Benjamin Feingold

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Benjamin Feingold (1899–1982) was an American pediatrician and allergist who is best known for developing the Feingold diet, a dietary program that aims to treat hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in children by eliminating certain food additives and artificial colors.

Early Life and Education

Benjamin Feingold was born in 1899. He pursued his medical education and specialized in pediatrics and allergies. Feingold's interest in the effects of diet on behavior led him to develop his controversial dietary program.

Career

Feingold worked as a pediatrician and allergist, focusing on the relationship between diet and behavior. He was a member of the American Medical Association and contributed to various medical journals. His work gained significant attention in the 1970s when he published his findings on the Feingold diet.

The Feingold Diet

The Feingold diet is a dietary program that eliminates certain food additives, including artificial colors, artificial flavors, and salicylates. Feingold proposed that these substances could cause hyperactivity and other behavioral issues in children. The diet gained popularity among parents seeking alternative treatments for ADHD and other behavioral problems.

Components of the Diet

The Feingold diet involves two main phases:

• **Phase One:** Elimination of all artificial colors, artificial flavors, and certain preservatives.
• **Phase Two:** Gradual reintroduction of foods to identify specific triggers.

Controversy and Criticism

The Feingold diet has been both praised and criticized. Some parents and practitioners report significant improvements in behavior, while others argue that the diet lacks scientific evidence. Critics also point out that the diet can be difficult to follow and may lead to nutritional deficiencies if not properly managed.

Legacy

Despite the controversy, Benjamin Feingold's work has had a lasting impact on the field of nutrition and behavioral science. His advocacy for the role of diet in managing behavioral issues has influenced subsequent research and dietary programs.

See Also

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Pediatrics
• Allergy
• Nutrition

External Links

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