Julia Ross on Amino Acids, Mood, Cravings, and Attention: Practical Nutrition Ideas for ADHD Families

If you’ve ever wondered whether there are nutrition-based supports to consider when ADHD brings big swings in mood, sleep, cravings, irritability, or focus, especially when medication isn’t preferred, isn’t available, or you’re looking for complementary tools, this episode offers a practical, hopeful starting point.

Host Kate Brownfield sits down with Julia Ross, M.A., N.N.T.S., best-selling author of The Mood Cure, for a grounded conversation about nutritional psychiatry and the role targeted nutrients (including amino acids) may play in supporting attention, stress, sleep, and emotional regulation.

In this episode, we cover:

Why foundational nutrition (especially steady fuel + breakfast) can matter for mood, attention, and regulation

How Julia’s work in addiction recovery led her toward nutrient therapy and “brain chemistry” support

The amino acids discussed in The Mood Cure and how they’re framed as potential supports for stress, sleep, cravings, and focus (with a strong emphasis on going slowly and listening to the body)

Why blood sugar dips (hypoglycemia) can show up as irritability, anxiety, “hangry” meltdowns, and intense sugar cravings, especially after school

How to think about trialing changes cautiously, including the importance of collaborating with a licensed clinician (especially for kids and anyone on medication)

Why parents deserve support too, because caregiver stress and sleep matter in the whole family system

Resources mentioned:

JuliaRossCures.com

Important note: This episode is educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician before starting supplements or making medication changes, especially for children.