Latest news with #dopamine
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor reveals a shocking cause of ADHD symptoms that could have a simple fix
Taking iron supplements could be a simple fix for ADHD symptoms like brain fog, poor memory and difficulty focusing, a doctor suggests. Millions of Britons are now estimated to be living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with experts concerned about surging diagnoses. But now, speaking on Instagram, British consultant psychiatrist Dr Ali Ajaz suggested a surprising and 'underrated' cause of ADHD symptoms, low iron stores. In the clip, viewed over 75,000 times, he explained that low iron levels could make ADHD symptoms worse. 'If it's low your brain can't make dopamine properly. No dopamine equals no focus, poor memory, irritability and the "why the heck did I just walk into this room syndrome",' he said. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which helps the brain function, particularly for functions like mood regulation and motivation. Low iron can also cause memory and focus problems even in those who don't have ADHD. Some experts have told MailOnline that this could—in some cases—make people believe they have the condition when they don't, however the extent of this is unknown. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ali Ajaz (@draliajaz) A previous study by French experts, writing in 2008 , that low iron can cause learning difficulties, irritability and reduced academic performance in children. Dr Ajaz adds: 'Sometimes your brain just doesn't need more hustle, it needs more raw materials. 'Feed the brain, fix the function.' However, in what he called a 'twist', Dr Ajaz said the blood test GPs commonly use to measure iron levels may not show you have problem. He explained these tests show active iron levels—the amount of the mineral in the bloodstream at any one time. Dr Ajaz said this had its flaws: 'That number bounces around depending on food, stress or even the time of day.' Instead, he said what people should look out for is their ferritin levels. Ferritin is a protein the body uses to store iron, and a test for it can give a more comprehensive view of how much iron a person has in their body regularly. Dr Ajaz said: 'This isn't just an issue for pregnant women or vegans. Studies show that even in adults, especially women with ADHD, low ferritin is shockingly common.' Therefore, he explained a way to combat ADHD symptoms is to increase iron intake through dietary choices and supplements. And studies suggest this could work. In 2023, experts at Cambridge University found boosting iron levels in women with ADHD significantly improved their mood, fatigue and sleep. Dr Aja also cited a 2022 study which found that over 40 per cent of women with ADHD had low ferritin. When these women were treated with iron supplements they all showed improvements in executive functioning and mood, he said. Researchers have previously estimated that low iron stores could be responsible for around a third of the intensity of ADHD symptoms. Iron is an essential mineral for all people as it is crucial for making red blood cells, which carry life-giving oxygen and blood around the body. This means getting enough iron is crucial for a range of bodily functions—including general energy and focus, digestive processes and a healthy immune system. Red meat and liver is touted by dietitians as rich sources of iron, with pulses and dark green vegetables including lentils, spinach and kale, good plant-based sources of iron. But it is also sold over-the-counter in supplement form, which containing around 14mg per tablet. This can be a good option for vegetarians and vegans who are more likely to have lower iron stores than people who eat meat—with dried fruit, wholemeal cereals and nuts all helping to boost levels of the essential mineral. Patients with low levels of iron intake can suffer from anaemia—a severe iron deficiency which can cause tiredness, heart palpitations and headaches. Pregnant women and those with heavy periods are most at risk of low iron levels. Under NHS guidance, men should aim for around 8.7mg of iron a day, with women aged 19 to 49-years-old recommended to have almost double this at 14.8mg. However, research has long suggested that too much iron can put people at higher risk of developing complications such as liver failure, diabetes, or heart failure. Excess iron can also lead to erectile dysfunction and a loss of sex drive in men and disrupt a woman's natural menstrual cycle. Whilst the exact cause of ADHD remains unclear, it's thought to be linked to problems with how the brain processes dopamine—a chemical that helps regulate attention. For many who live with the condition, symptoms including impulsiveness, problems with organisation and difficulty focusing can be exhausting. ADHD symptoms can be managed with drugs such as Ritalin—which works by increasing activity in the brain in areas that help control attention and behaviour. But, questions are beginning to emerge about the potential risks of these medicines, which range from poor appetite to—in some cases— dangerous heart damage. An estimated 2.5million people in England are now living with the attention deficit disorder. And data suggests more than a quarter of a million children and adults in the UK are now taking medication to combat their inattentiveness and hyperactivity, according to the latest NHS figures. Prescription rates for ADHD jumped by a fifth last year, marking the biggest annual rise since modern records began in 2015. Data suggests the surge has largely been fuelled by a rise in women in their 20s and 30s, although rates are still increasing in children. However, experts have warned MailOnline that the criteria medics use to assess if someone has ADHD is 'nebulous and elastic' meaning a one clinic may say a patient has the condition while another would say they didn't. This raises the prospect of private clinics are over-diagnosing the condition and the unnecessary widespread prescribing of powerful stimulant drugs to treat it. They have also warned many troubles that could prompt an ADHD diagnosis — such as difficulty maintaining attention at work or being distracted easily —are experiences most people have. Booming private ADHD diagnoses is thought to have been partly fuelled by celebrities such as model Katie Price and Love Island star Olivia Attwood talking about their ADHD ordeal and waits of up to ten years for an assessment on the NHS. Social media sites are also full of users telling how medication helped to calm them down, control their fidgeting and boost their concentration. But experts have also argued that ADHD was only officially listed in the UK as a disorder that affects adults in 2008. Before then, it was just recognised as a childhood problem that kids grew out of. As a result, rather than being over diagnosed, some experts claim many adults now being told they have ADHD have gone years having their symptoms dismissed.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Michelle Obama tells parents they must get tougher on kids' social media use despite the 'pain'
Former first lady Michelle Obama urged parents to get "tougher" on their kids' social media use during the Wednesday episode of her podcast, "IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson." Obama spoke with social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt about his 2024 book, "The Anxious Generation," in which Haidt argues that extensive social media and smartphone use have harmful effects on children's brains and well-being. Kids who grew up with a "phone-based childhood" are more likely to encounter anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, he says. During the hour-long discussion, Haidt talked about how social media rewires the brain by stimulating the release of the "reward" brain chemical, dopamine, which fuels an addiction to social media. Obama said that parents need to realize that making tough parenting decisions on things like social media will lead to long-term benefits for their child, even though giving in to their kids' wants, or their own social media fixation, may be tempting in the moment. "Parents suffer from this dopamine thing too when it comes to parenting. Because we want instant reward response from our children. We don't want to wait. We don't want to do the longer-haul thing. You know, a lot of times we have to ask ourselves, 'Are we doing this for our kids, or are we doing this for us?' Because we have the screen too," she said. "And we're being trained on that instant gratification. Maybe the 90-minute story is a problem for us, because we can't sit still. The bottom line is that we've got to get tougher. We've got to get more resilient for our kids. Because I know time and time again that a lot of parents do what's easy for them, you know, and not necessarily what's best for the kid," she continued. Obama told parents there would be "parental pain" that comes with this tough-love approach. "We have to become a little more resilient as parents. We have to become tougher for the sake of our kids… It's not fun. All of it is going to be really, really hard, physically, emotionally, one of the toughest things you do," she warned. "You will be disappointing them, and scaring them and making them hurt and arguing with them and doing all the things that you don't want to do with your best friends. But in the end, as parents, we are responsible for securing the safety and the health of the children we bring into this world. And that means, once we know that something isn't good for them… we've got to do the hard thing, we've got to take the substance from the addict," she said. "And it's not going to be fun," she added. Obama also told parents they shouldn't try to be "friends" with their kids.
CNET
6 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Hack Your Happiness Hormones: How to Boost Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphines and Oxytocin
When was the last time you were truly happy? If you're yearning for happiness, the good news is that your body produces four main hormones that affect your mood. Dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin play a huge role in regulating your emotions. When you experience irregular hormone levels, it can lead to sadness and depression. To explain exactly how these "happiness" chemicals work, I spoke to Loretta Breuning, founder of the Inner Mammal Institute and author of Habits of a Happy Brain. Below are ways to boost your happiness chemicals naturally and become a better you. Read More: 8 Happiness-Boosting Foods You Should Be Eating in 2025 Happy chemicals: The secret to a happy brain Almost everything that makes you feel "happy" is linked to one of the four happiness hormones: dopamine, serotonin, endorphin and oxytocin. Here are some ways you can boost them naturally. Dopamine The hormone dopamine is associated with motivation and reward. It's why you feel gumption when you set an exciting or important goal and why it feels good to reach that goal. On the flip side, if you have low dopamine (which experts say can occur with depression), it can explain feelings of low motivation or loss of interest in something you used to enjoy. Committing to a hobby or sport can boost your dopamine. Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision/Getty Images "Approaching a reward triggers dopamine. When a lion approaches a gazelle, her dopamine surges and the energy she needs for the hunt is released. Your ancestors released dopamine when they found a water hole," Breuning says. "The expectation of a reward triggers a good feeling in the mammal brain, and releases the energy you need to reach the reward." How to boost dopamine Some not-so-healthy habits like drinking caffeine, eating sugar or taking certain recreational drugs increase dopamine. You can find ways to kick this hormone up without turning to potentially unhealthy or addictive substances. "Embrace a new goal and take small steps toward it every day. Your brain will reward you with dopamine each time you take a step. The repetition will build a new dopamine pathway until it's big enough to compete with the dopamine habit that you're better off without," Breuning says. You may already have goals set around your career, work or how much money you'd like to make. Don't forget personal goals. Committing to a rewarding hobby or sport can be just as gratifying as professional goals. Don't just set a few big goals that will take longer to complete. Adopt shorter-term goals so you stay motivated too. "Set a short-run, long-run and middle-term goal so you will always be approaching one when another is blocked. Focus on things you have control over and don't wait for others to set your goals for you," Breuning says. Serotonin Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood but it also helps regulate other functions in your body like digestion, sleep and bone health. With happiness and how you feel every day, serotonin is important for reducing depression and regulating anxiety. How to boost serotonin "Confidence triggers serotonin. Monkeys try to one-up each other because it stimulates their serotonin. People often do the same," Breuning says. You've probably never thought about confidence on a neurochemical level but according to Breuning, if you don't prioritize confidence, your serotonin levels could take a hit. If you are trapped in a cycle of low self-esteem or have had others undermine your confidence, it can be hard to build it back up. It may sound strange, but don't ignore your need for respect and status. "You can develop your belief in your own worth. If you focus on your losses you will depress your serotonin, even if you're a rock star or a CEO. You can build the habit of focusing on your wins. Your serotonin will suffer if you don't," Breuning says. Besides focusing on what you've achieved in life, you can also build confidence in other ways. One way to do this is by working out or adopting a new exercise routine, which helps bolster your confidence when you stick to it over time. Something else you can try is finding ways to get out of your comfort zone each day. Every day that you challenge yourself to adapt to something new, even if it feels uncomfortable at first, you build more confidence. Oxytocin Oxytocin is sometimes called the "love" hormone and is associated with how people bond and trust each other. Certain activities like kissing, hugging and having sex can trigger the release of oxytocin in the brain. It explains why you feel happy when you pet or cuddle with your pets. It's important in childbirth because oxytocin helps the mother's uterus contract to deliver the baby and plays a role in breastfeeding, too. It also helps parents bond with a baby after birth. Playing or cuddling with a pet can give you a big oxytocin to boost oxytocin You can boost oxytocin by being physically intimate with others. Besides the physical aspect, it's important to know that there's an emotional connection to how oxytocin is released. "Social trust is what triggers oxytocin. If you hug someone you don't trust, it doesn't feel good. Trust comes first. You can build social trust by taking small positive steps toward people," Breuning says. You can reach out to a friend or contact you'd like to get to know better. Send someone a thank you note or a card just to tell them you're thinking about them. "Take a small step toward someone each day, and they may reciprocate months later, but if you keep doing it you will build trust networks," Breuning says. Endorphins Endorphins are notoriously linked with exercise: It's the phenomenon that explains the runner's high or post-workout endorphin "rush." They function as "natural painkillers" that help minimize pain and maximize pleasure. This chemical experience can explain why a runner may be able to push through a race with an injury that they don't notice until it's over. "In the state of nature, it helps an injured animal escape from a predator. It helped our ancestors run for help when injured. Endorphins evolved for survival, not for partying. If you were high on endorphins all the time, you would touch hot stoves and walk on broken legs," Breuning explains. Laughter is one great way to naturally produce more to boost endorphins Laughter is one way to boost endorphins naturally. So is eating dark chocolate, watching your favorite drama on Netflix, working out and meditating. Endorphins are released in response to pain, but that doesn't mean you should seek out ways to cause yourself harm (like by overexercising or pushing yourself beyond your limits) just to feel good. "Inflicting harm on yourself to stimulate endorphins is a bad survival strategy. Fortunately, there are better ways: laughing and stretching. Both of these jiggle your innards in irregular ways, causing moderate wear and tear and moderate endorphin flow," she says.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
People Are Sharing The Modern Addictions Nobody Really Thinks About, And Yes, Dopamine Is On This List
When we think of addiction, our minds typically go to substances like drugs or alcohol. But addiction can take many forms — some so subtle and normalized that we don't even recognize them as problematic. So when a now-deleted Reddit user asked, "What's an addiction that nobody considers?" the responses revealed how our modern world has created countless ways to chase dopamine hits and develop unhealthy dependencies. Here's what they had to say: 1."Validation addiction, aka the compulsive need for approval, praise, or recognition from others." —u/RevealIntelligent737 2."Nasal spray. This one is kind of obscure, but the thought of having a stuffy nose and needing more and more and more of that stuff is kind of scary." —u/TazzzTM "I literally cut myself off 10 years ago because it was causing me problems." —bobbutson "This happened to me in fifth grade! It was so severe that I needed to use it at least once an hour, or my nose was completely blocked up. The addiction lasted weeks. I would bring it to school and sneak huffs of it from my backpack during class, pretending I was rummaging for something." —u/iamnotahermitcrab 3."Habits that put us into the same patterns we're already familiar with. For example, let's say someone was previously abused and has low self-esteem, so they now gravitate toward people who mistreat them, etc." —u/crypticcryptidscrypt 4."Food." —u/LivingSalt9816 "This doesn't get talked about enough. Someone can truly quit any of these other addictions. You cannot quit eating. And even if we could, eating is the center of most cultures, communities, and fellowship." —u/GingerrGina 5."Shopping." —u/blissfulheadgames 6."Victim mindset." —u/tokenasian99 Related: 23 Cute, Happy, And Wholesome Posts I Saw On The Internet This Week That You Absolutely Need To See 7."Gambling is often overlooked. It's also not just lotto tickets and bingo. Casino apps, sports betting, online gaming 'mystery boxes,' and day trading are just a few examples of things that use the same mechanics." —u/threadbarefemur 8."Dieting, eating disorders and/or disordered eating, and counting calories." —u/Global_Concept1331 9."Social media." —u/Goddess_alma__ "It's a bigger issue than that. Social media falls under dopamine abuse, basically. It's just a constant onslaught of the pleasure ventures in the brain these days. Companies research ways to hit those centers and use the marketing to sell it. Small things like the action of swiping or flavors in food. Salt. Porn. Video games. Social media. YouTube showing you all the things you want but can't go for. All of these things are beneficial targeted one at a time, but goddamn, it fries people's brains all at once." —u/Klashus Related: Holy Crap, I Can't Stop Laughing At These 28 Painfully Awkward And Embarrassing Conversations 10."Working all the time." —u/MotherEarth1919 11."Dermatillomania, or skin-picking disorder." —u/strangekey2 12."Dating apps. They're like a game, and the incentive for winning is your orgasm." —u/Present-Loss5880 13."Porn." —u/PEACH_MINAJ 14."Sleeping in all the time." —u/Tough_Representative "Sleeping in general. I genuinely can't stop napping during the day. It's awful." —u/lights-camera-bees 15."Weed. While it's not an addictive substance, people definitely become emotionally dependent. One problem is that weed makes you okay with being unproductive and bored, and many people use it as a crutch." —u/8v9 16."Phones." —u/Then_Coyote_1244 "That's me — same with my iPad. When I iron my clothes, I put on YouTube on my iPad. Eating dinner? Netflix. Drinking a cup of tea? TikTok. Waiting on the bus? Reddit. My phone is always in my hand. I take it with me when I go to bed, when I take a shower, when I walk the dog, when I have to get something from the attic, etc. I miss growing up in the '90s and not having a phone — just being present in the moment. But somehow, I can't do it anymore." —u/Dazzling-Yam-1151 What do you think after reading these responses? Are you recognizing some (completely normalized) patterns in your own life or others? What hidden addictions do you think are affecting people today? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline is 1-800-950-6264 (NAMI) and provides information and referral services; is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy. The National Eating Disorders Association helpline is 1-800-931-2237; for 24/7 crisis support, text 'NEDA' to 741741. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website. Also in Internet Finds: Lawyers Are Sharing Their Juiciest "Can You Believe It?!" Stories From The Courtroom, And They're As Surprising As You'd Expect Also in Internet Finds: 51 People Who Quickly Discovered Why Their Hilariously Clueless Partner Was Single Before Meeting Them Also in Internet Finds: People Are Sharing "The Most Believable Conspiracy Theories," And Now I'm Questioning Everything I Thought I Knew
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
How to flatten your belly FAST: The 60-second shower trick that can shred fat from your stomach
What if I told you there's a 60-second ritual that can help flatten your belly, boost your mood, and rewire your brain for resilience - all before you've had your first sip of coffee? No, it's not a superfood smoothie or a $500 gadget. It's sitting right there in your bathroom. It's your shower. More specifically, the cold tap. This simple yet powerful biohack - known as cold water therapy - is one of my absolute favourites. It's free, accessible, and surprisingly effective. I talk about it in my new book Biohack Me, where I break down how we can reset our nervous system, upgrade our biology, and reverse chronic symptoms with small, intentional changes. And trust me, I've lived it. After years battling burnout, postnatal depression, and eventually a full-blown health crisis caused by toxic mould exposure, I discovered the power of cold exposure for my mental and physical health. Cold showers became a cornerstone of my recovery - and now a daily ritual I wouldn't skip for the world. Why it works (and what the science says) Cold exposure has been used for centuries to promote healing and resilience, and modern research is finally catching up. It's been shown to: - Activate brown fat, which helps burn calories and regulate body temperature - Reduce inflammation (a major contributor to ageing and chronic disease) - Trigger a 250 per cent spike in dopamine - the feel-good, focus-enhancing brain chemical - Lower cortisol, your stress hormone, and promote a calm, steady mood - Boost immunity by stimulating your lymphatic system In short, cold water gives your system a jolt in the best possible way. It wakes you up, both mentally and metabolically. It also trains your nervous system to tolerate stress better. That's why it's so powerful for people dealing with anxiety or burnout. It teaches your body how to recover fast and stay regulated. Take the cold shower challenge Now, before you panic and start picturing ice baths à la Wim Hof, let me make this clear: you don't have to go full polar bear to reap the benefits. I recommend starting with what I call the cold shower challenge - a gentle, no-BS intro for everyday people who want to feel better, fast. Here's how to do it: Start slow – At the end of your regular warm shower, switch the water to cold for just 30 seconds. Focus on deep breathing. You'll gasp and maybe scream a bit. Totally normal. Level up – After three to five days, extend to 60 seconds. You'll be surprised how quickly your body adapts. Go fully in (if you're game) – Eventually, try a full cold shower from start to finish. Morning is ideal, it'll leave you buzzing with energy. Bonus tip: Pair it with early sunlight exposure for a natural cortisol rhythm boost and enhanced mood throughout the day. That's the kind of biohacking stack I love - simple, powerful, and totally free. A biohack for your body and your mind Beyond the waistline wins and dopamine rush, there's something deeper at play with cold exposure. It's about choosing discomfort in a world obsessed with convenience. When you step into cold water on purpose, you're signalling to your body and brain 'I'm in control'. That mindset shift - of facing discomfort head-on - spills into other areas of your life. You show up differently. Stronger. Calmer. More grounded. So, if you're looking for a no-fuss, high-impact way to boost your health, start here. One cold minute. Every day. That's it. You don't need to overhaul your life overnight. You don't need a six-week plan or a pantry full of powders. You need a bit of grit. A willingness to get uncomfortable. And a commitment to show up for yourself - even just for 60 seconds. I dare you to take the cold shower challenge this week. You'll thank me later (once your goosebumps settle).
