Caffeine and Attention Deficit

As a coffee drinker, I think this is probably true. Now if we could add a couple of aspirin to it, and a hot bath, we could seriously conquer the world.

Mild Stimulant of Caffeine Natural Alternative to Drugs

PARLIN, N.J., Feb. 16, 2006 -- Coffee consumption by sufferers of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) may help to calm and focus their minds. No known
rigorous medical studies have as yet been conducted to confirm anecdotal evidence, but parents of hyperactive children notice beneficial effects of coffee on their ADD/ADHD-afflicted children. Observations of the effectiveness of coffee in calming kids are numerous in ADD/ADHD forums and discussion sites across the Web.

Natural health proponent and well-being guru Dr. Andrew Weil has said that coffee may be of some help to sufferers of Attention Deficit Disorder: "I'm not aware of any herbal treatment for ADHD, except possibly coffee, which may work like Ritalin for some patients." Coffee is often touted by the alternative medical community as a safe and natural way to treat ADD/ADHD.

Kids diagnosed with ADD/ADHD are often given powerful drugs liike Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine and Strattera, prescription medicines which increase the level of dopamine production by the body. Higher levels of dopamine calm and help focus overactive minds. Coffee can increase dopamine production in a natural way without risks associated with prescription drugs, since the only side effect of coffee may be minor headaches upon withdrawal. Kids should avoid using sugar to sweeten coffee as sugar aggravates the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

Dozens of studies have been done on coffee recently and each new study seems to point to further health benefits of coffee consumption. One recent study showed high levels of antioxidants in coffee, leading to better health for those who consume more than two cups daily.

Several studies have shown decreased risk for several common diseases, including type 2 diabetes, liver cancer, and breast cancer, and one study suggests the benefit of increased short-term memory.

Tomas DePaulis, PhD, research scientist at Vanderbilt University's Institute for Coffee Studies, was quoted in a WebMD special report saying, "Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful ... For most people, very little bad comes from drinking it, but a
lot of good."