Rumor has it that Starbucks baristas have dubbed matcha lattes “the ADHD special” - and for good reason. With its unique ability to provide calm focus and steady energy, this green powerhouse might just be the secret weapon for those looking to manage ADHD symptoms without relying solely on medication.
According to the CDC, there’s been a 123% increase in the rate of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnosis in the U.S. between 2007 and 2016. Much of this spike in diagnoses occurred during the pandemic, when heightened stress and anxiety led to more thorough evaluations, sometimes uncovering ADHD alongside other conditions. Conventional treatments often involve prescription medications such as stimulants, primarily amphetamines (such as Adderall and Vyvanse) and methylphenidate (such as Ritalin and Concerta). These medications work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily dopamine and norepinephrine, which can help improve focus, attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD.
As with all serious drugs, they may come with unwanted side effects such as heart palpitations, anxiety, sweating, and headaches. In addition, a nationwide production shortage that began in October 2022, coupled with rising demand, has left many patients struggling to find alternatives, impacting their ability to function at work, home, and in relationships.
Thanks to new medical research, some relief may be found in something as natural, gentle, and easily accessible as a tea leaf. Many people are seeking a more natural approach to managing ADHD symptoms, or simply in need of a complementary treatment when prescription ADHD medications are unavailable. Enter matcha, a centuries-old Japanese green tea known for its calming yet focused energy - a perfect combo for the ADHD brain.
Matcha tea has emerged as a potential aid for individuals with ADHD due to its unique combination of L-theanine and caffeine, which work together to improve focus and attention without the jittery side effects often associated with other stimulants. Here’s the science behind matcha’s usefulness as a tool in the naturopathic management of ADHD:
1. Calm Focus Without the Crash. One of the main struggles for those with ADHD is maintaining focus without overstimulation. Traditional caffeine sources like coffee and energy drinks can provide a quick jolt of energy but often lead to a crash, exacerbating symptoms of restlessness and distractibility. Matcha, however, delivers a much smoother, more sustained release of energy thanks to its unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid abundant in matcha. The synergy between these bioactive compounds provides the focus-enhancing effects of caffeine without the crash, while the L-theanine tempers any over-stimulation, leading to a balanced cognitive boost.
A 2019 study published in “Nutrients” found that L-theanine promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It increases alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a calm yet alert state of mind. Combined with the moderate caffeine content in matcha, this helps improve attention and task performance without the jitteriness or crash often caused by other caffeinated beverages. Studies published in “Nutritional Neuroscience” and “Biological Psychology” further support the benefits of this combo, showing that it can improve focus and memory and reduce mental fatigue.
These findings suggest that matcha, with its unique combination of L-theanine and caffeine, can offer a complimentary approach for enhancing concentration and mental clarity in those with ADHD.
2. Improved Executive Function. ADHD often affects executive function - skills like planning, organizing, and focusing on tasks. A 2021 study in “Neuropharmacology” demonstrated that the L-theanine-caffeine combination in matcha improved cognitive performance and attention span, particularly in tasks requiring sustained focus. This combination enhances the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter often deficient in those with ADHD. Dopamine plays a critical role in reward-driven behavior, focus, and motivation - areas where many individuals with ADHD face challenges.
3. Anxiety Reduction. Anxiety and ADHD often go hand-in-hand, and traditional stimulant medications can sometimes increase anxiety symptoms. Matcha's L-theanine content may provide an alternative route for reducing anxiety. A study in “The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry” showed that L-theanine reduced anxiety levels in participants, particularly when they were faced with stress-inducing situations. For those with ADHD, reducing anxiety is crucial for maintaining focus, as anxiety can heighten distractibility.
4. Mindfulness in Ritual. Beyond its biochemical benefits, matcha has a unique cultural legacy tied to mindfulness and ritual. The traditional preparation and sipping of matcha offers a moment of calm in a busy day, serving as both a mental break and a tool for focus. Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines has been shown to improve ADHD symptoms by fostering greater awareness of one’s thoughts and actions. A study published in “The Journal of Attention Disorders” found that mindfulness practices significantly reduced ADHD symptoms in adults. Ready-to-drink Tatsu Tea is the perfect solution for enjoying the mindfulness of sipping matcha without the time-consuming prep (or added sugar of most coffeehouse matcha lattes).
Matcha offers a practical, easily accessible option for those looking to improve focus and maintain mental energy throughout the day, especially when traditional medications are difficult to obtain or come with unwanted side effects. While it’s not a replacement for prescribed treatments, its holistic benefits make it a powerful supplement for managing ADHD symptoms naturally, particularly in times of medication scarcity.
At Tatsu Tea, we use this powerhouse ingredient as our fuel to help you stay focused, grounded, and ready to take on your day. Whether you’re hustling at work, studying for exams, or managing the day-to-day tasks of life, Tatsu Tea is here to support your journey - one sip at a time.