Glutamate and ADHD
If you’re neurospicy and love learning about the body and brain, this blog is for you.
Glutamate is a key neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for excitatory signals, playing a crucial role in neural communication, learning, and memory. However, an imbalance, particularly an excess of glutamate, can lead to neurological and psychiatric conditions.
ADHD and Glutamate Imbalance:
Neurotransmitter Dysfunction: ADHD is associated with dysregulation of several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and glutamate. Research indicates that individuals with ADHD tend to have higher levels of glutamate in certain brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in attention, impulse control, and executive functioning.
Neuronal Overactivity: Elevated glutamate levels can cause overactivity of neurons, leading to the hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms commonly seen in ADHD. This overactivity can also interfere with the brain's ability to filter out distractions and sustain attention.
Cortical Excitability: Higher glutamate levels can increase cortical excitability, resulting in an inability to focus and a propensity for quick, impulsive decisions. This overexcitation of the cortex can disrupt normal cognitive and behavioral processes.
Psychedelics like Ketamine are a potent way to release glutamate from the body. Ketamine isn’t for everyone because it is hard to access given the pricing for psychedelic-assisted therapy and regulations across the country.
Emotional Freedom Techniques, however, are not regulated and anyone can use them independently for self-care and with a trained guide for nervous system healing.
EFT Tapping and Glutamate Release
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often referred to as tapping, is a form of psychological acupressure that involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on a particular issue or emotion. The underlying principle is that tapping can help restore balance to the body's energy system and reduce psychological stress and physiological symptoms.
Connection Between EFT and Glutamate Regulation:
Stress Reduction: EFT has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can help balance neurotransmitter levels, including glutamate. Chronic stress can exacerbate glutamate release, and by reducing stress, EFT can help mitigate this effect.
Neurotransmitter Modulation: Tapping on meridian points is believed to influence the limbic system, particularly the amygdala and hippocampus, which are involved in emotional regulation and stress response. This modulation can lead to a more balanced production and release of neurotransmitters, including glutamate.
Improved Neural Connectivity: EFT may help improve neural connectivity and function, thereby promoting better executive functioning and reducing symptoms of ADHD. By calming the nervous system, EFT can reduce the overactivity caused by excessive glutamate.
Mind-Body Integration: The combination of cognitive focus and physical tapping in EFT can create a mind-body integration effect, helping to regulate brain chemistry and reduce symptoms associated with neurotransmitter imbalances.
Conclusion
Individuals with ADHD often have elevated levels of glutamate, leading to symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. EFT tapping can help reduce these symptoms by promoting stress reduction, modulating neurotransmitter levels, improving neural connectivity, and integrating mind-body processes. This holistic approach can help balance glutamate levels and improve overall brain function, making EFT a valuable tool for managing ADHD symptoms.
Curious about trying EFT for yourself?
I have 2 EFT tapping classes weekly on Zoom: Feel Good Tapping on Sundays and Tap and Tea on Tuesdays.
FGT is for releasing anxiety and stress. You can sign up here: https://tidycal.com/noemi1/feel-good-tapping
T&T is for deprogramming your sense of worth from your productivity. This class is only available through Energy Mastery Club on Patreon: patreon.com/noemisparks
For you’re dealing with destructive symptoms, 1:1 EFT can be a great way to find relief specific to your nervous system. I’m offering Curiosity Calls where I will lead you in an EFT tapping round JUST for you. If you decide to have a full 1:1 session with me, I will give you the $25 call fee back as a discount.
Book here: https://tidycal.com/noemi1/curiosity-call
