Finegold diet ( ADHD and autism )
What is the Feingold Diet?
The Feingold Diet is a dietary program designed to help manage symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism. Named after Dr. Benjamin Feingold, who first proposed the diet in the 1970s, it focuses on eliminating certain artificial additives and foods that may exacerbate symptoms.
How Does the Feingold Diet Work?
The Feingold Diet eliminates:
- Artificial food colorings
- Artificial flavorings
- Preservatives like BHA, BHT, and TBHQ
- Salicylates, which are naturally occurring chemicals found in some fruits and vegetables
The idea is that these substances can trigger hyperactivity and other behavioral issues in some children with ADHD and autism. By removing these from the diet, many parents and practitioners have observed improvements in behavior and focus.
Understanding ADHD and Autism
ADHD
Causes: The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it’s believed to involve genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Certain chemicals in the brain that are involved in controlling attention and activity levels may be imbalanced.
Symptoms:
- Inattention (easily distracted, forgetful, difficulty in organizing tasks)
- Hyperactivity (excessive fidgeting, inability to stay seated, excessive talking)
- Impulsivity (interrupting others, difficulty waiting for a turn, making hasty decisions)
Autism
Causes: Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has no single known cause but is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Brain structure and function differences are also linked to autism.
Symptoms:
- Social interaction difficulties (challenges in understanding social cues, lack of eye contact)
- Communication issues (delayed speech, repetitive language)
- Repetitive behaviors (rigid routines, repetitive motions)
- Sensory sensitivities (aversion to certain sounds, textures, or lights)
How the Feingold Diet Can Help
For children with ADHD and autism, the Feingold Diet can be a game-changer. By eliminating specific food additives and certain naturally occurring chemicals, the diet aims to reduce hyperactivity, improve attention span, and enhance overall behavior. Many parents report seeing positive changes in their children after adopting the Feingold Diet.
Implementing the Feingold Diet
Step 1: Eliminate Trigger Foods
Start by removing foods with artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives from your child’s diet. This includes many processed snacks, candies, sodas, and fast foods.
Step 2: Avoid Salicylates
Salicylates are found in certain fruits and vegetables like apples, berries, and tomatoes. While these are healthy foods, they can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The Feingold Diet recommends temporarily removing these foods and then reintroducing them one at a time to monitor reactions.
Step 3: Read Labels
Get into the habit of reading food labels carefully. Look for any mention of artificial additives or preservatives and choose natural or organic alternatives whenever possible.
Step 4: Be Patient
Changes won’t happen overnight. It may take several weeks to notice improvements in your child’s behavior. Keep a food diary to track what your child eats and any changes in symptoms.
Why Choose Pristine Poliklinic?
At Pristine Poliklinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for children with ADHD and autism. Here’s why you should choose us: