Feingold Diet (Score 1)

There has been a theory put forth by a fellow named Dr. Feingold that says that much of what is diagnosed as learning disabilities with respect to hyperactivity is related to diet. He especially targets synthetic food colouring and flavouring.

What is interesting is that he also mentions foods that contain "salicylates." This is a substance that appears in some of the the following very innocuous seeming foods:

• almonds
• cucumbers
• peppers
• tomatoes
• coffee
• berries

There are more foods on the list. But, very few people would be sensitive to all of them. The idea is to cut them all out for two weeks and see if there is a difference and then add them back in one at a time.

The jury is out on the accuracy of this theory. And, it is supposed to help children more than adults.

I have two step children that have food sensitivities. One in particular is sensitive to several of the foods on the list above as well as many artificial preservative and colourings. You can watch a complete change in his personality after he eats one of the foods that he is sensitive to. He becomes hyper and a bit belligerent. A few hours later he crashes and usually has a temper tantrum over some small issue. You wouldn't expect that from a green pepper. We are still trying to figure out by trial and error what is safe for him.

This diet is very simple and non-invasive. If it doesn't work in your case, then continue looking for another solution. Personally, I think start with the least invasive possibilities and work out from there.

You can do a Google search on Fiengold and start reading.

Good luck!