If you’ve ever wondered why your focus is all over the place, you feel wired but tired, or your mood crashes mid-afternoon — you’re not alone. Many adults are now being diagnosed with ADHD, or questioning whether they might be neurodivergent. But here’s a surprising truth:
Your gut may be playing a bigger role than you think.
We’ve long assumed ADHD is “all in the brain,” but emerging research shows that the gut–brain axis — the constant two-way communication between your digestive tract and your brain — may be deeply involved.
Let’s dig into why that matters for adult ADHD, anxiety, focus, energy, and long-term brain health.
It’s Not All in Your Head. It’s in Your Gut, Too.
Your gut is home to trillions of microbes that help regulate:
If your gut is struggling — due to stress, processed food, long-term medications (like PPIs or antibiotics), or hormonal shifts — your brain can feel it. That might show up as:
What the Science Says Recent studies show that individuals with ADHD (both children and adults) often have:
This isn’t just a fringe theory anymore. In fact, even dopamine production — so central to ADHD — is influenced by what’s happening in your digestive system.
How This Plays Out in Real Life
Many of my clients come in saying:
“I’ve always been the disorganised one.”
“I feel like I’m running on adrenaline.”
“I can’t stay on task unless there’s a deadline.”
“I’ve been called ‘lazy’ or ‘too emotional’ — but I know that’s not it.”
They may not have a formal ADHD diagnosis. But they’ve noticed worsening concentration, anxiety, irritability, or energy crashes. And more often than not, they also report:
Sound familiar?
Functional Nutrition Can Help As a functional nutritionist with a background in psychology, I look deeper. That means assessing:
My approach often includes:
What If the Gut Is the Missing Piece?
Many adults never realised their gut and brain were so intimately linked.
But once we start restoring balance, they often say:
“I didn’t realise how anxious I’d become until it stopped.”
“I can finally concentrate through the afternoon.”
“I feel like my brain is mine again.”
And while I don’t work with children, I often hear from parents who spot the same patterns in their kids — which only underscores how early the gut-brain link can begin.
You Don’t Have to ‘Push Through’ or Blame Yourself
Forget the old narrative of being “lazy,” “flaky,” or “just anxious.”
This isn’t a personality flaw.
It’s often a physiological imbalance — and the gut is a powerful place to start.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re curious whether gut health could be the missing link in your ADHD-type symptoms — from brain fog to burnout — I’d love to help.
