Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

What if your child's ADHD symptoms had less to do with their brain, and more to do with what is living in their gut? In this episode, Dana Kay continues the functional lab testing series by unpacking one of the most overlooked drivers of ADHD symptoms: gut health. She explains how hidden infections, yeast overgrowth, parasites, gut inflammation, poor digestion, immune activation, and imbalanced bacteria can all place stress on the body, even when a child has no obvious stomach complaints. Dana also explains the difference between the Organic Acid Test and a comprehensive stool test, using the "smelling smoke" analogy to show why both tests can be helpful in different ways. The OAT may reveal downstream clues that something is off, while the stool test can help identify what may actually be sitting in the gut and contributing to that stress. This episode gives parents a practical, hopeful way to look beneath behavior and focus struggles. Instead of asking, "What is wrong with my child's behavior?" Dana encourages parents to ask, "What is stressing my child's system?" For families who feel like they have tried everything, this conversation offers a clearer way to understand the gut-brain connection and why targeted testing can help reduce the guesswork. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Order Lab Tests Here - https://adhdthriveinstitute.wellproz.com/patient/home Websites: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ and https://dana-kay.com/ Thriving with ADHD Book: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ ADHD Fast Class : https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ADHD Parenting Course: https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/ KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00] A child's ADHD symptoms may be connected to hidden gut issues, even when there are no obvious stomach complaints. [01:26] Gut health is about much more than digestion. It affects the immune system, nervous system, mood, behavior, focus, hormones, and detoxification. [01:55] The gut is constantly communicating with the brain, so when something is off in the gut, the brain can feel the effects. [02:24] The Organic Acid Test shows downstream metabolic clues, while a stool test helps identify what may actually be present in the gut. [04:21] A comprehensive stool test can look at bacteria, yeast, parasites, viruses, H. pylori, inflammation, digestion, and other gut markers. [04:50] Gut stress can show up as behavior, mood, sleep issues, focus problems, and sensory sensitivity before it ever shows up as digestive symptoms. [07:07] Yeast overgrowth does not cause ADHD, but it can be one reason symptoms are not improving. [09:55] Testing helps parents stop guessing and start making targeted decisions based on what is actually stressing their child's system. MEMORABLE MOMENTS "What if your child's ADHD symptoms had nothing to do with their brain? And everything to do with what is living in their gut?" "Your child might not have a single stomach complaint." "When something is off in the gut, the brain feels it big time." "It's like walking into your house and smelling smoke." "The gut shows up in behaviour and symptoms long before it actually shows up in the in the bathroom." "Instead of asking, what is wrong with my child's behavior? We have to ask what is stressing their gut, their system." "Not because the brain is the problem, but because the brain is responding to what's happening in the gut." "They're not just ADHD symptoms. They're body issues that are showing up as ADHD symptoms." DANA KAY RESOURCES 🔗 WEBSITES: Order Lab Tests Here - https://adhdthriveinstitute.wellproz.com/patient/home 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/ 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/

Your child may be losing the very nutrients their brain needs to function at its best, and when that happens, it can show up as exacerbated ADHD symptoms. In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay uncovers one of the most overlooked underlying stressors of persistent ADHD symptoms, a condition where key nutrients like zinc and vitamin B6 are literally being depleted before the body can use them. Continuing the functional lab testing series, Dana breaks down the Kryptopyrrole (Pyroluria) test in a way that finally makes sense. She explains how this hidden imbalance can impact mood, emotional regulation, stress tolerance, focus, and even behavior, and why so many families never hear about it through traditional channels. You'll learn how this condition creates a cycle of nutrient loss and symptom flare-ups, the common signs to look for, and why even the best diet or supplement routine may not work if this piece is missing. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Lab Testing Access: https://adhdthriveinstitute.wellproz.com/patient/home Dana Kay Website: https://dana-kay.com/ Free ADHD Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/ Dana Kay Book – Thriving with ADHD: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00] Why kids can still struggle even with the "right" diet and supplements [01:10] Introducing the Cryptopyrrole (Pyroluria) test [02:05] How the body can lose nutrients faster than it uses them [03:20] What HPL is and how it binds to zinc and B6 [05:10] Why zinc and B6 are critical for ADHD symptoms [07:00] The two main drivers: genetics and oxidative stress [09:10] The cycle of stress, inflammation, and nutrient depletion [11:20] Why this test is rarely run but highly relevant for ADHD [13:00] The surprising prevalence of elevated pyroles in ADHD kids [15:10] Common signs parents may notice at home [18:00] Why testing is essential before supplementing [20:15] How treatment is personalized and not one-size-fits-all [22:10] Timeline for seeing improvements after addressing pyroles [24:00] Why this is one piece of a bigger root-cause puzzle [26:30] How functional testing builds a complete picture over time MEMORABLE MOMENTS "What if your child is taking the right supplements… and still struggling because their body is literally dumping the nutrients they need?" "What if their body is not holding on to those nutrients in the first place?" "This compound comes along and hijacks them… and pulls them out of circulation." "Now those nutrients… they're gone." "Zinc and B6 are so critical for mood, emotional regulation, and focus." "You have more nutrient loss, more symptoms, and more stress on the body." "In the general population it's about 3%, but in my ADHD clients it's closer to 40%." "This is not rare in the ADHD world… it's just rarely tested." "When I heard this list, it was like a light bulb went off." "I do not want you guessing. I want data." "Sometimes addressing pyroles alone can create massive shifts." "It's not the only piece… but it can be a really important one." 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/ 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://hubs.la/Q042HrjF0 ⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS: ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

A child screaming over shoes, melting down after school, or exploding over a tiny disappointment may look defiant from the outside. But in this episode, Dana Kay explains why many ADHD behaviors are not simply "bad behavior," attention-seeking, or manipulation. Often, they are signs of a nervous system under stress. Dana shares one of the biggest mindset shifts she had as both a practitioner and a parent: behavior is usually the last thing happening in the chain. Underneath the meltdown may be blood sugar crashes, gut inflammation, food sensitivities, poor sleep, mouth breathing, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic inflammation. When those stressors stack, the brain and body can shift into survival mode. In this solo episode, Dana walks parents through the biology beneath ADHD behavior, including why after-school meltdowns are so common, how the gut-brain connection can affect mood and focus, and why stable fuel matters for emotional regulation. Most importantly, she reminds parents that understanding biology does not mean removing boundaries. It means learning to respond with more clarity, compassion, and strategy. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ https://dana-kay.com/ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/ KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:44] Dana introduces the idea that the child may not be fighting the parent. Their body may be fighting to survive. [01:47] Dana sets up one of the biggest mindset shifts she has had as both a practitioner and a parent. [02:10] Behavior is usually the last thing happening in the chain, which means parents need to ask what is happening underneath it. [02:46] Many ADHD kids are carrying a heavy stress load, and when the body is overloaded, behavior can fall apart. [02:54] Dana shares the Costco meltdown story with her son Oliver and how it became a turning point in how she viewed his reactions. [04:47] When a child's nervous system is overloaded, the brain can shift into survival mode quickly. [06:49] Signs like hunger meltdowns, after-school crashes, tiny disappointments feeling huge, and fast mood shifts are not random. [07:01] After-school meltdowns are often a clue that a child has been masking and holding everything together all day. [08:44] Dana explains that ADHD symptoms often have stacked stressors underneath them, including blood sugar crashes, gut inflammation, food sensitivities, mouth breathing, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic inflammation. [10:06] Stable fuel matters because the brain cannot regulate properly when blood sugar is crashing. [10:13] Dana explains why the gut-brain connection is one of the biggest light bulb moments in understanding ADHD symptoms. [11:57] Understanding biology does not mean removing boundaries. It changes how parents interpret and respond to behavior. [12:43] Dana encourages parents to start simple by looking for patterns instead of reacting immediately. [15:05] Dana closes with the reminder that a child is not broken. Their behavior is communication. MEMORABLE MOMENTS "Their body may be fighting to survive." "But behavior is usually the last thing happening in the chain." "And when the body is overloaded, behavior goes out the window." "His reactions, they weren't random, you know, and that realization changed everything." "Those aren't random." "Home is the place, their body, their nervous system finally feels safe enough to unravel." "If the brain does not have stable fuel, it can't regulate properly." "Just because symptoms are showing up behaviorally doesn't mean the root issue is purely behavioral." 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/ 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://hubs.la/Q042HrjF0 ⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS: ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

What if sugar isn't just making your child "a little hyper" but actually changing how their brain functions? In this episode of The Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay sits down with Mike Collins, a leading expert in sugar addiction and recovery, to unpack what sugar is really doing inside your child's brain. With over 40 years of experience and tens of thousands of detoxes behind him, Mike shares why sugar may be far more than a harmless treat and how it can impact focus, mood, impulse control, and behavior in ways most parents have never been told. You'll hear eye-opening insights on how sugar affects dopamine and the brain's reward system, why cravings can feel impossible to control, and what makes sugar uniquely addictive compared to other substances. Dana also brings this conversation back to real life, helping parents understand how to recognize signs of sugar sensitivity in their child and what to do next. If you've ever wondered whether sugar could be playing a bigger role in your child's ADHD symptoms, this episode will give you practical next steps. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW https://sugaraddiction.com/ https://sugardetox.com/ https://quitsugarsummit.com/ CONNECT WITH MIKE COLLINS Website: https://sugarfreeman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realsugarfreeman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSugarFreeMan/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SugarAddiction Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sugaraddictionsupport/ KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:01] Sudden behavior changes after sugar exposure [03:36] Introduction to sugar addiction and Mike Collins' work [04:30] Is sugar addiction real? [05:48] Brain function improvements after reducing sugar [08:11] Rise of metabolic psychiatry [09:45] Sugar as a neurotoxin [13:22] How modern fruit differs from historical fruit [15:05] Signs of sugar sensitivity in children [17:01] Dopamine-driven behavior explained [18:34] Why cravings are not about taste [21:04] Sugar vs other addictions [24:07] Dopamine and intermittent reward systems MEMORABLE MOMENTS "What if sugar isn't just a treat? What if it's actually driving ADHD symptoms?" "I believe sugar causes ADHD." "Their brain came back online." "Sugar is a neurotoxin." "That is the worst thing on the planet… craving with no peace." "They're not looking for a sweet taste. They're looking for dopamine." "The science has outpaced the public's understanding." "They're not looking for the behavior… they're looking for the dopamine hit." 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/ 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://hubs.la/Q042HrjF0 ⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS: ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Most parents walk into IEP or 504 meetings hoping to advocate for their child, but unfortunately, many of them walk out feeling unheard, overwhelmed, and unsure of what just happened. In this episode of The Soaring Child podcast, Dana sits down with attorney and licensed clinical mental health clinician Paula Yost to break down exactly why these meetings feel so difficult and what you can do to change that. Paula brings a rare and deeply valuable perspective, combining legal expertise with real-life experience as a mom navigating the system herself. She is the author of Tumbleweeds: How to Be an Advocate for Your Children and Yourself in a Failing System. You'll learn the critical differences between IEPs and 504 plans (and why many children with ADHD are often placed in the wrong one), how to recognize when your child isn't truly being supported (even if their grades look "fine"), and what to say in the moment when you feel dismissed or unheard. This conversation is packed with practical strategies, real scripts you can use immediately, and empowering insights to help you walk into your next school meeting with clarity and confidence. Most importantly, it will remind you that you have the right to advocate for your child every step of the way. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Paula's Website - https://paulayost.com Paula's book, Tumbleweeds - https://amzn.to/3O2ej9y CONNECT WITH PAULA YOST Website: https://paulayost.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulajyostauthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulayostauthor KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:01] Why parents often leave school meetings feeling unheard [04:34] The real reason IEP meetings feel so difficult [06:08] The mismatch between parent and school goals [06:47] What FAPE means and why it matters [07:17] Key difference between IEP and 504 [09:13] Why IEPs matter long-term for your child [10:20] High IQ masking ADHD struggles [13:00] Signs your child isn't properly supported [16:18] Common mistakes parents make in meetings [19:36] What to say when you're not being heard [21:11] What to do if your child doesn't qualify [24:13] Why after-school crashes matter [26:39] 3 things to prepare before a meeting [27:47] Emotional reality of advocacy [29:31] You always have the right to another meeting MEMORABLE MOMENTS "It's not a fair fight." "That IEP is a legal document that follows you all the way through your life." "The height of the IQ is masking the ADHD." "I feel like I'm not being heard." "We have to let them fail until they're nine." "You are paying for your attorney and their attorney." "I have never left anything as upset as I was when I have left an IEP meeting." "Some days are just going to be like that." "You always have the right to another meeting." 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/ 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://hubs.la/Q042HrjF0 ⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS: ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

What if it's not just ADHD getting worse, but the world your child is growing up in? In this week's episode of The Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay sits down with licensed therapist Logan McIlwain to unpack what's really happening to kids' brains in today's digital world. From constant notifications to endless scrolling, today's children are growing up in an environment of nonstop stimulation, and for kids with ADHD, that impact can be intense. You'll hear why screens don't create ADHD but can absolutely amplify symptoms like inattention, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity. Logan breaks down what's happening in the brain with dopamine, why kids struggle to "just turn it off," and how devices can quietly become a child's primary coping tool. Together, they also tackle one of the biggest challenges parents face today: setting boundaries without triggering meltdowns. If taking the phone away feels like a full nervous system explosion in your home, this episode will help you understand why and what to do instead. Most importantly, you'll walk away with practical, realistic strategies you can start using right away. From creating consistent guardrails to helping your child build real-life regulation skills, this conversation is about supporting your child in the digital age. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW https://loganlcsw.com The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt: https://amzn.to/41vDzba The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene: https://amzn.to/4taYzAj KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:01] Modern childhood overstimulation explained [02:10] Screens amplify ADHD symptoms [06:10] Environment vs diagnosis debate [09:32] Difference between distraction and ADHD [13:03] Dopamine and addictive screen loops [14:48] Loss of boredom tolerance [17:01] Screens as emotional coping tools [19:15] Importance of consistent boundaries [22:10] How to reset screen habits [25:34] Monitoring apps and content [29:43] Externalizing executive function [31:10] Small changes reduce nervous system overload MEMORABLE MOMENTS "When did childhood get so loud?" "There is absolutely no way my brain could have handled this much input." "Phones don't create true ADHD, but they absolutely create ADHD-like symptoms." "It's like this slot machine effect." "Our kids in this generation don't know how to be bored at all." "These devices have become their emotional regulation tools." "You can exercise your boundary muscle over and over again." "Don't ask a struggling brain to do everything internally." "We handed our children these tiny slot machines." 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/ 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://hubs.la/Q042HrjF0 ⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS: ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Many children with ADHD know exactly what they're supposed to do but still struggle to do it. That frustrating gap between knowing and doing is one of the most misunderstood parts of ADHD, and it can leave parents feeling confused, exhausted, and questioning their child's behavior. In this episode, Dana Kay sits down with ADHD parenting expert and coach Cindy Goldrich to unpack what's really happening in the ADHD brain when children don't follow through on simple requests. Cindy explains why ADHD is not a problem of knowledge, but a challenge with executive function, and how factors like working memory, hyperfocus, processing speed, and transitions can all impact a child's ability to act. Throughout the conversation, Cindy shares practical strategies that help parents move away from constant reminders and power struggles and instead support their child's developing executive function skills. She encourages parents to shift from seeing behavior as defiance to recognizing the underlying skills that may still be developing. When parents understand the brain behind the behavior, it creates space for more patience, better communication, and stronger connection with their child. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Free Gift: First Chapter + Parenting Resources- https://ptscoaching.com/soaring PTS Coaching Website - https://ptscoaching.com Cindy Goldrich Substack - https://adhdparentandteacherexpert.substack.com 📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒 📘 Connect with Cindy Goldrich Website - https://ptscoaching.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PTScoaching Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/PTScoaching Substack - https://adhdparentandteacherexpert.substack.com Free Gift - https://ptscoaching.com/soaring KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00] The everyday parenting scenario where a child agrees to do something but doesn't follow through. [03:56] Parents often feel confused when kids know what to do but still don't do it. [04:26] ADHD is explained as the gap between knowing and doing. [06:48] Hyperfocus can prevent kids from shifting attention to a new task. [08:41] Multiple brain-based factors can explain why kids don't follow through. [12:57] Processing speed challenges can make kids appear resistant. [16:20] Understanding executive function helps parents shift their expectations. [18:14] Misinterpreting behavior as defiance can damage connection. [22:55] Parenting mindset plays a major role in how kids respond. [26:28] Instead of labeling weaknesses, parents should look for ways to support skills. [30:18] Executive function development is similar to learning any other skill. [31:37] Kids improve with practice, structure, and guidance. MEMORABLE MOMENTS "You ask your kid to put their shoes on. They say okay… and then they don't." "What if the problem isn't defiance, but executive function?" "ADHD is not a problem of knowing what to do. It's a problem of doing what you know." "Maybe this kid is so hyper-focused on what he's doing that his mind is nowhere near what you're asking." "They're basically saying, slow down. I can't process this fast enough." "When we assume our kids are being difficult, we miss the opportunity to understand what their brain actually needs." "It's not about labeling the weakness. It's about asking, how are we going to support this?" "Why would this be any different than learning any other skill?" "These are skills that develop with support and practice." 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/ 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://hubs.la/Q042HrjF0 ⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS: ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

What if picky eating and impulsive ADHD behavior aren't separate problems at all—but signals coming from the same biological root? In a special milestone for the podcast — our 200th episode of The Soaring Child Podcast — Dana Kay explains how nutrient deficiencies can directly affect the brain systems responsible for focus, emotional regulation, impulse control, and sleep. Iron supports dopamine production. Magnesium and B6 calm the nervous system. Zinc shapes taste perception. Omega-3s carry the brain's messages. And vitamin D helps regulate serotonin and sleep cycles. When these nutrients are depleted, the brain struggles to function properly. The result can look like impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional outbursts, sleep struggles, and extreme picky eating. Dana shares the story of a young boy expelled from four preschools whose behavior transformed after severe nutrient deficiencies were identified and supported. This episode helps parents understand how what looks like "behavior" may actually be a biological signal. Dana walks listeners through the nutrients most commonly involved in ADHD regulation, the signs that the brain may be running on empty, and how parents can begin identifying which biological stressors may be affecting their child. If you're trying to understand the biological drivers behind your child's symptoms, start here: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 The ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit helps parents translate symptoms into biology and identify which underlying stressors may be affecting their child. Get the Decoder Kit here to learn more about how ADHD symptoms connect to biology here: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Grab your ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit here: http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00] Picky eating and impulsive ADHD behaviors may come from the same biological root. [01:15] Case story of a child expelled from four preschools due to extreme behavior. [02:10] Severe nutrient depletion revealed through lab testing. [03:40] The concept of the "starving brain." [05:00] Iron's role in dopamine production and emotional regulation. [06:10] Magnesium and B6 supporting nervous system calm and sleep. [07:00] Zinc deficiency affecting taste perception and picky eating. [08:10] Omega-3s and brain communication. [09:00] Vitamin D and its connection to serotonin and sleep. [10:45] The Ferrari fuel analogy for brain nutrients. [12:15] Signs that the brain may be running low on nutrients. [14:30] Introducing the ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit MEMORABLE MOMENTS "Picky eating and hyperactive and impulsive behavior are not two separate problems. They're the same conversation happening in different rooms." "What if the brain isn't being difficult? What if it's just hungry?" "A brain that's running on empty cannot do manners, patience or waiting turns." "When the brain is starving, no amount of behavioral strategies will actually feed the brain." "These nutrients are literally the wiring for the brain." "You can parent beautifully, but if that fuel is not there, their system stalls." "You're asking a Ferrari to run on cordial." "A hungry brain cannot be polite." "Feed the brain and the behavior follows." DANA KAY RESOURCES 🔗 Access your free ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit here: http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 It's free for a limited time. You just pay shipping! 🔗 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/ 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://hubs.la/Q042HrjF0 ⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS: ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Grab your ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit here: http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 Sometimes it's not your child having a bad day. Sometimes it's that you are parenting a completely different nervous system, depending on what went into their mouth yesterday. In this eye-opening episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay unpacks one of the most overlooked biological stressors driving ADHD symptoms: delayed, invisible food reactions. If you've ever felt like your child's behavior shifts overnight — same child, same house, same rules — this episode explains what may actually be happening beneath the surface. Dana walks you through the full biological chain reaction: trigger foods, IgG-mediated immune flares, cytokine release, gut inflammation, intestinal permeability, and how inflammation travels upstream to the frontal lobe. She explains how symptoms like meltdowns, rigidity, emotional volatility, and impulse control struggles often begin days before the behavior appears. You'll also learn about opioid-like food peptides formed from gluten and dairy (gluteomorphin and casomorphin), how artificial dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 have been shown in studies to worsen hyperactivity, and why guessing at food changes often leaves parents exhausted and confused. This episode introduces Biological Stressor #3 inside the ADHD Thrive Decoder framework: Invisible Food Reactions. Most importantly, Dana helps you shift from "What's wrong today?" to "What touched their system yesterday?" — a mindset change that can quietly change everything. Grab your ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit here: http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00] Parenting a different nervous system depending on what was eaten yesterday. [02:42] Personal story: raspberries triggering delayed immune reactions. [05:06] IgG reactions are slow, quiet, and delayed. [06:35] Cytokines traveling to the frontal lobe. [07:02] Symptoms today often started yesterday. [08:40] Research on gut inflammation and intestinal permeability in ADHD. [10:08] Opioid peptides from gluten and dairy. [11:35] Artificial dyes and double-blind research. [13:12] "We test, we don't guess." [15:44] Parenting the same child but a different internal weather system. [17:30] Behavior decoding vs food journaling. [19:10] Introducing the ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit. MEMORABLE MOMENTS "Sometimes it's not your child having a bad day. Sometimes it's that you are parenting a completely different nervous system." "Once you see it, you can literally trace meltdowns backwards through to their lunchbox." "The symptoms or the behavior that you're dealing with today, that did not start today." "These are actual compounds that bind to opioid receptors in the brain." "You've basically built a nervous system hand grenade in a lunchbox." "We test, we don't guess." "Your parenting didn't suddenly stop working. The biology underneath them shifted." "Instead of asking what on earth is wrong today, we start asking what touched their system yesterday." DANA KAY RESOURCES 🔗 Access your free ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit here: http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 It's free for a limited time. You just pay shipping! 🔗 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/ 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://hubs.la/Q042HrjF0 ⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS: ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Grab your ADHD Decoder Kit here: http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 (It's FREE! You just pay shipping!) Mornings before school and afternoons after school pickup aren't chaotic by accident. They follow a predictable biological pattern that almost no one explains to parents of children with ADHD. In this solo episode, Dana Kay breaks down why the most intense meltdowns, hyperactivity, irritability, and emotional shutdowns tend to show up at the same two points every day — and why it's not about willpower, discipline, or "bad behavior." It's about blood sugar, stress hormones, and a nervous system running on empty. Drawing from both personal experience and her work with over 1,600 families, Dana explains how overnight fasting, carb-heavy school lunches, and skipped protein create the same internal crash twice a day. She translates the science in a parent-friendly way and shares one simple, doable rule that can immediately reduce chaos without overhauling your entire diet. This episode also introduces a brand-new resource (available right now at http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123) designed to help parents finally understand what's driving their child's ADHD symptoms beneath the surface and how to start addressing biology instead of just managing behavior. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit: http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 KEY TAKEAWAYS [01:23] Why mornings and afternoons are predictable meltdown windows [03:48] Morning and afternoon behaviors share the same biological cause [06:49] Overnight fasting, cortisol, and morning blood sugar crashes [07:42] How school lunches create afternoon blood sugar crashes [08:41] What blood sugar instability does to focus and emotions [09:48] The "no naked carbs" rule [10:29] Practical food pairings that stabilize blood sugar [11:14] Why small changes calm the nervous system [12:15] Introduction of the ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit [15:08] Why biology — not parenting — is the starting point MEMORABLE MOMENTS "The behavior you're seeing in the morning and at 3:30 PM is the same biological pattern wearing two different outfits." "You didn't get their worst — you got their empty." "Your child's brain is like a fancy electric car." "It's not them being difficult — it's biology running the show." "No naked carbs." "Small biological shifts stack up into massive changes." DANA KAY RESOURCES 🔗 Access your free ADHD Thrive Decoder Kit here: http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/123 It's free for a limited time. You just pay shipping! 🔗 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/ 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://hubs.la/Q042HrjF0 ⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS: ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Most parents are told ADHD lives only in the brain, but what if the real issue starts much deeper? In this episode, we explore a powerful and often overlooked driver of ADHD symptoms: mineral depletion at the cellular level. You'll hear why calm, focus, sleep, and emotional regulation are literally built from minerals and how many kids are trying to regulate big emotions while running on empty batteries. Dana Kay is joined by Caroline Alan, co-founder of Beam Minerals and author of The Mineral Reset, to break down complex biology into parent-friendly language. Caroline explains how minerals fuel the mitochondria — the tiny "campfires" inside every cell — and why children who lack proper mineral support can appear anxious, wired, exhausted, or stuck in fight-or-flight, even when they eat a "healthy" diet. This conversation helps parents understand why food quality, soil depletion, filtered water, and modern stressors have created a widespread mineral gap — and what gentle, practical steps families can take to support their child's nervous system without overwhelm. If your child struggles with meltdowns, sleep issues, anxiety, or focus, this episode offers a new lens grounded in biology, not behavior. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW https://beamminerals.com/adhdthrive https://mineralresetbook.com Discount Code: ADHDTHRIVE Connect with Caroline Alan Website: www.carolinealan.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinealan.official/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carolinealan.official KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00] ADHD symptoms as signs of depletion [03:48] Why minerals matter beyond bones and teeth [08:41] Mitochondria, energy, and brain function [11:05] Low energy cells and nervous system stress [21:10] Soil depletion and food mineral loss [23:31] How filtered water worsens deficiency [30:22] Humic vs. fulvic minerals explained [38:05] Minerals as spark plugs for the brain [44:51] One simple step parents can take today MEMORABLE MOMENTS "Our kids are not being difficult — they're depleted." "Calm is built from minerals." "Minerals are the spark plugs for the brain." "That equals a kid who cannot sit down." "You cannot eat your way out of mineral deficiency." "This isn't ADHD behavior — it's biology." 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/

A child can appear calm on a screen and unravel seconds after it turns off. That reaction isn't bad behavior or poor discipline — it's a nervous system crash driven by dopamine, overstimulation, and an abrupt loss of regulation. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay sits down with Sondra Bakinde and Mariana Gordon, co-founders of Mindful Mantis, to unpack what's really happening in a child's brain and body during screen time. They explain why screens activate the sympathetic nervous system, how dopamine crashes trigger fight-flight-freeze responses, and why kids with ADHD feel these shifts even more intensely. You'll learn how to spot early signs of dysregulation before meltdowns erupt, why restriction alone often backfires, and how simple transitions can support a child's nervous system instead of overwhelming it. Sondra and Mariana share practical, realistic tools — including bridging the dopamine gap, predictable transitions, connection before direction, and their Pause & Play Method — all designed for real families, not perfect ones. If screen time feels like a daily struggle in your home, this episode will help you reframe what's happening and respond with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Links Mentioned in the Show https://www.themindfulmantis.com https://www.instagram.com/themindfulmantisinc Key Takeaways [01:21] Why parents immediately blame themselves [02:13] Why this isn't a discipline issue [04:39] How screens pull energy out of the body [06:04] The dopamine crash explained [08:27] Fight, flight, or freeze in kids [11:16] Why ADHD intensifies screen reactions [14:42] Early warning signs parents often miss [18:11] Recovery vs restriction after screens [20:06] Bridging the dopamine gap [29:56] The Pause & Play Method introduced [36:53] One grounding step parents can try today Memorable Moments "I am literally dealing with a feral raccoon in a human body." "Screens pull energy outward into the eyes, the mind, the nervous system." "That sudden shift can feel very threatening." "The body whispers before it shouts." "We focus less on restriction and more on recovery." "Urgency feels like danger. Slowness feels like safety." "Never end stimulation without grounding." 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/

What if the biggest struggle your child faces isn't motivation at all, but a hidden set of brain-based skills that help them start tasks, stay organized, manage time, regulate emotions, and follow through? These are executive function skills and for kids with ADHD, they can feel nearly impossible to access. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay welcomes executive function expert Hannah Bookbinder, a licensed social worker and educator with almost 30 years of experience helping ADHD kids build these skills in practical, meaningful ways. Hannah explains what executive function really is, how ADHD derails it, and why even the brightest, most capable kids often feel defeated by daily routines. Together, Dana and Hannah break down simple, real-world strategies families can begin using right away, from training time awareness, to using visual cues, to building routines that actually stick. Hannah also shares the story behind her new book and the MyToad App, a tool designed to teach time management, organization, accountability, and focus in one supportive space. If your child struggles with getting started, staying organized, remembering steps, or managing overwhelm, this conversation will leave you feeling understood, encouraged, and equipped with practical tools to help your child thrive. Links Mentioned in the Show▶ MyToad App: https://mytoadapp.com ▶ ADHD Symptom Reduction Tool: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/tool Connect with Hannah ▶ Website: https://mytoadapp.com ▶ Facebook: @mytoadapp ▶ Instagram: @mytoad_llc ▶ Pinterest: @mytoadllc Key Takeaways [00:45] Invisible executive skills can make or break daily routines. [02:07] Hannah's 30-year journey supporting ADHD kids. [02:57] What executive function is — and isn't. [04:59] Understanding age appropriateness and expectations. [07:37] Validating kids' emotional exhaustion and defeat. [09:59] "Now vs. Not Now" — ADHD and urgency. [11:15] Working memory breakdowns explained. [12:23] Simple strategy: time-estimation training. [13:27] Sticky notes and mirror cues for daily routines. [18:08] Why MyToad App was created. [20:38] How the app personalizes executive function support. [23:18] Partnership and curiosity in parenting ADHD. Memorable Moments "Every morning... shoes were missing, homework was not done, panic attacks at the door." "What exactly are executive function skills…? How they don't show up in kids with ADHD." "Emotionally, they often walk in my door very defeated." "It's either now or not now." "Put your phone in airplane mode… no pings, no dings, no bloops." "Make your own shower podcast…" "This is a partnership — especially when your child has a special need." 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/