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171: ADHD Starts in the Gut with Dana Kay

Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

Release Date: 08/14/2025

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Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

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In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay—Board-Certified Health and Nutrition Practitioner and founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute—dives deep into one of the most misunderstood underlying stressors of ADHD symptoms: gut health. While ADHD is often labeled as a brain-based disorder, this episode reveals how gut imbalances, inflammation, and neurotransmitter disruptions could be fueling your child’s symptoms—like mood swings, focus struggles, and emotional dysregulation.

Dana shares the latest science on the gut-brain connection and breaks down practical, evidence-based strategies that families can start using right away—from healing leaky gut to choosing the right supplements. Whether your child is currently on medication, recently diagnosed, or you’re just searching for real solutions, this episode offers a powerful new lens on how to support your child naturally, from the inside out.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Links to Previous Episodes in this Supplements for ADHD Series:

Key Takeaways:

[0:00] Why ADHD Is More Than a Brain Issue
[2:12] The Gut-Brain Superhighway
[4:05] Neurotransmitters Made in the Gut
[6:01] How Gut Imbalances Amplify ADHD Symptoms
[8:16] Understanding Leaky Gut in Kids
[10:45] How Meds Miss the Root Cause
[13:30] Supplements That Actually Help
[16:55] Six Steps to Start Healing the Gut
[20:21] Why Testing Can Provide Clarity
[23:14] Support and Encouragement for Parents

Memorable Moments:

"If your gut isn’t thriving, your brain won’t thrive either."

"Approximately 80% of the body’s entire immune system is within the gut wall."

"The gut is ground zero for so many chronic conditions, including ADHD."

"Gut dysbiosis has been linked to a wide range of chronic illnesses from autoimmune disorders to neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD."

"90 to 95% of the body’s serotonin is actually produced in the gut."

"Our guts talk to our brains as well."

"To focus on the brain and not the gut, in my opinion, is counterproductive."

"Let’s stop shooting water at smoke and start getting to the underlying issues."

"This bundle includes Pro Essentials, Pre Essentials, and Mucosa Essentials."

"Healing the gut isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress."

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