Change Your Life by Changing What You Eat

Feingold Program - The Basics

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Did you know that certain things that you eat could contribute to behavioral and health issues. These issues may include:

• ADD/ADHD
• Asthma
• Autism, PDD, Aspergers
• Bedwetting
• Depression
• Dyslexia, Dysgraphia

• Learning Disabilities
• Ear Infections
• Eczema, Hives (Urticaria)
• Eye Muscle Disorders, Strabismus, Nystagmus
• Headaches, Migraines
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Seizures
• Sleep Disorders, Nightmares, Night Terrors
• Speech Difficulties
• Tourette Syndrome
• Violence, aggression

Several studies on food dyes and flavorings, diet and ADHD, and more have shown that certain synthetic food additives can have serious learning, behavior, and/or health effects for sensitive people. The Feingold Program (aka Feingold Diet) is a test to determine if certain foods or food additives are triggering particular symptoms. Think of it as the way people used to eat before "hyperactivity" and "ADHD" became household words, and before asthma and chronic ear infections became so very common.

The program is split into two stages. Stage One is the initial period during which specific items are eliminated from diet for at least four to six weeks.

The items to eliminate are:

• Artificial (synthetic) colors/dyes

• Artificial (synthetic) flavors
• Artificial (synthetic) sweeteners - Aspartame
• Artificial (synthetic) preservatives - BHA, BHT, TBHQ

• and Natural Salicylates - a natural form of aspirin

After you feel comfortable with the response received from Stage One, move onto Stage Two. In this stage you carefully reintroduce salicylates into the diet.

If you would like to learn more, I highly suggest visiting the Feingold website. Although foods additives can induce many different symptoms in different people, the majority of families who use the Feingold Program do so to help a family member with behavior and/or learning problems. Try it before medicating a child with ADD/ADHD. Try it while medicating a child for ADD/ADHD. Just try it. I'm positive you will notice a favorable response in yourself and in your children. 

Check back for more updates and GOOD LUCK!

xo

The post would not have been possible without the amazing information at www.feingold.org.