Natural Remedies for ADHD: A Functional Medicine Approach to Attention & Focus
Natural Remedies for ADHD can offer powerful support when you feel like your brain just won’t switch off, slow down, or stay on task. Whether you’re constantly chasing focus, battling restlessness, or supporting a child who’s struggling in silence, ADHD isn’t just a label — it’s an experience that can touch every corner of life.
At BalanSoul, we take a different approach. Instead of suppressing symptoms, we work to uncover the why — looking at nutrient imbalances, brain chemistry, and lifestyle patterns that may be silently contributing to the overwhelm. Through the lens of functional medicine, we explore natural and personalized ways to help restore calm, clarity, and a sense of self.
What Is ADHD Really? A Functional Medicine Perspective
ADHD is not simply a disorder of attention — and it’s certainly not a stimulant deficiency. From a functional medicine perspective, ADHD reflects a complex interplay of neurotransmitter imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, genetic biotypes, and brainwave dysregulation.
Instead of asking only “how do we manage the symptoms?” we ask:
👉“What’s driving these symptoms in the first place?”
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) — sometimes referred to as autism spectrum disorder — is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, connects, and processes the world around them.
Symptoms can range from speech delays to sensory sensitivities, from repetitive behaviors to deep focus and creativity. Many people with ADHD or autism share overlapping traits — and sometimes both conditions coexist.
“Is autism an intellectual disability?” — Not always. While some individuals have intellectual challenges, many autistic people have average or above-average intelligence.
Families often feel frustrated by simplistic answers. At BalanSoul, we explore what’s beneath the surface — because understanding why is the first step toward meaningful support.
Research shows that low levels of nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and B6 can impair dopamine function — a key player in motivation and focus. Similarly, gut-brain imbalances, birth complications, and environmental toxins (like mold or heavy metals) can all play a role.
Some patterns we often see:
- Frontal cortex dysregulation (seen on QEEG or theta:beta ratios)
- High histamine or ADHD methylation imbalances (e.g., MTHFR polymorphisms that affect neurotransmitter synthesis and emotional regulation)
- Over-activation of the stress response system in ADHD high functioning individuals — those who may appear successful or put-together, but internally feel disorganized, overwhelmed, or emotionally dysregulated
This broader view allows us to map symptoms to underlying patterns — so we can support the brain, rather than suppress it.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults vs Children
ADHD symptoms don’t always look like bouncing off the walls — and they change with age.
Here’s how symptoms tend to shift across life stages:
Adults:
- ADHD brain fog, memory lapses, low dopamine motivation
- Trouble starting or finishing tasks
- Disorganization, poor time management
- High-functioning on the outside, but exhausted inside
Many adults go undiagnosed for years, masking symptoms with caffeine, perfectionism, or overwork — until burnout, anxiety, or relationship strain leads them to seek help.
At BalanSoul, we understand that ADHD in adults isn’t about being lazy or disorganized. It’s often about a mismatch between brain wiring and modern life, made worse by hidden nutritional and biochemical imbalances.
Children
- Hyperactivity (can’t sit still)
- Emotional outbursts
- Sensory overload or poor sleep
- Constant motion, daydreaming
Teenagers:
- Emotional lability, impulsivity, and anxiety
- Poor self-esteem or social withdrawal
- Trouble completing schoolwork or following through
- May develop unhealthy coping mechanisms
How It Feels to Live with ADHD
“It’s like my brain has 50 tabs open — and I can’t find the one that’s playing music.”
“I start five things and finish none. I’m constantly behind, even though I’m always trying.”
“People think I’m lazy or disorganized — but they don’t see how hard I’m working to keep up.”
“I can hyperfocus sometimes, but other times I can’t even start.”
“I feel like I’m always letting people down — including myself.”
What My Clients Often Say
“I thought I just had anxiety — but it was actually ADHD all along.”
“I never realized food and sleep could make such a difference.”
“Once I got my zinc and copper balanced, I felt a huge shift.”
Root Causes of ADHD: A Biochemical and Environmental View
At BalanSoul, we believe ADHD isn’t just a label — it’s a signal that something deeper is out of balance. By identifying and addressing the root causes, we can reduce symptoms and restore a sense of clarity, calm, and self-direction.
1. Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Dopamine and norepinephrine — key messengers for focus and motivation — are often disrupted. This can result from:
- Low zinc or iron (needed for dopamine synthesis)
- High copper (can overstimulate excitatory pathways)
- Genetic factors that affect neurotransmitter breakdown (e.g. COMT)
2. Methylation Dysfunction
Methylation is a critical process for regulating mood, focus, and brain detox. If impaired (e.g., due to MTHFR variants), the brain may struggle to produce neurotransmitters or eliminate stress chemicals.
👉 Undermethylation or overmethylation may lead to distinct ADHD subtypes — a concept backed by over 30,000 cases in the Walsh Institute database.
3. Pyrrole Disorder (Pyroluria)
This condition causes excessive loss of zinc and B6, both essential for mental function. Individuals may appear anxious, reactive, or emotionally sensitive, and are often misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders.
4. Gut-Brain Imbalance
Gut dysbiosis, yeast overgrowth, and poor digestion can all trigger neuroinflammation. Inflammatory cytokines can impair executive function and exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
5. Environmental Stressors
- Early trauma or attachment disruptions
- Prenatal complications or birth trauma
- Exposure to toxins (e.g., heavy metals, mold)
When these drivers are identified through functional testing, we can build a treatment plan that’s precise and personalized — no more guesswork, no more one-size-fits-all protocols.
Natural Supplements for ADHD
Natural remedies can play a powerful role in ADHD management — but only when they’re matched to your unique biology. At BalanSoul, we don’t rely on guesswork. Instead, we design nutrient protocols based on your labs, symptoms, and biotype profile to gently restore focus, calm, and emotional balance.
Examples of the Best ADHD Supplements and Natural Therapies We May Use:
These are just examples – the best ADHD supplements for you will depend on your biotype, testing results, and symptom profile.
Amino Acids for ADHD: Supporting Brain Chemistry Naturally
- L-Tyrosine or DLPA — to support dopamine for motivation and mental energy
- CDP-Choline — for focus, memory, and acetylcholine balance
Vitamins & Minerals
- Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6 / P5P — foundational supports for neurotransmitters, mood, and sleep
- Antioxidants (e.g., OPCs, Pycnogenol) — to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation
Herbal Nootropics
- Withania, Bacopa, and Tinospora — plant-based supports to gently calm the nervous system, improve clarity, and reduce reactivity
Methylation-Supporting Nutrients
- Nutrients like SAMe, methionine, or folate may be considered depending on your methylation status — but only when biotype testing and clinical evaluation support their use.
Please note: Some nutrients that support one person’s ADHD may worsen another’s. That’s why every supplement plan at BalanSoul is customized — and guided by data, not trends.
Lifestyle & ADHD Natural Therapies: Behavioural Strategies That Support Focus and Calm
Supplements alone are not enough. ADHD natural therapies — like breathwork, nutrition, and sensory regulation — form the backbone of effective, long-term ADHD management.
At BalanSoul, we teach practical, science-backed behavioural changes that support dopamine balance, executive function, and emotional regulation.
1. Prioritize Sleep Hygiene
Sleep irregularity directly worsens attention, mood, and stress reactivity.
- Set consistent sleep/wake times
- Avoid screens 1–2 hours before bed
- Use calming herbs or magnesium if needed
🧠 “Sleep is the brain’s detox system. Without it, ADHD symptoms often escalate.”
2. Feed Your Focus: Protein + Fats First
Blood sugar crashes worsen inattention, agitation, and brain fog.
- Start the day with protein-rich breakfasts
- Include healthy fats (e.g., nuts, eggs, avocado)
- Avoid refined carbs and sugary snacks
3. Breathwork & Body-Based Regulation
Calming the nervous system improves emotional control and reduces impulsivity.
- Diaphragmatic breathing or vagal nerve exercises
- Regular movement breaks (especially outdoors)
- Somatic tools to anchor attention in the body
4. Reduce Toxic Load
Environmental stressors contribute to neuroinflammation and reactivity.
- Choose low-tox personal care & cleaning products
- Minimize food additives and artificial dyes
- Filter drinking water (heavy metals, chlorine)
5. Manage Screen Time Mindfully
Screens are often overstimulating and hijack dopamine.
- Use apps like “Forest” or “Freedom” to block distractions
- Replace endless scrolling with sensory breaks, journaling, or walking
- Create screen-free zones or times (e.g., 1 hr before bed)
“Lifestyle is medicine. When personalized and consistent, these small shifts can profoundly change how ADHD shows up — and how you respond to it.”
Functional Testing & Assessment
To truly understand what’s driving ADHD symptoms, we need to go beyond questionnaires and labels. At BalanSoul, we use functional testing to uncover the underlying biochemical, genetic, and neurological imbalances contributing to inattention, impulsivity, or emotional dysregulation.
Think of it as “mapping your brain’s internal terrain” — so we can target the root causes, not just treat the symptoms.
Core Functional Tests We May Recommend:
- Whole Blood Histamine — Identifies under- or overmethylation
- Plasma Zinc & Copper — Assesses neurotransmitter balance potential
- Pyrrole (HPL) Testing — Screens for nutrient-depleting pyrrole disorder
Testing for ADHD methylation patterns — such as histamine levels and MTHFR SNPs — helps us tailor nutrient interventions precisely, avoiding the guesswork of generic protocols.
🧠 Undermethylation and pyrrole disorder are common patterns in ADHD — both affect motivation, stress tolerance, and dopamine function.
Nutrient & Inflammation Markers
- Homocysteine — Sensitive marker of methylation status
- OAT (Organic Acid Test) — Gives insight into gut health, mitochondrial energy, and neurotransmitter metabolism
- Hair Mineral Analysis — Assesses heavy metals and long-term mineral trends
Brain Function & Cognition
- QEEG Brain Mapping(if available locally) — Measures brainwave patterns associated with ADHD subtypes
- Thyroid & Adrenal Panels — Fatigue, irritability, and brain fog often mimic ADHD
Why Test?
Testing helps us:
- 🔍 Pinpoint your unique drivers (not guess)
- 💊 Match the right nutrients to your neurochemistry
- 🚫 Avoid overloading the body with the wrong protocols
- 📈 Track progress over time with measurable markers
“Without data, you’re just guessing. With the right testing, we can stop the trial-and-error and treat the person, not the diagnosis.”
Walsh Biotypes and ADHD Subtypes
Over 30 years of research by Dr. William Walsh and his team has shown that ADHD is not a single condition, but a spectrum of distinct biochemical subtypes — each requiring a different nutritional approach.
Common Walsh Biotypes seen in ADHD:
Undermethylation
Often seen in focused, driven individuals with inner tension, rigidity, and low serotonin. These clients may benefit from SAMe or methionine — but often do worse on folate or B12.
Overmethylation
More common in anxious, emotionally sensitive individuals. Symptoms include panic, sensory overload, low histamine, and high dopamine. These clients often react poorly to methyl donors, and do better with calming nutrients like folate, niacinamide, and B12.
Copper Overload
Excess copper raises norepinephrine and adrenaline, fuelling hyperactivity, anxiety, and mood swings — especially in children. Zinc and B6 support is essential here.
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Pyrrole Disorder
Characterized by low stress tolerance, irritability, dreamlessness, and poor short-term memory. Caused by a genetic tendency to over-excrete zinc and B6, which are critical for dopamine and serotonin balance.
These imbalances are not “deficiencies” in behaviour — they’re measurable, testable patterns in the body’s chemistry.
🧪 That’s why at BalanSoul, we use Walsh’s biotype framework — alongside histamine, zinc, copper, and pyrrole testing — to identify your unique ADHD subtype and build a plan based on your biology, not a label.
Our Functional Medicine Approach
As an ADHD naturopath, I don’t see ADHD as a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. At BalanSoul, we view it as a unique expression of how your brain, body, and environment are interacting – and our job is to decode that pattern and support your healing.
Whether you’re a parent navigating your child’s hyperactivity, or an adult who’s masked symptoms for decades, we offer a model of care that is:
- 🧬Biochemically precise (informed by labs)
- 🧠Neurodiversity-affirming (we don’t pathologize your wiring)
- 💖Emotionally attuned and trauma-informed
How We Work With You:
1) In-Depth Initial Consultation
We take time to understand your story, stressors, childhood history, sleep, digestion, and more. This is not a 10-minute script — it’s your full mental health timeline.
2) Functional Lab Testing
We order only what’s relevant to your picture — often including histamine, copper/zinc, pyrroles, methylation markers, or neurotransmitter pathways.
3) Targeted Nutrient Therapy
Using insights from your labs and symptom profile, we create a customized plan that includes supplements, amino acids, and herbal medicines (when appropriate). Everything is tailored to your methylation type and biochemistry.
4) Lifestyle Coaching & Nervous System Tools
We guide you through sleep, food, movement, screen time, and calming techniques — always at your pace. These shifts often create the deepest change.
5) Ongoing Support & Adjustments
Healing isn’t linear. We check in, adjust doses, and adapt your plan as needed. Some clients reduce or come off medication (with supervision); others combine both approaches long term.
FAQ
Do I need a formal ADHD diagnosis?
No. We support both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals — including those who self-identify based on lived experience.
Can I take medication while working with you?
Absolutely. Many of our clients combine medication with natural therapies. We never suggest altering medication without prescriber guidance.
Is this safe for kids or teenagers?
Yes. All plans are customized based on age, severity, and test results.
What if I’ve already tried supplements?
Most over-the-counter supplements aren’t matched to your biotype or neurochemistry. We test first — then tailor your protocol precisely.
Can adults develop ADHD later in life?
ADHD doesn’t develop suddenly in adulthood, but many adults remain undiagnosed until later — often after burnout or relationship stress brings symptoms to light.
