Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD Dana Kay

ADHD symptoms don't emerge in a vacuum, and they often have underlying hidden stressors, sometimes multiple, that need to be addressed. Without tackling these root issues, families find themselves stuck on an endless rollercoaster of symptom management. 
One often overlooked stressor is Lyme disease. It’s known for its broad range of symptoms, including some of those that might mimic or exacerbate ADHD. 
In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, meet Heather Gray. Heather is a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist and Bioenergetic Practitioner specializing in supporting clients with chronic and complex illnesses such as Lyme disease and similar diseases. She has 32 years of personal experience, and she understands the struggles of living with these conditions and is dedicated to helping others find relief.
Her personalized approach as a practitioner, podcast host, and author has helped countless people reduce inflammation in the body and brain, improve gut health, and achieve optimal wellness.
She helps her clients get to the root cause of their symptoms and helps them take control of their health journey. 
 
Link mentioned in the episode: 
Dye-Free for ADHD course - https://bit.ly/4aFj6TY 
 
Key Takeaways:
[4:49] Heather’s personal journey with chronic illness
[10:13] What is Lyme Disease & how do people get it?
[12:53] How long does it take after getting infected that someone begins showing symptoms?
[15:44] Symptoms of Lyme Disease parents should look out for in children
[19:12] What happened when Heather was finally diagnosed with Lyme Disease
[22:44] What a holistic approach to Lyme Disease looks like
[26:54] Heather’s advice to parents if they think Lyme Disease might be an issue for their child
[28:57] Where to find Heather online
 
Memorable Moments:
”Lyme disease is the great mimicer.”
”One of the telltale signs is it’s got migrating pain.”
”It’s a tick, mosquito, any blood-borne carrying insect…it can be sexually transmitted and it can be congenitally transmitted.”
”Only 30% of people with Lyme Disease will get that bullseye [rash].”
”There’s lots and lots of components that go into who gets it and who doesn’t.”
”I can’t even count how many times I’ve been reprimanded…when really it was an inflamed brain and lyme disease, mold toxicity, and celiac disease this whole time.”
”What a blessing it was at 34 years old…to finally have a piece of paper that said…there wasn’t something wrong with me in the way that I was made to feel my whole entire life.”
”The CDC just recognized chronic Lyme Disease as a disease for the first time last year.”
”I’ve talked to so many people with autoimmune and Lyme and they just talk about having flares, like it’s a normal part of the disease, which you don’t have to have the flares if you address all the different areas that need to be addressed.”
”No matter how common a symptom may be, it is never normal. It is always the body’s check engine light coming on, and sadly too often we take something over the counter, which is like putting a piece of tape over that check engine light, and things just keep getting worse and worse…So pay attention to those symptoms.”
 
How to Connect to Heather Gray
Website: www.thelymeboss.com 
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lymebossheathergray 
 
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 Mastercl

Donna Cipolla is a well-respected gastroenterologist with a career full of achievements. She’s also a registered dietician and a mom who is deeply invested in her child's wellbeing. Donna has a child with ADHD, and she went down the journey of trying to help her son naturally after he hit rock bottom as a college student. 
In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Donna shares not only her personal journey parenting a child with ADHD, but also her expertise as a medical doctor and the effectiveness of natural strategies for ADHD.
 
Link mentioned in the show: 
Thriving with ADHD book - adhdthriveinstitute.com/book



Key Takeaways:
[4:20] Donna’s personal journey with ADHD
[6:43] The challenges Donna’s son faced as a result of his ADHD
[8:45] Why Donna explored natural strategies for her adult son with ADHD
[11:55] The connection between gut health and ADHD symptoms
[14:46] How the medical community can incorporate more holistic principles into their practices
[18:05] How Donna’s son is doing now
[22:34] What Donna would tell skeptics
 
Memorable Moments:
 ”I tried everything I knew as a physician…No one ever - ever - suggested any kind of dietary intervention.”
”I thought I was doing good - giving him a good, healthy diet, but little did I know until I got into your program that there was so much more to dietary interventions than just the things that I knew as a dietician to do.”
As a dietitian and as a gastroenterologist…I’m well aware of the relationship between the brain and the gut interactions when it comes to gastrointestinal diseases...that same interaction affects the brain in terms of ADHD.”
”I was so frustrated as a dietician that the physicians did not appreciate the role of nutrition in preventing disease nor in treating disease and I thought, ‘Ya know, if I can become a physician, I can then write the diet orders and I can help thousands of patients with my expertise in nutrition to treat them.”
”As a patient, you turn to that doctor as the expert so somehow we have to get the word out there that nutrition, diet, and alternative methods are vital to the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD
“My biggest regret is that I didn’t know sooner….My son, for 19 years, was on a path I thought was best, which was medication…How many years of his life did he lose because I didn’t know and try an alternative diet therapy?”
”You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
 
How to Connect to Donna Cipolla
Website: https://www.connecticutgi.org/donna-cipolla-md

 
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/

Did you know that certain artificial flavors and colors could be influencing your child's behavior and focus? In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, we dive into the world of artificial flavors and colors. 
Have you ever wondered why these synthetic additives are everywhere in our food? From why manufacturers prefer them over natural options to their significant impact on kids with ADHD, we're uncovering it all in this week’s episode.
This is a conversation every family navigating ADHD needs to hear. We also explore the types of products most likely to contain these additives, arming you with the knowledge to make informed choices at the grocery store.
 
Link mentioned in the episode:
Dye-Free for ADHD: https://bit.ly/4aFj6TY
Our brand new course called "Dye-Free for ADHD” is finally here! 
Have you ever noticed a spike in negative emotions and wild behaviors after your child eats a bowl of cereal or a handful of candy…
Many parents have wondered - is there a link between ADHD symptoms, and diet?
And can simple food swaps reduce ADHD symptoms in children? 
The answer to both of these is, yes…
And in this brand new Dye-Free for ADHD course, you’ll discover exactly how to go dye-free the easy way! 
 
Learn more here - https://bit.ly/4aFj6TY
 
Key Takeaways:
[3:52] What are artificial flavors and colors, and why are they so prevalent in our food?
[9:19] Why do manufacturers use artificial flavors instead of the real thing?
[9:54] How artificial flavors & colors can affect kids with ADHD
[16:40] What types of products have artificial flavors and colors in them?
[24:07] How to avoid artificial flavors and colors
[25:01] Brands that often avoid artificial flavors and colors
 
Memorable Moments:
“For families of kids with ADHD, understanding the potential impact of these artificial ingredients is crucial in managing symptoms and promoting a more balanced and focused state of mind.”
”Artificial colors, also known as food dyes, are chemical substances developed in laboratories. They're used in a wide array of foods to enhance appearance, making them more visually appealing.”
”Artificial flavors, similar to artificial colors, are chemical compounds created in laboratories.”
“Unlike natural flavors that are derived from actual food sources, artificial flavors are synthesized to mimic natural tastes. These flavors are engineered to replicate the taste of fruits, nuts, spices, and other natural foods.”
“Artificial flavors are often complex mixtures of numerous chemicals.”
”Here are some common terms indicating artificial flavors or colors: Artificial Flavors, Artificial Colors, Synthetic Flavors, Artificial Flavoring Substances, Synthetic Food Coloring.”
”Studies have illuminated a concerning link between artificial additives and ADHD symptoms.”
”In Britain, food is made with real ingredients, while in America, chemicals are often added with no warning label. This needs to change. American consumers deserve the same consideration as those outside the USA.”
”When chemicals are added to food, we should be informed. It's baffling that the United States continues to allow ingredients that are not even food, contributing to staggering health issues.”
”Artificial flavors and colors are everywhere. Even a lot of things that are clear or white in color have dyes or flavors in them.”
”My best tip is to eat fewer processed foods as these additives are always in processed foods and to read those labels.”
“My rule of thumb is, if you can’t pronounce an item, put that item back on the shelf. The shorter the ingredient list, the better.”



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-ins

”When we change the way somebody breathes, we change their entire health.” -Sachin Patel
In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, discover how breathwork can help children with ADHD thrive. Sachin Patel,  father, husband, philanthropist, functional medicine practice, success coach, speaker, author, breathwork facilitator, and plant medicine advocate, joins the show. 
He is dedicated to raising consciousness and activating the inner doctor in everyone through lifestyle changes and breathwork. He is the founder of the Living Proof Institute and has been at the forefront of the patient-centered healthcare revolution through his Perfect Practice mentorship program.
Tune in to learn more about breathwork and breathing for the brain, which is a critical aspect of supporting not just our children with ADHD, but also ourselves as parents and caregivers.
 
Links mentioned in this episode: 
ADHD Symptom Reduction Tool - www.adhdthriveinstitute.com/tool 
3m nose tape – https://amzn.to/3RX239o 
Chin straps to close the mouth:
Kids - https://amzn.to/3RDzOey 
Adults - https://amzn.to/41IXNNR 
Nose salve – Nasya Oil - https://amzn.to/3RY2ccq 
Nasal strip – https://amzn.to/47gXlYt 
The Ultimate Breathwork Bundle -   https://sachinpatel.kartra.com/page/bUW390
 
Key Takeaways:
[3:25] What inspired Sachin to get involved in breathwork
[12:19] How does breathing affect our children
[17:12] How do we breathe properly?
[25:20] What parents can do if their children breathe through their mouths
[35:05] The relationship between breathwork and mood and behavior
[42:57] Where to find Sachin online?
 
Memorable Moments:
”When we change the way somebody breathes, we change their entire health.”
“The average person is unconscious about how they breathe, and it’s something that we do 23,000 times a day, whether we like it or not. And air, believe it or not, is the thing that we consume the most. The average person, the average adult, consumes about 30 pounds of air a day.”
”How we breathe plays a huge role in our immune health, plays a huge role in our energy levels, plays a huge role in how well we detoxify and eliminate toxicity from our body. In fact, 70% of the toxins in our body are actually eliminated through the lungs.”
”It’s a very sophisticated instrument of healing, and it’s also very simple. We’re already doing it. We just need to draw our consciousness to it and then make the minor adjustments and shifts so that now we are breathing in a way that prioritizes our health.”
”Our breath overrides the brain…How our children breathe and how we as adults breathe is super informative to the nervous system, to our cellular respiratory system, and also to our behavior as well.”
“The easiest analogy I can give to people is that the breath is like the steering wheel of the nervous system. So are we breathing in such a way that it’s steering us in the right direction or are we breathing in such a way that it’s steering us in an undesirable direction.”
“We want our nervous system to match our desired state, and our nervous system is steered by our breath.”
 
How to Connect to Sachin Patel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesachinpatel/ 
Website: https://thesachinpatel.com/ 
 
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.adhdthriveinstitut

If you could only choose three things to focus on to reduce ADHD symptoms naturally, what would they be?
In this week’s episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay, holistic health and nutrition practitioner, answered this question. 
If you’re just starting out, she shared 3 beginner strategies. 
If you've been doing this for a while and feel like you've got a grasp on the beginner strategies, she shared some intermediate strategies. 
Finally, if you consider yourself an expert, she shared the top strategies for experts as well. 
These strategies are the pillars that can make a significant difference in the life of a child with ADHD.
So, whether you're just starting out on the journey or you're looking to refine your approach, this episode is for you! 
 
Links mentioned in the episode: 
ADHD Fast Class - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl 
The ADHD Diet, Part 1 Podcast episode - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-5/ 
The ADHD Diet, Part 2 Podcast episode - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-6/ 
ProThrive - https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/pro-thrive.html 
OmegaThrive - https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/omega-thrive-liquid.html 
Exercise podcast link - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-97/ 
Functional Lab Testing Podcast episode - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-83/ 
Detoxification Podcast episode - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-88/ 
Maintenance Supplement Bundle - https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/adhd-maintenance.html 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
[3:18] The Top Areas to Focus on - Beginner Level - Diet, Supplements, Exercise
[14:22] The Top Areas to Focus on -  Intermediate Level - Functional Lab Testing, Targeted Supplementation, Optimizing Detoxification
[24:42] The Top Areas to Focus on - Advanced Level - Dietary Flexibility, Maintenance Supplements
 
Memorable Moments:
”Diet is the foundation of any plan to reduce ADHD symptoms naturally. The food we consume plays a crucial role in how our bodies and brains function.”
”Supplements should never be considered the be-all and end-all for ADHD support. As I say often, you can’t supplement your way out of a poor diet. BUT, in conjunction with dietary changes, supplements can be very beneficial.”
”Research shows that taking probiotics can help support that gut-brain connection. But, the problem with a lot of probiotics is that the strains don’t survive digestion.”
”Functional lab tests can uncover underlying issues that might be contributing to ADHD symptoms, such as nutrient deficiencies, parasites, leaky gut, food sensitivities, mold, etc.”
”Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins, and for children with ADHD, reducing this toxic burden is really important.”
”It is impossible to get rid of all toxins from your life, so that’s why it’s important to optimize detoxification.”
”Once you're in the thriving phase, it's important to reassess the supplements your child is taking. Maintenance supplements are about supporting ongoing health and preventing regression.”
 
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/

Ever glanced at a food label and felt like you needed a degree to understand it? There is definitely A LOT of information on food labels that can make it tricky. 
But, reading food labels is crucial, not just for those with dietary restrictions, but for anyone aiming to make healthier choices. From 'natural flavors' to hidden sugars, what's on the label can often be surprising.
Andrea Daigle joined this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, sharing invaluable insights on navigating the maze of food labels. Whether you're trying to cut out certain ingredients or just want to eat cleaner, Andrea's tips and tricks are a game-changer. 
 
Link mentioned in the episode: 
ADHD Fast Class - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl 
 
Key Takeaways:
[4:26] Why we need to read food labels
[6:11] Where to start with reading food labels
[9:39] Common foods that often have hidden gluten and dairy in them
[14:14] How to read the labels on eggs
[16:48] How to read labels for proteins like beef, chicken, and seafood
 
Memorable Moments:
 ”We need to read every single label, and it can be a bit tedious, but eventually, you’re going to get the hang of it.”
”Now more than ever, it is so important to read labels because there are so many chemicals, additives, and quite frankly just nasty ingredients that are being put into our foods."
”The key is, you want that list to be as clean as possible. A good rule of thumb here is, if you don’t know what it is, we probably shouldn’t be eating it.”
”The end goal here is to know what each and every ingredient is, for you to be able to pronounce it, and that list shouldn’t be very long.”
”The gold standard is to look for pasture-raised eggs with grade AA rating with the organic label.”
”When you’re looking at beef, you want organic, grass fed beef.”
”For chicken, we’re going to look for pasture-raised organic chicken.”
”For seafood, wild caught is best.”
”The only ingredient in your proteins should be the protein itself.”



How to Connect to Andrea Daigle
Free call: https://bit.ly/3X5ZVvT
 
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/