Rethinking ADHD Support: A Holistic Approach to Nurturing Your Child’s Unique Brain

As parents, we’re constantly seeking ways to support our children, not just in managing challenges, but in thriving as their fullest, most vibrant selves. If your child has ADHD, you may have already explored traditional supports like medication or therapy. But what if there’s more to the story?

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Sara Langley, a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Beverly Hills, who specializes in integrative psychiatry for children with ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety. What makes Sara’s approach unique is her deep belief in whole-child care, supporting children not just with one avenue of support, but with practical, empowering strategies that begin in the kitchen, the playground, and the bedtime routine.

If your child has ADHD or if you’re simply looking for ways to support their mood, focus, and well-being, Sara offers powerful, evidence-based guidance that’s accessible and full of heart. 

ADHD and the Brain: A Quick Primer

ADHD is more than a list of symptoms. It’s a neurodevelopmental difference that often includes lower levels of key brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters that help regulate attention, motivation, and mood.

Here’s the thing: these brain chemicals don’t come out of nowhere. They're made from building blocks—micronutrients our bodies get from food. “I like to think of it like a conveyor belt,” Sara explains. “It starts with protein and other nutrients, and through a series of steps, the brain creates dopamine and other neurotransmitters.” This means that what our kids eat (or don’t eat) directly impacts how their brains function.

Nutrition: A Foundational Support for ADHD

Sara’s practice focuses heavily on nutritional psychiatry, which examines the impact of food on mental health. While medication can play an important role, Sara emphasizes that nutrition is often the first—and most foundational—support.

Here are three powerhouse nutrients she recommends for children with ADHD:

1. Magnesium 

   Magnesium is calming and supports sleep, muscle function, and mood regulation. Many kids with ADHD experience hyperactivity, sleep issues, or sensory sensitivities—all of which magnesium can help. “It’s not part of the conveyor belt directly, but it supports all the machinery that keeps the conveyor belt running,” says Sara. 

   
   

   Sources: Pumpkin seeds, spinach, black beans, almonds

   
   

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    Omega-3s are incredibly neuroprotective. These can be visualized as a “firehose for inflammation” in the brain, which is often elevated in children with ADHD. Research supports this: studies have shown that omega-3s can improve attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children with ADHD (Bloch & Qawasmi, 2011). 

   
   

   Sources: Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseed oil

   
   

3. Probiotics 

   A healthy gut is essential for a healthy brain. Our gut bacteria break down fiber into short-chain fatty acids and other compounds that travel to the brain and help create neurotransmitters. “I recommend a multi-strain probiotic,” says Sara, “because a diverse gut microbiome supports better brain function.” 

   
   

   Sources: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, or high-quality probiotic supplements

Food First—Supplements When Needed

Whenever possible, Sara encourages families to prioritize food over supplements. “When you eat spinach, you’re not just getting magnesium—you’re also getting fiber, vitamin C, and a bunch of other nutrients,” she explains. “It’s a beautiful package.”

That said, supplements can play a role, especially when kids are picky eaters, have sensory challenges, or are taking medications that reduce appetite. If you do choose supplements, Sara recommends choosing high-quality, third-party tested brands.

In the U.S., supplements aren’t regulated as strictly as medications, so it’s important to read labels carefully and look for third-party certifications. A pediatrician or integrative practitioner can help you make safe, informed choices.

Beyond Nutrition: What Does Integrative ADHD Care Look Like?

An integrative treatment plan for ADHD goes far beyond what’s on the plate. Sara shared the key components she uses when crafting a personalized care plan for each child:

1. A Thorough Diagnosis

    A comprehensive assessment ensures the right supports are in place and that symptoms aren’t being caused by something else (like anxiety, trauma, or sleep issues).

   
   

2. Nutrition & Supplementation 

   Sara begins with an in-depth look at a child’s diet- what they eat, what they avoid, and how we can gently build a more nutrient-dense routine that supports their brain and body.

   
   

3. Therapeutic Supports

    Depending on the child’s age and needs, this might include:

   • Play therapy for emotional regulation

   • Executive functioning coaching for organization and planning

   • Educational therapy for learning support

   • Family therapy to strengthen the parent-child bond and reduce household stress

     
     

4. Exercise

    Movement is medicine! Kids with hyperactivity especially benefit from burning off energy. Outdoor play also boosts vitamin D, which helps regulate mood and supports the immune system.

   
   

5. Sleep Hygiene 

   ADHD and sleep are tightly linked. “Kids with ADHD often have trouble winding down at night, especially with screen use,” Sara explains. The blue light from devices can delay melatonin production, making it harder for them to fall asleep. She recommends calming evening routines, magnesium supplements like Calm powder, and consistent sleep schedules to help reset their circadian rhythm.

   
   

6. Medication When Needed

   Sara emphasizes a balanced perspective: “If medication is part of the conversation, we look at all the options and carefully consider the pros and cons together.” While medication can be a valuable support for some children, it’s not effective for everyone, making a holistic, individualized plan even more important in those situations.

When Holistic Care Becomes the Primary Tool

Sometimes, medication just isn’t the right fit due to side effects, lack of efficacy, or family preference. In those cases, the other pillars of care become even more critical. That’s where integrative care becomes even more important. It empowers families with tools they can use every day- meals, movement, sleep, structure- and gives parents a central role in their child’s support plan.

“I never want parents to feel like they’re out of options,” says Sara. “There are so many ways to support our kids.”

Gentle Guidance

We know how overwhelming it can be to piece together the “right” plan for your child. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But what’s clear from Sara’s work, and the experiences of countless families, is that when we step back and look at the whole child, powerful things can happen.

Food becomes more than a meal. Movement becomes more than play. And bedtime becomes an opportunity for healing and rest.

If you’re exploring integrative care for your child with ADHD, know this: you don’t have to do it all at once. Choose one area to focus on- maybe a magnesium-rich breakfast, or a new bedtime routine- and build from there. Each step is a gift to your child’s mind and heart.

Your child is more than a diagnosis. They are a dynamic, capable individual with a unique way of experiencing the world. With your support and a thoughtful, personalized plan, they can grow into their strengths and navigate life with clarity and confidence. For more information about Sara Langley's practice, you can visit her website at: https://childkindpsychiatry.com/

References:

Bloch, M. H., & Qawasmi, A. (2011). Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology: systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 50(10), 991–1000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2011.06.008