ADHD: Help for adults and children

I was recently presented a webinar to a great group of coaches, some of whom had ADHD, and others who wanted to learn more.

This is the video, and goes through the approach I learned to help ADHD brains function optimally.

There is a summary below, so you can skim.

And if you would like help building a personalised plan to help you focus more, be more productive, elevate your energy or improve your connection to others then contact me – 01707 662 704

ADHD Webinar: Overcoming ADHD Naturally in 2025

Presenter: Me! Chris (Chiropractor, Functional Nutritionist, Mental Toughness Coach)

Introduction

• My background: Originally trained as a chiropractor (30+ years), specializing in functional neurology and nutrition.
• Observed ADHD-like symptoms improving in children receiving chiropractic care.
• Trained in ADHD-specific protocols.
• Revisited ADHD research due to increased interest among coaching peers and the growing number of adults self-diagnosing ADHD (~25% of U.S. adults).
• Goal: To show that ADHD can be optimized naturally, not “cured,” by working with the ADHD brain’s strengths.

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Understanding ADHD

What ADHD Is (And Isn’t)

• ADHD is not a disease but a neurological difference.
• Best analogy: A Mac operating system in a PC world—different, not faulty.
• Many ADHD-like symptoms can be caused by other issues (e.g., auditory/visual processing disorders, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, toxic overload).
• Proper evaluation is key to differentiating ADHD from other conditions.

Modern Society’s Role in ADHD Diagnosis

• ADHD symptoms often mimic the effects of a dysregulated nervous system caused by:
  • Overstimulation (technology, stress, environment).
  • Nutritional deficiencies (omega-3, minerals, gut health).
  • Toxins and poor detoxification.
  • Poor posture and lack of movement (linked to brain function).

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Hemisphericity: A Core Concept in ADHD

What is Hemisphericity?

• The two hemispheres of the brain should work in synchrony.
• In ADHD, there is often a functional imbalance between the hemispheres (one side is weaker).
• Most commonly: Right hemisphere weakness (affecting executive function, impulse control, emotional regulation).

Signs of Hemispheric Imbalance

1. Physical Clues:
   • Head tilts slightly to one side (often the weaker hemisphere).
   • One wrist or ankle appears weaker (same side as head tilt).
   • Postural sway (when standing with feet together and eyes closed, tend to sway toward the stronger hemisphere).
2. Behavioral Clues:
   • Right Hemisphere Weakness (Most common in ADHD)
     • Poor executive function (planning, organizing, prioritizing).
     • Impulsivity, emotional dysregulation.
     • Poor social skills, difficulty reading social cues.
     • More prone to anxiety.
   • Left Hemisphere Weakness (Less common)
     • Poor language processing.
     • Difficulty with sequential tasks (reading, math).
     • More prone to depression than impulsivity.

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Testing for Hemisphericity

Simple At-Home Tests

1. Postural Sway Test (Balance & Hemisphericity Check)
   • Stand with feet together, eyes closed.
   • Have someone observe: Do you sway more to one side?
   • Sway left → Suggests right hemisphere weakness (common in ADHD).
   • Sway right → Suggests left hemisphere weakness.
2. Head Tilt & Muscle Strength
   • Observe natural head position (does it tilt slightly?).
   • Check grip strength & ankle stability (weaker on the side of weaker hemisphere).
3. Cerebellum Coordination Test (If also experiencing poor coordination)
   • Walk in place with eyes closed.
   • If your body twists slightly in one direction, it can indicate a weak cerebellum on that side.
   • Right cerebellum weakness must be corrected before strengthening the right hemisphere, or interventions may backfire.

Clinical Neurological Exam

• Reflexes, eye movement tracking, core stability, vestibular function.
• Smell & taste perception (olfactory function linked to brain health).
• Postural assessment (spinal alignment influences brain function).
• This allows for a personalized brain-training plan.

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Optimizing the ADHD Brain Naturally

Key Approaches

1. Brain Stimulation & Exercise
   • Strengthening the weaker hemisphere through targeted movement & sensory exercises.
   • Posture training (direct link between spinal alignment and brain function).
   • Bilateral stimulation techniques (e.g., metronome exercises, eye patching one side).
2. Nutrition & Gut Health
   • Essential Nutrients: Omega-3 (EPA > DHA), magnesium, zinc, B vitamins.
   • Eliminate Triggers: Processed foods, artificial colors, inflammatory oils.
   • Gut-Brain Connection: Many ADHD symptoms linked to poor digestion & microbiome health.
3. Detoxification & Environmental Factors
   • Heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and electromagnetic stress (EMF) can all disrupt brain function.
   • Natural detox strategies: Saunas, hydration, targeted supplements.
4. Mindset & Emotional Regulation
   • Neuroplasticity principles: Use-specific, repeated, high-intensity stimulation to rewire the brain.
   • Visualization & affirmations: Reprogram thought patterns (used successfully by a client to overcome public-speaking anxiety & win an award! ).
   • Breathwork (Box Breathing, HRV Training): Helps regulate prefrontal cortex function.

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Final Takeaways & Resources

• ADHD is a difference, not a disease.
• The environment plays a key role in brain function (genetics loads the gun, but environment pulls the trigger).
• Balancing brain hemispheres is crucial.
• Proper neurological testing is essential before jumping to conclusions.
• Simple, natural strategies can lead to powerful transformations.

Resources Mentioned

Books:
Disconnected Kids (Robert Melillo) – Hemispheric balancing techniques.
The Edison Gene – ADHD as an evolutionary advantage.

At-Home Tools (Available via Chris):
Hemispheric Checklist (assess left vs. right brain function).
Brain Balancing Guide (custom exercises for hemisphericity).
ADHD Nutrition & Lifestyle Guide.

Want to Test for Hemisphericity?
Call me or visit Body in Balance UK for a comprehensive neurological assessment.

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Final Thought:

“ADHD isn’t something to fix—it’s something to optimize. When you align with your brain’s strengths, the results are extraordinary.”