The Feingold diet is a diet that was prescribed in the late last century for management of cases of ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism. Is this diet effective? Is it safe?
The Feingold diet
This controversial diet that goes by the name Feingold diet was popular in the 1970s. It was meant for cases of ADHD and autism. But it is highly controversial diet. This is because of lack of any scientific data supporting it. Moreover, it an extremely strict diet and also dangerous.
California’s pediatrician and allergy specialist, Dr. Benjamin Feingold created this diet. His initial intention was to help patients with allergy. But he noticed that allergic children on this diet also had behavior changes in them. Hence, he extended it’s use to patients of ADHD, autism, dyslexia etc.
The Feingold diet (Source: Livestrong)In this diet, foods containing certain food ingredients are to be eliminated. These include artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, salicylates, and preservatives (butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tert-Butrylhdryquinone (TBHQ), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
Advantage and problems of this diet
Dr. Benjamin observed that all foods with these ingredients if eliminated helped to improve concentration and behaviors of the kids. His belief was that people who are sensitive or intolerant to aspirin (acetyl salicylate) will also have problems with other foods containing the salicylates.
But the reports of improvement in behavior with this elimination diet are only anecdotes. There were no proper scientific studies that the doctor conducted on this diet in ADHD of other behavior issues.
The Feingold diet (Source: Health grades)Also, salicylate sensitivity though real there are no studies that have shown that it can cause problems in behavior in the person.
The diet is followed in two phases:
-Removal of potential triggers
-Test after salicylate reintroduction-If symptoms recur, stop their consumption. And go back to phase 1.
Dr. Benjamin stated that usually in 1 to 6 weeks, there will be improvement.
The other chemicals are banned for lifetime and can never be eaten. This is a strict diet to follow. Besides, eating out can be a problem. Moreover, not all ingredients are put up on the package label. The person may end up eating them without knowing it. And making meals from scratch is suggested but it is tedious and difficult.
The child might get nutritional deficiencies over time. Cravings might be more and it might be unethical to ban so many foods during the growing period.
Studies on this diet
It is a controversial diet and not many support it. Proper studies are required. One cannot rely on parental reporting of child’s symptoms with this elimination diet because they might be biased and also inaccurate.
Older studies on this diet have variable results. And hence no research funding came that way to prove or disapprove this diet in ADHD and other behavior problems in kids.
Read here: What is a Failsafe diet? Eliminated foods and healthiness of this diet!
The Feingold diet (Source: Pinterest)Currently, with this scenario, this diet is not to be prescribed in children. The child should be on medications and under care of pediatric doctor and psychologist along with other non-pharmacological interventions.