161: Could This Gut Bacteria Be Fueling ADHD Symptoms with Dana Kay
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this eye-opening episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay explores a hidden root cause of ADHD symptoms that most parents (and even doctors) overlook—Clostridia overgrowth, specifically C. diff. If your child struggles with meltdowns, mood swings, anxiety, or sleep issues—and nothing has worked—this episode could be a game-changer. Dana breaks down what C. diff is, how it affects neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, and why many kids are being misdiagnosed when the real problem lies in their gut. Dana Kay is an ADHD health practitioner, author, and mom who has helped...
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160: Move to Focus with Rob Owen
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay sits down with Rob Owen—former school principal and expert in mindfulness-based movement—to explore a transformative approach to helping kids with ADHD thrive. Rob shares his remarkable journey from a traumatic car accident to discovering the power of Tai Chi and Qigong, and how these ancient practices became a game-changer for students struggling with focus, emotional regulation, and restlessness in the classroom. Dana and Rob unpack how movement, breath, and focus can be seamlessly integrated to support children both at home and at...
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159: Hope for Struggling Readers with David Chalk
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this eye-opening episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay is joined by David Chalk, an entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate for literacy who learned to read at the age of 62. Despite battling dyslexia, ADHD, and a rare condition that affects facial recognition, David built a wildly successful life. He now shares his powerful journey and introduces his groundbreaking AI-powered program, ReadingRoad.io, which is set to revolutionize how we teach children and adults to read—by focusing on the science of sounds, connection, and compassion. Dana and David dive deep into the emotional and...
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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...
info_outlineIn 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 Practitioner, Dana helps families implement natural strategies to support their children’s health. She shares how to get Vitamin D naturally, which foods are rich in this essential nutrient, and how to choose the right supplement to avoid common pitfalls. If you’ve ever wondered whether Vitamin D is the missing piece in your child’s ADHD journey, this episode is packed with research-backed insights and practical tips.
Don’t forget to check the show notes below for Dana’s favorite supplement recommendations, cheat sheets, and resources to help you navigate ADHD naturally!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Functional Lab Testing Video - https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/lab-testing-for-adhd1
My Favorite Place to Buy Supplements -http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/supplements
Shine Essentials (my favorite Vitamin D supplement) - https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/shine-essentials.html
Vitamin D Cheat Sheet - https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/supplement-for-adhd-vitamin-d
Links to Previous Episodes in this Supplements for ADHD Series:
-Magnesium - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-93/
-Saffron -https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-136/
-GABA - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-137/
-L-Theanine -https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-142/
-Bio Essentials - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-144/
-Omegas - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-146/
-Iron - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-148/
Key Takeaways:
[2:24] The Dark Side of Vitamin D Supplementation
[3:54] What is Vitamin D?
[4:46] Common Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
[4:56] The Connection Between Vitamin D & ADHD
[9:03] How Vitamin D Supports Brain Function and Dopamine Production
[10:26] Why Vitamin K2 is Essential When Supplementing
[11:19] How to Choose the Right Vitamin D Supplement
[12:01] Best Food Sources of Vitamin D
[12:31] Functional Lab Testing: A Targeted Approach
Memorable Moments:
"Sunshine is the best way to get Vitamin D, but sometimes it’s tricky depending on where you live and the time of year."
"Deficiency in Vitamin D is common among children with ADHD, and studies show a significant link between low levels and ADHD symptoms."
"Vitamin D plays a vital role in neurodevelopment and dopamine production, which are key for focus, planning, and emotional regulation."
"You can’t just take Vitamin D without understanding how it works—especially when it comes to Vitamin K2."
"When people supplement with Vitamin D without K2, it can actually create health issues, including cardiovascular problems."
"The best way to get Vitamin D is through food first—then consider supplementation if necessary."
"Most grocery store aisles are lined with Vitamin D options, but not all supplements are created equal."
"If you’re going to supplement with Vitamin D, make sure it’s formulated thoughtfully to avoid depleting your body of other essential nutrients."
"Functional lab testing helps families take a targeted approach instead of just guessing which supplements their child actually needs."
"Supplements should support the body, not create new problems—so be sure to choose wisely."
Dana Kay Resources:
🔗WEBSITES:
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https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/
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https://dana-kay.com/
👋SOCIALS:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/
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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/
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Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute
📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:
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Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/
💻FREE MASTERCLASS
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Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl
⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS
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ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
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ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/
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Dye-Free for ADHD Course - https://bit.ly/4aFj6TY