Bonus Episode: Healing ADHD at the UltraWellness Center

Mark Hyman

Jun 6, 2025

Episode description

This special bonus episode features Dr. George Papanicolaou from the UltraWellness Center, diving into how functional medicine approaches ADHD — and why the root cause is rarely just in the brain.

In this conversation, Dr. Papanicolaou shares the story of a young woman struggling with ADHD symptoms that conventional medicine failed to resolve. Through a deeper investigation into gut health, nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, and even genetics, Dr. Papanicolaou explains how addressing the body’s imbalances can dramatically improve focus, energy, and emotional regulation.

You’ll learn:

• Why ADHD is being diagnosed more than ever—and what you might be missing

• How your gut health affects your brain, inflammation, and attention

• Why nutrients like omega-3s, vitamin D, and magnesium are essential for cognitive health

• How your genes and lifestyle work together to shape your brain health

• What you can do—without medication—to support mental clarity and better focusThis is part of a limited bonus series spotlighting the work of the UltraWellness Center team, with new episodes dropping monthly on select Fridays. To learn more about the UltraWellness Center or inquire about becoming a patient, visit: https://ultrawellnesscenter.com

Episode description

This special bonus episode features Dr. George Papanicolaou from the UltraWellness Center, diving into how functional medicine approaches ADHD — and why the root cause is rarely just in the brain.

You’ll learn:

• Why ADHD is being diagnosed more than ever—and what you might be missing

• How your gut health affects your brain, inflammation, and attention

• Why nutrients like omega-3s, vitamin D, and magnesium are essential for cognitive health

• How your genes and lifestyle work together to shape your brain health

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Balance dopamine levels naturally with Bacopa Monnieri

The Ayurvedic herb Bacopa Monnieri can help balance dopamine levels and calm the brain, offering a natural alternative to stimulants.

#dopamine

#supplement

Manage gut histamine to alleviate ADHD symptoms

High levels of histamine from gut imbalances can cross the blood-brain barrier and interact with brain receptors to create agitation and worsen ADHD symptoms.

#ADHD

#gut

Address faulty toggle switch in ADHD for improved focus

In ADHD brains, the 'toggle switch' between the daydreaming network and the task-focused network is faulty, making it hard to stop distracting thoughts while trying to focus.

#ADHD

#focus

Reframe ADHD as a hunter's brain for better understanding

The ADHD brain is not deficient but is designed like a hunter-gatherer's, constantly scanning, which is mismatched with modern, orderly environments.

#ADHD

#cognition

Utilize SAMe for mood stabilization in slow COMT gene types

The supplement SAMe can be particularly effective for mood stabilization in people with a slow COMT gene, which affects dopamine breakdown.

#genetics

#supplement

Identify food proteins that impair cognition and focus

For some people, improperly digested proteins from gluten and dairy can cross the blood-brain barrier and act like opiates, impairing cognition and focus.

#cognition

#protein

Recognize trauma as root cause of anxiety, not ADHD

The anxiety and depression often seen with ADHD may not be direct symptoms of the condition, but rather a result of the trauma from struggling with it.