One Effortless Way to Get Your Focus ‘On’

Find Focus

When I was in college, I had a hard time focusing. It would take me forever to slog through assignments because I couldn’t focus. 

I did everything but my homework… starting with innocently organizing my desk… then my room… then flat out ditching my tasks to watch endless episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Finally, at the last minute (2 a.m., usually), magical inspiration dust would fall on me, and I’d suddenly be able to read or write my way through hundreds of pages.

College would have been tons easier if I had an all-powerful “focus switch” that I could turn on whenever I needed it.

Well, science has discovered that “focus switch”—and it was hiding in my kitchen the whole time! It’s safe, effective, and can be used daily without side effects. 

That switch is called l-theanine. 

Meet L-Theanine

This amino acid is one of the few that has direct access to your brain from your bloodstream. Studies over the past few years have proven that it has the power to directly affect your mood, stress, focus, and alertness.(1,2)

It works by stimulating brainwaves. 

Alpha brainwaves are produced when you’re alert and focused, but relaxed. You produce beta brainwaves when you’re stressed out or in “fight or flight” mode. On paper, alpha waves are elongated and consistent, while beta waves are short and jittery.

L-theanine has been shown to increase alpha brainwaves within 30 minutes of administration. The same study proved that l-theanine does not cause drowsiness—only relaxation and improved focus.(3) 

It is also a precursor to GABA, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for inhibiting that “mind racing” feeling.

L-Theanine + Caffeine… The Ultimate Focus

When L-theanine meets caffeine, as it does in most teas, you get a marvelous effect.

Caffeine stimulates your beta brain waves, while L-theanine stimulates your alpha brain waves.

When the two come together, your alpha waves will win out over the jittery betas.

The result is a relaxed energy with a deep, meditative focus that can turn even the worst case of procrastination into cold, hard productivity.

Where to Get L-Theanine

As far as teas go, the Gyokuru variety of green tea has the highest l-theanine content. L-theanine constitutes between 1-2% of the dry weight of tea leaves, but because brewed tea is diluted even further, it’s much less. So if you have a 2 gram teabag of Gyokuru, you’ll be getting only 1mg of l-theanine in a cup of tea. 

Personally, I’ve found that a big mug of strong tea is enough of the theanine/caffeine combo for me to get focused. 

But if tea isn’t your cup of tea, l-theanine supplements in varying doses are also available. Most are not combined with caffeine, but if you take a supplement with a cup of coffee, you’ll get your desired results. 

You should always consult your doctor before taking new supplements. Theanine decreases blood pressure and slows down the nervous system. If you are taking antihypertensive or stimulant drugs, theanine may keep them from working effectively. 

Learn more about the brain-boosting supplements we recommend here

http://www.ragtaghealth.com/products/view/brainhealth

 References:

(1) Kimura K. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses.

Biol Psychol. 2007 Jan;74(1):39-45. Epub 2006 Aug 22.

(2) Owen GN. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8.

(3) Mason R. 200mg of Zen: L-Theanine Boosts Alpha Waves, Promotes Alert Relaxation. Alternative & Complementary Therapies. 2001 Apr. 91-95.

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