Anyone tried the Feingold Diet for ADHD symptoms?

Amy - posted on 05/20/2012

Thank you Markey!

I have noticed that he is a lot calmer, and seems a bit more clear...mentally. We have only been doing it for a week. The foods that I don't prepare from scratch (which most meals I do), have been all organic and free of preservatives, MSG and all dyes.

I have also been watching him for a reaction to dairy (seems when he eats ice cream, even if it's all natural Breyer's Vanilla, he gets a little hyper). So I may be cutting dairy. Although he doesn't seem to react to cheese that way. I think it's the sugar.

Anyway, I will keep plugging along and see what happens. We are also starting play therapy this week. I have a friend who swears it really helped her son. We shall see...

Thanks for your post!! I will take a look at the link you attached.
Amy

Markey - posted on 05/20/2012

The "aunt in law" isn't really knowledgeable about the Feingold diet and it looks like you are already seeing a difference in your child. The science is there big time. In fact, a study in the UK in 2007 (Lancet) was important enough to require warning labels on products with food dyes. China is also on its way to banning them. Quackwatch info is very old and very wrong (and ridiculous).

We've used the diet for quite awhile and the money spent is so worth it. Something you might want to look into if you are still unsure is the Feingold Yalhoo group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fei...

Amy - posted on 05/15/2012

Sounds like your doing a version of Feingold, and sounds like it's working :)

I started changing my ds's diet about 3 days ago. I think he is already calming down some. He did much better at school today. That's a positive change. He was doing really well, then today at snack time he got a snack size Kit Kat bar, and that was it. There was a tantrum about an hour later and he's been crying a good bit tonight. I am keeping a journal about his diet and the behavior that follows. There's a good book out called "Processed Kids." Even if people do think the Feingold diet is bogus, I believe we all need to start eating healthier, right? :)

Like my sister-in-law says... junk in, junk out.

Good luck!
Amy

Danielle - posted on 05/15/2012

I was told by a nutritionist that don't waste your money. She is my Aunt in Law I guess that's what you call it. This is what she told me........ And my son's Peds agreed.

The Feingold diet is fairly old and is considered questionable these days (see quackwatch.com). Research has not been able to recreate the benefits Feingold claimed in his original studies.
Some have claimed that casein or gluten free diets help, but again, research doesn't really support - unless there is a specific allergy. So bottom line, there isn't a "magic" diet to help with ADHD.
That being said, it certainly couldn't hurt to eat a balanced diet - I.e. lower in fat, sugar, additives and higher in fiber, complex carbs, fruits and veggies and nutrients. I know that can be difficult when you have a picky eater. It's a matter of keeping offering healthy foods (they say you might have to offer 20+ times), involving your son in picking out healthy foods and lots of patience! You might want to check out www.choosemyplate.org. There are several good tip sheets and info specific to preschoolers and children- for example about picky eaters, trying new foods and sample meal patterns and snack ideas.

So with that said, we took out dyes, High Frutose corn sryup and Anything with Artifical dyes, flavoring and such out. and stayed away from FAST FOOD eating More Raw Veggies and fruits. Less juice more water. We drink Organic Milk instead. And we have seen a change. But it wil take time. Patiences is key

Hope this helps and Good Luck