What ADHD Athletes Actually Need Nutritionally

What ADHD Athletes Actually Need Nutritionally

From The Thinklete Podcast by derek shunk

May 17, 2026 · 56 min · Season 1 · Episode 14

About this episode

The episode discusses the nutritional needs of ADHD athletes and how it impacts their focus and performance.

Our guest this episode is Amy Pieczarka, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with over 40 years of experience specializing in functional nutrition, gut health, food sensitivities, and personalized nutrition strategies. She is the creator and director of PrevyMedica Nutrition Services, where she helps individuals and families improve focus, regulation, health, and performance through nutrition.Most parents are trying to coach behavior… without realizing what may actually be driving it.In this episode, Derek and Aleka sit down with registered dietitian nutritionist Amy Pizarca to break down the connection between nutrition, emotional regulation, focus, and performance in neurodivergent athletes.They discuss:-Why ADHD athletes often have higher nutritional demandsThe gut-brain connection and how it impacts behavior-Food sensitivities and inflammation-Why blood sugar regulation matters for focus and emotional control-How nutrition affects neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin-Strategies for selective eaters and sensory-sensitive kids-Pre-game and post-game fueling tips-What parents can do if ADHD medication suppresses appetiteSimple changes families can start making…

People in this episode

Hosts: Derek Shunk, Aleka

Guest: Amy Pieczarka

Topics covered

  • ADHD
  • nutrition
  • emotional regulation
  • neurodivergent athletes
  • food sensitivities
  • performance

Keywords

  • ADHD
  • nutrition
  • gut health
  • emotional regulation
  • performance
  • food sensitivities
  • blood sugar regulation
  • neurotransmitters

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Prevymedica Nutrition Services

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