Supplements and ADHD; An Ayurvedic Perspective

I’ve been looking into some of the advice out there about supplementation for ADHD. Things like L-Tyrosine, iron, Rhodiola Rosea, NAC, and Ginkgo Biloba are often recommended for focus, mood, and energy. But what a lot of people don’t realise is that these nutrients can be found in everyday foods, especially when your diet is tailored to your unique needs.

Before I began my own journey with Ayurveda, I used to take a ton of supplements! I still take the odd few that I know help me, but I’ve learned that no single supplement works for everyone, just like no single diet works for everyone. ADHD shows up differently for each person; it makes sense that the way we nourish ourselves should be just as unique.

Ayurveda reminds us that food is medicine. By eating in alignment with our natural constitution (Prakruti) and addressing imbalances (Vikruti), you give your body exactly what it needs to function at its best. This is especially important for ADHD, where symptoms can vary so much from person to person.

Here are a few supplements recommended for ADHD and the foods they’re found in:

• L-Tyrosine is in dairy, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, and beans.

• Iron is found in leafy greens, lentils, nuts, and seeds.

• Sulfur-rich foods like garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables can help with glutamate regulation (similar to NAC).

• Herbs like Ginkgo Biloba and adaptogens like Rhodiola have their parallels in Ayurveda, which offers personalised herbal options to support cognitive and emotional health.

Ayurveda reminds us to step back and think holistically. Instead of jumping straight to supplements, try to focus on creating balance through food and lifestyle. It’s not always easy, but it’s empowering to know that the nutrients we need are often already in the foods we eat if we choose them wisely.