153: Regulating the Nervous System for ADHD with Dr. Tony Ebel

Have you ever wondered why your child struggles with meltdowns, impulsivity, anxiety, or digestion issues? The answer might not be behavioral—but neurological. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay welcomes Dr. Tony Ebel, a pediatric wellness chiropractor, to explore the vagus nerve—the "unsung hero" of the nervous system. They discuss how vagus nerve dysfunction affects kids with ADHD and why gut issues, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation challenges may all trace back to this critical nerve.

Dr. Tony shares groundbreaking insights from his Perfect Storm Clinic, explaining how birth trauma, chronic stress, and inflammation impact the vagus nerve and what parents can do to help their child regulate their nervous system naturally. From chiropractic adjustments to simple at-home strategies, this episode is packed with practical, science-backed solutions to support your child's brain, body, and emotional well-being.

Links Mentioned in the Show: 

Symptom Reduction Tool - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/tool 

Key Takeaways:

[2:50] Understanding the Vagus Nerve: The "Unsung Hero" of the Nervous System

[8:12] How Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Affects Kids with ADHD

[13:20] The Link Between Gut Health, Sensory Processing & ADHD

[14:06] Signs Your Child May Have Vagus Nerve Imbalance

[14:11] How Birth Trauma & Stress Impact the Vagus Nerve

[19:48] At-Home Strategies to Support Vagus Nerve Function

[23:34] The Role of Chiropractic Adjustments in Healing the Nervous System

[26:17] How to Find the Right Chiropractor for Your Child

[34:14] Next Steps for Parents

Memorable Moments:

"What if your child's meltdowns aren’t about behavior—but about how their brain and body are communicating behind the scenes?"

"The vagus nerve is the ‘unsung hero’ of the nervous system—it regulates emotions, digestion, focus, and even inflammation."

"When the vagus nerve is weak, kids with ADHD struggle with impulsivity, anxiety, sensory overload, and chronic gut issues."

"Constipation, reflux, and stomach pains? That’s vagus nerve dysfunction at work—not just a diet issue."

"The vagus nerve controls relaxation and recovery—if your child stays in fight-or-flight mode, they may struggle to calm down after a meltdown."

"Most parents have never been told that birth trauma, stress, and even antibiotics can impact their child’s vagus nerve."

"An overstressed nervous system shuts down digestion, disrupts sleep, and keeps kids stuck in hyperactivity."