We often hear about the challenges that come with ADHD, but what’s not always talked about is that there are natural, fun, and effective ways to manage these challenges. Exercise and sports can be transformative for kids with ADHD.  In this episode, we're going to explore how exercise and sports can not only boost physical health but also bring remarkable benefits to the cognitive and emotional wellbeing of children with ADHD. Discover how exercise can enhance focus, reduce impulsivity,  improve mood, and even improve self-esteem.    Link mentioned in the show:  Book a free call with my team at www.adhdthriveinstitute.com/meet    Key Takeaways: [3:10] What research tells us about the benefits of exercise for ADHD [7:43] Guidelines for how much exercise kids need at various ages  [9:14] Fun, creative ways to incorporate exercise into your daily life with your family [17:47] Ways for preschoolers to get exercise [18:26] Ways for school-age kids to get exercise  [18:52] Ways for tweens/teens to get exercise   Memorable Moments: "From enhancing focus and reducing impulsivity to improving mood and self-esteem, the impact of regular physical activity is profound.” “Not only can regular physical activity help in managing symptoms like impulsivity and attention difficulties, but it can also play a role in improving cognitive functions and even brain structure.” "Just like everything in life, the way you approach physical exercise is all about attitude...be sure to frame physical pursuits as something fun and never a chore." "To encourage exercise as a family, plan unstructured activity into your family time." "If you make it a priority, your kids are more likely to do the same. Make it a habit to incorporate physical activity into your day, every day.”   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/

97: Exercise for ADHD with Dana Kay

Here is a place where you will learn how to address your child's ADHD symptoms naturally so you can stop walking on eggshells & bring back peace & calm to your home.

Hosted Dana Kay, board certified health & nutrition practitioner, author of the best selling book Thriving with ADHD, leading ADHD expert but most importantly a mom with a child with ADHD who gets it. As a mother of a child with ADHD, she knows firsthand the struggles that come with parenting a neurodiverse child & the freedom that is possible once parents learn to reduce ADHD symptoms. Dana has been featured in Forbes, on Fox & CBS, & various other online media. She has also been a guest at multiple parenting & ADHD summits & podcasts. 

Her goal with the Soaring child is to give hope & answers to parents of children with ADHD who are looking for alternative (natural) and effective means of helping them learn to thrive at home, at school, and in life. 

Because children with ADHD deserve to soar, just like every other child.

Alternative Health

Health

Kids & Family

Parenting

Health & Fitness

“We are in a state of emergency for children’s mental health.” Dr. Elisa Song In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, discover the most up-to-date information about children’s mental health and how gut health directly impacts mental health. Dr. Elisa Song joins the show to share what parents can do to build resilience in their children.  Elisa Song, MD, is an integrative pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert, and most importantly, a mother to two thriving children. She has dedicated her career to helping parents and practitioners bridge the gap between conventional and holistic pediatrics with an evidence-based, pediatrician-backed, parent-approved approach.  Dr. Song has lectured around the world at leading integrative and functional medicine conferences and premier parenting events. She has also been featured in hundreds of top podcasts, print, and online media outlets. Her new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, is available now.    Links Mentioned in the Podcast:  ADHD Symptom Reduction Tool - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/tool  Dr. Elisa Song’s new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids - https://www.healthykidshappykids.com/book/    Key Takeaways: [3:39] The current state of children’s mental health [6:53] The gut-brain connection and how it relates to mental health [17:16] The most common factors that disrupt our kids' microbiomes [26:16] Tips for creating gut-brain resilience in children [37:12] Healthy Kids, Happy Kids - Dr. Song’s new book [40:28] Where to find Dr. Elisa Song online   Memorable Moments: “We are in a state of emergency for children’s mental health.” “By the time kids are 18, 1 in 2 will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.” “When we are talking about our children’s mental health…we always need to look at their guts.” “Antibiotics given to infants…can significantly increase - by up to 50% - the risk of that child having mental health concerns by the time they are older kids or teenagers.” “The vast majority of neurotransmitters are made by our gut microbiome.” “If we do not have a healthy balance of all of these beneficial bacteria that make our neurotransmitters, there’s no way we can have optimal or healthy brain development or brain functioning.” “One of the single most insidious and persistent and ever-present disruptors are our ultra-processed foods.” “Not only do these ultra-processed foods affect our gut microbiome, they also affect our kids' brains.” “It takes only 2 months of a steady diet of ultra-processed foods to change our brain, we can reverse that trend with a steady diet of gut-nourishing, brain-nourishing food.” “Psychological stress can disrupt your gut microbiome in the matter of an hour.” “Stress is not necessarily a bad thing.” “Having no stress may be more stressful and inflammatory to your body and brain than having some stress that you can overcome.” “When you want your kids to expand their pallets, the best way is to get them cooking.”   How to Connect with Dr. Elisa Song Website: https://healthykidshappykids.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthykids_happykids/   Dana Kay Resources: 

108: The Effects of Gut Health on Children’s Mental Health with Dr. Elisa Song

What are primitive reflexes? What role do they play in ADHD symptoms? And can working on retained primitive reflexes really make that much of a difference in kids with ADHD?  Dr. Kaleb Scroggin joins this episode of the Soaring Child podcast to share more on this topic. Dr. Scroggin was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia where he currently runs his pediatric-focused Chiropractic practice. He was a high level athlete growing up where he was exposed to sports chiropractic and even went on to work with pro athletes in the NFL and MLB during his undergraduate and the first portion of his chiropractic schooling.  He was then exposed to the profound impact of working with children and the life changes that can happen when a child’s health is improved and restored. He immediately shifted from working with athletes and dove into newborn and neurodevelopmental health. From there he received a board certification in pediatrics and published a paper on balance and coordination in children with ASD, while running a practice and raising three beautiful children with his wife. Every day he is invigorated with the changes he sees in childrens’ lives. If you are curious to learn more about retained primitive reflexes, tune in to this episode!    Link mentioned in the podcast: Book a free call with my team: https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/meet    Key Takeaways: [4:01] What are primitive reflexes? [8:21] What are retained primitive reflexes? [14:30] What should a parent do if they suspect a child has retained primitive reflexes? [22:02] Are there specific reflexes that are directly related to ADHD challenges? [30:16] Is there a time when it’s too late to fix these things? [37:00] Where to find Kaleb online   Memorable Moments: ”Primitive reflexes are the major movers of your body from about 4 months pre-birth to about 4 months after birth, and their goal is to actually train your brain on what to do.” ”There’s about 14 different…primitive reflexes…that we check in our office on our new infant exams that should be there at birth.” ”There are some reflexes that are there starting at 4 months before birth and some that don’t come on until a few months after birth that help with different developmental milestones.” ”Movement is the #1 driver of brain development.” ”There’s a ton of infant reflexes that need to be integrated in order for that frontal lobe - the executive function - to have a good foundation to work.” ”You have to turn on the whole frontal part of the brain in the developmental order as a baby for the adult part of the brain to work appropriately.”   How to Connect with Dr. Kaleb Scroggin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restorationchirosavannah/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkalebscroggin/   Dana Kay Resources: 

107: Primitive Reflexes in Kids with ADHD with Dr. Kaleb Scroggin

Summer is full of outdoor activities and memorable adventures. But it's also a time when our children are more exposed to various environmental toxins, like chlorine from swimming pools, chemicals in sunscreens, etc. These toxins can add a significant load to their bodies, exacerbating ADHD symptoms. In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, discover how to have a non-toxic summer (and how to safely and effectively detox from any toxins your child might be exposed to).    Links mentioned in the episode:  My favorite magnesium flakes: https://amzn.to/3PISJEE  My favorite HM-ET binder:  https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/hm-et-binder-120-capsules.html  ADHD Fast Class: https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl  Detoxification Episode -  https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-88/    Key Takeaways: [3:20] Common toxins kids are exposed to during the summer [7:20] Tips to make swimming less toxic [11:38] What to look for in a sunscreen [15:38] How parents can ensure a toxin-free environment at summer camp [18:14] Natural ways to support detoxification and reduce the impact of toxins   Memorable Moments: ”During the summer, children are often more active and spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, which, while very beneficial for kids with ADHD, also increases their exposure to various environmental toxins.” ”Because children's bodies are still developing, they are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of chemical exposures. Their smaller size, higher rates of metabolism, and the fact that they're closer to the ground (where some toxins settle) further increase their risk.” ”Though chlorine isn’t ideal, there are things you can do to help your  kids detox those chemicals before and after swimming.” ”You can still use sunscreen but choose a cleaner brand and this will go a long way in reducing your child’s overall toxic load!” ”It’s much easier to limit a child’s toxic exposure when they’re at home with us under our supervision, but many of our kids will also be going to summer camps so we need to think about this too.“ ”The goal is to support the body's natural detoxification processes, which include the liver, kidneys, digestive system, and skin, in a gentle and supportive way.” ”Remember, small tweaks can make a significant impact.”   Dana Kay Resources: 

106: How to Have a Non Toxic Summer with Dana Kay

One of the most common questions I hear from families is, "How can I get my child, especially a teenager, on board with these changes?"  If you have ever had that thought, then you definitely want to tune in to this episode.  Joining the show for  this episode is a special guest, a teenager named Matthew who has been working with his family to successfully reduce his ADHD symptoms so much that he has reduced his medication by 90%.  Matthew is a 17 year old student who is full of wisdom and insight for both kids on a similar journey and their parents.  Link Mentioned in the Show:    Dye-Free for ADHD course - https://bit.ly/4aFj6TY       Key Takeaways: [4:54] About Matthew [5:59] What led Matthew & his family to try natural strategies for ADHD [8:08] Matthew’s doubts [9:51] The success Matthew has felt since implementing natural strategies to reduce ADHD symptoms [16:19] How Matthew explains his diet to friends [17:41] How Matthew’s friends typically respond [19:31] What Matthew does when going somewhere that unhealthy snacks are offered [21:09] What motivates Matthew to stick to his dietary restrictions [22:14] The biggest struggle Matthew has faced [28:24] Matthew’s advice to other kids   Memorable Moments: ”When my mom found this diet, it pretty much changed my life for the better.” ”This diet has made me decrease the medicine but still be able to focus…I’ve decreased my medicine by 90%…I don’t have low blood sugar anymore.” ”My taste buds have also changed during this diet.” ”My diet has been a positive influence on many people. In fact, my teachers will even come up with their meals and be like, ‘Look what I’m eating. I’m eating all these vegetables….' I’m known as the pepper boy at my school because every day I bring peppers.” ”Everyone knows that I have a diet, and no one judges me for it. In fact, I probably get more compliments than I do weird looks or anything.”  ”I have a community that accepts me.” ”Don’t be sad about what you can’t eat, but learn to enjoy what you can eat.” ”You can still have lots of friends even though you might not eat the same as them. If they’re good friends, they’re not going to leave you just because of what you eat.” ”It’s definitely worth it. 100%” ”Trust that the diet will make you the person that you want to be - for sure - because it made me the person I want to be.”   Dana Kay Resources: 

105: An ADHD Teenager Shares His Success Story with Matthew

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 Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl  ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/  

97: Exercise for ADHD with Dana Kay

Download our free app to listen on your phone