Any One Tried the Feingold Diet/Program?

Hi A. -

I have been using this program for almost 2 months now. It has made a huge difference in my 4 year old's behavior. Although I don't think all the items that are excluded in the Feingold Program are what causes his issues. Ours seems to be more focused on the food colorings and flavorings. I was hesitant at first to spend the money, but it was worth the cost to us (and my sanity) - it can be difficult to stick to if you child goes to preschool, b-day parties, etc. Also, the Today show did a story on food colorings and flavorings and hyperactivity about 2 weeks ago, so it was nice to see more people getting on board with this. Good luck!

My friend from Az has had pretty good success with her son. I am looking into it myself for my toddler but am skeptical at the cost. All I know is she recommends it and has seen a decent improvement in her son as far as him being more quiet, less aggressive and less hyperactive.
K. H

My brother (who is now 26) was a really hyperactive child. My mom watched what he ate/drank because he wasn't always out of control and found that his behavior was much worse after drinking or eating something red (artificially red - like kool aid, fruit snacks, etc.) He went nuts when he had red things! She said knowing that helped tremendously and though still hyperactive, he was much calmer and easier (and more fun) to be around. People who meet him now are surprised to hear that he was ever hyperactive - although he said he still avoids red things - he said it does change how he feels. Turns out it is Red #5 specifically that he reacts to. Good luck to you - sounds like you are a great caring mom!

HI
My husband was put on the feingold diet in his childhood. As an adult, he avoids all artificial food colors(especially red) and he avoids all artificial flavors. WHen he does eat something accidentally, his behaviour is so changed that I recognize it rite away and ask "what did you eat"?!! SO, now our 3 yr old son has been on the no artificail/colors for about a year. His behavior is dramatically reduced to a fun loving, cuddling bundle. When he is given artificial, he is demanding, angry, rebellios and he hits us. If you cant afford the program right now, definately start removing all artificial colors and flavours right away. You will probaly notice something after about a week. It is hard at holidays, birthday parties etc. Sometimes I allow him to have a 'fun' day and eat the treats, depending on if i am feeling up to a 2-3 day battle with him as a result of the 'fun' food!
Good luck, let me know if ya have questions
S.

I don't know much about the Feingold program but I do know that people have had success with removing wheat and dairy along with removing artificial additives. I would just try one thing at a time and see if you see an improvement, starting with artificial things. Otherwise, some people will remove everything and then add back to see what isn't a problem.
If you Google about ADHD diets you'll get a bunch of interesting information.
I, myself am trying to just feed my kids better by making things more instead of buying them. It's so easy to feed them fruit snacks and fruit roll ups instead of making homemade cookies for example. I'm just going to see if I can get better behaviors by removing all the artificial colors, preservatives and additives. Back in the day kids didn't behave the way they do now and it makes me wonder if we just get back to the old way of eating if that will make a difference. We'll see :o)
Best Wishes,
J.