Dante Carrillo
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet initially devised by Benjamin Feingold in the 1970s. It is purported to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. The diet eliminates artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners, as well as preservatives and some salicylates (naturally occurring compounds found in some fruits and vegetables). The diet is controversial, with some experts dismissing it, some supporting it, and some creating their own treatment versions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To manage symptoms of ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities |
| Mechanism | Eliminates artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, sweeteners, and salicylates |
| Foods Eliminated | Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, spices |
| Specific Fruits Eliminated | Apples, applesauce, apricots, berries, cherries, currants, grapes, nectarines, oranges, peaches, plums, prunes, raisins, tangerines, tomatoes |
| Specific Vegetables Eliminated | Alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, chicory, cucumbers, eggplant, endives, okra, peppers, pickles, radishes, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, watercress, zucchini |
| Specific Nuts and Seeds Eliminated | Almonds, chestnuts |
| Specific Grains Eliminated | Breakfast cereals, processed crackers |
| Specific Spices Eliminated | Allspice, anise seeds, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, curry, cumin, dill, ginger, mustard, oregano, pimento, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, turmeric |
| Other Products Eliminated | Drugs and toiletries containing aspirin or additives, mouthwash, toothpaste, cough drops, perfume |
| Lifestyle Changes | Cooking all meals from scratch, avoiding eating out at restaurants |
| Results | No evidence of effectiveness in improving behavioural problems in children with ADHD or other conditions |
| Cost | Varies, can be expensive |
| Timeframe | No specific timeframe, results expected within 1-6 weeks |
| Creator | Dr. Benjamin Feingold, a Californian pediatrician and allergist |
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What You'll Learn
Foods to eliminate
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet that was initially devised by Benjamin Feingold following research in the 1970s that appeared to link food additives with hyperactivity. The diet is purported to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.
The Feingold diet eliminates an extensive list of foods and substances, at least temporarily. The diet involves removing artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners, as well as three artificial preservatives: butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tert-Butrylhdryquinone (TBHQ).
The diet also eliminates foods that are high in salicylates, a chemical related to aspirin, including:
- Fruits: apples, applesauce, apricots, berries, cherries, currants, grapes, nectarines, oranges, peaches, plums, prunes, raisins, tangerines, and tomatoes.
- Vegetables: alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, chicory, cucumbers, eggplant, endives, okra, peppers, pickles, radishes, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, watercress, and zucchini.
- Nuts and seeds: almonds, chestnuts, and other nuts and seeds.
- Grains: breakfast cereals (unless free of preservatives and colouring) and processed crackers.
- Spices: allspice, anise seeds, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, curry, cumin, dill, ginger, mustard, oregano, pimento, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, and turmeric.
It is important to note that the Feingold diet does not recommend eliminating sugar, and if necessary, sugar can be replaced by sweeteners like stevia, sorbitol, and xylitol.
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Foods to include
When following the Feingold diet, it is important to focus on the types of foods that are allowed and beneficial, as this will form the basis of a healthy and sustainable eating plan. This diet emphasizes the importance of whole, natural, and unprocessed foods, so including a variety of these in your meals is key.
Fresh, whole fruits and vegetables are a cornerstone of the Feingold diet. All fruits are allowed, including apples, bananas, berries, citrus fruits, and melons. When it comes to vegetables, the options are also varied and colorful, with choices such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, peppers, and tomatoes being Feingold-friendly. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Whole grains are another important component. Brown rice, quinoa, oats, and barley are all excellent choices and provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. When choosing bread, opt for whole grain varieties without added sugars or artificial preservatives. Similarly, whole wheat pasta and brown rice are great alternatives to their refined counterparts.
Lean proteins are also a key part of the Feingold diet. This includes poultry, such as chicken and turkey, as well as fish and eggs. Plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and chickpeas are also excellent choices and provide essential amino acids and fiber. Nuts and seeds are another great source of protein and healthy fats, with options like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds being perfect additions to meals or snacks.
Natural, unsweetened dairy products are also typically included in the Feingold diet. This includes options like plain yogurt, kefir, and cheese. These foods provide calcium and other essential nutrients, contributing to bone health. However, it is important to read labels carefully, as some dairy products may contain added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Finally, healthy fats are an important part of any balanced diet, including the Feingold approach. Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds all provide essential fatty acids that contribute to overall health. Including these foods ensures that your body gets the nutrients it needs while also enjoying the benefits of delicious, natural flavors.
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History of the diet
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet initially devised by Benjamin Feingold, a Californian pediatrician and allergist, following research in the 1970s that appeared to link food additives with hyperactivity. The diet was created by Dr. Feingold for an adult patient with a severe case of hives, but he noticed that the patient's behaviour changed from angry to normal. He then began using the diet with children with allergy symptoms, such as hives, asthma, and eczema, and noticed behavioural improvements. This led him to start using the diet to help children with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other behavioural issues.
The diet eliminates artificial colours, sweeteners, preservatives, and substances known as salicylates, which occur naturally in foods and are found in aspirin. Salicylates are also found in many fruits and vegetables, and the diet requires the elimination of some of these food groups. The diet is intended to be followed strictly and for a lifetime, with whole families observing the diet's rules. It is also recommended that meals are made from scratch to avoid forbidden ingredients.
The Feingold diet was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, but critics have since questioned the feasibility of following such a program. It is considered costly and difficult to follow, and there is little evidence that it improves behavioural problems in children with ADHD or other conditions. However, some studies have supported a few of Dr. Feingold's key points, and certain families continue to see positive results and swear by the diet.
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Feingold Diet today
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet that was popular in the 1970s. It was initially devised by Dr. Benjamin Feingold, a California-based pediatrician and allergist, to treat asthma and allergies in both children and adults. The diet is based on eliminating artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners, as well as preservatives and some salicylates (compounds found in some fruits and vegetables).
Today, the Feingold diet is mainly recommended for children with attention problems, such as ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. It is also said to help with other conditions like autism, eczema, and migraines. The diet is controversial, with some experts dismissing it, while others support it or create their own treatment versions. While there is little research supporting Feingold's overall hypothesis, some studies have supported a few of his key points. For example, a 2004 meta-analysis supported the hypothesis that artificial food dyes promote hyperactivity.
The diet is challenging to follow because it requires a significant change in family lifestyle and can be costly and time-consuming. It involves eliminating a long list of foods and substances, including fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, spices, and processed foods. The Feingold Association provides resources to help families follow the diet, including a Foodlist & Shopping Guide, cookbooks, and a Fast Food and Restaurant Guide.
The diet is meant to be followed strictly, and the whole family is encouraged to participate. It is not meant to replace a child's ADHD medications or therapy but can be used alongside them to potentially reduce medication dosages. The diet can also be used as a diagnostic tool to determine food allergies.
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Feingold Diet criticism
The Feingold diet, which is purported to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism, was popular in the 1970s. The diet eliminates artificial colours, sweeteners, preservatives, and substances known as salicylates. The diet is controversial, with some experts dismissing it outright, and there is little evidence to support its effectiveness.
The Feingold diet has been criticised for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is considered difficult to follow due to the extensive list of foods and substances that must be eliminated, at least temporarily. This includes many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and spices. The diet is also time-consuming and costly, as it requires parents to cook all meals from scratch using only approved ingredients.
Secondly, critics argue that restricting children to foods of nutritional value, such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables, may not be entirely beneficial for them, and could even affect their health during a critical growth period. While some parents have reported positive results, there is little evidence that the Feingold diet improves behavioural problems in children with ADHD or other conditions. No research connects any ingredients or foods to worsened behaviour.
Thirdly, the diet has been criticised for being based on poor-quality research. A 1983 meta-analysis found that there was no good evidence that the diet was effective in fulfilling its claims. The diet has also been called "outmoded", and there is a lack of well-designed studies on the Feingold program as a whole.
Finally, the diet has been criticised for being too restrictive and not taking into account individual differences in sensitivity to food additives. While some children may be sensitive to certain foods and see improved symptoms when avoiding them, not all children will experience the same benefits. The diet is not meant to replace a child's ADHD medications or therapy, and parents should consult a pediatrician before starting the diet.
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Frequently asked questions
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet that was initially devised by Benjamin Feingold following research in the 1970s that appeared to link food additives with hyperactivity. The diet was supposed to alleviate the condition by eliminating these additives and various foods.
The Feingold diet eliminates artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners, as well as three artificial preservatives: butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tert-Butrylhdryquinone (TBHQ). The diet also eliminates some foods and substances, at least temporarily, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and spices.
The Feingold 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 can also be used as a diagnostic tool to determine the foods causing allergies.
