test of attention.

2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety. 

L-theanine is an anxiolytic, which means it can reduce anxiety. Some anxiolytics, such as valerian and hops, have sedative effects. L-theanine, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and stress reduction without making you sleepy.

L-theanine has positive effects on both the mental and physical symptoms of stress, including lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

3. Improving sleep quality. 

L-theanine may help people fall asleep more quickly and easily at bedtime, thanks to the relaxation boost it delivers. Research also shows L-theanine can improve the quality of sleep—not by acting as a sedative, but by lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation.

There’s evidence that L-theanine may improve sleep quality in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study examined the effects of L-theanine on the sleep of boys ages 8-12. The study found that L theanine supplement worked safely and effectively to improve sleep quality, helping them sleep more soundly.

How Does L-Theanine Work for ADHD? 


L-theanine raises levels of brain chemicals, such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, which regulate emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, sleep, appetite, energy, and other cognitive skills. Increasing levels of these calming brain chemicals promote relaxation and can help with sleep.

L-theanine also reduces levels of chemicals in the brain that are linked to stress and anxiety. It helps lower the stress hormone levels, such as corticosterone, and “excitatory” brain chemicals, such as glutamate.

When under stress, the body increases the production of certain hormones, including cortisol and corticosterone. These hormone changes inhibit some brain activity, including memory formation and spatial learning.

L theanine enhances alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of “wakeful relaxation.” That’s the state of mind you experience when meditating, being creative “in the zone,” or letting your mind wander in daydreaming.

Alpha waves are also present during REM sleep. L-theanine appears to trigger the release of alpha-waves, which enhances relaxation, focus, and creativity.

The following doses are based on amounts that have been investigated in scientific studies. It is recommended that users begin with the smallest suggested dose and gradually increase until it has an effect. For sleep, stress, and other uses: 100 mg to 400 mg.

Studies show that combining L-theanine and caffeine can improve attention span, enhance the ability to process visual information, and increase accuracy when switching from one task to another.

In combination with caffeine: 12-100 mg L-theanine, 30-100 mg caffeine.

Is L-theanine safe for Kids with ADHD?

L-theanine at relatively high doses was well tolerated in healthy adults with no significant adverse events.

One particular study concludes that 400mg L-theanine daily is safe and effective in improving some aspects of sleep quality in 8-12 years old boys diagnosed with ADHD.

If you’re looking for an effective and high-quality L-theanine, you won’t be disappointed with this product. It takes the edge off the anxiety to help you stay calm and focus on the task at hand.

For those who prefer a liquid L-theanine supplement that’s just as effective and powerful in reducing stressing and anxiety, this liquid L-theanine supplement is awesome.

 

Ok, there you have it…

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below.

Remember, ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s most significant discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.

I helped my crazy wild child who could not read or write when she was little with the four pillars I laid out in the Eat to Focus ebook. She’s now a merit scholarship student studying premed at Loyola Chicago University.

So stay strong and keep believing in your child.

Check out the Eat to Focus ebook to learn about my story and the 4 steps that I used to transform my daughter and help her reach her full potential. This information may change your child’s future.

Download your free gift “15 Quick and Simple School Day Breakfast Ideas for Kids with ADHD” before you leave.

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Anna

Clean Eating Officer (CEO) at Malama Wellness + Hypnotherapy
I'm Anna, a passionate dietitian and hypnotherapist dedicated to helping parents of kids with ADHD unlock the transformative potential of healthy eating and holistic approaches. With years of experience in pediatric nutrition and a focus on mind-body connection, I provide personalized guidance and practical tools to support positive behavioral changes and nurture your child's well-being.
I'm Anna, a passionate dietitian and hypnotherapist dedicated to helping parents of kids with ADHD unlock the transformative potential of healthy eating and holistic approaches. With years of experience in pediatric nutrition and a focus on mind-body connection, I provide personalized guidance and practical tools to support positive behavioral changes and nurture your child's well-being.

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