Energy drinks for adhd
Best energy drinks for ADHD (and are they OK for you?) – REIZECLUB
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, widely known as “ADHD” is a mental disorder that commonly affects children and adults.
What are the Healthiest Energy Drin...
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What are the Healthiest Energy Drinks? (Simple Guide)
Did you know that there are 3 types of ADHD diagnosis? They are the inattentive type, the hyperactive/impulsive type, or the combined type.
Also, did you know that scientists have not yet identified the specific causes of ADHD?
Now, if you have been diagnosed with ADHD but are crazy in love with energy drinks, read on to find out how you can still enjoy your favorite ones without compromising your health.
I’m sure you’ll learn a few new things by the end of this article, so stay with me.
Disclaimer: consult your doctor regarding your dietary requirements if you are on ADHD medication before drinking energy drinks.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of ADHD
Some basic symptoms of ADHD are:
• high activity levels
• inability to keep still
• short attention span
These symptoms are more noticeable in children than adults with ADHD.
Usually, when we see someone with the inability to focus or who likes to move around a lot, we tend to “diagnose” them with ADHD.
It’s no laughing matter and we have a duty of care as respectable humans to help someone’s mental health.If you think you might have symptoms of ADHD, check with your doctor.
Triggers for ADHD
ADHD is usually triggered by some common factors which include:
• Stress – someone with ADHD isn’t able to filter out stimuli from the environment thus causing anxiety that can raise stress levels.
• Poor Sleep – inadequate sleep leads to less concentration and comprehension. It can also cause hyperactivity in order to compensate for the lethargic feeling.
• Certain Foods – your diet can exacerbate or alleviate the triggers of ADHD. Further information on this is below.
• Overstimulation – crowded places, such as restaurants during lunch hour, busy supermarkets, or even malls may lead to outbursts.
• Technology – flashing images and excessive noise are triggers, which could be derived from technology like cellphones, laptops, or the television.
Myths and Facts about ADHD
Let me quickly share with you 3 myths and facts about ADHD.
1. ADHD equals hyperactivity
Usually yes, but in certain cases actually no. Inactive ADHD means that someone appears spacey and unmotivated.
2. Those with ADHD can never pay attention
They actually can and do pay attention to activities that they are interested in. However, they tend to lose focus when things start getting repetitive or boring.
3. Medication can cure ADHD
There is no medication to cure ADHD, but there are medications to help you cope with symptoms of ADHD. Education, therapy, a good support system, and good nutrition can also help you.
Recommended food for ADHD
To keep ADHD at bay, here’s a list of recommended food that might help if you are suffering from ADHD:
• Foods rich in protein
• Balance meals
• Vitamins and minerals
• Zinc, iron, and magnesium
• Omega 3 fatty acids
ADHD and sugar
Those with ADHD are usually “turned on” by sugar. Sugar is rumored to cause extreme hyperactivity, especially in children.
There is no scientific proof that sugar causes ADHD. But I do agree that sugar does give someone extra energy because of the spike in blood sugar level.
However, children that consume excess sugar might become hyperactive due to the timing or the situation.
For example, if you give a child ice cream near bedtime, of course, the child will be too active to want to sleep. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the sugar is causing hyperactiveness.
But, everyone has a different reaction to sugar. If you find your child reacts negatively after consuming sugar then you might want to cut down your child’s sugar intake. Sugar is unhealthy anyway, no matter what the situation is.
Adults too react similarly to sugar. So, an adult with ADHD might want to steer clear of sugar to avoid the extra energy boost and the sugar crash that comes after, but once again, sugar does not cause ADHD.
ADHD and caffeine
Caffeine is actually widely used as a psychotic drug as it is a stimulant to treat ADHD.
This is how it works – caffeine raises the dopamine levels (among other chemicals) that our brains use to send signals. It can help you to feel happier, more alert, and energetic.
So, when you have ADHD, stimulants should help you to feel calmer and stay focused.
This is why caffeine found in many kinds of beverages like coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks, and in food items like chocolates, can actually help to improve alertness and concentration.
However, everyone reacts differently to caffeine. Some might find that caffeine triggers their anxiety or further exacerbates their ADHD symptoms.
If that’s the case, you are advised to reduce your caffeine intake or avoid it altogether.
Medication is needed for ADHD, but it’s not an absolute cure.Caffeine and medication
One common medication that people with ADHD might be on is Adderall. Adderall helps to improve your attention span.
Now, taking your medication alongside grabbing your normal cup of coffee or a can of energy drink might not be harmful, but intentionally mixing caffeinated beverages with Adderall could potentially be harmful.
Some might think it would give extra stimulation, but this is not how you should take it. Always exercise caution if you are considering combining any medication with caffeine, and consult your doctor for definitive advice on the matter.
Recommended caffeine intake
The recommended daily caffeine intake for an adult is a maximum of 400mg. That’s advice straight from the FDA themselves.
For the record, here’s how much caffeine the FDA recommends.
| Age | Recommended Daily Amount |
| Kids | 60-80 mg |
| Teenagers | 100 mg |
| 18 and above | 400 mg |
Excess caffeine can cause irritability, stomach upset, headaches, and sleeping problems. It’s therefore wise to monitor your own reaction to your caffeine intake. Some people are a little bit more sensitive to caffeine and can’t even have “mild doses” like a cup of tea.
Personally, my limit is 2 cups of coffee or 2 energy drinks a day, which is only around 200mg of caffeine. But, if I take more than that, I won’t be able to sleep well and my tummy might get upset.
If you’re addicted to caffeine, you could check out a post I’ve written specifically to help people like you.
Back to the relationship between ADHD and caffeine, as much as caffeine might help adults with ADHD, caffeine is generally not suitable for children, which might in turn cause negative side effects.
If you have ADHD, it’s probably smart to avoid some of the strongest energy drinks in the world, something that I’ve previously written about.
ADHD and soft drinks
Soft drinks contain lots of sugar and some caffeine. As discussed above, neither causes ADHD, but both might trigger some symptoms, depending on your tolerance level.
As caffeine might help you with your ADHD, the amount of caffeine in soft drinks might be helpful too. This might be a better option for children or adults that don’t like coffee, tea, or energy drinks.
The caffeine content in soft drinks is usually about 20-30mg per can.
I would consider that a pretty low amount of caffeine, and it might not even be sufficient as a stimulant to help your ADHD. That amount of caffeine might be better suited for children, but maybe not for an adult looking for help.
Of course, you could drink a few cans to increase the amount of caffeine you’re consuming, but that comes with the risk of consuming way too much sugar. I believe it’s wise to always choose healthier choices.
ADHD and energy drinks
Energy drinks might be good for you if you have ADHD because caffeine might help your concentration.
As with caffeine and sugar, energy drinks do not cause ADHD, but there is some association between drinking energy drinks and increases in hyperactivity.
Energy drinks are usually marketed as unsuitable for children, so children are not encouraged to consume energy drinks even if they don’t have ADHD.
For adults, I think you can still enjoy your energy drinks with caution as long as you don’t feel a tremendous energy surge that could cause any adverse reactions afterward.
It’s best to consult your medical professional for personalized advice for your situation.Watch this video to learn more about the effects of energy drinks on your body.
There’s a vast market of energy drinks, so choose wisely!Best energy drinks for ADHD
Now let’s get to some recommended energy drinks for you if you have ADHD.
Obviously, one that has little to no sugar and a sensible amount of caffeine is ideal. You might also want one with fewer calories, as it will be a healthier choice.
XS Energy Drink
Sugar: 0g
Caffeine: 80mg
Calories: 10
XS Energy Drink looks like a seemingly good choice.
80mg of caffeine is a good amount, not too little, not too much. Generally, I like my energy drinks to contain anywhere between 50mg and 100mg of caffeine, I find more than that to be too much – which might be especially true if you have ADHD.
Being sugar-free is a plus, but the downside of this brand is the astronomical price. It’s worth a try, but I can’t justify it as an everyday drink because it’s just too darn expensive.
Red Bull Energy Drink
Sugar: 27g
Caffeine: 80mg
Calories: 110
Red Bull, a common favorite, also has 80mg of caffeine. The regular version also has 27g of sugar and quite a lot of calories. For me, I think I prefer the sugar-free option or a different brand.
Fun fact: did you know that Red Bull was once banned in France?
Xyience Energy Drink
Sugar: 0g
Caffeine: 176mg
Calories: 0
Xyience Energy Drink (pronounced ‘Science’ with a Z instead of an S), looks good with the zero sugar and calories – But, wow 176mg of caffeine!
Although it’s still under the recommended daily caffeine intake, this amounts to about 2 cups of coffee in a single can.
Consider your own caffeine tolerance first before trying this out if you have ADHD.
This list isn’t exhaustive, if you’re interested to read more about some of the best energy drinks you should definitely check out my other article where I cover quite a bit more information than I had room for here.
REIZE Energy Drink (my favorite)
REIZE ships right to your door – talk about convenience!REIZE has a sensible amount of caffeine, which is enough to give you a subtle energy boost, without overdoing it.
At 50mg of caffeine, REIZE might be the best energy drink for ADHD.
I find that it gives me the perfect energy boost. The combination of caffeine, taurine, ginseng, and B group vitamins work together to give me a great energy boost, with no crash in my energy levels afterward.
It’s also sugar-free and contains just 11 calories per serving.
REIZE ships right to your door for about $1 per drink – including shipping. Now, that’s awesome value for money.
What are you waiting for?
Try REIZE today.
I love it, and I hope you do too.
I also hope it helps with your ADHD, but consult your doctor before switching to any new energy drink, just to double-check that it’s appropriate for you.
Related Articles
- Do Energy Drinks Really Work? (Truth Revealed)
- Best Energy Drinks for Mental Focus (how it helps)
- Do Energy Drinks Actually Work? (True Facts)
- Is 300mg of Caffeine a Lot? (Things to Know)
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benefits and harms for ADHD in children and adults
Caffeine - in a glass to go, in a rustling chocolate wrapper, or in a can of forbidden Coca-Cola intercepted on the run - is a natural stimulant that causes the brain to produce more dopamine. This is the explanation why children and adults with ADHD literally cannot live without it. But how safe and effective is caffeine for ADHD symptoms? Here you will find research on the effects of caffeine on children and adults with ADHD and expert opinion. nine0003
Alla Rezyapova
Pawel Czerwinski | Unsplash
Coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, candy bars - many of us use caffeine throughout the day to get a quick energy boost. Caffeine excites the nervous system and increases the production of dopamine, and it becomes easier for us to move, focus on important tasks and maintain concentration.
The internationally approved ADHD treatment protocol often includes stimulants that work in a similar way. But can caffeine help manage ADHD symptoms? Is it safe for children and adults to consume so much caffeine? nine0003
Contents of the article
Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.
How does caffeine affect the brain and body?
Everyone has their own relationship with caffeine. Most experts agree that this natural stimulant is perfectly safe. But only in moderation! If you overdo it with coffee, you may experience side effects:
- nervousness,
- anxiety,
- palpitations,
- indigestion,
- increased anxiety,
- migraine,
- sleep disturbance, muscle anxiety
But it can be the other way around: instead of side effects, you will get a lot of benefits from coffee.
Studies say that this drink not only improves concentration and alertness, but helps ease headaches, improve memory, and even prevent cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. nine0003
“Overall, caffeine improves our performance,” notes Ari Tuckman, a psychologist and author.
However, he adds that when combined with ADHD medications, caffeine can have an unpleasant effect: increased nervousness and anxiety. Some drugs do not mix well with caffeine at all - be sure to discuss this point with your doctor after receiving a prescription.
More information about the effects of caffeine on the body in the video
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How does caffeine affect ADHD?
The effect of caffeine on ADHD is truly paradoxical. For some, this stimulant calms, for others it only increases anxiety. Despite the mixed effects, many ADHD adults and parents of children with ADHD report that a little caffeine helps increase focus and concentration.
However, Tuckman notes that patients who take stimulants as a treatment for ADHD tend to be less likely to need large doses of caffeine. nine0003
Larry Silver, MD, clinical psychiatrist, is confident that enough caffeine to affect ADHD is likely to cause arousal.
"I don't recommend drinking caffeinated drinks or taking caffeine tablets to treat ADHD," says Dr.
How much caffeine can be consumed per day without harm to health?
The Mayo Clinic gives these numbers:
- 400 mg of caffeine is safe for an adult—that's about 4 cups of coffee. nine0022
- 45mg caffeine is safe for 4 to 6 year olds.
- 85 mg safe for 10 to 12 year old child.
- 300 mg caffeine is the maximum for a woman who is pregnant or planning to give birth.
What do the studies say about caffeine treatment for ADHD?
Research that looks at the relationship between ADHD and caffeine is not new, but its volume and quality are still modest.
- 2011 Journal of Medical Hypotheses and Ideas. Scientists have concluded that drinking tea may be an effective treatment for ADHD in adults. nine0022
- Another study was done on rats and the rats were alert and energetic.
- In 2013, scientists became interested in the healing potential of caffeine in improving attention in children with ADHD and normalizing dopamine levels.
What do ADHD patients say about their relationship with caffeine?
Five years ago, Attitude magazine collected 4,000 responses from all over the US about this unusual friendship-hate. Here are some of the answers:
- “We are trying to reduce sugar, caffeine (chocolate) and increase protein intake”;
- "Caffeine is good, but in moderation," said another;
- And another said she uses fish oil, caffeine, vitamin D and exercise to manage her symptoms.
In general, personal experience says the same thing: caffeine helps some people, not others.
And your ideal method does not always coincide with the opinion of doctors or the experience of other people.
What other treatments are there for ADHD, and which ones work?
Nootropics
Doctors often prescribe glycine, noopept, cortexin for ADHD in children. And here a number of problems arise.
- For example, although glycine is good for the brain, its concentration in tablets is too low to break through the protective layer to those cells where it is needed. In higher concentrations, they can easily be poisoned.
- Noopept is indicated for a wide range of brain diseases; it is prescribed for injuries and age patients with vascular problems. In this capacity, it is even used abroad, where it is known by the same name. At the same time, it can also make life much easier for young patients with ADHD: it helps to improve sleep, reduces asthenic manifestations, and improves concentration.
nine0022 - The third popular drug is Cortexin. It has no scientific evidence of effectiveness, but some doctors note that it helps reduce ADHD symptoms in children.
Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Another group of drugs used in the treatment of ADHD, more "heavy artillery" - norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Norepinephrine is a hormone that helps you think better, find your motivation, alertness, and regulate your heart rate when you're stressed. RNII increase the production of this hormone in the body and thereby make life easier for a person with ADHD. In addition, SNRIs help with fibromyalgia. nine0003
Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES, electrosleep):
a method invented by Soviet scientists who dreamed of inventing a drug-free pain reliever. As a result, TES began to be used for a wide range of diseases; judging by this list, this method is almost a panacea.
TES is used for toxicosis of pregnancy and diabetes, they promise normalization of behavior in children and treatment of behavioral reactions in children and correction of psychoorganic disorders in the elderly. And all this with the help of electricity! nine0003
It is difficult for us to judge the effectiveness of this method, but many studies on small samples of patients compared with the control group indicate the effectiveness of this method. At least in the fight against stress: for example, a group of 69 athletes after heavy, exhausting competitions, under the influence of TES, recovered faster than the control group of 37 people. However, this study does not answer the question of whether the accelerated recovery was due to the placebo effect. Of course, part of our skepticism is due to the fact that the author of these lines also underwent treatment for ADHD with the help of electric sleep - and this did not help at all. nine0003
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Paradoxically, while in Russia they try to calm and slow down children and adults with ADHD, abroad they take stimulants for the treatment of ADHD.
In our country, most of these drugs are banned or considered drugs.
Do you have ADHD?
Harmful drinks that disrupt children's attention and parents' mood - Author doctor Boris Aksenov
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (abbreviation: ADHD) is a problem of many parents and children, which is often exacerbated by the use of New Year's drinks. nine0157
Sweeteners, caffeine and sucrose are chemicals that can interfere with a child's attention. What drinks should a child completely refuse?
Do sugary drinks increase inattention and hyperactivity in children?
Research over the past century has supported the concept that increased sugar intake may play a role in the development of ADHD. The main conclusion of scientists: "children who take large amounts of sucrose show severe hyperactivity." nine0003
In another study, children with "sugar sensitivity" were rated by their parents for "strength of hyperactivity".
Parents unanimously agreed that sucrose increases inattention and impulsivity in children.
However, a scientific review of clinical trials conducted 15 years ago concluded that sugar is not the main cause of ADHD. It turned out that a single use of a large dose of sucrose does not affect the attention of children. However, the researchers came to different conclusions: “long-term high-dose sugar consumption is a risk factor for ADHD.” nine0003
Sugar dramatically increases the concentration of dopamine, which is deficient in children with ADHD. If this is the case, then children with ADHD may be consuming more sugar than others in an attempt to correct their dopamine deficiency. A potential causal relationship between sucrose and ADHD may have been overlooked in previous studies.
The sweetest New Year's drinks are apple mulled wine, punch, non-alcoholic mojito and milkshake. 1-2 mugs will not harm if the child does not abuse normal sugar.
nine0157
If your baby is addicted to sugar, you should limit him to sweets.
Non-alcoholic sweetened champagne
Research sponsors, scientists and clinicians have studied the relationship between sweetener use and ADHD for about 40 years. Aspartame and sodium cyclamate are sweeteners that impair children's attention in the short term.
In a study, Korean scientists found that "the administration of a high dose of aspartame exacerbates the symptoms of ADHD." nine0003
A potential cause is a decrease in the sensitivity of dopamine receptors, which regulate the child's attention.
Sugar-free Coca-Cola, Sprite, non-alcoholic champagne, tarragon - drinks rich in sweeteners.
Caffeinated beverages - do you or don't?
Over the past 30 years, caffeine consumption among children has increased by 70%. The main reason is the development of energy drinks containing “pure” caffeine.
The average concentration of a psychotropic substance starts from 45 mg per 100 ml. Energy drinks are rich not only in caffeine, but also in a high dose of sugar. nine0003
Sales of energy drinks have grown by more than 50% since 2005. Caffeine use among children and adolescents is of concern for a number of reasons.
Few studies have examined the physiological and psychological effects of caffeine use in childhood. Although adult data suggests that caffeine is relatively safe, children should not be viewed as just "little adults".
Childhood and adolescence is a period of rapid growth and the final stage of brain development. Proper sleep and nutrition are essential to maximize growth and development. nine0003
The use of caffeine disrupts the structure of sleep, increases the risk of overweight and dental caries. Animal studies show that caffeine can increase impulsivity and anxiety in children.
Teenagers are especially vulnerable to these effects because their brains are still developing.
