Attention, Focus and Diet

salles wrote:
Magnesium's main role is in cardiac function. It is instrumental for the proper maintenance of cellular membrane potential, functioning of the mitochondria ( which I call 'energy factories' in cells),and plays a key role in the body’s antioxidative pathways. Therefore it probably is true that it helps with focus/concentration. But honestly, lack of interest or lack of motivation to focus ( eg. no rewards for doing so) probably override the potential benefits of any 'wonder' supplement.

Yeah, I wasn't thinking of it as a miracle drug, just giving it a shot in case it does make some difference.

Bet you can focus on aiming for a clean hit with your target when shooting. That is something many people find taxing.

If I'm focused on something that interests me, then I can focus intently for a long time, but get distracted easily if people don't f*ck off and leave me alone. Some balance between the two would be nice.

I might do some research into this, since I haven't really. When I was given ADD medication at school, my diet was asked about but we never talked about it any further

solemnlysworn wrote:I might do some research into this, since I haven't really. When I was given ADD medication at school, my diet was asked about but we never talked about it any further

They tried that on me as a kid. I don't remember it very well, or which one it was, but my mother said it made me more aggressive and difficult.

It's worth a try.

I was given Ritalin. I was a little too liberal with my self-dosing and so it got taken away for fear of dependency.

The nutrition in particularly I'm curious about now. Nutrition is a minefield and I remember now while looking through why I've avoided it. I fear that I haven't got the temperament or the willpower to wade through all the details, unfortunately.

I underdose on my ritalin script.

It really doesn't mix well with carbs.

SS you could do all this research whilst you're at a loose end, no?

The problem with nutrition and well anything that comes out of the fitness industry is another attempt to come up with a gimmick that is catchy and will work. The things that work have been the same for a long time.

There are apps for your phone now that you just put in what you eat, you have to weigh and measure everything which is a pain in the ass at first but once you know what a good diet is it becomes easier and easier. On the app I have you can scan in the barcode from what you ate and usually it’s in there you just have to put in how much. Etc. but it keeps track of calories, macro nutrients, and even vitamins and minerals.

This has helped me substantially, because I always cramp when eating clean and I would eat a banana for potassium, that’s what I was always told to do but it was an eye opener how much potassium I’m supposed to be taking in. Another one is fiber, it’s hard to get enough fiber in. If all these things are balanced you will function at optimum levels in my opinion. If your diet is perfect you probably don’t need supplements BUT it’s never going to be so I like to fill in the gaps with supplements.

ZeroZ wrote:If your diet is perfect you probably don’t need supplements BUT it’s never going to be so I like to fill in the gaps with supplements.

The problem with this is you're then probably over-providing certain things, which could be worse.

Generally, I think that as long as you eat from all the food groups, you're going to get what you need.

Most people's diets don't suit them because they don't drink enough water. Every organ needs water to work properly. If you're not hydrated properly, it won't matter what you're ramming into your system, it won't be processed correctly. If you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

I was a little disappointed with flavour of the peanut butter protein balls I bought from Lidl.

A bit bland I thought but perfectly adequate for brain function, energy and to stave off hunger.

A rounded diet is the best. Lots of vegetables, fish, fruits, some good grains, not too much red meat, eggs, seeds, nuts, etc. Limited sugars, alcohol, processed foods. I've never made a point of eating more protein. I just make sure it's part of every meal in some form. All the standard advice is the best, really. Also some fasting now and then, daily strenuous exercise, fresh air, and a daily routine. I've yet to take a supplement that I could notice significant improvement with focus/attention. I take a daily multivitamin though...most years.