Why ADHD Changes How You Eat: Brain, Gut & Food Sensitivities

Clinical neuroscientist and nutrition researcher Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas returns to The Hidden 20% to challenge one of the most persistent myths in ADHD: that it’s just about the brain.In this conversation, Ben and Dr Miguel explore ADHD through a whole-body lens - from nervous system regulation and eating patterns to capacity, sensory sensitivity and the gut–brain axis.They unpack why food isn’t just fuel but a regulatory tool, why so many ADHDers struggle with inconsistent eating, and why “just eat better” advice often misses the point entirely. The conversation then goes deeper into why the same food can feel fine one day and intolerable the next, and how what we often label as “food sensitivities” may actually be linked to stress, overload and nervous system state.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction: ADHD Beyond The Brain01:42 Why ADHD Is a Nervous System Condition05:18 Fight, Flight, Freeze: ADHD & Regulation09:12 Why Food Impacts ADHD More Than You Think13:40 ADHD Eating Patterns: Skipping, Binging & Dopamine18:25 Why “Just Eat Better” Doesn’t Work for ADHD22:10 Regulation Before Optimisation: Rethinking Food26:30 Simple Food Changes That Support ADHD Brains31:05 Food, Mood & Energy Crashes Explained35:22 Why The Same Food Feels Different Day to Day38:40 Understanding Capacity in ADHD42:15 Sensory Sensitivity, Stress & The Body45:50 The Gut–Brain Axis Explained Simply49:10 “Food Sensitivities” vs Nervous System Overload53:05 Stress, Digestion & ADHD Explained56:10 What Actually Helps: Supporting Regulation First59:30 Dr Miguel’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Miguel Toribio-Mateas @drmiguelmateasIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.