Brenda Khan
The Feingold diet is a controversial elimination diet initially devised by Benjamin Feingold in the 1970s. It is based on research that links food additives with hyperactivity and behavioural issues. The diet eliminates artificial dyes, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives, and some salicylates (naturally occurring compounds found in some fruits and vegetables). While the diet suggests limiting added sugars, it does not recommend avoiding sugar completely. Sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol, as well as stevia, a natural plant-derived sweetener, are allowed. The diet is intended to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms in certain children, although there is limited evidence supporting its effectiveness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To treat asthma, allergies, and behavioural challenges like hyperactivity and ADHD |
| Foods Eliminated | Artificial food colours, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives, and some salicylates (naturally occurring compounds found in some fruits and vegetables) |
| Foods Allowed | Fresh, whole produce that's low in salicylates, such as bananas, cantaloupe, dates, grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi, lemons, mangoes, papaya, pears, pineapple, and watermelon |
| Sugar | Sugar is not restricted, but can be replaced by stevia, a plant-derived sweetening agent, or sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol |
| Lifestyle Changes | Requires significant changes in family lifestyle, including preparing meals from scratch and avoiding processed foods, commercial household products, and eating out at restaurants |
| Cost | Can be costly due to the limited selection of foods and the need to purchase brand-name products from the Feingold Association's Foodlist and Shopping Guide |
| Effectiveness | Research is mixed, with some studies supporting certain aspects of the diet while others finding no evidence of its effectiveness |
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What You'll Learn
The Feingold diet does not restrict sugar entirely
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet that was initially devised by Benjamin Feingold, who was Chief of Pediatrics at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles, CA, until 1951. It was based on research in the 1940s and 1950s that linked food additives with hyperactivity. The diet eliminates artificial dyes, flavourings, sweeteners, preservatives, and some salicylates (naturally occurring compounds found in some fruits and vegetables).
The diet is intended to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms in certain children. It is recommended mainly for children with attention problems, but it is also claimed to help treat asthma, eczema, and migraines. The diet is controversial, with some experts dismissing it, some supporting it, and some creating their own treatment versions. There is no good evidence that the diet is effective, and it is difficult for people to follow due to its restrictive nature and the cost and time involved in preparing meals.
The diet requires parents to make many dishes from scratch to prevent children from accidentally consuming banned ingredients. It can be overwhelming for parents to prepare meals that fit the diet's restrictions, provide adequate nutrients, and are enjoyable, especially if their child is a fussy eater. There is a risk of nutrient deficiencies, particularly if the child is already a fussy eater, as the diet restricts many healthy foods, including certain nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
The Feingold Association provides resources to help families follow the diet, including cookbooks, a Foodlist & Shopping Guide, and the Feingold Handbook.
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$33.99
It recommends limiting added sugars
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet initially devised by Benjamin Feingold following research in the 1970s that appeared to link food additives with hyperactivity. The diet is supposed to alleviate the condition by eliminating these additives and various foods. It is important to note that the Feingold diet is not a "health food diet", and it does not recommend excluding sugar entirely. Instead, it recommends limiting added sugars and provides alternatives for those who need to restrict their sugar intake.
According to the diet, added sugars can be replaced by stevia, a natural, plant-derived sweetening agent, or sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol. These sugar alternatives do not contain ethanol, so they do not cause intoxication. While sugar is not completely restricted, corn syrup is generally avoided on the Feingold diet as it can be a problem for some individuals.
The Feingold diet is a controversial method for treating ADHD symptoms and has been referred to as an "outmoded treatment". It eliminates artificial dyes, flavorings, sweeteners, preservatives, and some salicylates (naturally occurring compounds found in some fruits and vegetables). The diet is intended to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms, especially in children with attention problems. However, there is limited research supporting the effectiveness of the Feingold diet, and it can be challenging for families to implement due to the restricted food choices and the time and effort required to prepare meals.
While the Feingold diet does not restrict sugar entirely, it recommends limiting added sugars and provides alternatives for those who need to reduce their sugar intake. This is in line with the overall goal of the diet, which is to eliminate artificial additives and potentially triggering substances to improve behavioural issues associated with hyperactivity and ADHD.
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Natural sweeteners like stevia are allowed
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet that was initially devised by Benjamin Feingold in the 1970s. It was based on research that linked food additives with hyperactivity and aimed to alleviate the condition by eliminating these additives and various foods. The diet restricts many healthy foods, including certain nuts, fruits, and vegetables, and forbids any foods containing synthetic additives or dyes.
While the Feingold diet does restrict sugar to some extent, it does not eliminate it completely. Natural sweeteners like stevia are allowed. Stevia is a natural, plant-derived sweetener that can be used as a replacement for sugar. Sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol, which have a chemical structure similar to sugar and alcohol but do not contain ethanol, are also permitted.
The diet encourages the consumption of fresh, whole produce that is low in salicylates, a type of compound found in some fruits and vegetables. While some fruits and vegetables are eliminated in the first phase of the diet, they are often replaced by others, and some may be returned to the diet once tolerance is determined.
The Feingold diet is a controversial method for treating ADHD symptoms. While some experts support it, others dismiss it, and there is limited research to support its overall effectiveness. It is important to note that most medical professionals agree that children should not be on restrictive diets except in rare circumstances and only under medical supervision. Parents considering the Feingold diet for their children should consult a doctor or health professional first.
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Sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol are permitted
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet that was initially devised by Benjamin Feingold in the 1970s. It was based on research that linked food additives with hyperactivity and aimed to alleviate the condition by eliminating these additives and various foods. The diet is designed to help with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. It involves avoiding certain foods and ingredients that some believe worsen symptoms, such as artificial food colouring, sweeteners, preservatives, and some fruits and vegetables.
The diet encourages the consumption of fresh, whole produce that is low in salicylates. Salicylates are naturally occurring compounds found in some fruits and vegetables. While some fruits and vegetables are eliminated in the first weeks of the diet, they are often replaced by others, and some or all of the eliminated items can be returned to the diet once the level of tolerance is determined.
The Feingold diet is controversial, with some experts supporting it and others dismissing it. While it can be challenging to follow due to its restrictive nature, some families have seen positive results and continue to use it. It is important to note that parents should consult a doctor before considering the Feingold diet for their children, as it may not provide all the necessary nutrients for a growing child.
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The diet focuses on eliminating artificial additives
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet that focuses on removing artificial additives, colours, flavours, and preservatives from one's diet. It was initially devised by Benjamin Feingold in the 1970s, following research that appeared to link food additives with hyperactivity. The diet was supposed to alleviate this condition by eliminating these additives and various foods.
The diet is designed to help children with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. It involves avoiding certain foods that some people think make symptoms worse. The diet also eliminates some healthy foods, including certain nuts, fruits, and vegetables, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Supporters of the diet believe that removing artificial food colouring, sweeteners, preservatives, and some fruits and vegetables from a child's diet can help with focus and behaviour. However, critics argue that restricting a child to these foods of nutritional value may not be entirely beneficial for them. Elimination of such foods during a child's growth could negatively affect their health.
The diet is controversial, with some ADHD experts dismissing it, while others support it or create their own treatment versions. Some studies have supported a few of Feingold's key points. For example, a 2004 meta-analysis supported the hypothesis that artificial food dyes promote hyperactivity. However, the reviewer pointed out that most studies were done using low doses of food dye. A 2007 study published in Lancet also found that food additives, particularly artificial colours and the preservative sodium benzoate, increased hyperactivity in children.
The Feingold diet is not easy to follow, as it requires a significant change in family lifestyle and can be costly and time-consuming. It may also be difficult to find brand-name foods that are acceptable to eat on the diet.
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Frequently asked questions
The Feingold diet does not restrict sugar. However, it is recommended to limit added sugars and sugar substitutes. Sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol are allowed.
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet that eliminates artificial dyes, flavours, and certain compounds found in fruits and vegetables. It is intended to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms in certain children.
The Feingold diet restricts many healthy foods, including certain nuts, fruits, and vegetables. It also forbids any foods containing synthetic additives or dyes.
The Feingold diet can be used for children and adults of any age. It was initially designed for adults with allergies and severe cases of hives, but it is now mainly recommended for children with attention problems, asthma, eczema, and migraines.
