Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. While medications and behavioral therapies remain the standard treatments, many families seek alternative or complementary approaches to help manage symptoms. One such approach gaining attention is the Low Salicylate Diet. But what exactly is it, and can it really help with ADHD?
What Is the Low Salicylate Diet?
The low salicylate diet is a food plan that reduces or eliminates salicylates. Salicylates are naturally occurring chemicals found in many fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. Salicylates are also present in artificial additives and preservatives. They are chemically similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), and some people such as certain children with ADHD can be sensitive to them.
This diet became popular through the Feingold Diet, which was developed by Dr. Benjamin Feingold in the 1970s. His theory was that removing salicylates, artificial colors, flavors, and certain preservatives could reduce hyperactivity in children with ADHD.
Foods to Avoid on a Low Salicylate Diet
Salicylates are found in high amounts in many healthy foods, which makes this diet challenging to follow. Some of the common high-salicylate foods to avoid include:
- Apples
- Berries (especially strawberries, raspberries)
- Grapes
- Oranges and citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Peppers
- Almonds
- Herbs and spices (like curry, turmeric, cinnamon, peppermint)
- Honey
- Vinegar
- Fruit juices and sauces (especially from high-salicylate fruits)
- Certain teas (peppermint, green tea)
Also, many artificial additives and flavor enhancers contain salicylates and should be eliminated.
Foods to Include on a Low Salicylate Diet
Though restrictive, there are still many safe foods that are low in salicylates. These include:
- Pears (fresh and peeled)
- Bananas (just ripe)
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- White potatoes
- Rice
- Lentils
- Turkey and most unprocessed meats
- Dairy products (without additives)
- Olive oil and sunflower oil
The key is to stick to whole, unprocessed foods and check labels carefully.
How Long Should You Follow the Diet?
The low salicylate diet is typically done in two phases:
- Elimination Phase (3-6 weeks): All high-salicylate foods and additives are removed from the diet. This phase is crucial to assess whether salicylates are contributing to ADHD symptoms.
- Reintroduction Phase: Foods are slowly added back one at a time, while symptoms are monitored. This helps identify specific triggers.
For best results, this diet should be followed under the guidance of a dietitian or nutritionist familiar with ADHD and food sensitivities.
Scientific Research: Does It Really Help ADHD?
The link between salicylates and ADHD isn’t fully understood, but there is some promising research.
- A 2004 review in Pediatrics noted that removing synthetic food additives and salicylates can lead to improvements in behavior in some children with ADHD, particularly those with sensitivities (Schab & Trinh, 2004).
- A randomized controlled trial published in The Lancet (Pelsser et al., 2011) found that a restricted elimination diet, similar to the low salicylate diet, resulted in a 64% reduction in ADHD symptoms in children who responded to the diet.
- The Feingold Association has collected anecdotal and survey-based evidence for decades, reporting improvements in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness in many children who follow the program.
While not all children with ADHD benefit from the low salicylate diet, a subset with food sensitivities seems to respond well. The diet may be especially helpful for children with eczema, asthma, or other allergic-type symptoms in addition to ADHD.
Potential Benefits of the Low Salicylate Diet
- Reduction in Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Many parents report a significant improvement in behavior, attention span, and sleep after removing salicylates.
- Improved Gut Health Since the diet removes artificial additives and processed foods, gut health may improve, which can influence brain function via the gut-brain axis.
- Less Need for Medication Some children may experience enough symptom relief that they can reduce or avoid ADHD medications (always under medical supervision).
- Better Overall Nutrition Awareness Following this diet promotes reading food labels, eating whole foods, and avoiding synthetic ingredients — healthy habits for the whole family.
Drawbacks and Considerations
- Restrictive and Challenging to Follow The diet eliminates many healthy fruits and vegetables. This may lead to nutritional deficiencies if not carefully managed.
- Time-Consuming Planning, preparing, and monitoring foods can be overwhelming, especially for busy families.
- Limited Scientific Consensus While some studies support it, the low salicylate diet is still considered controversial by many healthcare professionals.
- Not a Cure-All The diet is not a replacement for therapy or medication. It works best as part of a multi-faceted treatment plan.
Tips for Getting Started
- Keep a food and symptom diary to track progress and potential triggers.
- Consult with a nutrition practitioner specialised in this area to avoid deficiencies and ensure a balanced diet.
- Start slowly and don’t try to change everything at once.
- Involve your child in meal planning to increase compliance.
- Look for low-salicylate recipes and support groups online or through the Feingold Association.
Final Thoughts
The low salicylate diet may offer relief for some children with ADHD, especially those with food sensitivities or co-occurring allergic conditions. While it’s not a guaranteed solution, it can be a valuable tool in your ADHD management tool kit and may be a worth while diet to implement to see if your child expereinces the improvements that you are looking for to help optimise their performance in school and day to day life.
If you’re considering this diet, do it with professional guidance and a clear plan for tracking changes. For families who see results, the benefits — calmer behavior, improved focus, and better sleep can be life-changing.
References
- Schab, D. W., & Trinh, N. H. (2004). Do artificial food colors promote hyperactivity in children with hyperactive syndromes? A meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Pediatrics, 114(6), e755-e766.
- Pelsser, L. M., et al. (2011). Effects of a restricted elimination diet on the behavior of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (INCA study): a randomized controlled trial. The Lancet, 377(9764), 494-503.
- Feingold Association of the United States. https://feingold.org
