Foods To Eat On The Feingold Diet

The Feingold diet is a diet that restricts food additives and salicylates--substances found in aspirin, many fruits and some vegetables--used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, Asperger's syndrome, depression, sleep problems, headaches, learning disabilities and other conditions. Though scientific evidence of the diet's effectiveness is limited, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is the most popular dietary approach used to treat ADHD and may reduce symptoms in some people.

Low-Salicylate Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide valuable amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants (disease-fighting nutrients), water and dietary fiber. Fruits that contain few, if any, salicylates include bananas, golden delicious apples, papaya, limes and canned pears stored in natural juice. Vegetables low in salicylates include celery, white and yellow cabbage, peas, potatoes, lentils and split peas. Green beans, cauliflower, red cabbage, chives, onions, potatoes and Brussels sprouts. According to "Eating for Autism: The 10-Step Nutrition Plan to Help Treat Your Child's Autism, Asperger's or ADHD," by Elizabeth Strickland, children tend to be more sensitive to salicylates in artificial flavorings than those in fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables higher in salicylates may be gradually reintroduced, depending upon individuals' sensitivity and doctor's guidance.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are grains that contain all nutrient-rich components of the original plant. They provide an assortment of nutrients, including iron, B vitamins, zinc and magnesium, valuable amounts of dietary fiber and glucose--the body's primary energy source. The Feingold diet encourages consumption of natural, pure foods, such as whole grains, in place of refined carbohydrates that often contain preservatives and fewer nutrients. Examples of nutrient-rich whole grains include spelt, whole wheat, bulgur, wild rice, long-grain brown rice, oats, quinoa, barley and popcorn. Foods made from whole grains, such as cereals, breads and baked goods, should list only pure, natural ingredients on nutrition labels. The American Dietetic Association recommends at least three servings of whole grains daily for optimum wellness.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish provide valuable amounts of protein and omega-3 fatty acids--healthy fats the body must obtain from food. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids are associated with improved brain function in people with ADHD and similar conditions. Omega-3 fats can also help reduce inflammation and support nutrient absorption and heart health. Optimum sources of omega-3 fatty acids include cold-water fish, such as wild salmon, albacore tuna, lake trout, herring, sardines and mackerel. Fresh fish, free of preservatives, is best suited to the Feingold diet. Plant-based foods that provide similar omega-3 benefits include ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts, walnut oil, tofu and canola oil.