When we think of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), our minds often jump straight to the brain: challenges with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. But what if I told you the real key to understanding and improving ADHD symptoms could actually start in the gut?

At NuWell Medicine, we view ADHD through the lens of the Triangle of Health: Genetics, Gut-Brain Connection, and Metabolic Function. Today, I want to focus on one incredibly important side of that triangle — the gut — and how nutrition can either support or sabotage your child's attention, mood, and overall brain function.

The Gut-Brain Connection: More Than a Feeling

Your child's gut is often referred to as their "second brain" — and for good reason! The gut is home to millions of neurons and produces about 90% of the body's serotonin (the feel-good neurotransmitter). It's also tightly linked to the brain through something called the gut-brain axis. When the gut is inflamed, imbalanced, or leaky, it sends distress signals straight to the brain, which can manifest as:

Increased impulsivity
Poor emotional regulation
Brain fog
Anxiety or mood swings

In short: a disrupted gut can create a disrupted mind.

Diet: The Building Blocks of Behavior

Food is information for the body — and for kids with ADHD, the wrong foods can send the wrong messages. Here's how diet influences the gut-brain connection:

✅ Inflammatory Foods: Artificial dyes, refined sugars, and processed foods can inflame the gut lining and trigger hyperactivity.

✅ Missing Nutrients: Many children with ADHD are deficient in critical nutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are essential for neurotransmitter production and brain health.

✅ Blood Sugar Swings: Diets high in sugar and low in fiber/protein can cause rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to mood swings, irritability, and attention problems.

How We Approach ADHD at NuWell Medicine

When we work with families, we don't simply manage symptoms — we investigate the root causes. Here's how:

Gut Testing: We often use tests like the GI-MAP to uncover gut infections, imbalances, or leaky gut.
Targeted Nutrition Plans: We build customized, anti-inflammatory nutrition protocols to heal and nourish the gut.
Genetic Testing: Some children have genetic variations (like MTHFR or COMT mutations) that affect how they process neurotransmitters. Knowing this allows for more targeted support.
Supplement Support: When necessary, we recommend supplements like magnesium, probiotics, omega-3s, or methylated B vitamins to fill in nutrient gaps and calm the gut-brain axis.

A Real-Life Example

One young patient I recently worked with struggled with hyperactivity, mood swings, and poor sleep. After gut testing, we discovered an imbalance in her microbiome and evidence of a leaky gut. With a few targeted changes — removing inflammatory foods, adding gut-healing nutrients, and supporting her detox pathways — her focus, mood, and energy dramatically improved within just a few months.

Final Thoughts

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, or if you're noticing early signs, know that there is hope beyond medication alone. By nurturing the gut and feeding the body the right information, we can unlock healthier, happier brains.

If you’re curious about how we can support your child’s journey, book a consultation with NuWell Medicine. We’re here to walk this healing path with you — one small step (and one gut-friendly meal) at a time.

✨ To a brighter, more balanced future,
Dr. Lauren Hernandez, MD