 | Current customer? Log In |
 |
 | Search Departments
More Ways to Shop
Newsletter Sign Up
Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!
|
|
Library Home
> Special Diets > Feingold Diet
FEINGOLD DIETThe Feingold diet was established by Benjamin Feingold, MD, a pediatrician and allergist. It identifies and eliminates all synthetic colorings and flavorings, certain preservatives, and salicylates (chemicals similar to aspirin that are found in a wide variety of foods) from the diet. These substances are believed to be linked to behavior disorders, such as hyperactivity, learning problems, and attention deficit disorder in sensitive children and some adults. Why do people follow this diet?Children, and some adults, diagnosed with or suspected to have attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD) often follow this diet. Some people follow it to avoid food additives.  What do the advocates say?The Feingold diet was developed on the premise that salicylates are an underlying cause of hyperactivity. In studies where markedly different levels of salicylates were investigated, a causative role for salicylates could be detected in some hyperactive children. As many as 10 to 25% of all children may be sensitive to salicylates. The success of the diet may depend on the degree of a person’s sensitivity to salicylates and food additives, and the amount of additives present in foods. According to the Feingold Association, children under six years of age respond within one week of following the diet; children over six may need to follow the diet for two to six weeks to achieve positive results. What do the critics say?In some studies, the hypothesis that salicylates are an underlying cause of hyperactivity does not appear to hold up. The Feingold diet is complex and requires guidance from either the Feingold Association or a healthcare professional familiar with the Feingold diet. What do I need to avoid?Limiting intake of salicylates—aspirin-like compounds that occur in many fruits and vegetables—is the basis of the Feingold diet. Under the guidance of a practitioner knowledgeable in the Feingold diet, individuals with a sensitivity (or suspected sensitivity) to salicylates should avoid all foods containing salicylates to see if symptoms improve. Dr. Feingold recommends that children who are sensitive to salicylates simply avoid the following foods and substances:
In addition to salicylates, the following ingredients and additives should be avoided. These may be found not only in foods, but also in cleaning supplies, art supplies, and toiletries.
Best bets
Are there any groups or books?Feingold Association of the United States BibliographyHarley JP, Ray RS, Tomasi L, et al. Hyperkinesis and food additives: Testing the Feingold hypothesis. Pediatrics 1978;61:818–21. Levy F, Dumbrell S, Hobbes G, et al. Hyperkinesis and diet: A double-blind crossover trial with a tartrazine challenge. Med J Aust 1978;1:61–4. Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S. Krause’s Food Nutrition and Diet Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000. Williams JI, Cram DM. Diet in the management of hyperkinesis: A review of the tests of Feingold’s hypotheses. Can Psychiatr Assoc J 1978;23:241–8 [review]. |
| | | |
|
|
|
|
 |  |  |  |
New! 24x7 Ordering by Phone. Call 1-800-439-5506
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature.com is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices.
Please see our Terms of Use
Copyright © 1995-2009 Mother Nature, Inc. All rights reserved.