ADHD, ASD, Neurodivergence & Mood Disorders: Mineral Balance, Gut Health & Toxic Load

by Katrina Froome

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in diagnoses of ADHD, ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), neurodivergence, anxiety, and mood disorders.

While increased awareness is a positive step forward, many individuals and families are still left wondering:

“Why is this happening?”

“Why does the brain feel overwhelmed, wired, or exhausted?”

What if part of the answer isn’t just in the brain… but in the body’s underlying biochemistry?

As a naturopath, I take a functional, whole-body approach — looking at how mineral balance, gut health, hormones, and environmental factors may be influencing the nervous system.

Mineral Imbalances & Brain Function

Minerals are essential for healthy brain function, nervous system regulation, and emotional stability.

When minerals are out of balance, it can impact:

  • Focus and concentration

  • Emotional regulation

  • Sleep quality

  • Stress resilience

Common mineral patterns seen in clinic:

  • Low zinc → reduced concentration, immune imbalance, mood changes

  • Low magnesium → anxiety, restlessness, poor sleep

  • Elevated copper / low zinc ratio → heightened emotions, overwhelm, ADHD-type symptoms

  • Calcium & potassium imbalances → nervous system dysregulation and energy fluctuations

These imbalances are not always detected in standard blood tests. This is where Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) provides deeper insight into long-term mineral patterns and nervous system function.

Toxic Load & Environmental Stress

We are exposed to environmental toxins daily — through food, water, air, and personal care products.

For some individuals, particularly those with neurodivergence, the body may:

  • Struggle to detoxify efficiently

  • Accumulate toxins in tissues

  • Experience increased sensitivity to environmental triggers

Heavy metals to be aware of:

Cadmium

  • Linked with ADHD-like symptoms

  • Can disrupt zinc balance

  • Contributes to nervous system dysregulation

Lead

  • Of particular concern in children and ASD

  • Can impact cognitive development, behaviour, and learning

  • Even low-level exposure may influence neurological function

When the body is under toxic stress, it can contribute to a constant state of internal overwhelm, affecting mood, behaviour, and cognition.

Other Heavy Metals & Mineral Interactions

In addition to cadmium and lead, other elements may also play a role in neurological and behavioural health.

Arsenic
May impact energy production, detoxification pathways, and nervous system function. It can also place additional stress on the body when combined with other toxic exposures.

Mercury 
Can influence neurological function and sensitivity in some individuals, particularly when detoxification pathways are compromised.

Key Mineral Imbalances to Consider

Iron 
Low or dysregulated iron levels may affect oxygen delivery to the brain, contributing to fatigue, poor concentration, and cognitive challenges.

Selenium
Supports antioxidant pathways and detoxification. Low levels may reduce the body’s ability to manage oxidative stress and toxic load.

Zinc 
Essential for brain function, immune health, and protection against heavy metal accumulation.

Gut Health & the Microbiome: The Gut-Brain Axis

The gut and brain are deeply connected via the gut-brain axis.

An imbalanced microbiome can influence:

  • Neurotransmitter production (serotonin, dopamine)

  • Inflammation levels

  • Mood, focus, and behaviour

Signs gut health may be involved:

  • Bloating, constipation, or loose stools

  • Food sensitivities

  • Strong or unusual stool odour (including acetone-like smells or rotten egg smells)

  • Sugar cravings or irregular appetite

Conditions such as dysbiosis, yeast overgrowth, or parasites can all impact brain function and emotional wellbeing.

Oxalates, ASD & Metabolic Imbalances

An often-overlooked piece of the puzzle — particularly in ASD and sensory-sensitive individuals — is the role of oxalates.

Oxalates are natural compounds found in foods like spinach, almonds, chocolate, and sweet potato. While healthy for many, some individuals may struggle to process them effectively.

When oxalates accumulate, they may contribute to:

  • Irritability and mood swings

  • Sensory sensitivities

  • Hyperactivity or restlessness

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Digestive discomfort

This is often linked to:

  • Gut imbalances

  • Reduced levels of oxalate-degrading bacteria

  • Nutrient deficiencies (especially vitamin B6, magnesium, and calcium)

Organic Acids Testing (OAT): Looking Deeper

Organic Acids Testing (OAT) is a valuable functional test that provides insight into deeper metabolic processes.

It can help identify:

  • Oxalate levels

  • Yeast and bacterial overgrowth

  • Neurotransmitter metabolites

  • Detoxification pathways

  • Nutrient deficiencies

OAT helps connect the dots between:
Gut health → Metabolism → Brain function

Hormones, Perimenopause & ADHD in Women

An important and often overlooked area is the relationship between hormones and ADHD symptoms, particularly during perimenopause.

During this stage, fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone can significantly impact:

  • Dopamine regulation (affecting focus and motivation)

  • Mood stability

  • Memory and cognitive clarity

  • Stress tolerance

Many women report:

  • Worsening ADHD symptoms

  • Increased anxiety or overwhelm

  • Brain fog and reduced concentration

For some, this is the first time ADHD-like symptoms become noticeable.

When we consider hormones alongside mineral balance, gut health, and stress load, we gain a much clearer picture of what’s happening in the body.

A Holistic & Collaborative Approach

Supporting ADHD, ASD, and mood-related conditions is not about replacing diagnoses or conventional care — it’s about working alongside it.

A multi-disciplinary approach may include:

  • GP or paediatrician support

  • Psychologists or behavioural therapists

  • Allied health practitioners

  • Naturopathic and functional testing support

By addressing both clinical diagnosis and underlying physiology, we can create a more comprehensive and supportive care plan.

How I Support Clients in Clinic

My approach focuses on:

✔️ Identifying mineral imbalances through HTMA
✔️ Supporting detoxification pathways gently
✔️ Restoring gut health and microbiome balance
✔️ Addressing oxalates and metabolic imbalances where relevant
✔️ Supporting hormonal balance where indicated
✔️ Providing personalised nutrition and supplementation plans

Every plan is tailored, supportive, and step-by-step — because no two individuals are the same.

A Gentle Reminder

If you or your child are navigating ADHD, ASD, or mood challenges:

✨ Your body may be responding to underlying imbalances or sensitivities
✨ Areas such as nutrition, gut health, and environmental factors can all influence how you feel
✨ With gentle, personalised support, positive changes are possible

Ready to Explore further?

This is something I’m seeing more and more in clinic… If you’ve been wondering whether mineral imbalances, gut health, oxalates, hormones, or toxic load could be contributing to symptoms - I’d love to support you and your child/children.

→ Book a consultation


→ Or learn more about HTMA and microbiome testing

 

Yours in health and wellness,

 

Katrina xx

“Gut • Minerals • Nervous System • Hormones”

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