#84 Beyond Medication: Dana Kay's Holistic Approach To ADHD

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 In this eye-opening episode of Everything’s Messy Podcast, I sit down with Dana Kay, a board-certified health practitioner and ADHD expert, to dive into her incredible journey of helping children with ADHD thrive—without solely relying on medication. Her story is one of transformation, from a corporate career to a passionate advocate for families navigating neurodevelopmental challenges.

Dana’s path took an unexpected turn when her son was diagnosed with ADHD at just four years old. At first, she felt relieved to have an answer, but she quickly realized that medication wasn’t the complete solution. That’s when she began digging deeper, discovering that ADHD symptoms often stem from underlying health issues, particularly gut health. With 95% of serotonin and 50% of dopamine produced in the gut, the connection between digestion and brain function became impossible to ignore.

One of the biggest game-changers for Dana was diet. She learned that inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, soy, artificial flavors, colors, and processed foods were fueling the fire. By eliminating these triggers, she saw remarkable changes—not just in her son, but in countless other children she’s worked with.

Dana explains this process using a simple but powerful analogy: Everyone is born with a metaphorical "trash can." The goal isn’t to keep it spotless but to prevent it from overflowing. By reducing inflammatory inputs and supporting detoxification, the body can function at its best.

But food is just one piece of the puzzle. Dana shares a holistic approach to ADHD management that includes nutrition, movement, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction. Exercise plays a crucial role in detoxification, neurotransmitter balance, and reducing ADHD symptoms. And while her strategies are life-changing for children, they’re just as effective for teenagers and adults.

Dana is the first to say that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. While she’s passionate about natural approaches, she recognizes that medication has its place, especially in crisis situations. Her advice to families is to start small. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but an 80/20 approach—focusing on sustainable, realistic lifestyle shifts—can make a world of difference.

Dana’s work through the ADHD Thrive Institute and her book Thriving with ADHD offer families the guidance they need to take action. She also hosts Soaring Child, a podcast dedicated to this journey.

And as she reminds us—Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take one step at a time, and healing will follow.

Connect with Dana Kay:

Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soaring-child-thriving-with-adhd/id1619834565