Podcast Summary:

Hacking Your ADHD – Research Recap with Skye: The ADHD and IBS Connection
Host: William Curb
Guest: Skye Waterson
Date: December 26, 2025

Overview

This episode of Hacking Your ADHD dives deep into the surprising link between ADHD and intestinal disorders, focusing specifically on IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Host William Curb and guest Skye Waterson unpack a recent systematic review and meta-analysis covering millions of patients, unearthing practical insights and key unanswered questions about how these two conditions may be intertwined. The discussion is lively, honest, and grounded in both research findings and real-life context for people with ADHD.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Explore ADHD and IBS?

• The episode opens with William and Skye explaining that, while ADHD is commonly associated with learning difficulties or autism, there are lesser-known connections worth exploring—like those with intestinal disorders.
• Skye notes, “There's other very strange connections that we don't always know about,” (01:49), highlighting why they chose this topic.

2. About the Research Paper

• The systematic review began with nearly 2,000 studies and narrowed them to 11 that met strict inclusion criteria (proper diagnosis, sound methodology).
• The studies covered a remarkable 3.8 million subjects (04:42).

3. Main Findings: ADHD’s Link to IBS

• The big takeaway is a “significant correlation between ADHD and IBS, but not other intestinal disorders” (04:52).

  • Memorable Quote:

    “This study shows that kids with ADHD fart more. 100%. That, that is something that said in here, but it is also a condition that is, you know, quite uncomfortable.” – William (05:18)

• Other intestinal complaints (like general constipation) were observed but did not reach statistical significance in association with ADHD.

• The paper noted, “methylphenidate increases the risk of abdominal pain in ADHD patients,” (06:03), a fact that was novel for both hosts.

4. Potential Causes & Gut-Brain Connection

• The discussion shifts to possible reasons behind this link—gut microbiome, behavior patterns, medication effects, and genetics.

  • Quote:

    “Their initial assessment and... this is speculation... this probably has something to do with the gut microbiome and with ADHD being a developmental disease or developmental disorder, that it can be kind of seen how that might connect.” – William (06:53)

• Skye and William push back against the idea that gut issues cause ADHD, aligning more with the notion that their relationship is complex and likely bidirectional.

• ADHD itself complicates managing any chronic condition—especially those tied to routine (diet, medication adherence).

5. Impact of ADHD Behaviors on Gut Health

• ADHD traits like impulsivity, forgetfulness, and dopamine-seeking can influence dietary choices and gut health.
• “It's genuinely harder to eat a habit, full, healthy diet... when you have ADHD because you're going to forget to eat. We forget to take medication, we forget to eat,” says Skye (10:05).
• They stress this isn’t about blame—ADHD simply adds another layer of difficulty to health management.

6. The Immaturity of Gut-Brain Research

• Both hosts caution that gut-brain research is young and definitive recommendations are premature.

  • “It's such a young field still... We... don't know what the bacterias are that are making those outcomes better,” says William (11:18).

• They fantasize about future studies scanning ‘ADHD guts’ vs. non-ADHD guts, musing on how little is still understood (12:29).

7. Practical Takeaways: Starting Simple

• William advises skepticism towards grand promises about “fixing your gut for ADHD.” Instead:

  • Focus on basics: fiber intake, plant diversity, limiting processed foods, and fermented food can help gut health overall (14:07).
  • Quote:

    “If you can master... your big movers on your ADHD, it's going to be a lot more important than doing the stuff that... might help you some, but... don't make that be the gold star that you're trying to get.” – William (14:07)

• Skye introduces the “house of cards versus dominoes” analogy for habit change (15:36):

  • House of cards: fragile, complex, likely to topple.
  • Dominoes: do the next simple thing, build sustainable progress.

8. What to Do If You Have Both Conditions

• If gut issues are common for you and you have ADHD, don’t ignore them—talk to your doctor (17:07).
• The study may explain those “unexplained gut issues” for ADHDers; there’s validation in recognizing the association.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the history of the connection:

  "This is not something new. This is something that it's been around for a while." – William (02:47)

• On the struggle of managing ADHD and gut health:

  "Managing symptoms of a chronic condition is something that it is absolutely going to make harder." – William (09:53)

• On gut-brain research:

  "There is a very strong connection between the gut and brain that has been found... You could argue that the gut is really in charge of what you're doing instead of your brain." – William (12:37)

• On practical advice and expectations:

  "Start small and start with things that are more practical for your life. Don't start with the things that seem like, oh, like, that sounds like... It's the dopamine that's calling you." – William (16:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:05 – Introduction of episode theme and guest
• 03:39 – Study design and methodology
• 04:42 – Big data: narrowing to 11 studies, 3.8 million subjects
• 04:52 – Main findings: ADHD–IBS link established
• 06:03 – Medications like methylphenidate and abdominal pain risk
• 06:53 – Gut microbiome speculation; why might these conditions connect?
• 09:13 – How ADHD behaviors affect physical health and management
• 10:05 – The genuine difficulty of healthy eating with ADHD
• 11:18 – Gut-brain science: where we are and what we don’t know
• 12:29 – Hopes for future research: “ADHD guts” comparisons
• 14:07 – Sensible gut health basics for ADHDers
• 15:36 – House of cards vs. dominoes: building habits for change
• 17:07 – What to do if you have ADHD and gut troubles; seeking medical advice

Final Takeaways

• Confirmation: There is a real, research-supported association between ADHD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Speculation but No Causation: Gut-brain research is promising but not yet actionable at a granular level for individuals.
• Practicality First: Focus first on what you can manage—basic healthy routines matter more than chasing unproven biohacks.
• Get Support: If you struggle with both ADHD and gut issues, you’re not alone—and you can talk about it with your doctor for more tailored advice.

Useful Links:

• Unconventional Organization – Skye’s resource site for ADHDers

For more research recaps and ADHD practical support, subscribe to Hacking Your ADHD!