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What I Do for My Son’s ADHD Symptoms (That Goes Way Beyond Medication)
- dralyssabrooksmcpe
- Jul 17, 2025
- 3 min read
By Dr. Alyssa McPeak, Roots Wholistic Health
When my son started getting repetitive behavior reports from school—things like impulsivity, distracted behavior, and emotional angry outbursts—I knew in my gut that he wasn’t just being “bad.” His brain was struggling. But when I looked for answers, all I was given were two options: therapy and medication.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Both of those can be helpful tools. But as a functional medicine practitioner and a mom, I also know that those are far from the only tools.
ADHD symptoms—impulsiveness, restlessness, emotional dysregulation—are not a diagnosis to be masked. They are a message from the body that something is off. These symptoms are like a check engine light blinking on your child’s dashboard. And I believe it’s our job to lift the hood and find out what’s going on underneath.
🧠 Functional Medicine for ADHD: Dig Deeper Than the Diagnosis
Every child is different. No two brains or bodies are the same (even with identical twins), and what helps one child may not help another. That’s why I always start with comprehensive functional medicine testing when a child is struggling with focus, hyperactive behavior, or emotional regulation.
Here’s what we look at:
Food Sensitivities – Foods creating inflammation can directly impact the brain, mood, and behavior.
Nutrient Deficiencies – Magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and others are key for brain function.
Parasite & Pathogen Testing – Chronic gut imbalances can affect neurotransmitter production.
Heavy Metal Toxicity – Exposure to lead, aluminum, or mercury can disrupt brain chemistry.
Microbiome Imbalance – 90% of serotonin is made in the gut. A dysbiotic gut means a dysregulated brain.
Neurotransmitter Testing – Levels of dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate matter—and they can be measured.
When I tested my son, I discovered nutrient deficiencies, heavy metal buildup, and signs of adrenal stress. Once I addressed those—by filling in the gaps, gently detoxing, and supporting his stress response—his body started to calm. His brain could function better. His behavior improved. He had more self-control and regulation.
🛠️ Baseline Support for Kids with ADHD Symptoms
While testing gives us personalized insight, there are foundational supports that benefit every child showing signs of ADHD or impulsivity. These are the basics I use with my son (and often recommend in my practice):
Omega-3s (especially DHA) – Found in fish oil or algae oil. Crucial for brain development and function.
Probiotics – Help restore gut bacterial health, which in turn supports mood and behavior.
Trace Minerals – Zinc, magnesium, and others are often low in kids with ADHD.
Methylated Multivitamin – Supports detox and neurotransmitter pathways, especially for kids with MTHFR mutations.
Lion’s Mane + Bacopa – Herbal nootropics that support focus, memory, and calm.
Remove Added Sugar & Artificial Dyes – These wreak havoc on mood and behavior.
Cut Out Splenda, Sucralose & Artificial Sweeteners – These harm the microbiome, brain function, and are linked to cancer.
🥦 What Your Child Eats Matters More Than Anything
If I could tell parents just one thing, it’s this: food is the foundation. ADHD is not a stimulant deficiency—it’s a sign that your child’s brain is not getting what it needs.
Here’s how to support focus and brain health with food:
Colorful vegetables with every meal
Protein with every meal
Protein snacks
More vegetables than fruit (fruit is still sugar!)
No fruit juice, no soda
No processed foods with added sugar
No sugar cereals
No candy or snacks with artificial dyes
No Splenda, sucralose, or sugar-free chemicals
Focus on real, whole foods—protein, healthy fats, colorful veggies, and slow-burning carbs. We cook with coconut oil, avocado oil, and grass-fed butter. We drink water instead of juice. And yes, we make room for joy, healthy treats, and flexibility—but we don’t compromise the basics.
💬 Final Thoughts: There Is Another Way
If your child is struggling with ADHD symptoms, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. You don’t have to settle for a prescription. There is so much more you can do to support their brain, body, and behavior—without masking the root cause.
At Roots Wholistic Health, we offer functional medicine testing for kids that reveals what’s actually going on beneath the surface. Because every child deserves to feel regulated, confident, and supported in their own body.
Let’s lift the hood. Let’s find out what your child really needs.
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