By Dana Kay
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The podcast currently has 137 episodes available.
Have you ever wondered if saffron could be a beneficial supplement to help your child with ADHD? Is it worth the investment, or just another over-hyped remedy? Find out in this episode of the Soaring Child podcast.
Discover the pros and cons of saffron for ADHD, as well as where to find high quality saffron supplements, as Dana Kay, board certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, shares more about this spice.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways: [3:18] What is Saffron? [4:09] How Saffron Works for ADHD [6:14] Pros of Using Saffron for ADHD [7:59] Cons of Using Saffron for ADHD [9:59] Research on Saffron for ADHD [21:52] My Favorite Saffron Supplement
Memorable Moments: "Saffron may help alleviate symptoms like inattention, restlessness, and mood fluctuations by influencing neurotransmitters in the brain."
"Saffron showed comparable efficacy to methylphenidate, especially in reducing hyperactivity symptoms. My mind was blown!"
"Saffron is generally considered safe when used in food and moderate therapeutic doses. It presents fewer side effects compared to traditional ADHD medications."
"You can’t supplement your way out of a poor diet. But supplementation can support children with ADHD when paired with other natural strategies."
"Saffron’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may support improved attention and mental clarity."
"A healthy gut equals a healthy brain—saffron supplements that include probiotics can enhance the gut-brain connection."
"High-quality saffron can be expensive, but it’s essential to invest in trusted products to ensure effectiveness and safety."
"While saffron has shown potential for ADHD, it may not be a comprehensive solution without dietary and lifestyle changes."
"Several studies suggest that saffron may be as effective as traditional ADHD medications, without the severe side effects."
"Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including saffron, especially if your child is on other medications."
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We all know excess sugar isn't great, but do we really understand just how hidden and dangerous it can actually be, particularly when it comes to our kids' health and behavior? In this episode, discover how excess sugar can impact kids with ADHD.
Joining us today is Michael Goran. Michael is Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Program Director for Nutrition and Obesity at The Saban Research Institute.
He is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and received his Ph.D. from the University of Manchester, UK. His research on infant and childhood nutrition has been continuously funded by the NIH for the past 35 years, raising $80m in funding, and publishing over 400 peer-reviewed articles.
In 2021 he founded the Southern California Center for Latino Health, a regional initiative focused on developing academic-community solutions to chronic disease disparities in Latino families and funded by a $25m grant from the National Institute for Minority Health Disparities. He has received numerous awards including: The Nutrition Society Medal for Research (1996), The Lilly Award for Scientific Achievement from The Obesity Society (2006), the TOPS award for contributions to obesity research from The Obesity Society (2014), and the Rank Prize Lecture in Nutrition (2018). Michael lives in Silverlake, LA and likes to play tennis, cook, eat, hike, walk his dog and travel.
He is the author of “Sugarproof: Protect Your Family from the Hidden Dangers of Excess Sugar with Simple Everyday Fixes.”
Tune in to discover the truth about sugar and some practical solutions.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways: [7:12] How Sugar Consumption Has Changed Over Time [10:15] The Misconception of Fruit Juice as a Healthy Option [10:42] Understanding Sugar’s Effect on the Body and Brain [14:24] Common Health Impacts of Excess Sugar in Children [21:21] The Link Between Sugar and Brain Development [23:28] Practical Tips for Reducing Sugar in Children’s Diets [24:31] Seven-Day No Added Sugar Challenge [37:08] Where to Find More Information
Memorable Moments: "Sugar doesn’t just cause energy spikes; it can completely throw off a child’s mood, focus, and behavior."
"Sugar is hiding in 70% of processed foods – and in 80% of foods marketed to children."
"The more sugar you eat, the more your body craves it – this cycle is designed to keep you coming back for more."
"Most parents don’t realize that apple juice has more fructose than soda made with high fructose corn syrup."
"Our seven-day no added sugar challenge helps reset cravings and boosts focus and energy."
"Excess sugar during brain development can cause long-lasting effects, even if it’s only consumed for a short time."
"Fatty liver disease is now a leading cause of liver disease in children – sugar overload is a huge factor."
"Small swaps make a big difference. Replace one sugary product at a time to reduce sugar intake gradually."
"Becoming ‘sugar-proof’ isn’t about avoidance – it’s about knowing where sugar hides and making healthier choices."
How to Connect with Michael Goran
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Avoiding gluten, dairy, soy, artificial flavors or colors, or other highly inflammatory foods during the holidays can be tricky! But Andrea Daigle has some AMAZING tips in this episode of the Soaring Child podcast.
Andrea is one of our expert coaches at the ADHD Thrive Institute, a board-certified holistic health practitioner, and FDN-P. She’s been an amazing guide to countless families, helping them manage ADHD naturally. She’s also a regular on this podcast, and I know her advice will leave you feeling prepared, supported, and ready to enjoy the holidays without stress.
If you want to enjoy the holidays without a meltdown, preparation is absolutely everything, and this episode will give you lots of tips to help!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways:
[3:43] Challenges of Holiday Gatherings for Gluten and Dairy-Free Diets [4:09] Tips for Preparing Gluten and Dairy-Free Foods [5:09] Getting the Whole Family Involved [6:54] Key Ingredients for Substitutions and Creative Boards [15:45] A Recap of the Steps Parents Can Take for Holiday Parties [16:14] Staying Positive and Motivated [17:03] Crowd-Pleasing Gluten and Dairy-Free Holiday Dishes [20:02] How to Handle Accidental Gluten and Dairy Exposure
Memorable Moments: "Preparation is the key to avoiding holiday meltdowns for kids with ADHD."
"One holiday, all we found were some gluten-free crackers and a sad little salad – we learned the hard way."
"If kids help shop and cook, they’re more likely to eat and enjoy what’s on their plates."
"Bring a dish to share – a crowd-pleasing gluten-free dessert or charcuterie board can make a big difference."
"When everyone eats better, they feel better. Keep that as a mantra during the holidays."
"Communicate with your host and don’t hesitate to offer to bring gluten-free options."
"Stock up on gluten-free treats and keep them in your freezer for those last-minute holiday parties."
"If your child sneaks a cookie, don’t panic. Accidents happen, and it’s okay."
"Use moments of gluten or dairy slip-ups as teaching moments, focusing on how different foods make them feel."
"A pumpkin pie or stuffing can be made gluten and dairy-free with just a few simple swaps."
How to Connect with Andrea Daigle
Schedule a free call with Andrea and the team at ADHD Thrive Institute: https://bit.ly/3X5ZVvT
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In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, we're diving into a topic that might seem a little bit unexpected, but could completely change how you support your child with ADHD, and that is oral health. Joining us for this episode is Dr. Derek Gatta.
Dr. Gatta is a dentist and co-founder of RiseWell, a science-backed oral care brand that’s revolutionizing the industry with its non-toxic, dentist-formulated products. After realizing that most toothpaste on the market contains toxic ingredients, he teamed up with his sister and brother-in-law to create RiseWell, which uses ingredients like hydroxyapatite, a natural alternative that’s both safe and effective.
As the head of the scientific council at RiseWell, Dr. Gatta leads the search for the healthiest and cleanest ingredients, raising the bar for quality and purity in oral care. He’s not only an expert in the field, but he’s passionate about helping people achieve optimal oral health, which is so vital for overall well-being—especially for kids with ADHD.
If you’ve ever wondered how your child’s toothpaste could be playing a role in their ADHD symptoms, you do NOT want to miss this episode.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways: [6:58] The Impact of Oral Health on ADHD [10:49] Common Toxic Ingredients in Traditional Oral Care Products [13:22] The Fluoride Debate: Risks and Alternatives [17:11] Hydroxyapatite: The Natural Alternative to Fluoride [22:18] Other Natural Oral Care Ingredients [24:15] How to Find a Natural-Minded Dentist
Memorable Moments: "I couldn’t believe that something as basic as toothpaste could be contributing to my son’s ADHD symptoms."
"We discovered the toothpaste my son was using was full of artificial ingredients that triggered hyperactivity."
"Oral health is just as important as diet when it comes to supporting kids with ADHD."
"There’s a strong connection between oral health, gut health, and brain health, especially in children with ADHD."
"Bleeding gums can serve as a gateway for bacteria, potentially leading to inflammation that worsens ADHD symptoms."
"Traditional toothpaste contains toxic ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can harm the body’s natural balance."
"Many kids with ADHD swallow toothpaste, making it even more crucial to avoid harmful ingredients."
"There’s growing research showing the potential risks of fluoride on neurodevelopment in children."
"Hydroxyapatite is a safe, natural alternative to fluoride that protects teeth without the health concerns."
"Parents need to ask their dentist about fluoride alternatives and safer oral care options for their children."
How to Connect with Derek Gatta
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Have holidays historically been difficult for your child with ADHD? Do the changes in routine affect their behavior? In this episode of the Soaring child podcast, discover how to best prepare your child with ADHD for the changes in routine that the holiday season brings, how to handle judgment from well-meaning relatives without letting it affect your confidence or emotional state, and how to both prevent and manage meltdowns when the excitement and overstimulation of the holidays start to take their toll.
Ashley Gobeil is a frequent guest on this podcast because she gets it—she’s helped countless families like yours and mine navigate the complexities of raising a child with ADHD. She is a highly experienced therapist with over 15 years in the field. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Social Health & Counseling, and a Master’s of Social Work.
But beyond the credentials, she’s worked in a wide range of settings, including childcare, schools, and child and adolescent mental health. Her expertise includes supporting children with ADHD, ODD, and learning difficulties, and she’s a trusted voice on issues like family dynamics, trauma, and attachment theory.
This conversation could make all the difference this holiday season, so tune in!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways: [4:29] Practical Tips for Preparing ADHD Children for the Holidays [9:50] Managing Judgment from Family Members [17:08] Preventing and Managing Meltdowns [23:28] Soothing the Nervous System During Holiday Overstimulation [27:48] Summary of the Top Tips for Handling ADHD During the Holidays [29:30] The Importance of Self-Care for Parents
Memorable Moments: “The holidays can be magical, but for families like ours, they definitely come with unique challenges.”
“Kids with ADHD often struggle with transitions, especially during the holidays when routines are disrupted.”
“Connection before correction—always connect with your child first, especially during emotional moments.”
“The more you can prepare or preempt something before it happens, the better.”
“When you're hearing those comments from family members, validate your own feelings and set boundaries.”
”I know that I’m parenting in the way that my child needs, and I don’t have to justify that to anyone.”
“Parents, take micro moments to look after yourself, because the more you have in your tank, the more you can help your kids.”
“It’s not about punishing or controlling behaviors; it’s about understanding ADHD and advocating for your child.”
“Look for the positive moments, even during tough times, and acknowledge your child's efforts.”
“Overstimulation is common during the holidays, so give your child sensory breaks and low-stimulation environments.”
“With planning, preparation, and empathy, you can create a beautiful holiday season for your family.”
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Red Light Therapy is a powerful tool that's been gaining traction in recent years, and for good reason. It can actually improve mitochondrial function. But how can it benefit our children, specifically those with ADHD? Find out in this episode of the Soaring Child podcast.
Dr. Genevieve Newton, DC, PhD spent close to 20 years as a researcher and educator in the field of nutritional sciences before joining Fringe as its Scientific Director. Dr. Newton’s job is to “bring the science” that supports Fringe’s products and education. She is passionate about all things Fringe, and is a deep believer in healing the body, mind and spirit using the gifts of the natural world.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about red light therapy and its benefits for kids with ADHD.
Links Mentioned in the Show: Book a free call with our team - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/meet Find Red Light Therapy Products Online (use code DANA15 for 15% off any red light product) - https://fringeheals.com/ref/95/
Key Takeaways: [2:50] What is red light therapy? [4:30] How red light therapy works [9:17] How oxidative stress affects mitochondria [12:30] Ways red light therapy benefits kids with ADHD [20:51] How can parents use right light therapy with their kids [28:45] Recommended time kids should use red light therapy daily [30:34] Is red light therapy safe?
Memorable Moments: "Red light therapy is “a very popular topic right now, but there’s a lot of misunderstanding about it.”
”We need to start off by talking about what sunlight actually is.”
”Red light therapy specifically would be the application of red, near infrared or both red and near infrared light for the purpose of influencing biology.”
”Red light therapy is going to work on us on a cellular level.”
”We have major problems with mitochondrial function. And so when you look at the literature for kids with ADHD, adolescents, adults, it’s pretty clear at this point that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the pathology of ADHD. So in theory, something like red light therapy that comes in and helps to support that mitochondrial function could be expected to have a positive effect on the condition.”
”We have this horrible situation that so many people are unaware of and participating in without even knowing it whereby we are exposing our kids to bright lights at night...The exposure to the bright light at night and the blue light shifts that circadian rhythm by about 2 hours.”
”20 minutes for head, 20 minutes for gut, that’s an ideal length of time...Once a day is perfect. But you can also see benefits in literature of 3X a week, 4X a week, 5X a week, 7X a week…I would recommend anywhere from 3-7. What we don’t recommend is doubling up and doing the same body part twice in one day.”
How to Connect with Dr. Genevieve Newton
Website - https://fringeheals.com/ref/95/ (use code DANA15 for 15% off any red light product) Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fringeheals/
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Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a superhero therapy that combines simple exercises and techniques to help kids with everything from their speech to their eating habits to their behavior.
But how do you know if your child could benefit from this therapy? What exactly is OMT? What does a session look like? In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, learn more about Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, or OMT, from special guest Dr. Marielly Michell.
Dr. Mitchell’s innovative approach to OT centered on orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) combines principles of cranial nerve integration, sensory processing, and motor function, allowing her to address neurological and airway dysfunction in infants and children that impact behavior.
She is the founder of Theraplay LA, the first pediatric therapy center to offer comprehensive services that include sleep monitoring in conjunction with virtual and in-clinic occupational, physical, and speech therapy services specializing in sensory processing, motor skills, feeding and swallowing disorders, OMT, nutritional support, and sleep training.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways: [3:58] How OMT can help children with ADHD [8:58] Signs a child might need OMT [14:06] At-home exercises parents can do with their children [18:51] What parents can expect when working with an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist [24:54] Success stories of kids who have been through OMT [30:10] Where to find Dr. Marielly online
Memorable Moments: "Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (which we will refer to as OMT)focuses on…the position of the tongue and where that person puts their tongue. And ideally, everyone should be placing their tongue suctioned to the roof of their mouth behind their 2 front teeth, with their lips sealed and breathing through their nose without tension in their jaw.”
”If your child has a low oral rest posture…basically mouth breathing, then that automatically puts them into a state of fight or flight.”
”When a child is mouth breathing for a long period of time, it will deactivate that area of the brain, and so myofunctional therapy really focuses on facilitating a closed mouth posture and activating the nasal passages and making sure that the person reaches a more ‘rest and digest’ or parasympathetic state.”
”Breathing and sleeping really take a huge toll, and it’s really an abstract silent epidemic that we’re in with this.”
”A really good tip is to always do these exercises in front of a mirror with them so they can get some visual feedback.”
”We’re in a silent epidemic of this.”
How to Connect with Dr. Marielly Mitchell
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In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay, a board-certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, tackles some of the most common myths about ADHD. In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, Dana debunks misconceptions about diet, exercise, parenting, gender, and treatment options, providing parents with responses they can use when someone voices one of the common ADHD myths. Whether you're new to ADHD or a seasoned advocate, this episode offers valuable tools to navigate conversations and better support children with ADHD.
Link Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways: [02:40] Myth 1: Diet Changes Don't Affect ADHD [06:29] Myth 2: Exercise Is Just a Distraction [08:40] Myth 3: ADHD Is a Result of Bad Parenting [11:23] Myth 4: Children with ADHD Are Just Lazy [14:17] Myth 5: ADHD Only Affects Boys [18:06] Myth 6: ADHD Will Be Outgrown [19:59] Myth 7: Medication Is the Only Treatment [22:07] Myth 8: ADHD Isn’t a Real Medical Condition [23:57] Myth 9: People with ADHD Can't Focus on Anything [26:09] Myth 10: ADHD Is Only a Problem in the Classroom
Memorable Moments: "ADHD isn’t the result of bad parenting—it’s a neurological condition influenced by genetics and environment."
"Diet alone isn't a magical cure for ADHD, but it’s an incredibly potent tool in managing symptoms."
"Exercise is not just a distraction; it’s a powerful natural way to support brain health in kids with ADHD."
"Girls with ADHD often go undiagnosed because their symptoms are less overt than boys’."
"You don’t 'outgrow' ADHD—it’s a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management."
"Medication is one option for ADHD, but it’s not the only one. There are effective natural alternatives."
"ADHD is a real, medically recognized condition, not a reflection of parenting skills."
"Hyperfocus in ADHD can lead to intense concentration on activities of interest, but it comes with its challenges."
"ADHD affects all aspects of life, not just academics—from social interactions to long-term career prospects."
"Understanding the realities of ADHD is key to supporting our kids in the best way possible."
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“The way the water tastes tells you nothing about the potential health effects of drinking water.” This quote from Johnny Pujol is eye-opening.
Is it possible that your drinking water is making you - or your child - sick? In this week’s episode of the Soaring Child podcast, find out why it’s so important to have your home’s drinking water tested.
Johnny Pujol is the CEO of Tap Score and Simple Lab, the leading solution for environmental sampling services and laboratory testing. Johnny earned a Master's in Engineering from UC Berkeley and a bachelor's in Economics from Boston University. His vision is to simplify procurement of environmental sampling and testing services—enabling better decision making for the environment and your personal health.
Link Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways:
[9:04] Common contaminants found in drinking water [12:40] How often contaminants are typically found in drinking water [18:28] The importance of testing water, especially for heavy metals [21:57] Practical steps parents can take to ensure their children are drinking safe water [28:39] Steps for ensuring safe water [31:29] Where to find Johnny online
Memorable Moments:
"Copper is necessary in small amounts, but when you have excessive levels, they can cause so many symptoms that closely mimic ADHD."
"The transformation was remarkable. Those intense symptoms actually began to subside, and their child started to thrive."
"Water is essential for every function in our body; it's clear that the quality of water we consume is of utmost importance."
"We learned firsthand that the way the water tastes tells you nothing about the health effects."
"There are endless chemicals in our environment, and when looking at the ones that impact us through tap water, it's important to know if they are harmful."
"Most people don’t realize that contaminants like lead, arsenic, and PFAs can be present in drinking water without any taste or smell."
"If you do find contaminants in your water, it doesn't need to be like ‘Oh my gosh, the world's going to end,' but it’s very controllable."
"Run your tap water in the morning for a couple of minutes, and you'll get fresher water that has spent less time in contact with your home's plumbing."
"About 30 to 35% of our water tests come back with a result indicating something you might want to address."
"You cannot make decisions about your water quality unless you first test it."
How to Connect with Johnny Pujol
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What is Buteyko breathing? How can Buteyko breathing support kids with ADHD? How long does it take after beginning a practice of Buteyko breathing to see improvements?
In this week’s episode of the Soaring Child podcast, Dr. Miles Nichols joins the show to tell us all about Buteyko breathing. Dr. Miles Nichols is a functional medicine doctor specializing in Lyme, mold illness, gut, thyroid, and autoimmunity. After Dr. Miles personally struggled with chronic fatigue in his early 20’s, he dedicated himself to figure out the root causes. He suffered with and recovered from thyroid dysfunction, autoimmunity, a gut infection, Lyme co-infections, and mold illness.
Dr. Miles has authored two books. He founded the Medicine with Heart functional medicine clinic in Colorado as well as the Medicine with Heart Institute that trains other doctors in functional medicine.
Link Mentioned in the Show:
Key Takeaways:
[4:45] The science behind Buteyko breathing [13:26] How Buteyko breathing could help kids with ADHD [18:56] What is Buteyko breathing? [28:00] Buteyko breathing exercise guided practice [40:10] How soon might parents notice positive changes from Buteyko breathing? [46:47] Where to find Dr. Miles online
Memorable Moments:
”I really wish I had this tool back then because we know now, there’s data and there’s peer reviewed clinical trials, that we can really improve asthma…”
“If I knew back then that CO2 was so important to bronchial dilation…if I had known back then that I could simply hold my breath and breathe less and have my bronchial dilation improve and I could actually start to get air again during that acute episode, I may not have had to go to the hospital…”
”Carbon dioxide does act as a vehicle to produce nitric oxide in the sinuses, and nitric oxide is one of the things that the lungs use to bronco-dilate.”
”Carbon dioxide is directly related to this breathing technique, and it’s directly related to what I would say is the underpinnings of a lot of problems in children and adults today.”
”When it comes to ADHD, that nervous system is incredibly important, and this chronic sympathetic activation can be problematic.”
“We want to reduce the minute volume of air into the lungs.”
”Light, slow, deep breathing is a very basic technique that will help to be able to increase the amount of CO2, or carbon dioxide…”
“Not only is this safe for children, but there’s also been data collected that’s shown improvements on things like asthma for children….We do see the capacity to regain function in an incredible way.”
”The goal is to feel this tolerable ‘air hunger’ where you’re still calm. When you start to notice your heart rate increasing, that’s a sign to back off a little bit.”
“For most people, between 5 to maybe 8 breaths per minute for most people is going to be a rate for most people where we see heart rate variability.”
”For children as a starting point, it’s great to make it into a game and to do it together.”
”Sometimes as little as 4-6 weeks is enough to retrain the brain for base level breathing.”
”Within 1-3 months, we are seeing significant shifts if there is regular training.”
How to Connect with Dr. Miles Nichols
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The podcast currently has 137 episodes available.
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