Cacao as a helpful aid for ADHD sufferers

ADHD and Cacao

For some people with ADHD, mild stimulants such as theobromine found in cacao have similar effects to the more powerful drugs commonly used in treating the disorder. Here is a testimonial from one of our lovely customers on how it’s helped his ADHD symptoms:

“I have always struggled with not being able to relax & sit still, mind always flitting from one thing to another. If I had to sit still I would either constantly jiggle my legs, much to the annoyance of others, or play games in my mind with numbers or images around me.

The to do list would pile up, as I found more and more distractions, to the point where it got overwhelming. But somehow, I would always find time to help someone else - the dopamine hit from doing so made me feel better, but my to do was still there needing doing.

There was a cycle where the list got too much and I would go in to myself and avoid the world, just to try and sort out the list.

In early lockdown I was introduced to cacao. Initially I would take the 25g dose a day, usually in a hot drink. Must admit, at first I found the taste a little bitter, but a spoonful of honey seemed to correct that. I got used to enjoying the drink, and would prep my cacao ready for the next day as a commitment to myself.

I joined a Cacao Ceremony with Breathe Pray Love and had the 42g ceremonial dose of cacao. It felt different, better, a warmth inside, inner calmness and serenity. I upped my daily dose to 30g, and suddenly found my sweet spot.

Cacao has helped me deal better on a day to day basis, my dopamine is far more regulated when I am having cacao regularly. That allows me to avoid finding dopamine hits from other distractions and properly start tackling my to do.

Cacao also contains lots of iron - many of us with ADHD suffer iron deficiencies, and I have been able to stop taking those supplements now.

Tastes brilliant either hot or cold - my favourite is cacao with a bit of mint blended with coconut milk."

Cacao for Autism, ADD, ADHD, OCD

Over the years, there has been a fair bit of feedback on Cacao for helping with autism, ADD, ADHD, and OCD, as it works well as a focus enhancer. Significant positive behavioral change, especially in interacting with others, is usual. Many children will take a lightly rounded teaspoon of the chopped cacao block (about 5-7 g to start with), no sweetening, in the mouth - and like it. 

A small amount, depending on body weight, three times a day works well. A slightly rounded teaspoon of finely chopped or crumbled Cacao (1/4 to 1/2 oz = 7-14 g), taken twice a day, is a good starting amount for a child.

NB:  Please don't give cacao to anyone on ADHD meds without checking as it can lead to seizures