Feingold

So I haven't been back to post in awhile. We were on a vacation and I couldn't get online. So, a little more background. My son, 8yo, is my main target. He had a lot of issues in kindergarten. I wanted to hold him back a year, but his teacher didn't think we should. I think a lot of it was also personality conflicts with his teacher that year. First and second grade went a lot better. Now starting 3rd grade, his behavior is okay, but his graded dropped terribly.

When he was in kindergarten, he did some occupational therapy. He liked the attention he got from the therapist, but I didn't really see any improvement from it. Right now he is no medication, against my better judgement. Our hope is to get him through this school year and have him go back next year not on meds. I have already chosen his teacher for next year.

This week we started the Feingold diet. It is basically an elimination diet that takes out artificial colors and flavors and petroleum based preservatives - BHA, BHT and TBHQ. You can find more info at www.feingold.org. I am baking all our bread now. I am packing the boys' lunches. I have a menu and we need to stick to it. Menu planning is going to be the key. Wish us luck. Today is day 4 and so far I think we have done well.

There can be a period of detox after starting the Feingold diet, but hopefully we will see some results. We are also off salicylates for the first 6-8 weeks. Once we are happy with Nic's behavior, we can test food back in and see if he reacts to it. These foods include apples, oranges, grapes, berries, tomatoes and a bunch of others. This is the part that will make the diet tough for us. Wish us luck. I will post on our progress and results.

Allison