Benjamin Feingold

BenFeingold

Benjamin Feingold (1899–1982) was an American pediatric 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 a career in medicine, specializing in pediatrics and allergology. Feingold completed his medical education and training at various institutions, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the field of pediatric allergy.

Career

Feingold worked as a pediatric allergist and conducted extensive research on the effects of food additives on children's behavior. His observations and clinical experiences led him to develop the Feingold diet, which he proposed as a treatment for ADHD and other behavioral issues.

The Feingold Diet

The Feingold diet is a dietary program that eliminates certain synthetic additives, such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, from the diet. Feingold hypothesized that these substances could contribute to hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in children. The diet gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, with many parents reporting improvements in their children's behavior after following the diet.

Legacy

Feingold's work has had a lasting impact on the field of pediatric allergy and behavioral disorders. While the Feingold diet remains controversial and has been the subject of various studies, it has also led to increased awareness of the potential effects of food additives on health and behavior.

Related Pages

• Feingold diet
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Pediatrics
• Allergology
• Hyperactivity