If You Don’t Fix This Your ADHD Will Never Get Better

Summary

This video script discusses the importance of addressing underlying issues in adults with ADHD beyond medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. It emphasizes the need to examine body chemistry, focusing on hormone levels, particularly thyroid function, and the role of organs like the liver and heart. The script also highlights the significance of adrenal hormones, reproductive hormones, digestive system health, neurotransmitter production, and micronutrient deficiencies in managing ADHD symptoms effectively.

Takeaways

• 🧠 ADHD symptoms may persist without addressing underlying body chemistry issues.
• 💊 Medication and CBT are supportive but do not address the root cause of ADHD.
• 🌡️ Hormonal imbalances, particularly thyroid issues, can contribute to ADHD symptoms.
• 🏥 It's important to get a comprehensive thyroid workup, including T3 and T4 levels, not just TSH.
• 🚫 Just because a thyroid test was done, it doesn't rule out thyroid-related ADHD symptoms.
• 💓 The heart and liver are vital organs that, if not functioning optimally, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
• 🌱 Supporting liver health is crucial, especially with the potential toxicity of medications.
• 🔥 Adrenal hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine play a key role in ADHD management.
• 🚹 Hormones from reproductive organs can also affect mood, energy, and focus, similar to ADHD symptoms.
• 🌱 The digestive system's health is crucial for neurotransmitter production, which is linked to ADHD.
• 🧬 Brain chemistry and neurotransmitter balance are essential for managing ADHD symptoms.
• 🥗 Micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
• 📚 Understanding and addressing amino acid deficiencies can help identify the root of ADHD issues.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's experience with adults with ADHD?

The speaker focuses on addressing the root causes of ADHD symptoms beyond medication and cognitive behavioral therapy, emphasizing the importance of body chemistry and hormone balance.

Why is the thyroid often overlooked in the treatment of ADHD?

The thyroid is often overlooked because standard tests may only measure TSH levels, whereas the speaker suggests that T3 and T4 levels should also be tested as they can contribute to ADHD symptoms like focus and motivation.

What role does the liver play in relation to thyroid hormones?

The liver is important because it processes thyroid hormones. If the liver is not functioning optimally, it can lead to imbalances that may contribute to ADHD symptoms.

Why are adrenal hormones significant in the context of ADHD?

Adrenal hormones, such as cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, are significant because they are involved in managing stress and energy levels, which are often issues for individuals with ADHD.

What is the connection between reproductive hormones and ADHD symptoms?

Reproductive hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA can affect mood, energy, and focus, which are similar to ADHD symptoms. Imbalances in these hormones can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

Why is the digestive system important for ADHD management?

The digestive system is crucial because 90 to 95% of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, are produced there. An optimal digestive system is necessary for proper neurotransmitter production.

How do micronutrient deficiencies relate to ADHD symptoms?

Micronutrient deficiencies, such as in vitamin D, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, or choline, can lead to symptoms like low energy, poor focus, and memory issues, which are common in ADHD.

What is the speaker's approach to addressing the root of ADHD symptoms?

The speaker advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes checking hormone levels, evaluating organ function, and identifying potential micronutrient deficiencies, rather than solely relying on medication.

What are neurotransmitters and why are they important for ADHD?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that facilitate communication between nerve cells. They are important for ADHD because they regulate mood, focus, and stress, and imbalances can lead to ADHD symptoms.

What does the speaker suggest as the first step for individuals with ADHD?

The speaker suggests consulting with a doctor to demand a full workup that includes thyroid function tests, heart and liver health checks, and cholesterol levels to identify potential root causes of ADHD symptoms.

What additional resources does the speaker offer for those interested in learning more about managing ADHD?

The speaker offers a free guide in the description below the video that provides more in-depth information on labs to do, nutrients to implement, and supplementation for managing ADHD.

Outlines

00:00

🧬 Hormonal and Chemical Imbalances in ADHD

The speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing hormonal and chemical imbalances in treating ADHD in adults. They highlight the need to look beyond medication and cognitive behavioral therapy to the root causes of ADHD symptoms. The thyroid is discussed as a critical organ for hormone production, with a focus on the need to test not just TSH but also T3 and T4 levels. The speaker also points out the role of the liver and heart in processing thyroid hormones and suggests that suboptimal function of these organs could contribute to ADHD symptoms. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for a comprehensive medical evaluation to identify and treat potential underlying issues.

05:00

🌡 The Impact of Hormones and Nutrient Deficiencies on ADHD

This paragraph delves into the role of hormones, particularly those produced by the adrenal glands and reproductive organs, in ADHD. The speaker explains how cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are crucial for managing stress and energy levels, which are often compromised in individuals with ADHD. They also discuss the significance of hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA in mood, fatigue, and cognitive function. The digestive system's role in producing neurotransmitters is underscored, with a focus on the gut as the production site for a majority of these chemicals. The speaker further explores the importance of brain chemistry, including neurotransmitter precursors and micronutrient deficiencies, which can mimic ADHD symptoms. They conclude by advocating for a holistic approach to treating ADHD that includes identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies.

Keywords

💡ADHD

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In the video, it is the central theme, with the speaker discussing the importance of addressing the root causes of ADHD symptoms beyond just medication and therapy.

💡CBT

CBT refers to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a type of psychological treatment that aims to change patterns of thinking or behavior to improve mental health. The script mentions CBT as a supportive treatment for ADHD, but notes it does not address the root of the problem.

💡Body Chemistry

Body chemistry refers to the chemical processes and balances within the body that can affect health and behavior. The speaker emphasizes the importance of examining body chemistry to understand the underlying causes of ADHD symptoms, rather than just treating the symptoms themselves.

💡Thyroid

The thyroid is a gland in the endocrine system that produces hormones regulating metabolism. In the script, the thyroid is highlighted as an important organ to examine for potential hormonal imbalances that could contribute to ADHD symptoms, such as TSH, T3, and T4.

💡TSH

TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, a hormone produced by the brain that signals the thyroid to produce hormones. The script discusses the need to test for TSH levels as part of understanding thyroid function in relation to ADHD.

💡Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that regulate various functions. The video script identifies hormones as a key area to investigate, including those related to the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs, which can all potentially impact ADHD symptoms.

💡Adrenals

The adrenals are glands that sit atop the kidneys and produce hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The speaker explains that imbalances in these hormones can affect energy levels and stress management, which are crucial for individuals with ADHD.

💡Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical substances in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells. The script mentions that a significant portion of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, are produced in the gut, emphasizing the importance of gut health for ADHD.

💡Digestive System

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. The video script highlights the digestive system's role in producing neurotransmitters and the need to ensure its optimal function to support ADHD management.

💡Micronututrient Deficiencies

Micronututrient deficiencies refer to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals required for various bodily functions. The speaker mentions that deficiencies in certain micronutrients, such as vitamin D, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc, can contribute to ADHD symptoms and should be addressed.

💡Brain Chemistry

Brain chemistry involves the complex interactions of neurotransmitters and other substances within the brain. The script discusses the importance of understanding and balancing brain chemistry, including the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, for managing ADHD symptoms effectively.

Highlights

The importance of addressing the root cause of ADHD symptoms beyond medication and CBT.

The vital role of body chemistry in understanding and treating ADHD.

The significance of thyroid hormones in ADHD and the need for comprehensive testing.

The potential impact of heart and liver function on thyroid hormone levels and ADHD symptoms.

The role of adrenal hormones in energy and stress management related to ADHD.

The connection between reproductive hormones and mood, fatigue, and focus issues in ADHD.

The digestive system's crucial role in neurotransmitter production for ADHD.

The necessity of a well-functioning digestive system for adequate dopamine production.

The importance of brain chemistry and neurotransmitter balance for ADHD management.

The role of amino acids, vitamins, and co-factors in neurotransmitter synthesis for ADHD.

The potential for micronutrient deficiencies to exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

The impact of vitamin D deficiency on energy, focus, and productivity in ADHD.

The significance of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc in ADHD symptom management.

The link between choline deficiency and memory issues in individuals with ADHD.

The need for a comprehensive approach to treating ADHD, including hormone and nutrient balance.

The availability of a free guide for in-depth information on labs, nutrients, and supplementation for ADHD.

A three-step process for eliminating ADHD symptoms by addressing underlying issues.

Transcripts

over the past 10 years working with

adults with ADHD this is definitely the

biggest thing that I have seen if you

don't fix this you're always going to

have ADHD symptoms and always have

issues even for my own ADHD I had to fix

this problem and typically when we are

getting treated with ADHD we know okay

yes it's there's medications and there's

also CBT so CBT cognitive behavioral

therapy so these are great for helping

supporting our ADHD but it doesn't

really address the root of the problem

they just kind of masses symptoms and

then we might have to increase our

medication dosage and then go in for

more cognitive behavioral therapy to

help with other past traumas that we're

dealing with but we got to understand

looking at body chemistry okay it is so

vital that we have to look at the body

chemistry otherwise we don't know what

we're looking for we don't know what we

need to understand of why we have all

these different ADC symptoms so some of

the biggest things that I see when I'm

working with adults with ADHD looking at

first is looking at the hormone

situation so when we think about the

hormones there is definitely going to be

some issues with certain organs that

deal with hormones so one of them being

is the thyroid and so you might have

thought okay the thyroid no big deal

there's no issue going on here and

that's all okay so when we think of the

thyroid you know it's no big deal

there's no issue going on here but I

need to help you understand that just

because you got tested for your thyroid

doesn't mean it's not a problem

especially with your ADHD so let me

explain here so first off thyroid

steaming hormones so TSH which you maybe

got tested for was done and it's

something that is really is just

something that the brain produces it

stands for thyroid stimulating hormone

okay and so if that's the case maybe

that's fine but there is other organs

that deal with the thyroid one being

just the thyroid straight up right so

the thyroid actually releases T3 and T4

and if those were never tested then you

definitely should get those tested

because they can contribute to focus

motivation Drive issues a lot of similar

ADC symptoms that are making it very

difficult for you to address your ADC

symptom situation okay so the other part

of this too is there's other important

organs such as like your heart is a big

one that deals with thyroid hormone also

your yes that's a really bad looking

liver but here's a gallbladder there you

go is also the liver deals with the

thyroid hormone so what if these are not

working so great okay what if they're

just are not performing so well wouldn't

that equate to maybe looking into that

as a possibility that these aren't

working optimally because if they're not

working optimally you better believe

these levels even TSH are not going to

be working very optimally and what is

that going to lead into it's going to

lead into more very similar ADC symptoms

such as fatigue brain fog Focus issues

motivation Drive Sleep issues I mean you

name it your metabolism all of that so I

encourage you the first thing you should

be doing is going to your doctor and

demanding that you do a full workup of

not only looking at your thyroid but

saying is your heart okay is it working

functioning properly is your liver

enzymes working great is it all working

optimally do you have cholesterol issues

because if you have issues you better

believe that your liver is being taxed

way too much especially if you are

taking lots of medications everything

has get filtered through the liver so if

you've been taking lots of medications

this very toxic to the liver and so most

adults have issues with their liver it's

not usually working optimally so we need

to support the liver okay so I'll get to

hear about what to do here in just a

minute but that is one thing that we

need to understand now the next thing is

there is other hormones that we have to

look at and that is being the

adrenals and they sit above the kidneys

now let me explain why the adrenals are

so important is because they release a

hormone called

cortisol they also release things like

epinephrine

norepinephrine these three are very

important to our ADHD let me explain why

corol has a lot to do with energy

epinephrine and orpine phrine have a lot

to do with managing our stress now why

is that important well from my

experience working with adults with ADHD

these two things are some of the biggest

issues not having enough energy they

reach that complete physical and mental

burnout and also just not able to manage

their stress and when they can't manage

their stress their HD symptoms tends to

be significantly worse because this is

not managed very well okay now that

that's that's another part of this other

things that we need to also consider

here is definitely looking at the

reproductive organs so that's going to

be you know looking at of course is

testosterone also estrad progesterone

and also DGA now why is this vital well

if these are off and especially adults

tend to have this issue is it will cause

mood changes fatigue brain fog Focus

issues these are very similar to ADC

symptoms so if you don't fix this you're

going to have a very hard time trying to

fix your EDC symptoms because if this is

the issue doesn't matter what you do

doesn't matter how many medications

you're taking with your ADHD this won't

change because this might be the root of

the problem and it needs to be addressed

okay hopefully this makes sense okay so

there has to do with the hormones now

there's a few other things that we do

need to fix that I always see as a

common problem with people with ADHD so

the next thing is the Digest Ive system

now why the digestive system is so

important and vital for ADHD is because

90 to

95% of a lot of our neurotransmitters

are made in the gut that's a big number

and guess what if this is not working

optimally there's going to be issues

you're not going to be able to create

and make as much different

neurotransmitters as you need for like

serotonin dopamine especially dopamine

about 50% or so of dopamine is made in

the digestive system okay so if that's

the case we need to fix this as well now

another really big thing that also needs

to be considered when it comes to

identifying some additional problems

with your ADHD looking at other things

with the brain chemistry okay so I'm

going to get that I know a lot of people

are like okay well what about the brain

yes the brain is definitely still really

important if I can actually draw a brain

there we go so the brain chemistry H

uses utilizes a lot of different things

um in order to make

neurotransmitters that are very

important for us to be focused

productive throughout the day and which

we will see is things such as like

dopamine

serotonin and Gava or some of your big

like NE transparent Pathways now these

all require amino acids different amino

acids also different vitamins different

co-actors all of this is required in

order to to really help with making

building and modulating dopamine

serotonin and also Gaba and all three of

these are very vital when it comes to

EDC symptoms because they can cause high

stress cause Focus issues sleep issues

energy issues you name it that can be an

actual culprit to the problem and so

when we understand that these are

imbalances especially if we can identify

what amino acids are you actually

deficient in is it tyrosine is it Aline

that you need some improvement in there

is it phenol alanine it can be a number

of different amino acids that's not for

today's video I have lots of video on

this stuff but I need you to help you

understand that this can be the root of

the problem and if you don't fix this

your H symptoms will never be fixed okay

now if you're really struggling you

should really download my free guide in

description below that really goes more

in depth of all the things you can

Implement as far as labs to do nutrients

to implement and supplementation all

that kind of stuff that's all in the

description below okay now one other

thing that I need to mention is very

vital on top of looking at just looking

at the brain chemistry is different

micronutrient deficiencies micronutrient

deficiencies can be the main problem

I've seen it time and time again things

such as like vitamin D I have had

patients where when we have just found

that their vitamin D levels were low and

we supplemented that was the big problem

in fact they were able to stop their

medication because that's why they had

low energy they couldn't focus they

couldn't be productive because this was

so drastically low now is that going to

be for everybody no there could be other

things such as like B vitamins that

could be low iron is a big one magnesium

can be another one so there's and also

even like things like zinc can be a huge

one as well it could also be choline

I've seen that one as a big one

especially for memory or even like

sering those big ones can be a culprit

to your memory issue so if you have

significant memory issues I usually see

colon and steing levels tends to be a

big problem with this so hopefully you

understand what needs to be done in

order to fix the HD problem and not just

relying on the medication like

medications are great supportive stuff

and can help you function but in order

to get to the root of the problem you

need to investigate really what's truly

going on so if you really want to

understand my three-step process of all

I help my patients and clients with ADHD

to eliminate their adht symptoms then

you should watch this video next where I

discuss all about that so watch this

video next