last updated 8.25.05 In 1973, an allergist named Dr. Benjamin Feingold observed that some childhood behavior problems seemed linked to excessive food colorings, salicylates, and additives. The program named for him restricts intake of these substances. There are numerous reports in the literature which support its value in managing various symptoms and biological issues.
The program also identifies additives in non-food sources such as aspirin, toothpaste, medicines, and gums. Some of the salicylate foods are: • Almonds • Apples • Apricots • Aspirin • Berries (all) • Cherries • Cloves • Coffee • Cucumbers • Currants • Grapes/raisins • Nectarines • Oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylates) • Oranges • Peaches • Peppers (bell, chili) • Pickles • Plums • Prunes • Raisins • Rose hips • Tangerines • Tangelos • Tea • Tomatoes • Vinegar (cider, wine) • Wine Some of the salicylate aspirin products are given here: The Feingold Program is based upon eliminating the selected ingredients in two stages. After a person has been successfully on Stage One for four to six weeks, the food containing natural salicylates are added back in carefully to watch for reaction. If there is no reaction, then the person is considered Stage Two, which only eliminates the chemical additives and preservatives. In general, children under six years of age respond within one week of following the diet; children over six may take two to six weeks of following the diet to achieve positive results. This program has benefited many children and adults. Although Stage One is more restrictive than Stage Two, this is not a calorie- restricted diet, and following this diet is simply a matter of substituting foods with natural ingredients for the foods with artificial ones. This is a natural, risk-free alternative to control hyperactivity, ADD, physical ailments, and other reactive behaviors to these additives. The program also identifies additional sources of additives which some people may find helpful to eliminate as well. This include:
The main site for information is at: www.feingold.org Discussion group to learn more about Feingold Program: An on-line support group for families who are implementing the Feingold Program (r) instead of medication to treat their children's ADD/ADHD and other emotional, behavorial, and physiological special needs. Also for those seeking information about the Feingold Program. This group is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with the Feingold Association. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Feingold-Program4us Good Reading: Why Can't My Child Behave? By Jane Hersey, School Food and Lunches (improving nutrition at school) It may be that part of the problem with dairy, wheat, or other foods with many people is simply that they are buying dairy, wheat or other products with the added chemicals in it. For example, I read where someone's child reacted badly to milk. When the mom switched to a Feingold approved brand without the chemical additives, the child no longer had a problem. Same would apply with other products...the child is reacting to the chemicals in the foods and not the actual food itself. It is common to see over and over and over that people doing a restrictive diet such as the casein-free, gluten-free one often find they eventually need to eliminate the Feingold targeted foods as well. I suspect that many see improvement on such diets in the beginning simply because they end up eliminating many of the chemical laden and processed foods, and not because the core problem was strictly gluten or casein. So if you do Feingold first, you may not need to eliminate other entire food groups as well. While enzymes can be extremely beneficial there is also a little you should know before taking that route so you are prepared. We have found out in the enzyme group that if you are sensitive to salicylates, you may have a problem tolerating any product with:
There are some enzyme products without these, but you need to really look for them. There is a version of Peptizyde for dairy, grains, and meats without any of these 'fruity' enzymes, called AFP Peptizyde. No-Fenol by Houston Nutraceuticals specifically targets phenolic and salicylate foods helping the body to process them appropriately. Many people who have difficulty with fruits and vegetables do quite well with this, starting a little at a time. It would be most appropriate if someone wanted to go from Stage 1 to Stage 2...or there is a contamination issue...or you are in a place you cannot guarantee the program will be followed exactly (such as grandma's house, or a restaurant). At this time enzymes would not be a substitute for the entire Feingold Program, although they may help you expand your food choices. I say this by drawing on extensive experiences of others. Digestive enzymes have not proven to be consistently effective on artificial stuff. Some people may find they are helpful with some additives but the success is very individual and may be limited. So it is best to consider only actual foods when deciding - enzymes such as No-Fenol may help with naturally occurring compounds, such as phenols or benzoates, but not artificial added phenolic substances or benzoates. For more information, contact:
The Failsafe Program eliminates many chemical additives from the diet as well as some natural sources of these compounds. http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/
Dealing with Chemical Sensitivities People with many chemical sensitivities may do well with epsom salts, magnesium, and avoiding chemicals when possible to reduce the total load on the system.
Natural vs Synthetic This may also help explain why kids leaving tons of supplements and very restrictive diets do better on enzymes and whole foods. The article explains how relying on synthetic vitamins, or isolated vitamins can create other nutritional deficiencies over time as well. http://www.danoneinstitute.org/danone_institutes_initiatives/pdf/Supplementation.pdf
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This independent site is for education and information about digestive enzymes. There is a large need to provide practical and general information on enzyme therapy for a wide range of uses. Enzymes have been around a very long time. Hopefully this site will help reduce the learning curve. Ideas, comments, and questions are welcome.  |
