The ADHD Skills Lab

ADHD Isn’t Just in Your Head - Apparently It’s in Your Gut Too

Feb 2, 2026
They explore research linking ADHD with IBS and why that specific intestinal disorder showed up in studies. They discuss how gut symptoms can worsen daily overwhelm and interact with medication. Practical cautions about microbiome hype and simple dietary basics are offered. The conversation emphasizes small, sustainable changes and when to bring gut concerns to a doctor.
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INSIGHT

ADHD And IBS Show A Clear Link

  • A systematic review found a significant association between ADHD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but not other intestinal disorders.
  • The meta-analysis narrowed ~2,000 papers to 11 studies covering 3.8 million people, strengthening the association signal.
ANECDOTE

Gut Symptoms Not A New Observation

  • Will found literature on gut symptoms linked to hyperactivity dating back to 1987, showing this observation is longstanding.
  • Historical terminology shifted from "attention deficit disorder hyperactive" to modern ADHD labels over time.
ANECDOTE

IBS Symptoms Make Ordinary Life Harder

  • Will joked bluntly that the study shows kids with ADHD "fart more," highlighting the real-life discomfort of IBS symptoms.
  • He emphasised IBS can be genuinely uncomfortable and affect quality of life beyond humor.
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