Choline is a water-soluble nutrient often grouped with the B-vitamin family. It’s critical for brain development, neurotransmitter production, and maintaining healthy cell membranes. In fact, it’s a key building block for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that influences memory, attention, and muscle control — all areas that kids with ADHD may struggle with.

When we think about attention challenges and emotional regulation, we often jump straight to executive functioning, focus hacks, or brain chemistry. But in my clinical practice, especially with complex cases involving attention issues and cycle-related conditions like ADHD or PMDD, I see another piece of the puzzle show up over and over again: nervous system dysregulation.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons (nerve cells) and other cells in the body. These tiny but powerful compounds help regulate everything from mood and focus to sleep, energy, digestion, and even immune response. The human body has around 100 neurotransmitters, and over 40 of them are active in the brain and nervous system.

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, a severe hormone sensitivity that causes significant emotional and physical symptoms in the luteal phase (the 1–2 weeks before your period). While PMS can cause some mood changes, PMDD is debilitating and often misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, or in many of my clients’ cases—just "worse ADHD."

This herb has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic Medicine since the sixth century A.D. Traditionally used in India and Asia, it supports nerve health, improves memory, and reduces mental fatigue, making it an excellent brain tonic. The name brahmi derives from the word “Brahma”, the mythical “creator” in the Hindu pantheon. Bacopa has been used in the Ayurvedic medicinal system for approximately 3000 years and is classified as a medhyarasayana, a drug used to improve memory and intellect 

Heavy metal accumulation, including aluminium burden, poses a significant threat to our health, impacting both our nervous system and gut function, often exacerbating conditions like ADHD and digestive disorders. This burden can escalate gradually over time, with stressors triggering physical manifestations. 

Nutrigenomics is a subcategory under genomics and is the study of how nutrients interact with and express our genes specifically to prevent chronic illness and disease. Precision nutrition considers genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors to tailor nutrition plans to each person's unique needs. Nutrigenomics & Precision Nutrition can offer a targeted personal approach to managing ADHD and gut health. 

The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a cutting-edge stool test developed by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory to assess gut health comprehensively. Utilizing advanced quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology, the GI-MAP provides a detailed analysis of the microbial composition in the gastrointestinal tract.

Red Clover is popular with many folk herbalists, I do know the basics of the herb but have never looked at research or formally studied this herb. This herb is an ally for many co-occurring conditions that my ADHD patients complain of.

Organic Acids Test (OAT) is an at-home urine test that includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter levels that affect ADHD symptoms. If abnormalities are detected using the OAT, holistic solutions and Medical Nutrition Therapy may include supplements, such as herbs, vitamins, and antioxidants, or dietary modification and sustainable lifestyle changes.

Functional lab testing for ADHD is a relatively new approach to assessing and treating ADHD symptoms. It involves looking for underlying causes of ADHD, such as nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, inflammation and hormonal imbalances.

Have you heard about the benefit of Saffron for ADHD? Saffron is a culinary spice that has shown to be effective in supporting ADHD symptoms, and combatting depression, and is a known hero in fighting off inflammation and oxidative stress. Saffron has powerful antioxidant, nootropic, and anti-inflammatory properties. But is it always safe? 

Increasing evidence suggests that a relative lack of essential fatty acids, mainly omega-3, may contribute to many psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, oppositional defiant disorder, depression, developmental coordination disorder, and autism.