135: How Excess Sugar Impacts Kids with ADHD with Michael Goran
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
Release Date: 11/21/2024
158: Why Most Popular ADHD Vitamins Don’t Work with Dana Kay
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay dives into a topic that’s sure to challenge the status quo—popular ADHD multivitamins. With eye-catching labels and lofty promises, these supplements flood our social media feeds and store shelves. But are they really helping our kids? Dana reveals why most of these well-marketed products are nothing more than expensive band-aids—and what to focus on instead. Dana Kay is an ADHD health practitioner, author, and parent who knows firsthand what it’s like to navigate the overwhelming world of ADHD solutions. Through her journey with her...
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157: Critical Mindset Shifts for Parents of Kids with ADHD with Andrea Daigle
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
Making dietary changes for a child with ADHD can feel like an overwhelming uphill battle—but what if the biggest obstacle isn’t your child’s resistance, but your own fear of change? In this episode of The Soaring Child podcast, host Dana Kay is joined by Andrea Daigle, an expert ADHD coach at the ADHD Thrive Institute. Together, they unpack how shifting your mindset as a parent can make the difference between constant frustration and long-term success. From reframing the process as an opportunity for growth to managing social situations with confidence, this conversation is packed with...
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156: Best Herbs for ADHD with Dana Kay
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
Managing ADHD naturally can feel overwhelming, but what if there were powerful plant-based remedies that could help? In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay explores the best herbs for ADHD, breaking down the science behind how they support focus, reduce stress, and regulate emotions. She covers research-backed benefits of herbs like Rhodiola Rosea, OPCs, ginkgo, and ginseng—offering practical strategies for incorporating them into your child’s routine. Dana Kay, a leading ADHD health practitioner, has helped thousands of families find natural, effective solutions for...
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155: Can Horses Help ADHD Kids? with Caz Pringle-Bowden
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
Could working with animals be the key to helping children with ADHD regulate their emotions and build confidence? In this episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay explores the transformative world of equine-assisted therapy. She’s joined by Caz Pringle-Bowden, a yoga facilitator, counselor, and equine therapy expert who has worked with hundreds of neurodivergent children. Caz shares how horses offer a unique form of emotional and nervous system regulation, helping children develop focus, self-awareness, and trust in ways that traditional therapies often cannot. Beyond the horse paddock,...
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154: Zembrin: A Natural ADHD Game-Changer with Dana Kay
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
Managing ADHD can feel overwhelming, but what if there was a natural supplement that could support focus, emotional balance, and executive function—without the harsh side effects of medication? In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay dives deep into Zembrin, a clinically studied, plant-based supplement with promising benefits for ADHD. She breaks down the science behind how it works, its impact on cognitive flexibility, executive function, and stress management, and why it’s a game-changer for so many families. Dana Kay, a leading ADHD health practitioner, shares her...
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153: Regulating the Nervous System for ADHD with Dr. Tony Ebel
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
Have you ever wondered why your child struggles with meltdowns, impulsivity, anxiety, or digestion issues? The answer might not be behavioral—but neurological. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay welcomes Dr. Tony Ebel, a pediatric wellness chiropractor, to explore the vagus nerve—the "unsung hero" of the nervous system. They discuss how vagus nerve dysfunction affects kids with ADHD and why gut issues, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation challenges may all trace back to this critical nerve. Dr. Tony shares groundbreaking insights from his Perfect Storm...
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152: Zinc for ADHD: The Missing Link with Dana Kay
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
Did you know that 95% of children with ADHD may be missing one critical nutrient that affects mood, sleep, sensory processing, and picky eating? In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay, ADHD health practitioner and founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute, takes a deep dive into zinc deficiency—a common but often overlooked factor in ADHD symptoms. She explains how low zinc disrupts dopamine, worsens hyperactivity, and even creates a vicious cycle of picky eating by altering taste perception. Dana also breaks down simple ways to check for zinc deficiency, including an easy...
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151: Solving Picky Eating in ADHD Kids with Andrea Daigle
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
Is every mealtime a battle with your picky eater? You’re not alone! Picky eating is a common struggle, especially for children with ADHD. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay, an ADHD health practitioner, welcomes back Andrea Daigle, expert coach at the ADHD Thrive Institute. Together, they dive into the root causes of picky eating, including sensory issues, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies—and more importantly, how to turn it around without stress or frustration. Andrea shares proven strategies to help parents encourage new foods, reduce mealtime stress, and...
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150: Vitamin D for ADHD with Dana Kay
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay explores the critical role of Vitamin D in children with ADHD. Often called the Sunshine Vitamin, Vitamin D plays a significant role in brain function, neurodevelopment, dopamine production, and immune health—all essential for children with ADHD. But what happens when kids don’t get enough Vitamin D? And more importantly, is supplementation always the right answer? Dana uncovers both the benefits and the potential risks of supplementing with Vitamin D, especially when Vitamin K2 is missing from the equation. As an ADHD Health...
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149: How Emotional Intelligence and Play Transform ADHD with Leroy Slanzi
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay delves into the transformative power of emotional intelligence and unstructured play in supporting children with ADHD and beyond. Joining her is Leroy Slanzi, an esteemed educator with over 25 years of experience and the author of Emotional Schools: The Looming Mental Health Crisis, A Pathway Through It. Leroy brings a unique perspective on how emotional intelligence, coupled with structured and free play, can not only address ADHD challenges but also foster resilience, empathy, and mental well-being in children. Leroy shares his...
info_outlineWe all know excess sugar isn't great, but do we really understand just how hidden and dangerous it can actually be, particularly when it comes to our kids' health and behavior? In this episode, discover how excess sugar can impact kids with ADHD.
Joining us today is Michael Goran. Michael is Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Program Director for Nutrition and Obesity at The Saban Research Institute.
He is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and received his Ph.D. from the University of Manchester, UK. His research on infant and childhood nutrition has been continuously funded by the NIH for the past 35 years, raising $80m in funding, and publishing over 400 peer-reviewed articles.
In 2021 he founded the Southern California Center for Latino Health, a regional initiative focused on developing academic-community solutions to chronic disease disparities in Latino families and funded by a $25m grant from the National Institute for Minority Health Disparities. He has received numerous awards including: The Nutrition Society Medal for Research (1996), The Lilly Award for Scientific Achievement from The Obesity Society (2006), the TOPS award for contributions to obesity research from The Obesity Society (2014), and the Rank Prize Lecture in Nutrition (2018). Michael lives in Silverlake, LA and likes to play tennis, cook, eat, hike, walk his dog and travel.
He is the author of “Sugarproof: Protect Your Family from the Hidden Dangers of Excess Sugar with Simple Everyday Fixes.”
Tune in to discover the truth about sugar and some practical solutions.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
- Free Breakfast Recipe Guide - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/breakfastguide
Key Takeaways:
[7:12] How Sugar Consumption Has Changed Over Time
[10:15] The Misconception of Fruit Juice as a Healthy Option
[10:42] Understanding Sugar’s Effect on the Body and Brain
[14:24] Common Health Impacts of Excess Sugar in Children
[21:21] The Link Between Sugar and Brain Development
[23:28] Practical Tips for Reducing Sugar in Children’s Diets
[24:31] Seven-Day No Added Sugar Challenge
[37:08] Where to Find More Information
Memorable Moments:
"Sugar doesn’t just cause energy spikes; it can completely throw off a child’s mood, focus, and behavior."
"Sugar is hiding in 70% of processed foods – and in 80% of foods marketed to children."
"The more sugar you eat, the more your body craves it – this cycle is designed to keep you coming back for more."
"Most parents don’t realize that apple juice has more fructose than soda made with high fructose corn syrup."
"Our seven-day no added sugar challenge helps reset cravings and boosts focus and energy."
"Excess sugar during brain development can cause long-lasting effects, even if it’s only consumed for a short time."
"Fatty liver disease is now a leading cause of liver disease in children – sugar overload is a huge factor."
"Small swaps make a big difference. Replace one sugary product at a time to reduce sugar intake gradually."
"Becoming ‘sugar-proof’ isn’t about avoidance – it’s about knowing where sugar hides and making healthier choices."
How to Connect with Michael Goran
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarproofkids/?hl=en
- Website: https://www.sugarproofkids.com/
Dana Kay Resources:
🔗WEBSITES:
- https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/
- https://dana-kay.com/
👋SOCIALS:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute
📕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