 |
View Basket
 |
|
 The Feingold diet was established by Benjamin Feingold, MD, a pediatrician and allergist. According to the Feingold Association, in stage one of the programme, a group of naturally occurring salicylates are removed from a person's diet and, after a favourable response is seen, reintroduced in stage two as long as the person tolerates them (salicylates are aspirin-like compounds that occur in many fruits, a few vegetables, and certain other foods); other substances, such as synthetic dyes, artificial flavours, and several specific preservatives are eliminated entirely. These substances are believed to be linked to behaviour 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 may trigger 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 contribute to 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?The Feingold Association recommends that naturally occurring salicylates are removed from the diet in the early weeks of the programme. Under the guidance of a practitioner knowledgeable in the Feingold diet, people with a sensitivity (or suspected sensitivity) to salicylates should avoid all foods containing salicylates to see if symptoms improve. These include:
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 betsNonsalicylate fruits that may be eaten at any stage of the programme include:
During stage two, all foods free of synthetic additives are acceptable, including, but not limited to:
Are there any groups or books?Feingold Association of the United States (FAUS) 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]. 
Copyright © 2006 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com Learn more about Healthnotes, the company. Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes. The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007. |
 |
| Help & Customer Serivces | Security & Other Information | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
 |
 |