3 Aspects of Health to Address to Improve Focus and Mental Clarity. Maybe you don't have ADHD?

You have these things to do, and it seems to take longer than you like. You are reading things over and over again and it is not only getting to be very not interesting but dreadful. Then perhaps there is a small amount of guilt that overhangs as it feels like not much is accomplished today. You might start to feel tired. The more behind you are, the less you feel like doing it. It’s not your fault. Maybe ADHD is not to blame either. Perhaps there may be some physical issues that may have been overlooked.
Candida:
Some symptoms of Candida overgrowth can include: brain fog, mood issues, fatigue, skin issues, acne, fungal eczema, scalp odors, bloating vaginal discharge, headaches etc. Other “bad” dysbiotic microbes in the gut can also affect concentration, focus and memory. In fact there are associations between increased leaky gut and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s later in life. The increased inflammation in the gut is often associated with increased microinflammation in the brain and nervous system which is a contributor to some of these conditions.
Not consuming refined carbohydrates or refined sugars is important because these foods feed candida overgrowth.
Spleen Qi Deficiency
The “Spleen” in western medicine is an organ that stores an extra reserve of blood to be used in case of an emergency (blood loss) or hypoxia. In Chinese medicine, the spleen is related to the digestive system and plays a role in the immune system. The energy of the spleen is easily depleted with mental work and even more depleted with frequent emotions of worry. So by nature of jobs, a construction worker is less likely to be spleen qi deficient than a lawyer. Worrying and overthinking weaken digestion, but the weaker the spleen qi, the harder it is to focus the mind. Another task of the spleen is to remove “dampness”. Too much dampness in the stomach can lead to feeling bloated, loose stools, nausea etc. Too much dampness in the lungs is associated with a tendency to phlegm in the chest. Too much dampness in the head is associated with brain fog, cloudy thinking, slow thinking, difficulty concentrating and feeling easily overwhelmed.
Consuming room temperature or warm foods as opposed to ice-cold drinks, ginger, cinnamon, poria and ginseng are some things that can help improve spleen health. Using the dry sauna or an infrared sauna is also helpful in fortifying the spleen system.
Liver qi Stagnation and Liver Fire
The liver is a very important organ and performs hundreds of metabolic functions, many of which involve detoxifying or keeping the toxins out of our bodies. Note that the TCM imbalances described may often be present with normal liver bloodwork such as AST, and ALT etc.
Often when there is an overload of toxins, and the system is “clogged”, TCM calls this imbalance Liver qi stagnation. It is associated sometimes with emotions of feeling stuck in life, or difficulty starting tasks. Liver qi stagnation is often associated with any type of achy pain.
Simple ways to move the liver qi is to exercise and move the body. Deep breathing, breathwork and even a message can move liver qi as well as specific herbs and supplements. When the liver qi flows, you’ll feel more energetic, focused, motivated, light and often with less aches and pains.
When there is an overload of toxins, sometimes the body creates an imbalance pattern of “Liver Fire”. Fire and heat rise. Symptoms of this include overthinking, recurring thoughts, tendency to anger or frustration, migraines and anxiety. When we use herbs such as Rehmania and others as well as appropriate liver detoxification support, many patients find that their minds quiet, they are less easily triggered and that it is easier to focus and accomplish things with less effort.
I’ve worked with adults and kids naturopathically to help with attention and improved mental function and mood. It is encouraging to see how natural therapies work well and offer an alternative to those who prefer to not take medications. I have some perceptive teenagers telling me they find schoolwork easier, and that they get better grades. Not only is it important to address the physical, spending time with patients to talk and address the mental, emotional, and energetic aspects can take progress much farther. It is beautiful to see people having an easier time with school or work, more confidence, feeling fulfilled, and able to enjoy life.
Feel free to reach out here if I can be of help.
The information above is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease.








