Does the Feingold regime improve the symptoms of ADHD?

The Feingold regime eliminates artificial aromas, artificial dyes and salicylates to improve behavior and learning in children with attention / hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD). However, there is very little evidence that this diet is effective in reducing symptoms and improving behavior in children with ADHD.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

How does the Feingold diet work

The Feingold diet is an elimination diet that eliminates certain food and chemicals to find diet triggers causing ADHD symptoms. If someone sees positive results for the elimination of certain foods and chemicals, it is recommended not to reintroduce these articles and continue to eat other foods he likes.

Supporters of the Feingold diet believe that food colors, artificial aromas and perfumes are not well tolerated by humans. Consequently, the removal of these diet elements can improve specific symptoms.

What is the effectiveness of this diet to improve behavioral disorders?

Previous research suggests that the Feingold regime is not effective. Since then, there has been little research specifically on the Feingold regime, but there have been several studies on regime changes in general to improve behavioral disorders. However, the current evidence to support diet changes to improve behavioral disorders are low.

A key problem is that many people have diets that lack essential nutrients. As a result, they experience an increased feeling of overall health when they improve their diet. Therefore, when people with ADHD eliminate unhealthy foods and integrate healthier options, they feel better. It is not clear if food changes have improved the symptoms of ADHD or have simply improved a global feeling of well-being.

Foods and ingredients to be eliminated for the Feingold diet

The Feingold diet requires that its subscribers eliminate the following elements:

The diet also recommends eliminating salicylates and natural drugs containing salicylates such as aspirin. These elements can be reintroduced later. Many foods contain natural salicylates. These foods are:

• Apples
• Apricot
• Lawyer
• Blackberries
• Blueberry
• Cherries
• Sweet potatoes
• Squash
• Red beans

List of acceptable foods

All foods are authorized on the Feingold diet outside the list of foods to be avoided. The diet suggests limiting sugar but does not require participants to abstain completely from sugar. Natural sweeteners like stevia are also authorized.

Overall, the diet encourages people to eat whole foods that are low in salicylates. Some of the acceptable foods on the Feingold diet include:

• Banana
• Beans
• Celery
• Cereals (without flavors or artificial colors)
• Chicken
• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Fish
• Potatoes

Potential advantages

No solid research supports the advantages of the Feingold diet in people with ADHD. Although the diet promotes whole foods that do not contain artificial dyes or flavors, it does not improve the symptoms of ADHD in a conclusive manner.

Risks

In addition to the ineffectiveness of the Feingold diet to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, it also has certain risks. The diet is restrictive, which can cause problems for certain people. Below you will find a risk list:

• Lack of evidence: A lack of research supports the Feingold diet.
• Nutritional gaps: An elimination regime can cause nutritional deficiencies in people who are not aware of the nutrients that may lack due to their diet.
• Restrictive: Restriction of the diet can make it difficult to research and supply appropriate. This can be particularly difficult for people who do not live in a region with several grocery stores and options.

Who should try the Feingold diet?

The evidence does not support the use of the Feingold regime for people with ADHD. Talk to a health care provider before starting a diet to treat ADHD. Elimination diets must be carried out with care and with advice to prevent harmful effects.

Common challenges and advice to succeed

If someone tries the Feingold diet, it would be important for him to work with his health care provider before starting. The supplier can help provide nutritional support or references to a dietitian.

Finding and cooking good foods can also be a challenge. Planning in advance with the preparation of meals can help some people make sure they have the right food and good meals prepared to eat.

Alternative

No special diet is recommended for people with ADHD. Studies generally recommend eating a healthy diet rich in whole food.

A 2019 study revealed that diets rich in sugar and saturated fats increased the risk of ADHD. A healthy diet that included many fruits and vegetables seemed to protect against ADHD and hyperactivity. The study mentioned that evidence was low due to the few studies available.

Another 2012 study underlined the need to educate parents and children on a healthy diet and the elimination of foods that aggravate the symptoms of ADHD. The study has shown that there is no unique approach to food changes and ADHD.

What to ask a supplier before you start

It is important to include a health care provider in food change decisions for ADHD. Here are some questions to ask a supplier:

• Are there ADHD diets that research supports?
• Are there nutritional deficiencies that can occur with ADHD diets?
• Are there supplements that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD?
• How long does it take to see the results?
• Should a dietitian be involved in certain food changes?
• Will this diet affect my medication?

Main to remember

• The Feingold diet aims to reduce the symptoms of ADHD by eliminating artificial dyes, artificial colors and salicylates.
• Research that supports the effectiveness of the Feingold diet is low. Many studies have examined regime changes and their relationship with ADHD. The results generally suggest that more research on the subject is necessary.