In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, we're diving into a topic that might seem a little bit unexpected, but could completely change how you support your child with ADHD, and that is oral health. Joining us for this episode is Dr. Derek Gatta.
Dr. Gatta is a dentist and co-founder of RiseWell, a science-backed oral care brand that’s revolutionizing the industry with its non-toxic, dentist-formulated products. After realizing that most toothpaste on the market contains toxic ingredients, he teamed up with his sister and brother-in-law to create RiseWell, which uses ingredients like hydroxyapatite, a natural alternative that’s both safe and effective.
As the head of the scientific council at RiseWell, Dr. Gatta leads the search for the healthiest and cleanest ingredients, raising the bar for quality and purity in oral care. He’s not only an expert in the field, but he’s passionate about helping people achieve optimal oral health, which is so vital for overall well-being—especially for kids with ADHD.
If you’ve ever wondered how your child’s toothpaste could be playing a role in their ADHD symptoms, you do NOT want to miss this episode.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways: [6:58] The Impact of Oral Health on ADHD [10:49] Common Toxic Ingredients in Traditional Oral Care Products [13:22] The Fluoride Debate: Risks and Alternatives [17:11] Hydroxyapatite: The Natural Alternative to Fluoride [22:18] Other Natural Oral Care Ingredients [24:15] How to Find a Natural-Minded Dentist
Memorable Moments: "I couldn’t believe that something as basic as toothpaste could be contributing to my son’s ADHD symptoms."
"We discovered the toothpaste my son was using was full of artificial ingredients that triggered hyperactivity."
"Oral health is just as important as diet when it comes to supporting kids with ADHD."
"There’s a strong connection between oral health, gut health, and brain health, especially in children with ADHD."
"Bleeding gums can serve as a gateway for bacteria, potentially leading to inflammation that worsens ADHD symptoms."
"Traditional toothpaste contains toxic ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can harm the body’s natural balance."
"Many kids with ADHD swallow toothpaste, making it even more crucial to avoid harmful ingredients."
"There’s growing research showing the potential risks of fluoride on neurodevelopment in children."
"Hydroxyapatite is a safe, natural alternative to fluoride that protects teeth without the health concerns."
"Parents need to ask their dentist about fluoride alternatives and safer oral care options for their children."
How to Connect with Derek Gatta
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Have holidays historically been difficult for your child with ADHD? Do the changes in routine affect their behavior? In this episode of the Soaring child podcast, discover how to best prepare your child with ADHD for the changes in routine that the holiday season brings, how to handle judgment from well-meaning relatives without letting it affect your confidence or emotional state, and how to both prevent and manage meltdowns when the excitement and overstimulation of the holidays start to take their toll.
Ashley Gobeil is a frequent guest on this podcast because she gets it—she’s helped countless families like yours and mine navigate the complexities of raising a child with ADHD. She is a highly experienced therapist with over 15 years in the field. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Social Health & Counseling, and a Master’s of Social Work.
But beyond the credentials, she’s worked in a wide range of settings, including childcare, schools, and child and adolescent mental health. Her expertise includes supporting children with ADHD, ODD, and learning difficulties, and she’s a trusted voice on issues like family dynamics, trauma, and attachment theory.
This conversation could make all the difference this holiday season, so tune in!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways: [4:29] Practical Tips for Preparing ADHD Children for the Holidays [9:50] Managing Judgment from Family Members [17:08] Preventing and Managing Meltdowns [23:28] Soothing the Nervous System During Holiday Overstimulation [27:48] Summary of the Top Tips for Handling ADHD During the Holidays [29:30] The Importance of Self-Care for Parents
Memorable Moments: “The holidays can be magical, but for families like ours, they definitely come with unique challenges.”
“Kids with ADHD often struggle with transitions, especially during the holidays when routines are disrupted.”
“Connection before correction—always connect with your child first, especially during emotional moments.”
“The more you can prepare or preempt something before it happens, the better.”
“When you're hearing those comments from family members, validate your own feelings and set boundaries.”
”I know that I’m parenting in the way that my child needs, and I don’t have to justify that to anyone.”
“Parents, take micro moments to look after yourself, because the more you have in your tank, the more you can help your kids.”
“It’s not about punishing or controlling behaviors; it’s about understanding ADHD and advocating for your child.”
“Look for the positive moments, even during tough times, and acknowledge your child's efforts.”
“Overstimulation is common during the holidays, so give your child sensory breaks and low-stimulation environments.”
“With planning, preparation, and empathy, you can create a beautiful holiday season for your family.”
Dana Kay Resources:🔗WEBSITES:
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Red Light Therapy is a powerful tool that's been gaining traction in recent years, and for good reason. It can actually improve mitochondrial function. But how can it benefit our children, specifically those with ADHD? Find out in this episode of the Soaring Child podcast.
Dr. Genevieve Newton, DC, PhD spent close to 20 years as a researcher and educator in the field of nutritional sciences before joining Fringe as its Scientific Director. Dr. Newton’s job is to “bring the science” that supports Fringe’s products and education. She is passionate about all things Fringe, and is a deep believer in healing the body, mind and spirit using the gifts of the natural world.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about red light therapy and its benefits for kids with ADHD.
Links Mentioned in the Show: Book a free call with our team - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/meet Find Red Light Therapy Products Online (use code DANA15 for 15% off any red light product) - https://fringeheals.com/ref/95/
Key Takeaways: [2:50] What is red light therapy? [4:30] How red light therapy works [9:17] How oxidative stress affects mitochondria [12:30] Ways red light therapy benefits kids with ADHD [20:51] How can parents use right light therapy with their kids [28:45] Recommended time kids should use red light therapy daily [30:34] Is red light therapy safe?
Memorable Moments: "Red light therapy is “a very popular topic right now, but there’s a lot of misunderstanding about it.”
”We need to start off by talking about what sunlight actually is.”
”Red light therapy specifically would be the application of red, near infrared or both red and near infrared light for the purpose of influencing biology.”
”Red light therapy is going to work on us on a cellular level.”
”We have major problems with mitochondrial function. And so when you look at the literature for kids with ADHD, adolescents, adults, it’s pretty clear at this point that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the pathology of ADHD. So in theory, something like red light therapy that comes in and helps to support that mitochondrial function could be expected to have a positive effect on the condition.”
”We have this horrible situation that so many people are unaware of and participating in without even knowing it whereby we are exposing our kids to bright lights at night...The exposure to the bright light at night and the blue light shifts that circadian rhythm by about 2 hours.”
”20 minutes for head, 20 minutes for gut, that’s an ideal length of time...Once a day is perfect. But you can also see benefits in literature of 3X a week, 4X a week, 5X a week, 7X a week…I would recommend anywhere from 3-7. What we don’t recommend is doubling up and doing the same body part twice in one day.”
How to Connect with Dr. Genevieve Newton
Website - https://fringeheals.com/ref/95/ (use code DANA15 for 15% off any red light product) Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fringeheals/
Dana Kay Resources:🔗WEBSITES:
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Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a superhero therapy that combines simple exercises and techniques to help kids with everything from their speech to their eating habits to their behavior.
But how do you know if your child could benefit from this therapy? What exactly is OMT? What does a session look like? In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, learn more about Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, or OMT, from special guest Dr. Marielly Michell.
Dr. Mitchell’s innovative approach to OT centered on orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) combines principles of cranial nerve integration, sensory processing, and motor function, allowing her to address neurological and airway dysfunction in infants and children that impact behavior.
She is the founder of Theraplay LA, the first pediatric therapy center to offer comprehensive services that include sleep monitoring in conjunction with virtual and in-clinic occupational, physical, and speech therapy services specializing in sensory processing, motor skills, feeding and swallowing disorders, OMT, nutritional support, and sleep training.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways: [3:58] How OMT can help children with ADHD [8:58] Signs a child might need OMT [14:06] At-home exercises parents can do with their children [18:51] What parents can expect when working with an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist [24:54] Success stories of kids who have been through OMT [30:10] Where to find Dr. Marielly online
Memorable Moments: "Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (which we will refer to as OMT)focuses on…the position of the tongue and where that person puts their tongue. And ideally, everyone should be placing their tongue suctioned to the roof of their mouth behind their 2 front teeth, with their lips sealed and breathing through their nose without tension in their jaw.”
”If your child has a low oral rest posture…basically mouth breathing, then that automatically puts them into a state of fight or flight.”
”When a child is mouth breathing for a long period of time, it will deactivate that area of the brain, and so myofunctional therapy really focuses on facilitating a closed mouth posture and activating the nasal passages and making sure that the person reaches a more ‘rest and digest’ or parasympathetic state.”
”Breathing and sleeping really take a huge toll, and it’s really an abstract silent epidemic that we’re in with this.”
”A really good tip is to always do these exercises in front of a mirror with them so they can get some visual feedback.”
”We’re in a silent epidemic of this.”
How to Connect with Dr. Marielly Mitchell
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In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay, a board-certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, tackles some of the most common myths about ADHD. In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, Dana debunks misconceptions about diet, exercise, parenting, gender, and treatment options, providing parents with responses they can use when someone voices one of the common ADHD myths. Whether you're new to ADHD or a seasoned advocate, this episode offers valuable tools to navigate conversations and better support children with ADHD.
Link Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways: [02:40] Myth 1: Diet Changes Don't Affect ADHD [06:29] Myth 2: Exercise Is Just a Distraction [08:40] Myth 3: ADHD Is a Result of Bad Parenting [11:23] Myth 4: Children with ADHD Are Just Lazy [14:17] Myth 5: ADHD Only Affects Boys [18:06] Myth 6: ADHD Will Be Outgrown [19:59] Myth 7: Medication Is the Only Treatment [22:07] Myth 8: ADHD Isn’t a Real Medical Condition [23:57] Myth 9: People with ADHD Can't Focus on Anything [26:09] Myth 10: ADHD Is Only a Problem in the Classroom
Memorable Moments: "ADHD isn’t the result of bad parenting—it’s a neurological condition influenced by genetics and environment."
"Diet alone isn't a magical cure for ADHD, but it’s an incredibly potent tool in managing symptoms."
"Exercise is not just a distraction; it’s a powerful natural way to support brain health in kids with ADHD."
"Girls with ADHD often go undiagnosed because their symptoms are less overt than boys’."
"You don’t 'outgrow' ADHD—it’s a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management."
"Medication is one option for ADHD, but it’s not the only one. There are effective natural alternatives."
"ADHD is a real, medically recognized condition, not a reflection of parenting skills."
"Hyperfocus in ADHD can lead to intense concentration on activities of interest, but it comes with its challenges."
"ADHD affects all aspects of life, not just academics—from social interactions to long-term career prospects."
"Understanding the realities of ADHD is key to supporting our kids in the best way possible."
Dana Kay Resources:🔗WEBSITES:
👋SOCIALS:
📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:
💻FREE MASTERCLASS
⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS
“The way the water tastes tells you nothing about the potential health effects of drinking water.” This quote from Johnny Pujol is eye-opening.
Is it possible that your drinking water is making you - or your child - sick? In this week’s episode of the Soaring Child podcast, find out why it’s so important to have your home’s drinking water tested.
Johnny Pujol is the CEO of Tap Score and Simple Lab, the leading solution for environmental sampling services and laboratory testing. Johnny earned a Master's in Engineering from UC Berkeley and a bachelor's in Economics from Boston University. His vision is to simplify procurement of environmental sampling and testing services—enabling better decision making for the environment and your personal health.
Link Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways:
[9:04] Common contaminants found in drinking water [12:40] How often contaminants are typically found in drinking water [18:28] The importance of testing water, especially for heavy metals [21:57] Practical steps parents can take to ensure their children are drinking safe water [28:39] Steps for ensuring safe water [31:29] Where to find Johnny online
Memorable Moments:
"Copper is necessary in small amounts, but when you have excessive levels, they can cause so many symptoms that closely mimic ADHD."
"The transformation was remarkable. Those intense symptoms actually began to subside, and their child started to thrive."
"Water is essential for every function in our body; it's clear that the quality of water we consume is of utmost importance."
"We learned firsthand that the way the water tastes tells you nothing about the health effects."
"There are endless chemicals in our environment, and when looking at the ones that impact us through tap water, it's important to know if they are harmful."
"Most people don’t realize that contaminants like lead, arsenic, and PFAs can be present in drinking water without any taste or smell."
"If you do find contaminants in your water, it doesn't need to be like ‘Oh my gosh, the world's going to end,' but it’s very controllable."
"Run your tap water in the morning for a couple of minutes, and you'll get fresher water that has spent less time in contact with your home's plumbing."
"About 30 to 35% of our water tests come back with a result indicating something you might want to address."
"You cannot make decisions about your water quality unless you first test it."
How to Connect with Johnny Pujol
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What is Buteyko breathing? How can Buteyko breathing support kids with ADHD? How long does it take after beginning a practice of Buteyko breathing to see improvements?
In this week’s episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Dr. Miles Nichols joins the show to tell us all about Buteyko breathing. Dr. Miles Nichols is a functional medicine doctor specializing in Lyme, mold illness, gut, thyroid, and autoimmunity. After Dr. Miles personally struggled with chronic fatigue in his early 20’s, he dedicated himself to figure out the root causes. He suffered with and recovered from thyroid dysfunction, autoimmunity, a gut infection, Lyme co-infections, and mold illness.
Dr. Miles has authored two books. He founded the Medicine with Heart functional medicine clinic in Colorado as well as the Medicine with Heart Institute that trains other doctors in functional medicine.
Link Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways:
[4:45] The science behind Buteyko breathing [13:26] How Buteyko breathing could help kids with ADHD [18:56] What is Buteyko breathing? [28:00] Buteyko breathing exercise guided practice [40:10] How soon might parents notice positive changes from Buteyko breathing? [46:47] Where to find Dr. Miles online
Memorable Moments:
”I really wish I had this tool back then because we know now, there’s data and there’s peer reviewed clinical trials, that we can really improve asthma…”
“If I knew back then that CO2 was so important to bronchial dilation…if I had known back then that I could simply hold my breath and breathe less and have my bronchial dilation improve and I could actually start to get air again during that acute episode, I may not have had to go to the hospital…”
”Carbon dioxide does act as a vehicle to produce nitric oxide in the sinuses, and nitric oxide is one of the things that the lungs use to bronco-dilate.”
”Carbon dioxide is directly related to this breathing technique, and it’s directly related to what I would say is the underpinnings of a lot of problems in children and adults today.”
”When it comes to ADHD, that nervous system is incredibly important, and this chronic sympathetic activation can be problematic.”
“We want to reduce the minute volume of air into the lungs.”
”Light, slow, deep breathing is a very basic technique that will help to be able to increase the amount of CO2, or carbon dioxide…”
“Not only is this safe for children, but there’s also been data collected that’s shown improvements on things like asthma for children….We do see the capacity to regain function in an incredible way.”
”The goal is to feel this tolerable ‘air hunger’ where you’re still calm. When you start to notice your heart rate increasing, that’s a sign to back off a little bit.”
“For most people, between 5 to maybe 8 breaths per minute for most people is going to be a rate for most people where we see heart rate variability.”
”For children as a starting point, it’s great to make it into a game and to do it together.”
”Sometimes as little as 4-6 weeks is enough to retrain the brain for base level breathing.”
”Within 1-3 months, we are seeing significant shifts if there is regular training.”
How to Connect with Dr. Miles Nichols
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As parents, we're always monitoring our children's habits and health, but we might not realize how much we can learn from their poop. The color, consistency, and frequency of your child's bowel movements can provide important clues about their digestive health, nutrient absorption, and even potential food sensitivities.
In this episode, we'll discuss what to look for in your child's stool, when to be concerned, and how you can support their digestive health naturally. We’ll also talk about the connection between gut health and brain function and offer practical strategies you can put into place today to help your child thrive.
Links/Resources Mentioned in the Show:
Link to book a free call with my team - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/meet
Key Takeaways:
[3:11] 7 different types of stool
[6:22] DIY at-home gut health test
[8:28] What to do if you have slow transit time
[9:52] What to do if you have fast transit time
[10:58] What is leaky gut?
[21:37] How to improve leaky gut
[26:31] Functional lab tests we recommend
Memorable Moments:
“The color, consistency, and frequency of your child's bowel movements can provide important clues about their digestive health, nutrient absorption, and even potential food sensitivities.”
”The Bristol Stool Chart or Bristol Stool Scale is a medical aid designed to classify feces into seven groups.”
”Our brains are deeply connected to our guts. If our guts aren’t functioning well, our brains won’t be able to function well either. ADHD symptoms can become worse when the gut isn’t functioning properly.”
”A few at-home things you can do to improve slow transit time include: drinking more water, eating foods that are rich in fiber, exercising more, and working to improve the diet (eating more whole, nutrient-dense foods and healthy fats and eating less processed foods). Magnesium citrate can also be beneficial.”
”For many children with ADHD, persistent poo and gut problems are caused by leaky gut.”
”Leaky gut is one of the most common underlying stressors that I see in families that I work with. That’s because there is a very close connection between the gut and the brain. One of the first signs of a disconnect in the brain is a gut that is not functioning well, that is because of the 2-way communication between the two.”
”Did you know that the gut is also responsible for making 70 - 90% of our serotonin and 50% of our dopamine which are our happy, feel-good neurotransmitters… in our body that helps regulate our emotions?”
”When it comes to supplementation there is no “one size fits all” approach. Supplementation should be tailored to each individual in order to address specific healing opportunities, provide support, and make up for poor food quality.”
Dana Kay Resources:🔗WEBSITES:
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Mary Ann’s son said he was “the worst kid.” He wanted to do what his parents and teachers asked of him, but he just couldn’t. His ADHD symptoms made it feel impossible for him. It broke Mary Ann’s heart.
Even though this is heartbreaking, there is good news too. Things can change! Mary Ann’s son Adam is doing INCREDIBLE now, and his self-esteem has improved too. Mary Ann sat down with us not too long ago and joined this episode of the Soaring Child Podcast.
Mary Ann is a remarkable mom who has been on the frontlines advocating and adapting for her child with ADHD. Tune in to this episode to hear her inspiring story!
Link Mentioned in the Show:ADHD Fast Class - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl
Key Takeaways:
[2:59] Challenges Mary Ann’s son faced as a result of his ADHD
[12:38] How Mary Ann felt when her son was first diagnosed with ADHD
[13:33] Why Mary Ann chose to try natural strategies instead of medication
[18:45] Improvements Mary Ann saw in her son
[20:36] Advice for families just starting the journey
[22:43] How Adam’s dad feels about the changes they have made
[23:46] Mary Ann’s advice for parents feeling hesitant about natural strategies
Memorable Moments:
“He said, ‘I’m trying. I want to follow what everybody was asking me to do. They want me to sit still. I really want to do it. But the thing is, I don’t know how'… He said he couldn’t do it, even though he wanted to.”
”An ADHD journey or an ADHD diagnosis doesn’t necessarily look the same for everyone.”
“He was gluten-free for two weeks…The first thing I noticed - and I was shocked - was his handwriting. His handwriting improved so much. And so did his sleep. It was like magic.”
”When I first started, I was skeptical. I was nervous. I wasn’t sure if I was making the right choice…”
”The number one thing that I did was I focused on the food that he can eat. I did not focus on the foods that he can’t eat.”
“If you’re skeptical but then you saw ‘Dana Kay’ on Facebook or you saw ‘ADHD Thrive Institute,’ it’s a good sign. Take it as a good sign because this is help that the universe is sending to you…I wish I had delved into it right away.”
“If you are skeptical, try it. There’s nothing to lose…It’s an investment in your child. It’s an investment in their body…They will feel better and they’re going to tell you.”
Dana Kay Resources:
🔗WEBSITES:
👋SOCIALS:
📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:
Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/
💻FREE MASTERCLASS
Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl
⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS
ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/
Dye-Free for ADHD Course - https://bit.ly/4aFj6TY
Have you ever wondered what could be lurking in your home, affecting your family’s health without you even knowing? In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, special guest Wendy Berndt shares her incredible journey with finding mold in her home: the initial signs that made her suspect mold, the health issues her kids faced, and the tough journey of getting medical professionals to see the link between mold and health problems.
With over 17 years of experience reviewing high-cost medical claims and collaborating with employers on wellness strategies, Wendy has profound insight into the impact of poor lifestyle choices, medication, and toxic exposures. Her personal journey is interwoven with the difficulties her children faced – navigating ADHD, anxiety, impulse control, and emotional dysregulation.
After discovering the effects of toxic mold through the ADHD Thrive program, she became very passionate about helping others discover their own path to healing. As an FDN-P, wife, and mother of three, Wendy personally understands the challenges parents face. Her commitment extends beyond professional expertise; it’s a heartfelt dedication to make a difference in the lives of others.
Tune in to learn more about the effects of mold on ADHD kids.
Link Mentioned in the Show:ADHD Supplements - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/supplements
At Home Mold Test - https://thedusttest.com?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=2&affid=127
Key Takeaways:[4:44] Wendy’s personal story with mold in her home
[11:15] The symptoms Wendy’s family was experiencing from mold exposure
[13:32] How the doctors responded to Wendy’s concerns about mold
[15:37] How Wendy’s approach to parenting and advocating for her children changed as a result of her experience
[19:43] How Wendy’s personal experience has changed her life
[25:21] If parents expect mold exposure, what should they do?
[29:46] What parents should watch for when getting mold remediation
Memorable Moments:
”It [mold] can affect everyone, even if you don’t realize that it’s affecting the whole household.”
”It’s neuro-toxic. It definitely has so much impact on the body and when you start digging in, you don’t know that at first. I mean, I’ve learned so many things along the way just by making mistakes.”
”I saw all my kids' symptoms - and my own - just increase like crazy. It was ten fold. It was this giant dose of mold, and I could just clearly see what was impacting them…it made me a huge believer.”
”It was a very different range of symptoms for each one of us and so it was hard to pinpoint exactly, ‘Oh, I think our house is making us sick.”
”The professionals that we’re going to, they don’t always know everything.”
”Trust your instincts. You know yourself best. You know your children best.”
”If somebody says to investigate mold, you have to do it. Don’t wait like I did because I would have found out sooner!”
”If you’re suspecting that mold might be an issue, get a test done…Not all tests are made equal.”
”Your body will heal. That’s what our bodies are made to do. Just keep going. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
How to Connect with Wendy Berndt
Book a free call with Wendy and the team at ADHD Thrive Institute: https://bit.ly/3X5ZVvT
Dana Kay Resources:🔗WEBSITES:
https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/
https://dana-kay.com/
👋SOCIALS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/
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📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:
Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/
💻FREE MASTERCLASS
Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl
⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS
ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/
Dye-Free for ADHD Course - https://bit.ly/4aFj6TY
What is dopamine?
How does it affect ADHD symptoms?
What types of things can affect dopamine levels in the body?
In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Dr. Miles Nichols joins the show and dives deep into how dopamine functions in the body and the impact that infections and toxins can have on both dopamine levels and ADHD symptoms.
Dr. Miles Nichols is not just a functional medicine doctor; he's also someone who has walked the path of health challenges and emerged with a determination to help others find their way through similar struggles. He has a focus on Lyme disease, mold illness, gut health, thyroid dysfunction, and autoimmunity. Dr. Nichols has turned his personal battles into a professional crusade to uncover the underlying causes of these conditions. From founding the Medicine with Heart Clinic in Colorado to establishing an institute for educating doctors in functional medicine, and authoring two pivotal books, Dr. Nichols has dedicated his life to this mission.
Link Mentioned in the Show:Thriving with ADHD Book - adhdthriveinstitute.com/book
Key Takeaways:
[4:52] Often overlooked factors that contribute to attention challenges in children
[9:46] Factors that create antibodies against dopamine receptors
[16:10] How can environmental or infectious agents contribute to altering the function and even sometimes structures in the brain?
[23:58] What is dopamine and how does it play into attention issues?
[29:38] How sugar affects dopamine
[32:20] What lab testing is available to assess brain function, dopamine, and structure changes that could contribute to attention issues?
[37:03] What are some initial steps parents can take at home based on this information?
[41:26] Where to find Dr. Miles Nichols online
Memorable Moments:
”There are some triggers for neuro-inflammation that may play a bigger role, I think, in attention issues than a lot of people appreciate.”
“It is not uncommon at all that I find - especially in children and adults with attention issues - that there are antibodies…against dopamine receptors…There are some known triggers that can cause…the immune system to start to attack dopamine receptors.”
”Without even changing dopamine at all, we can change the way in which dopamine impacts mood, focus, and drive.”
”It appears as though glycine has a calming effect on the brain. It also seems that it has an effect for temperature regulation, it can improve sleep…”
”For many children and for many people struggling with attention issues is that higher doses of glycine - paired together with looking at causes of toxins and infections and other things like that - can be quite useful and I don’t see it being talked about very often.”
”Dopamine is what we call a neurotransmitter or sometimes it’s referred to as a hormone…Neurological effects and attention effects are part of it. Pleasure is associated with dopamine.”
”In some ways, we can think of dopamine as part of the reward system of the brain.”
”Attention is money when it comes to consumerism and business.”
”It takes more and more stimulus to drive the motivation and pleasure.”
”Because the levels of dopamine are so variant, going up and down, it’s less valuable to get a snapshot in time level of dopamine. There are precursors to dopamine and there are nutrients and we can look at nutrient testing. I find nutrient testing to be quite helpful.”
”If diet isn’t dialed…if sleep is not there…if there’s overuse of. electronics..some of these basics. I don’t recommend going into the nuances of detailed labs when those basics haven’t been addressed first.”
”A next layer after diet and stress and sleep and electronic use and stimulation… a next layer that’s really helpful for people is to go into gut function…And a sinus swap I like too.”
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