Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD Dana Kay

This episode is Part One of a three part series about genetics and ADHD. 
Understanding the genetic underpinnings of ADHD can provide answers to many common questions and empower parents with actionable insights and strategies. Remember, knowledge isn't just power; it's also empowerment. 
In this episode, discover how genes can predispose someone to ADHD, the role of hereditary, and what this means for families like yours. ADHD might be influenced by our genetics, but it doesn't define who our children are or who we are as parents. 
If you've ever wondered about the genetic puzzle and how it affects ADHD, tune in to this solo episode with Dana Kay, board certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, who specializes in helping families of children with ADHD learn how to reduce ADHD symptoms naturally. 
Learn more about my favorite DNA test here - https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/the-dna-company-360-report.html
 
Key Takeaways:
[4:00] Overview of How Genes Work
[5:25] Why Most Genetic Tests Fall Short
[7:43] One Misconception about Genetic Testing
[12:30] How Genes Affect Common Symptoms of ADHD
[16:00] How Genetic Testing Can Help Us Understand Key Functions of the Body (like sleep, mood and behavior, diet, etc.)
 
Memorable Moments:
”ADHD might be influenced by genetics, but it doesn't define who our children are.”
”Most genetic reports are more confusing than enlightening.”
”Your personal genetic data often gets shared and sold to pharmaceutical companies for drug development.”
”One of the biggest misconceptions about genetic reports is that they put too much emphasis on individual genes. It's like trying to understand a movie by watching just one scene. You miss the bigger picture, the overarching narrative.”
”A single gene or even a gene mutation isn't necessarily a problem in itself. It's how that gene interacts within a complex system of other genes that truly matters.”
”When we're talking about ADHD tendencies, we don't just look at one or two genes. We focus on a quartet of them—COMT, DRD2, MAO, and 5 HTTLPR—and how they interact with each other. It's this interaction that can provide us with actionable insights.”
”Even if you or your child do carry the genetic profile commonly associated with ADHD, it's often just one piece of the puzzle. There are likely other underlying factors—be it diet, environment, or stress—that contribute to the symptoms. And those are the areas we can target to help your child thrive naturally.”
”The beauty of genetic testing isn't confined to just understanding ADHD. It's like having a treasure map to your body's inner workings.”
”Your DNA is not your destiny. It's a blueprint, yes, but how that blueprint comes to life depends on how you live—your lifestyle choices, your diet, and your environment.”
”Your genetics load the gun, but your lifestyle pulls the trigger.”
 
Dana Kay Resources:
Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ 
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 Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl 
ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/
 

What is Ayurveda? How can it help kids with ADHD? Is there any science to back it up? Amish Shah explains more in this episode of the Soaring Child podcast. 
Amish Shah is a savvy entrepreneur, a yoga guru, a filmmaker, and someone on a personal quest for healing. When traditional medicine had no answers for him, he took matters into his own hands and dug into the world of ancient wisdom.
He captured all of this in a must-watch documentary called The Natural Law, which is available to view at https://thenaturallaw.com/. In this film, Amish opens up about his own healing journey and takes a hard look at the shortcomings of Western medicine. He also shows us the incredible healing power that comes from balancing our mind, our body, and our spirit, especially through Ayurveda.
In this episode, learn more about Ayurveda, its application for ADHD, and much more as we explore the healing power of balance in our lives.
 
Key Takeaways:
[4:47] Amish’s personal story with the healing powers of Ayurveda
[17:36] 5 core principles of Ayurveda
[22:06] The 3 doshas of Ayurveda
[25:43] What to do if you think your doshas are out of balance
[30:09] The role herbs play in Ayurveda
[34:07] Amish’s response to critics of Ayurveda
[36:35] Additional natural strategies involved in Ayurveda
[40:21] Amish’s favorite brands of Ayurveda oils
[41:10] Where to find Amish online
 
Memorable Moments:
”Ayurveda saved my life…I’ve dedicated my life to this.”
”My doctors refused to give me a gluten test actually…They said there was no way I was allergic to gluten. I had two different doctors tell me that.”
”It’s not what the doctors are taught. As much as we want to blame the doctors, we have to blame the system that gives the doctors the information in the first place.”
”Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old science. It comes from ancient India. It’s been time-tested over thousands of years literally…It’s survived because there’s something about the truth, and the truth is timeless. If it’s survived this long, that means it’s working. It has worked, and it will continue to work.”
”We must live in accordance to nature, and there are certain laws in nature that if we go out of bounds, we will become out of balance.”
”Everything in the universe consists of the 5 elements: ether…air…fire…water…earth.”
”The 3 doshas are anything that moves, anything that transforms, and anything that has structure.”
”We want to take certain herbs and foods - they all have a certain amount of these 5 elements and we all have a certain amount of these 5 elements - so if something is off, we use a plant that will reduce it. We take out the foods that are inflaming it.”
“We have this guide that was produced thousands of years ago that catalogued 9000 plants that have 25000 recipes for everything from chronic conditions to cancers to everyday stomach aches.”
”Ayurveda says that disease starts in the mind, number one, yes, but it crystallizes in the body. And where disease starts - once your mind has come up with it - it starts in the gut. It manifests in the gut.”
“Your gut is responsible for everything. Clean gut means good mind.”
”Ayurveda practitioners will spend a minimum of 45 minutes with you.”
”Only treat unhappiness…because a lot of what’s happening comes from there. So the mind, body, spirit or self-awareness connection are so critical in Ayurveda.”
”The herbs that came from Ayurveda are now being proven to have efficacy.”
”Science is now catching up to this ancient wisdom.”
 
How to Connect with Amish Shah:
Website: https://thenaturallaw.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethenaturallaw/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beTheNaturalLaw/   
 
Dana Kay Resources:
Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ 
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Contrary to what is often told to parents of kids with ADHD, there are many natural things you can do to support your child. In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Dr. James Greenblatt joined the show to discuss various alternative approaches to ADHD treatment. 
Dr. James Greenblatt is a groundbreaking medical expert and the best-selling author of Finally Focused. He joins the podcast to share his invaluable wisdom on natural approaches to psychiatry and ADHD. His work has been a beacon guiding not only professionals like myself but also countless families towards a more sustainable and empowered way of life.
He was inducted into the orthomolecular hall of fame in 2017 by the International Society of Orthomolecular Medicine. He is also the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, an educational platform dedicated to the transformation of psychiatry, which offers online courses, webinars, and fellowships for professionals.
 
Key Takeaways:
[3:09] Is ADHD overdiagnosed?
[4:21] What are some of the limitations of medication for ADHD?
[5:17] Dr. Greenblatt’s personal story
[7:06] How diet affects ADHD
[9:05] How did our society get so far away from healthy foods?
[10:59] How sugar affects B vitamins
[11:35] How artificial flavors/colors affect ADHD
[13:37] Common nutritional deficiencies in kids with ADHD
[17:22] Dr. Greenblatt’s favorite tests for kids with ADHD
[20:01]  How genetics affect ADHD
[22:16] Dr. Greenblatt’s approach to detoxification
[25:28] How to respond to critics of natural strategies
[29:08] 1 piece of advice for parents to implement today
[30:15] Where to find Dr. Greenblatt online
 
Memorable Moments:
“In some communities and for some individuals, I do think it’s over-diagnosed and other problems are being missed, but it’s also being under-diagnosed, particularly in women.”
“It’s [medication] a symptomatic bandaid. It doesn’t do anything to the underlying symptoms. And when someone takes medication, there might be an improvement, but as soon as the medicine wears off…the symptoms come back….And there are a wide list of potential side effects.”
”We have 25 years of research talking about diet, sugar-sweetened beverages, ultra processed foods affecting brain function and the effects are attention problems, depression, anxiety, even memory and dementia. So we know clearly diet affects behavior.”
“Sugar sells.”
”Probably the most common deficiency – both in children and adults – is the trace mineral of magnesium.”
”The root of my practice…is a personalized approach, but I think there are a few nutrients we could give our kids without testing, and that would probably be the B complex I mentioned, magnesium, and essential fatty acids.”
“What we’re trying to help parents do is look for the underlying cause.”
“In the old days, I didn’t have a lot other than I just knew in my heart that kids got better. But at this point, we have research to support everything that you and I and others have been trying to say to parents and families. And oftentimes we have more research than some of the pharmaceuticals.”
”You go to a psychiatry conference, and it’s supported and funded by the pharmaceutical company and, as you said, the research is as well.”
“Listen to your child. Our kids with ADHD know what’s helpful and will tell you.”
 
How to Connect with Jamed Greenblatt
Website: www.jamesgreenblattmd.com and www.psychiatryredefined.org 
 
Dana Kay Resources:
Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ 
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 wit

If you have ever wondered about functional lab testing for ADHD, then this episode is for you. Dana Kay dives deep into her favorite functional lab tests. Tune in to discover: 
✔️ Which lab tests Dana Kay recommends
✔️ Why she recommends these particular tests
✔️ What these tests can show us about your child and what's going on inside their body 
Dana Kay, the host of the Soaring Child podcast, is passionate about helping families reduce their kids' ADHD symptoms using natural strategies. Medication is not the only way to help these children. She’s also a board certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, but most importantly, she’s a mom of a 13 year old boy with ADHD who is thriving without medication, and she has years of experience helping other families do exactly the same.
Here are the links mentioned in this episode: 
Leaky Gut Episode - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-80/
At-home Mold Test - https://immunolytics.com/?wpam_id=24 
Kryptopyrrole Episode - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-70/
Link to book a free call - https://bit.ly/3X5ZVvT 
 
Key Takeaways:
[5:47] 4 Functional Lab Tests for Children with ADHD
[6:19] Test 1 - Stool Test & The Gut-Brain Connection
[9:03] Test 2 - Food Sensitivity Test & Leaky Gut
[14:50] Test 3 - Organic Acid Test & Mold
[22:37] Test 4 - Kryptopyrrole Test
[24:29] Summary of Top 4 Tests
 
Memorable Moments:
“Your child’s body will continue to act a certain way regardless of how many medicines or supplements you use if you don’t have a solid foundation of nutrition first.”
”Just as there are causes of the symptoms of a cough…like the flu or bronchitis or tuberculosis, there are causes of chronic disorders and illnesses….Symptoms are a warning sign from the body that something else is wrong, and the only way to address it is to get the body examined further, specifically with functional lab testing.”
”There is a very close connection between the gut and the brain, and one of the first signs of a disconnect in the brain is a gut that is not functioning well.”
”Food sensitivities are the direct result of something else that’s going on in the gut. Something is CAUSING the food sensitivities.”
”Food sensitivities are not true allergies but they do cause inflammation in the body and so you can actually heal from sensitivities.”
”Getting people better is better than prescribing a pill.”

 
Dana Kay Resources:
Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ 
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 Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl 
ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

It can be difficult to navigate the holiday season while adhering to a gluten and dairy-free diet. In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, guest Laura Falzon shares tips and tricks to overcome this challenge.  
Laura is the creator of the popular YouTube channel Five Hungry Travelers. She's an expert at making dietary restrictions work while on the go, and she is here to share her insights and tips on how to make the holiday season enjoyable, nourishing, and stress-free for everyone. 
Laura worked for years in the travel industry before starting her own business as a birth doula. When Laura’s oldest child needed to adapt his diet to manage his ADHD symptoms, their whole family learned to trust their bodies and heal themselves through a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, but the love of travel didn't stop, so they developed an approach to take their diet on the road and continue their family adventures around the world.
Now she shares her expertise on her YouTube channel, Five Hungry Travelers, to help families confidently travel with kids with dietary restrictions. 
This episode is packed with actionable advice that will empower you to turn these holiday challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. 
 
Key Takeaways:
[3:19] Laura’s personal story going gluten and dairy free
[7:25] How to talk with family members who don’t understand dietary restrictions
[10:04] How to make holidays fun without the “normal” treats
[14:25] Tips for parents who are navigating dietary restrictions for the first time while traveling for the holidays
[16:58] Laura’s top tip for traveling with dietary restrictions
[19:01] Encouragement for families feeling overwhelmed
[20:52] Where to find Laura online
 
Memorable Moments:
“You owe nobody anything. If you don’t want to explain it, you don’t have to. I recommend taking it in small chunks in ways that feel safe to you with people who feel safe to you.”
“I don’t need to give the full run down to the full extended family. I highly recommend picking out your one or two point people who can help you out and start there.”
“I specialize in helping people travel with kids with dietary restrictions, but I don’t think you should do that until you’ve got that base layer laid.”
“Try to shift your mentality to one that is not making food an event and go back to finding activities that are the event.”
”Everywhere we go, food is held up as an activity, and it shouldn’t be. Go have fun and move your bodies, and then go eat something.”
“We don’t need to knock ourselves out with every last thing being food-centric.”
”Try to stick with things you already know in the new place…Do a little research on the new place.”
“Make sure you show up not starving.”
”Our pressure on ourselves during the holidays to make it perfect and to make it perfect for our kids is so much, so as a parent, I encourage you to…remember that it’s also about the memories you’re making with your child, and know that…everyone’s going to make good memories because of the choices you’ve made.”
 
How to Connect with Laura Falzon:
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRNSkS8sIng1oR4wDdmJOgA 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5hungrytravelers/ 



Dana Kay Resources:
Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ 
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 Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl 
ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/pa

Traditional parenting methods don’t often work for children with ADHD. Have you ever asked either of these questions: 
Why don’t consequences work with some children? 
What can parents do instead of these traditional methods that don’t work? 
Kim Hopkins is an independently licensed clinical social worker who has specialized in working with behavioral challenged kids for more than 25 years. She has managed the clinical departments of two organizations serving youth and families in residential facilities, foster homes, therapeutic day schools, and homeless shelters. 
She has been a Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, which is CPS for short, trainer since 2007, helping schools, residentials, hospitals, and parents to successfully implement the CPS model from Dr. Ross Greene. Kim is also the director of outreach and communication for Dr. Ross Greene’s nonprofit, Lives in the Balance. 
In this episode, Kim shares tips about how to parent children with ADHD using the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model developed by Dr. Ross Greene. 
 
Key Takeaways:
[4:09] Why do some kids struggle more than others?
[6:10] Why do consequences often NOT work, and what can parents use instead?
[9:24] The first step in teaching kids lacking skills
[12:55] What parents can do in the heat of the moment (An Explanation of Plan A, B, & C of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model)
[16:43] Summary of Plans A, B, & C
[17:48] The 3 steps in Plan B
[19:13] How long this system takes for families to incorporate
[22:56] Resources to help families begin using the CPS Model
[24:46] How Kim got started using the CPS Model
[26:39] Kim’s top tip for parents
 
Memorable Moments:
“Kids who exhibit behavior in the face of problems and frustrations do so because they lack the skills not to. This is a skills deficit situation. A lot of traditional parenting techniques talk about it as being a motivation deficit situation. We don’t believe that at all.”
”They [consequences] don’t get the job done because they’re not doing anything to address skills.”
“You can observe their feelings. You can observe their behavior. But it’s their thought process that if you had a little glance into would really position you to better help them.”
“Pouring on empathy…can really help bring a kid back to baseline.”
“The durable, problem-solving, skills-teaching piece happens only proactively.”
“Nothing good happens in the heat of the moment. So…let’s avoid you even getting there.”
”Step 1 is where you have the empathy step…Step 2 is the define the adult concern step…Step 3 is the invitation step where we’re going to invite the kid to consider possible solutions with us that address what they told us in the first step and what we said in the second step.”
“A good solution meets two criteria: it’s got to be realistic…and it’s got to be mutually satisfactory.”
“Tune out the noise of all the pressure that people are putting on you….You know your child.”
 
How to Connect with Kim Hopkins-Betts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livesinthebalance 
Website: https://livesinthebalance.org/ 



Dana Kay Resources:
Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ 
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 Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl 
ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/