A Modern, Evidence-Based ADHD Approach for Kansas & Missouri
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is most commonly treated as a neuropsychiatric condition managed with stimulant or non-stimulant medications. While pharmacotherapy can be effective for symptom control, it does not fully address the metabolic, nutritional, inflammatory, and neurophysiologic factors that influence attention, executive function, emotional regulation, and cognitive endurance.
At EvoHealth Functional & Longevity Medicine, located in Overland Park, Kansas, we provide an evidence-based functional medicine approach to ADHD for patients in Overland Park, Kansas City, Leawood, and Olathe, with telehealth services available throughout Kansas and Missouri. Our model complements conventional ADHD care by targeting modifiable biological drivers that influence brain performance and long-term cognitive resilience.
This article reviews human clinical trial evidence supporting nutrition, exercise, micronutrient optimization, and select nutraceuticals in ADHD care—without speculation or trend-based claims.
ADHD as a Neurobiological and Metabolic Condition
ADHD involves dysfunction across multiple interconnected systems:
- Dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling in the prefrontal cortex
- Cortical arousal and default mode network suppression
- Mitochondrial energy metabolism
- Neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress pathways
- Glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity
Functional MRI studies consistently demonstrate reduced activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex in individuals with ADHD. These regions are particularly sensitive to micronutrient availability, catecholamine synthesis, and metabolic stability, creating a strong rationale for a systems-based functional medicine approach.
Nutrition and ADHD: Evidence Beyond Elimination Diets
Protein Intake and Catecholamine Support
Dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis depend on the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine. Controlled feeding studies demonstrate that protein-dominant breakfasts improve vigilance, reaction time, and sustained attention compared to high-glycemic carbohydrate meals. Clinically, inadequate protein intake is frequently associated with worsened focus, irritability, and afternoon cognitive decline in ADHD patients.
Glycemic Variability and Executive Function
Experimental models show that post-prandial hyperglycemia impairs prefrontal cortex function, increasing cognitive fatigue and reducing inhibitory control. Observational studies demonstrate higher rates of insulin resistance and metabolic inflexibility in ADHD populations, linking metabolic dysfunction to impaired attention and impulse regulation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Multiple randomized placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses show small but statistically significant improvements in inattention and hyperactivity with omega-3 supplementation, particularly formulations higher in EPA. Subgroup analyses consistently demonstrate greater benefit in individuals with low baseline omega-3 status.
Mechanistically, omega-3 fatty acids influence synaptic membrane fluidity, dopamine receptor signaling, and neuroinflammatory balance.
Exercise Physiology and ADHD
Acute Exercise Effects on Attention
Randomized crossover trials demonstrate that 20-30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise significantly improves attention, reaction time, and inhibitory control in both children and adults with ADHD. These effects are mediated by acute increases in dopamine, norepinephrine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Chronic Exercise and Executive Function
Long-term exercise interventions demonstrate:
- Increased prefrontal cortex thickness
- Improved default mode network suppression
- Enhanced working memory and cognitive flexibility
Both aerobic and resistance training improve insulin sensitivity and stress resilience, indirectly supporting attentional stability.
Clinical application: At EvoHealth, exercise prescriptions for ADHD typically include 150-300 minutes per week of aerobic training combined with 2-3 days of resistance training.
Micronutrient Deficiencies Commonly Seen in ADHD
Iron and Ferritin
Iron is a required cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis. Pediatric and adult studies consistently demonstrate that low ferritin levels (<30-40 ng/mL) are associated with increased ADHD symptom severity, even in the absence of anemia.
Randomized trials supplementing iron in iron-deficient children showed significant improvements in attention and behavioral rating scales compared to placebo.
Zinc
Zinc modulates dopamine transporter activity and melatonin regulation. Randomized controlled trials demonstrate improvements in hyperactivity and impulsivity with zinc supplementation, particularly in individuals with documented deficiency.
Magnesium
Magnesium regulates NMDA receptor activity and neuronal excitability. Controlled trials combining magnesium with vitamin B6 demonstrated improvements in hyperactivity, emotional regulation, and stress tolerance.
Evidence-Based Nutraceuticals for ADHD
L-Theanine
Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that L-theanine increases alpha-wave activity and improves attention while reducing anxiety without sedation. Combination trials of L-theanine with caffeine show superior improvements in reaction time and accuracy compared to caffeine alone.
Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Saffron is one of the most compelling nutraceuticals studied for ADHD. Multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate non-inferiority to methylphenidate for symptom reduction in children and adolescents over 6-8 weeks.
Proposed mechanisms include dopamine and serotonin modulation, antioxidant activity, and reduction of neuroinflammation.
Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic botanical shown in clinical trials to improve mental fatigue, processing speed, and attention under stress. While ADHD-specific trials remain limited, mechanistic overlap supports its use in adults with ADHD and comorbid fatigue or burnout.
Integrating Functional Medicine with Conventional ADHD Care
Functional medicine does not replace pharmacotherapy—it optimizes the biological terrain in which medications operate. Patients with optimized nutrition, exercise capacity, micronutrient sufficiency, and metabolic health often experience more stable symptom control and improved cognitive endurance.
ADHD Care at EvoHealth Functional & Longevity Medicine
EvoHealth is located in Overland Park, Kansas and serves patients across:
- Overland Park
- Kansas City
- Leawood
- Olathe
We also provide telehealth ADHD consultations throughout Kansas and Missouri.
Our ADHD programs integrate:
- Comprehensive nutritional and micronutrient assessment
- Exercise and metabolic optimization
- Evidence-based nutraceutical protocols
- Coordination with conventional ADHD medications when appropriate
If you are seeking an evidence-based functional medicine approach to ADHD in Overland Park or the greater Kansas City area—or via telehealth in Kansas or Missouri—we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation (913)-404-2193
EvoHealth Functional & Longevity Medicine
13801 Metcalf Ave, Suite 205
Overland Park, Kansas