ADHD In Children
A Naturopath’s perspective
At the heart of my practice is the philosophy that we are all different, two children with medically diagnosed ADHD will not get the exact same protocol. I consider their unique presentation, take a look at their health from the very moment they are brought into the world. I look at conception health, womb health and every development to now. Factoring in diet, genetics, lifestyle, stress and environmental factors such as exposure to toxins and pollutants.
With a full comprehensive background of the child’s history I work to connect the dots to the underlying factors contributing to the presentation of ADHD.
A Naturopaths clinical understanding of ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control and activity levels. Naturopathic care takes an individualised approach, recognising that every child is different. There is no single treatment or ADHD diet that suits everyone. Recommendations are personalised to support each child's unique health needs, symptoms and overall wellbeing. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised advice. As every child is unique, I strongly recommend booking a consultation so treatment and dietary recommendations can be tailored specifically to your child's individual needs.
Nutrition
Diet forms the foundation of naturopathic treatment. A balanced, whole-food diet helps provide the nutrients required for healthy brain development and nervous system function.
Key dietary strategies include:
Prioritising lean protein at each meal to support stable blood sugar and neurotransmitter production.
Including healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, walnuts and flaxseeds.
Choosing high-fibre vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
Reducing highly processed foods, artificial colours and excessive added sugars where appropriate.
Identifying individual food sensitivities if there is a clear clinical history suggesting they may contribute to behavioural symptoms. Where nutritional deficiencies are identified, targeted supplementation may be recommended.
Lifestyle support
Healthy daily routines can significantly influence attention and behaviour.
Important lifestyle factors include:
Maintaining consistent sleep routines and good sleep hygiene.
Encouraging daily physical activity, which has been shown to improve attention and mood.
Limiting recreational screen time before bedtime.
Supporting emotional wellbeing through mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Working collaboratively with parents, teachers and other healthcare professionals to provide consistent support.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine may be considered as part of an individualised treatment plan. Selection should always be based on the child's age, medical history and presenting symptoms. Herbal medicines should only be prescribed by appropriately qualified practitioners after a full consultation has taken place. These herbs are general in nature and does not mean they are suited to you.
Commonly used herbs may include:
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) to support cognitive function and memory.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for children with nervous tension or restlessness.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) to promote relaxation and healthy sleep.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) where anxiety or difficulty settling is present.
Oat seed (Avena sativa) as a gentle nervous system tonic.
Functional Pathology Testing
Testing is guided by the individual's clinical presentation rather than performed routinely. Functional investigations may be considered depending on the presentation although these should be based on clinical need rather than routine screening.
Potential investigations may include:
Full blood count (FBC).
Iron studies including ferritin.
Vitamin B12 and folate.
Vitamin D.
Zinc and copper (where clinically indicated).
Magnesium
Thyroid function tests.
Functional Microbiome test
Please note this is not an exhaustive list and is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your qualified health professional or book a consultation to see what is best for you.
An Integrative Approach
Naturopathic care does not aim to replace conventional ADHD management but rather to complement it. By supporting optimal nutrition, lifestyle habits, supporting nutritional deficiencies and addressing individual health concerns, naturopathic treatment may support a child's ability to thrive.
Children with ADHD benefit most from an individualised, multidisciplinary approach involving parents, educators and healthcare practitioners to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Key nutrients to consider
This is not an exhaustive list and there are many other nutrients to consider.
I ask you if you do take these nutrients you want to look at your dosage and the type of supplement. This will tell you how its absorbed, delivered through the body and if it is the form you require.
Zinc
Now some kids not all can be “fussy or picky eaters”. Its in this fussiness that nutrients tend to become depleted. A major one being Zinc. Zinc is responsible for hundreds of functions it supports our immune system, healing abilities, critical for cell growth not to mention its imperative for regulating key hormones. Low intake of zinc can lead to poor memory, impulsiveness, irritability and neurological changes affecting mood.
Magnesium
Is essential for child growth, helps regulate dopamine which is the hormone responsible for motivation and aiding in focus. For children with ADHD this is crucial in calming their nervous system helping them focus and regulate their emotions.
Iron
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter found in the brain that is responsible for motivation, pleasure, it focuses our attention and controls our impulsiveness. These are some of the aspects to ADHD. Iron is crucial in building and aiding to the synthesis of dopamine. Therefore adequate amounts of iron in turn will support the production and synthesis of dopamine and its functions.
Can you relate?
Or know someone that can?
Book a 15 minute Complimentary discovery call https://www.wonderingwillow.com/book-appointment here you can discuss your symptoms, health goals and ask any questions you may have. Following this would be an initial consultation where we unpack your full health history, symptoms, diet, and lifestyle to work together to achieve your health goals.
Disclaimer:
All articles are intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or personalised naturopathic advice. The information provided is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised assessment, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
As every individual is unique, recommendations that may be appropriate for one person may not be suitable for another. If you or your child has ADHD or any other health condition, please seek advice from your GP, paediatrician or qualified naturopath before making changes to medications, supplements, diet or your healthcare plan.
If you have concerns about you or your child's health, always consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional for a personalised assessment.
References:
Prasad, S., & Kumminimana, R. (2025). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: insights, advances and challenges in research and practice. Postepy psychiatrii neurologii, 34(3), 196–206. https://doi.org/10.5114/ppn.2025.153717
Skalny, A. V., Mazaletskaya, A. L., Ajsuvakova, O. P., Bjørklund, G., Skalnaya, M. G., Chernova, L. N., Skalny, A. A., & Tinkov, A. A. (2020). Magnesium Status in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Soa--ch'ongsonyon chongsin uihak = Journal of child & adolescent
psychiatry, 31(1), 41–45. https://doi.org/10.5765/jkacap.190036
YOUR GUT DOES MORE THAN DIGEST FOOD
Let’s take a brief look at the powerful connection between your gut health, hormones, brain health and your whole body.
When we talk about gut health we usually think about bloating, digestion, constipation or digestive discomfort. However our gut is so much more than a digestive system. It is constantly communicating and interacting with our brain, hormones, liver, immune system and the list goes on. Rather than thinking of our digestive system as an isolated system working on our gut think of it as an interconnected system that influences and communicates to our whole body.
Here are a few ways it does just that!
GUT – BRAIN AXIS
The gut and brain are in constant connection and communication through what is called the gut- brain axis. It’s through this axis that our digestive system is influenced by our nervous system, hormones and our immune system. For example have you ever noticed when you’re going through a stressful time your digestion is worse? You feel more bloated? Or your bowel habits change.
GUT – IMMUNE SYSTEM
Our gastrointestinal tract plays a significant role in our immune system. The microbes in our digestive system interact with our immune system by regulating its responses. Take our epithelial cells for example they line our gastrointestinal tract and act as a barrier by regulating what passes through our body.
GUT- HORMONES
Our digestive system plays an important role in hormone regulation. Our gut produces hormones that are involved with digestion, blood sugar regulation, energy and the list goes on. For example the gut produces a hormone called GLP-1 this is made after you eat aiding to control your blood sugar by making more insulin and slowing down digestion.
GUT- LIVER
Our gut and our liver connect in many ways, the liver is the first organ to meet absorbed nutrients. The liver secretes bile, immunoglobulin a key antibody our immune system makes to protect our body regulating our gut. The liver produces bile helping us to digest fats, it is there where our gut modifies the bacteria producing metabolites influencing our liver and immune system.
WHATS NEXT?
Book an initial consultation https://www.wonderingwillow.com/book-appointment
Where I take a thorough whole body approach when I look at your health. I look beyond “gut health and symptoms” to understand the intricate connections your digestive system, hormones, nervous system, immune system and other key pathways have. I look at how one system influences others and communicates throughout your body to uncover the deeper factors contributing to your presentation.
If this has sparked your curiosity or you have any questions I’d love to hear them by sending me a message.
References:
Hsu, C. L., & Schnabl, B. (2023). The gut-liver axis and gut microbiota in health and liver disease. Nature reviews. Microbiology, 21(11), 719–733. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-023-00904-3
Sun, L. J., Li, J. N., & Nie, Y. Z. (2020). Gut hormones in microbiota-gut-brain cross-talk. Chinese medical journal, 133(7), 826–833. https://doi.org/10.1097/CM9.0000000000000706
Wiertsema, S. P., van Bergenhenegouwen, J., Garssen, J., & Knippels, L. M. J. (2021). The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients, 13(3), 886. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030886