ADHD, Naturally: Smart Solutions for Holistic Women

Is it possible that the holistic medicine community is missing a crucial piece of the ADHD puzzle? Unfortunately, misconceptions still abound, even among progressive practitioners. ADHD is a legitimate condition with deep ties to gut health, brain inflammation, and hormone balance . . . AND it has been verified in genetic studies as well as brain imaging. By integrating natural strategies with an understanding of ADHD’s genetic and neurological roots, we can offer a more comprehensive approach to support women's ADHD brains.

Let's break the stigma surrounding ADHD treatments and advocate for a supportive environment.

Understanding the hidden complexities of ADHD is crucial, especially for women who often face unique challenges. In this episode, we'll discuss why informed consent is essential when considering ADHD medications, and I'll share my personal journey with these drugs, shedding light on how they interact with nutritional absorption and hormone balance. This conversation is a vital call to action for women—urging you to take charge of your health by being informed and proactive.

We also take a critical look at the current ADHD diagnosis criteria, including how the traditional DSM-V often falls short in diagnosing women accurately, missing out on emotional dysregulation and internalized struggles.

Discover why optimizing brain health is crucial for effective management of ADHD and how ADHD is a whole-body issue that must consider hormones, life stages, and nutrient depletion from medications. 

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Can your genes determine if you have ADHD? Today, we unravel the genetic mysteries behind ADHD and debunk the myth that "everyone is a little ADHD." We'll explore the 27 specific gene regions recently linked to ADHD, and how these findings affirm the condition's biological roots. I’ll also share my own journey of discovering ADHD through genetic analysis, a revelation that offered clarity and fostered deeper connections with family members who had similar experiences. We’ll further examine a groundbreaking 2023 Nature Genetics study revealing overlaps in genetic variants among ADHD, autism, and depression, suggesting common genetic threads.

What if your lifestyle could determine how your genes express themselves? We delve into the concept of epigenetics, where "genes load the gun, and environment pulls the trigger." By examining how nutrition, sleep, and psychological states can influence genetic expression, we'll discuss a 2022 BMC Medicine study that found a troubling link between high genetic risk for ADHD and increased mortality rates. The genetic ties between ADHD and other health conditions like COPD will also be explored, underscoring the intricate link between our genes and overall health.

Is ADHD just a childhood condition predominantly affecting boys? We challenge this misconception by examining how ADHD persists into adulthood and affects both genders, emphasizing its genetic foundation. We'll highlight the importance of gut health, detoxification, and hormone balance in managing ADHD symptoms, demonstrating that effective management goes beyond medication. By adopting these health strategies, we can reduce the intensity of ADHD symptoms and improve overall well-being. Share this episode with those who misunderstand ADHD's impact, and arm yourself with research-backed strategies for better management.

https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-022-02279-3

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01285-8

Imagine feeling like an outsider in your own mind for 44 years, only to discover that ADHD was the silent architect of your struggles. On this episode, I recount my deeply personal journey of navigating ADHD medication while balancing my career as a functional and holistic practitioner. We’ll unpack the stigma and shame often associated with ADHD, and the exhausting act of masking to fit into societal norms. My late diagnosis flipped my world upside down, compelling me to explore what life could be like with--and without--medication.

In this episode, I share the emotional tug-of-war between fearing addiction and craving mental clarity. Delve into my extensive research on stimulant medications like Adderall, the potential side effects, and nutrient depletions that come with them. I reflect on how being a smart girl was like a tax that masked my struggles for so long, delaying not just my diagnosis, but the relief I could have felt sooner.

We’ll also discuss the practical side of managing ADHD medication, from dealing with side effects like headaches and sleep disturbances to deeper issues like cardiovascular health. I emphasize the importance of regular health check-ins, especially during perimenopause, and how these insights can educate other women going through similar journeys.

Discover how understanding your ADHD can transform your life, without letting it become an excuse. I'm Christine McCarroll, and in this episode of ADHD, Naturally: Smart Solutions for Holistic Women, we break down how your ADHD diagnosis can be a powerful tool for self-awareness and holistic growth. . . if you let it. We'll explore the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors, helping you view these patterns as manageable rather than fixed destinies.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of ADHD and its impact on relationships. We'll discuss the importance of community and validation, especially for women facing this diagnosis. Hear personal stories about balancing accountability with the need for reasonable accommodations, and learn practical strategies for fostering open communication and mutual understanding in your relationships. This episode is packed with insights that will help you manage ADHD's challenges without letting it define you.

Together, we'll explore how to move beyond self-pity and take actionable steps to reclaim your power, maximize your potential, and embrace leadership in your life. Don't miss this opportunity to turn adversity into strength and live your best life.

Book mention: The ADHD Effect on Marriage

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "ADHD, Naturally: Smart Solutions for Holistic Women," where I, Christine McCarroll, a functional nutritionist and certified brain health professional, embark on a mission to unshame women with ADHD and encourage them to embrace their unique qualities. Diagnosed at 44, I share my personal journey and the challenges faced due to a lack of awareness and support for women with ADHD, especially during hormonal changes.

Join me as I recount my experiences and insights into ADHD's impact on both myself and my daughter, particularly through puberty. My background in functional health and holistic hormone balancing has given me a unique perspective on ADHD in women and girls. I emphasize the importance of viewing a diagnosis as a tool for self-compassion and targeted support rather than a limiting label.

This podcast will be exploring the intersection of ADHD, women's hormones, and holistic health solutions. You can improve brain health without conforming to societal expectations, and I'm excited to share this journey with you and provide actionable insights and tools to enhance your everyday life.

Where have I been for the last year, and where am I going next? Why did I take a hiatus?

Spoiler alert: The Bitch Fix is retiring, but there's something new coming.

Want to download the secret podcast JUST for women with ADHD? Go here: christinemaccarroll.com/privatepod