Nourishing Neurodivergence: Understanding ADHD, Autism & the Gut–Brain Connection

We’re delighted to introduce this three-part blog series created in collaboration with Tessa Frye from The Nourish Hut. 

At Seed Cycle, we love sharing supportive, evidence-informed insights that help women feel more connected to their bodies. Tessa’s compassionate and holistic approach to neurodivergent wellbeing aligns beautifully with our own mission to make hormone balance feel simple, nourishing and accessible. We’re thrilled to bring her expertise to our community through this special series.

Gut health, emotional balance, and hormonal rhythms are closely connected, and many readers will recognise how these themes overlap with their own cyclical wellbeing. While the focus is on neurodivergent nutrition, these foundations also connect meaningfully with a supportive, cycle-aware approach to wellbeing. Seed cycling is one of many gentle, food-based practices that fits beautifully into this holistic approach—supporting mood, energy and wellbeing throughout the menstrual cycle.

In this blog, you can expect:

• An introduction to the series and Tessa’s approach

• An overview of ADHD and autism through a nutritional lens

• Insights into feeding difficulties and selective eating

• An exploration of the gut–brain connection and the role of the microbiome

• Simple foundations for supporting gut health

I am Tessa, a functional nutritionist. I support individuals and families with a wide range of health concerns, including neurodivergent conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

While nutrition cannot cure these conditions, it can play a meaningful role in improving quality of life. How, you may ask? Nutrition can promote overall well-being by supporting emotional regulation, digestive comfort, energy management, and hormonal balance.

This article explores how certain nutritional strategies can support individuals with ASD or ADHD, emphasising gut health, whole foods, and gentle, food-based approaches.

Understanding ADHD and Autism

Although ASD and ADHD are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, they frequently share overlapping traits and challenges, including difficulties with focus, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and communication.

These features can stem not only from neurological differences but also from internal factors such as gastrointestinal function, micronutrient status, inflammatory activity, and metabolic imbalances, as well as external influences like diet, environment, and lifestyle.

Research indicates that children exhibiting neurodivergent traits are significantly more likely to experience feeding difficulties and disordered eating behaviours. These may present as food selectivity, irregular eating patterns, or a highly restricted diet. These are all factors that can compromise nutritional status and gut health. Over time, such imbalances may amplify core neurodevelopmental symptoms.

The Gut-Brain Connection

 

 

 

 

 

We often hear this term nowadays – but what does it truly mean? The digestive system plays a vital role in brain health. The gut is not just a digestive organ; it is an essential part of the body’s communication network, closely linked to the brain via the gut-brain axis. This connection means that supporting digestion can significantly impact how we feel and function mentally.

Have you heard of the microbiome? It's a community of trillions of microbes living in and on our bodies, especially in the gut. These microbes help with digestion, support the immune system, boost brain health, and influence mood. Think of the microbiome as your body’s hidden ecosystem working behind the scenes to keep you healthy. A healthy team of microbes in the tummy supports cognitive and emotional health by producing neurotransmitters, the chemicals that affect our thoughts, feelings, and overall functioning.

Take care of your gut, and your brain will thank you!

Fuel For Your Gut Bugs

If caring for your gut can boost your mood, energy, and immunity (and it can!), then how do we support it? The answer’s on your plate. Research shows that fermented foods like kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, plus a variety of fibre-rich plants, are the best for your microbiome. Help your gut microbes thrive and keep your inner ecosystem happy.