21. ADHD + Nutrition: What the Research Actually Says

About this episode

This episode explores the relationship between nutrition and ADHD symptoms, discussing various dietary approaches and the nuances of the research.

If you’ve ever wondered… does nutrition actually affect ADHD symptoms? Or is it all hype online? In this episode of the Connected + Capable Podcast, we’re digging into what the research really says about ADHD and nutrition in a practical, parent-friendly way. We’re talking about: ▶️ elimination diets and anti-inflammatory eating ▶️ food dyes and processed foods ▶️ fish oil and omega-3s ▶️ iron/ferritin and zinc ▶️ vitamin D and magnesium ▶️ what the studies actually show (and what they don’t) As both a pediatric OT and a mom of a child with ADHD, I know how overwhelming this conversation can feel. One person says nutrition changes everything… another says it doesn’t matter at all. The truth is much more nuanced. This episode is NOT about “curing” ADHD or giving you a giant list of supplements to start tomorrow. Instead, I want to help you understand: - where the evidence is strongest - which approaches may help some kids - why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer - and how to think through these options without fear or pressure We also talk honestly about sensory-based picky eating, the emotional toll of restrictive diets, how to approach nutrition without all-or-nothing thinking…

People in this episode

Host: Alisha Grogan

Topics covered

• ADHD
• nutrition
• parenting
• elimination diets
• picky eating
• emotional regulation

Keywords

• ADHD
• nutrition
• elimination diets
• food dyes
• omega-3s
• picky eating
• emotional regulation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Connected + Capable Podcast

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