ADHD - And It’s Relationship to Nutrition.
ADHD & Nutrition:
Feeding Focus from the Inside Out
By NADA Wellness
ADHD is often talked about in terms of behavior, attention, or brain chemistry, but what’s happening inside the body is just as important. One often-overlooked piece of the puzzle? Nutrition.
At NADA Wellness, we believe food is information. It’s not just fuel, it tells the body and brain how to function. For children and adults with ADHD, nutrition can make a profound difference in how symptoms show up and how the nervous system copes with everyday life.
The Gut-Brain Connection
The gut and brain are in constant communication through the gut-brain axis. This sheds a light on the relationship between gut health and cognitive function. In fact, up to 90% of serotonin is made in the gut. If the gut is inflamed, imbalanced, or lacking the right nutrients, brain function - including focus, mood, and emotional regulation can be affected.
Children (and adults) with ADHD often show signs of:
Digestive issues (bloating, constipation, or loose stools)
Food sensitivities
Sugar cravings or picky eating
Blood sugar crashes
These aren’t just side effects - they’re signals.
Key Nutritional Factors in ADHD
1. Blood Sugar Balance
Sharp spikes and crashes in blood sugar can mimic or worsen ADHD symptoms: irritability, restlessness, brain fog, and poor focus.
💡 Tip: Increase protein + healthy fats with each meal to stabilize energy and mood.
2. Essential Fats
The brain is over 60% fat. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are critical for focus, learning, and emotional regulation.
💡 Sources: Fatty fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, or high-quality fish oil.
3. Mineral Deficiencies
Many with ADHD show low levels of zinc, magnesium, and iron - nutrients vital for calming the nervous system and supporting dopamine production.
💡 Consider: Blood pathology or Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) to assess and balance mineral levels holistically.
4. Food Sensitivities & Additives
Artificial colors, preservatives, and even common foods like gluten or dairy can trigger inflammation in sensitive individuals, affecting behavior and focus.
💡 Tip: Try a short-term elimination diet under guidance, and watch for changes in behavior, sleep, or mood.
More Than Just Diet
ADHD is not a deficiency in medication. Medication doesn’t actually help the body produce neurotransmitters - it simply interferes with the metabolism of them.
It’s a call to understand and support the whole system: body, brain, and heart. While nutrition lays the foundation, we often see deeper healing when gut health and epigenetic factors are addressed (DNA testing is a great option). Emotional support is a valuable tool also and is provided through:
Herbal Medicine
Bach Flower Remedies
Homeopathy
Final Thoughts
ADHD doesn’t need “curing”, but nutrition and a broader holistic approach can change the game. For many families we work with, the right foods (and removing the wrong ones) have helped reduce meltdowns, improve sleep, and even enhance school performance.
When we feed the body what it truly needs, the mind often follows.