THE FEINGOLD COOKBOOK FOR HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN

Building on the theories of his still-controversial Why Your Child Is Hyperactive (1974), Dr. Feingold continues to tout the value of a diet free of food additives as an antidote (almost a panacea) for hyperactivity. No evidence appears here--just his frequent affirmations of the diet's worth and a large supply of kitchen-tested recipes. The diet proscribes artificial flavors and colorings, the preservatives BHT and BHA, and selected fruits and vegetables--those containing salicylates. For children, that means a moratorium on such staples as apples and raisins, and on standard items like playdoh and aspirin. Strict compliance is imperative. The recipes, if a bit bland, are quite adequate. But Feingold's case remains iffy because of the absence of data and the cultishness of his exposition. He is more than willing, nonetheless, to extend the diet to other conditions and maintains its effectiveness in phasing out anticonvulsant medication for seizures and improving the behavior of the retarded. Many--not all--hyperactive children have responded to the diet, but no success rate is indicated here. Feingold makes broader claims than the facts warrant; but those who do respond to the diet can use this cookbook to advantage.