Omego-3 and ADD

         Among other benefits, like improved blood circulation, Omego-3 fatty acids are also a healthy nutrient for the Brain. Research that I found concerning ADD showed;

• A significant reduction of ADD symptoms in adults, especially those Inattentive types (myself). 
• Supporting evidence concerning the positive effects from Omego-3 fatty acids for children/adolescents.

 Here are a few ways that I try to get some Omego-3 amino acids; 

 Fish oil is the best way to get the Omego-3 fatty acids, however, since my husband hates even the look of fish and I am pretty dang poor, I have been searching for other methods of getting the Omego-3’s my brain needs.

I drink Soy Milk because I am lactose intolerant and the other day I found this special one packed with Omego-3’s! (not all soy milk contains Omego-3)

I need to take a Multivitamin and I found that this gummy kind works well for me – HOWEVER, they can bring on some nasty fishy burps so make sure you chew them well or you can get the gel pill form that has special “anti-burp” coating :)

One of the easiest ways I have found to add this nutrient is adding some ground Flax Seed to my diet. Not only do I get the extra fiber I need, I get that Omego-3 boost.

*Note: Omego-3 Amino acids aren’t a “fix-it-all” and are best added to a healthy, balanced diet. However, if we can improve living with ADHD even a little more, especially in our children, then I want to learn more.

·       ·       What has been your experience with Omego-3?

·       What other diet changes that you have made that you have noticed decreased symptoms of ADD?

Mile 9: progress

It felt really good to give my old pair of running shoes some use. I was really nervous to run 4 miles on Friday afternoon, but I kept a steady 10 minute-mile pace with some walking breaks.

It's frustrating to not be at my usual level of endurance, but I'm trying to be patient and not push my body too hard. When I was 16, I tore my MCL muscle cliff jumping at the Lake (thank you impulsivity) and it still acts up these days - especially when I run too hard, too fast. I have my old knee brace, but I feel like it is just going to slow me down.

However, knee ache and all, it felt good to finish up the 4 miles with a smile still on my face. 

Any advice on running with a previous knee injury?

Mile 5: just breathe

breathe in 2, 3...breathe out 2, 3...

Lately, I have been concentrating on my breathing.

The other day in one of my psychology classes we learned some stress management techniques like Autogenic training. This included closing our eyes while we controlled our breathing. Since I am that kind of person who is always over-analyzing something and is scheduled to do too much...a.k.a is always stressed…I felt my body initially reject such attempts to slow my breathing. However, as I continued, I started to feel my muscles relax, mind clear, and started to fall asleep.

Runners know the power of controlled breathing very well. No matter the temptation, no matter how good it may taste to breathe in deep, you cannot not let your breathing control you- you have to control your breathing. You have to trick your running, sweating, and aching body that is screaming signals that you are going to die, that you are okay.

When we voluntarily steady the intake of oxygen to the brain, we tell our bodies, "You are okay. You are not in danger, so calm down. We are in control." which allows your body to turn off that natural stress-response when it is no longer needed.

So for running this week or when looking at the electrical bill…breathe in 2, 3...breathe out 2, 3...

Yoga: experiencing the quiet

   Last night I had a harmonious hour of Yoga class. The relaxing and strengthening work-out was just what the Doctor ordered after getting after the Flu all last week! 

   I could actually rest my foot onto my thigh this time during the position! This is quite the Yoga milestone for me! 

   
   Yoga and Prayer are one of the few moments that I can feel "quiet" within myself. For me, ADHD tends to keep a constant movement, buzzing around my head. It was really nice to experience the peace ... and the burn in my calves. 

Mile 1.5 : discouraged

   As you can see I have been dragging in my efforts to exercise. I did make it to the gym Saturday for a good "aching-thighs" kind of workout, but Jillian Michaels would be disappointed. 

   I have been feeling pretty frustrated with everything lately. It is winter, I am busy, and I do experience minor effects of being lactose intolerant, HOWEVER, I do not think I should be feeling this down about life. I hate feeling tired and colorless.

   Usually I am energetic and hopeful. I make jokes that make people smile. I am lilted. (I don't know if that is a real word, but it perfectly describes that feeling).

   I want to feel more like a summer day when you have been swimming for hours and are munching on some juicy watermelon.

  So given my metaphor for happiness, I am guessing that I need more Vitamin D, exercise, and watermelon. I love watermelon.

   Since I live in the Artic, have been lazy, and I have no delicious water fruit I decided to;

 

Sit in front of a Light Box

Take a 15 min. brisk walk on my lunch break

Drink a liter of water...ok fine only half my water bottle

What picture would describe how you are feeling today?
 
What do you do when you are feeling low?

Mile 1: Just getting started

 

Well here is my first post to blog about my experience running with ADD. Technically called ADHD, however, I think most people are familiar with the shorter version.

I have a love-hate relationship with the "big A". Some days I am like, "Great! I have so much energy during the busy lunch hour!" but then other times I am staring at the computer screen with a blank stupor of thought about what to write in my email I started an hour ago.

I have decided to try to write about my experiences with ADHD to;

1. Help me process, vent, consider, and learn more about myself and this disability

2. Hopefully provide hope, resources, and a community for others dealing with ADD

3. Help motivate me to actually run/exercise more since it is a critical part of helping cope with ADD

I'm really excited about this…and anxious, but more excited. However, like all my other ideas of grandeur, we'll see if I actually finish what I started.

Micah