The Feingold Diet

What is it?
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet in which certain chemical additives are avoided. These additives include:

Artificial colorings
Artificial flavorings
The antioxidant preservatives BHA, BHT, and TBHQ
Certain salicylates (pronounced suh-LI-suh-lates). These are chemicals that are structurally related to aspirin (chemical name acetylsalicylic acid).

There are other additives as well, and many people (myself included) have found that eliminating benzoates (most commonly sodium benzoate) is also helpful. Benzoates are structurally very similar to salicylates. Another name for salicylic acid, from which salicylates are derived, is 2-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Why eliminate these chemicals?
Recent scientific studies have demonstrated what many adherents to this diet have known for years: these chemicals can have severe detrimental effects to sensitive individuals. Symptoms include behavioral issues, hyperactivity, difficulty learning, and more.

What's my connection to this?
I have been on the Feingold diet for over 20 years now. I started when I was 7 years old and in the 2^nd grade. I've written up my Feingold story to help anyone who may interested in the program. I also wanted to put my voice out there because although everyone I've discussed this with in person accepts and understands, there also seems to be a great deal of skepticism out there that food additives could have these effects. So I also ask the question, "why is this so hard to believe?"

further information
For more information, I strongly recommend the Feingold Association website. They have much more information, success stories, links to studies, and other resources.