165: Genetics, B Vitamins, & ADHD: What Parents Need to Know with Dana Ka
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this eye-opening episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay explores the connection between B vitamins and ADHD in children. From emotional outbursts and brain fog to poor sleep and focus issues, Dana shares why certain B vitamins—especially B6, B9 (folate), and B12—may be at the root of lingering challenges, even when parents have cleaned up their child’s diet and added supplements. She breaks down how genetics like the MTHFR, SHMT1, and FUT2 mutations can affect how kids process these nutrients and why getting the “wrong” form of a vitamin might be making things worse...
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164: Regulate Yourself to Support Your ADHD Child with Ashley Gobeil
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay welcomes back child and parent therapist Ashley Gobeil to dive into a game-changing conversation for families navigating ADHD. Have you ever found yourself snapping at your child and then immediately feeling guilty? You’re not alone, and it may be more about your nervous system than your parenting skills. Dana and Ashley explore what’s really happening inside your body when you’re triggered and how understanding your own regulation is the foundation for becoming the calmest person in the room, even when your child is not. Ashley brings...
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163: Homeschooling ADHD Kids with Linsey Knerl
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this episode of The Soaring Child, host Dana Kay talks with homeschooling expert and author Linsey Knerl about how homeschooling can be a game-changer for kids with ADHD. Linsey, a mom of six and author of Homeschool Hacks: How to Give Your Kid a Great Education Without Losing Your Job or Your Mind, shares her two decades of experience and wisdom. Together, they explore the flexibility and power of homeschooling for families who feel stuck in traditional education systems that don't serve neurodivergent learners. Dana and Linsey break down common fears around homeschooling, like not being...
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162: How Concussions Mimic ADHD with Nate Pope
Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
In this week’s episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay uncovers a surprising root cause of ADHD symptoms that most parents and even practitioners overlook—past head injuries. Joined by neurological occupational therapist and co-founder of NCX Brain Recovery, Nate Pope, the conversation explores the profound and often hidden impact concussions can have on a child's focus, emotional regulation, and behavior. From post-concussion syndrome to powerful recovery therapies, Nate shares his expertise on how to identify these injuries and why they are frequently misdiagnosed as ADHD....
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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...
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