The Feingold Diet is based on the premise that allergic reactions, or sensitivities, to certain types of foods contribute to ADD/ADHD symptoms, such as problems with:
- Neuro-muscular difficulties, cognitive and perceptual disturbances
- Impulsive and compulsive actions, emotional concerns
- Sleep problems
The Full Feingold Program
Functions
The Feingold Program works in two stages:
Stage 1
Removes chemical compounds, in particular food additives, and salicylate compounds in certain foods.
Stage 2
Identifies which salicylates (if any) can be tolerated.
Does it work?
People who suffer from ADD/ADHD, and follow the Feingold Program, have shown great improvements in focus and behavior.
What it does
The Feingold Program removes these chemicals and additives:
- Artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and TBHQ, made from petroleum, are also termed anti-oxidants because they prevent the oxidization of fats in foods.
- Salicylates, a group of chemicals related to aspirin, which are a naturally occurring pesticide in particular food plants. Only some are removed in the Feingold diet.
- Synthetic coloring is made from petroleum – crude oil.
- An artificial sweetener, only aspartame is removed.
- Other food additives are undesirable such as, nitrites, sulfites, MSG, sodium benzoate. These are not removed, but are noted in the food list.
A Staged Dietary Plan
Studies have shown that some children are sensitive to dyes, so start by removing only those foods and vitamins, drugs, and toothpastes that contain artificial coloring.
If this is not helpful, the Feingold Association recommends removing:
- Sodium nitrite in luncheon meats
- Calcium propionate in baked goods
- High-fructose corn syrup, and corn sugar in soft drinks and other sweetened foods
- MSG and HVP
If the child’s behavior does not improve on the Feingold diet, try a “few-foods diet”, which contains more extensive restrictions. Studies have shown that some children are sensitive to food additives, but also to foods such as soybeans, wheat, corn products (including corn sugar and syrup), milk and other dairy foods, and eggs.
Remove artificial coloring and other additives. Children can eat any vegetable (except corn and soybeans), fruits and fruit juices (but not citrus fruit/juice), fresh meat and poultry, and oats.
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