Functional Nutrition for Child ADHD,OCD & Tics Disorders
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children/adolescents aged 5-17 in the United States is 11.3% (2020-2022 data), with a prevalence of 14.5% among boys and 8.0% among girls. This means that approximately 1 in 9 children in the United States is diagnosed with ADHD! What a shocking and heart-wrenching statistic!
What’s even more heartbreaking is that so many children are placed on long-term medication, enduring unnecessary suffering from side effects. These children often struggle with emotional regulation, inattention, anxiety, or depression. Sadly, they are frequently labeled as having personality problems or being “different,” which deeply damages their self-esteem and confidence.
But medication is not the only answer. Whether it's ADHD, tics, or OCD, many of these conditions are driven by chronic inflammation in the brain. And behind that inflammation often lies a complex web of root causes—including infections, food intolerances, nutrient deficiencies, and genetic factors. All of these can contribute to neurological and psychological imbalances that manifest as brain-based disorders.
The Brain Is Part of the Body
When there’s a problem with the heart, liver, or kidneys, we typically run lab tests and imaging to identify the root cause. Yet when the brain shows signs of dysfunction—such as anxiety, depression, brain fog, or inattention—the standard approach is often limited to questionnaires and conversations, followed by medications that stimulate or suppress neurotransmitters.
But the brain is not separate from the body. It is an integral part of our entire physiological system, and its optimal function depends on the health and balance of other body systems. Although the brain accounts for only 2% of body weight, it consumes about 20% of the body’s total energy. This energy is generated and regulated by interconnected systems—including the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and detoxification systems. Any dysfunction in one of these systems can impair brain performance.
Functional medicine reminds us that treating the brain in isolation—as if it operates independently—misses the bigger picture. It's time to move beyond the "treat the symptom" model. True healing comes from understanding the body as a whole and identifying the underlying imbalances that disrupt brain health.
Nutritional Imbalances: An Overlooked Root Cause of ADHD
Nutritional imbalances are among the most commonly overlooked factors contributing to ADHD and other neurological challenges. For example, iron deficiency can impair oxygen delivery to the brain, while insufficient vitamin D may interfere with proper development of nerve cells. Excess copper in the brain can lead to neurotoxicity and damage to neural tissue.
Underlying infections can trigger systemic inflammation that may extend to the brain. In susceptible individuals, opioid-like peptides produced from gluten metabolism can overstimulate neurons, potentially leading to cell death. Imbalances in the gut microbiome not only impair nutrient absorption but also enable harmful bacteria to produce neurotoxins that may reach the brain and trigger inflammation.
When brain function becomes dysregulated, it is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation of relevant biological markers. Identifying and addressing the root causes—whether nutritional deficiencies, immune imbalances, infections, or environmental toxins—allows for the development of personalized, targeted solutions.
Relying solely on medications to modulate neurotransmitters may temporarily suppress symptoms, but it does not address the underlying dysfunction—and often comes with significant side effects. A root-cause, systems-based approach is key to true, lasting healing.
How Functional Medicine Addresses Neurological Disorders at the Root
Amy Papa has been directly trained and certified in Functional Medicine for ADHD by renowned expert Dr. James Greenblatt, a pioneer in the field of functional psychiatry and neurology in the United States.
Functional medicine takes a comprehensive, individualized approach to understanding the full picture of a client’s health history. It utilizes advanced diagnostic tools—including food sensitivity testing, gut microbiome analysis, trace mineral and nutrient panels, and bloodwork—to deeply investigate key biological markers related to brain health.
By integrating the client’s personal health history with these detailed test results, functional medicine practitioners conduct a thorough and systematic analysis to identify the root causes of neurological or psychiatric symptoms. Based on this foundation, realistic and highly personalized protocols will be developed—incorporating targeted nutrition, lifestyle changes, and evidence-based supplementation—to support optimal brain function and long-term healing.
Case Study 1
An 11-year-old boy was diagnosed with inattentive-type ADHD. His symptoms included difficulty focusing and sustaining attention, frequent distraction, forgetfulness, poor planning and organizational skills, and trouble following instructions.
Through food sensitivity and gut microbiome testing, we discovered that he had significant intolerances to both gluten and dairy. The gut analysis also revealed microbial imbalance and signs suggestive of leaky gut. Bloodwork indicated deficiencies in vitamin D and zinc.
With targeted dietary adjustments, nutritional supplementation, and gut microbiome support, his symptoms showed significant improvement in just one month. Today, his performance at school is highly satisfactory—he seems like a completely different child.
Case Study 2
An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with combined-type ADHD (inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive). She exhibited significant emotional instability, frequent fatigue, poor attention in class (as reported by her teacher), and frequent meltdowns during homework at home. She also experienced anxiety, occasional mild depression, and self-harming tendencies. In addition, she had seizures roughly every one to two months.
Celiac/gluten sensitivity testing revealed gluten intolerance. Stool analysis indicated gut microbiome imbalance, and low SIgA levels pointed to impaired gut immunity. Blood and hair analysis showed deficiencies in magnesium, iron, and chromium, as well as a slight elevation in aluminum levels.
Through targeted dietary changes, nutritional supplementation, gut support, detoxification, and change of environment, her condition improved significantly over the next year. Her mood stabilized, energy and stamina returned, self-harm and depressive symptoms resolved, and anxiety greatly diminished. She is now able to complete homework independently with only gentle reminders, and she no longer experiences seizures.
Client Testimonial
"I am deeply grateful to Amy for changing the course of my son’s life! When my son was seven years old, he began showing symptoms of OCD and ADHD. There were several times when he had to stop attending school due to his condition, which caused tremendous stress for our whole family. We consulted multiple doctors and tried several medications, but the side effects were so severe that we couldn’t continue. Thankfully, we found Amy. After undergoing functional medicine testing, and through dietary changes and targeted nutritional support, my son's symptoms have nearly disappeared and he is now able to attend school normally. I hope more moms will learn about functional nutrition and help their children overcome these challenges."
— Eric’s mom
Love your child—give them a chance to rediscover who they truly are and embrace a future full of hope!
Reach out to Amy Papa Wellness to begin a Functional Nutrition consultation and take the first step toward a healthier life!
