Caffeine and the Treatment of ADHD

It may seem weird to think of caffeine and the treatment of ADD/ADHD working together, but it may be possible.

The active part of caffeine is methylxanthine, which is a mild stimulant that activates noradrenaline neurons. This then affects the local release of dopamine which is a key neurotransmitter.

What Caffeine Does to the Body

Dopamine plays a part in motor control, when there is a low level of dopamine it can affect the way a person controls their movement which could also cause Parkinson's disease.

Caffeine also reduces the blood flow in the brain; this is similar to the effect of ADD/ADHD medications which stimulate the effects dopamine levels and cerebral blood flow. The cognitive effects of caffeine are also similar to ADD/ADHD medications. Caffeine can also help with processing information and staying focused.

Studies on Caffeine Using 250 mg of Caffeine

In 1987 a study was performed on non-ADHD kindergarten aged children and found no noticeable effect when given caffeine. Then in 1994 another study was done on prepubescent children and found that caffeine did improve attention and dexterity.

Studies done on children with ADD/ADHD had even better results. In 1973 a study used two cups of coffee a day as an alternative for medications and the results were promising. In 1981 caffeine was used as an alternative to medication and it found that caffeine in low dosages had the same effect as 10 mg of methylphenidate (Ritalin).

Health Risks

We know more about the health risks of caffeine used long term then those of prescribed medication. Safe levels of caffeine are 400 mg for adult males, 300 mg for adult females and 2.5 mg per kilo for children.

When levels are higher then that a dependence on caffeine can occur, a symptom of dependency could be headaches when caffeine is not present. Large amounts of caffeine can induce heart attacks and cause hand tremors.

What's in that cup?

In a 5-6 ounce cup the amount of caffeine is:

Ground Coffee - 85 mg
Instant Coffee - 60 mg
Decaffeinated Coffee - 3 mg
Tea - 30 mg
Cola - 18 mg
Red Bull Can - 80 mg

Replacing Medication with Caffeine, is it safe?

Trying to replace large doses of ADD/ADHD medication with large doses of caffeine will likely produce undesirable side effects. But using caffeine to replace moderate doses of ADD/ADHD medication may be of some value. Keep in mind that there are hidden amounts of caffeine in soft drinks, sweets and cold medicines so be careful of your intake.

A Natural Alternative - Listol

If you are worried about giving your child caffeine, then Progressive Health does have an all natural vitamin supplement called Listol that can be used as an alternative.

Listol is the most potent alternative to medication, for alleviating ADD/ADHD in adults and children.

Listol is a safe and natural formula that has been engineered to support the function of your central nervous system. By neutralizing nutrient deficiencies known to influence ADD/ADHD onset, as well as helping the body balance neurotransmitter production, Listol works to keep your ADD/ADHD symptoms in remission.

To learn more about Listol and how it works, click here.