The doctor recommends one supplement that can “help” those struggling with “focus, anxiety or impulsivity.”
A doctor has shared the one supplement he recommends to anyone with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr Ali Ajaz, a consultant psychiatrist, often shares information and advice on TikTok to his more than 90k followers.
In a recent clip, he said there is one supplement that can “help” those struggling with “focus, anxiety or impulsivity.” ADHD is a condition that affects people’s behaviour and, according to the NHS, people with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.
The doctor recommends taking ashwagandha, which is derived from the ashwagandha plant, a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and Southeast Asia. It is often used to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.
In the clip, Dr Ajaz said: “Did you know that ashwagandha can help with ADHD? If you struggle with focus, anxiety or impulsivity keep watching. Hi, I’m Dr Ali Ajaz, a consultant psychiatrist, and ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb meaning it helps your body manage stress For ADHD, it can make a big difference and here are four reasons why.”
He added: “Number one, many people with ADHD have high cortisol levels, making them feel anxious or overwhelmed. Ashwagandha helps lower the stress hormone, which helps improve focus and emotional regulation.”
According to Healthline, research suggests ashwagandha supplements may help relieve stress and anxiety. They said: “Ashwagandha may help control mediators of stress, including heat shock proteins (Hsp70), cortisol, and stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1).”
He added: “Number two, ashwagandha can help support dopamine production, the brain chemical linked to motivation and attention. That’s why some people feel more clear-headed and productive when they take it.
“Number three, sleep. This is a big problem for most people with ADHD, but ashwagandha can help improve sleep quality, which is crucial because a lack of sleep can make all your ADHD symptoms much worse.”
A 2021 review also concluded that ashwaghanda may help manage depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health-related and neurological issues. Many people take ashwagandha to promote restful sleep, and some evidence suggests it may help with sleep issues.
According to Healthline, one review of five high quality studies found that ashwagandha appeared to have a small but significant positive effect on overall sleep quality, reduce anxiety levels, and help people feel more alert when they woke up.
Finally, the doctor said: “And number four, ashwagandha has been shown to help with mood swings and reduce impulsivity, making it easier to stay calm and focused.”
At the end of his video, Dr Ajaz added: “Now, like with all supplements, start low and go slow and see how your body reacts. And remember, there’s no such thing as a magic fix, but ashwagandha can be a great tool in your ADHD toolbox. And always check with your doctor before trying a new supplement.”
