Fed Up (Fully Updated)

Now, the previous reviewer sounds like someone threatened from the pharmaceutical community. (oh goodness, can you imagine how much money they would lose when more figure out this is all diet related and no drugs are required?) It's obvious, too, that the previous reviewer lacks ANY degree of context or understanding what life is like with a child reacting/acting out a wide range of behaviors and health concerns.

So, moving on to the book. Sue's book is very good. She goes in to detail about various types of foods that can cause reactions.

My one complaint is she trashes Feingold. Frankly, we do the Feingold diet and have had great success. Sue says that Feingold doesn't go in to detail. (She obviously never ordered the materials as the binder educates what to do when the first level of the diet isn't enough.)

So, if you're in Australia, I DO recommend her and the link to the hospital department that has safe food lists.

If you're in the US, order the Feingold materials (feingold.org OR ADHDdiet.com) - it's tax deductible as Feingold is a non-profit organization. The foodlist is worth its weight in gold. There's a sister organization in the UK, sorry - can't remember it's name at moment.

Lastly, Sue doesn't explore what can be a major key for many families who need to go this route: use of Enzymes.

There's a forum over at Yahoogroups called EnzymesAndAustism that has nearly 3,000 members and frank discussions about enzymes, which company(s) [I'll not mention the company here as I don't want to appear that I work for them - I don't, of course but believe in them!!!] and also other potential (non-medical) treatments. Btw, the group is not just for autism... a whole HOST of behaviors includding ADHD, ODD, PDD, ACD, AS, Asperger and so many more are discussed there. Plus, enzyme help for those who are also GFCF. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/EnzymesandAutism/ Visit the group's homepage to see the description in order to discern if lurking in the group will be beneficial for you.

Bottom line - Yes, the book is worth the read, and depending on your locale, a really book jumping off point.

Keep in mind, though, that this book is not the last word on the subject. Always do your own research to discern what's right for you and what works. Good luck!!!


If you only buy one book in your life - IT SHOULD BE THIS!!   June 7, 2004
Ilysia (Sydney, NSW Australia)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is is the first review I have ever felt compelled to write in response to the first review which claims that this book is "rubbish". Let me just say that my father found out about food intolerance from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney a few years before Sue wrote the book. Furthermore I have a sister who is studying neuroscience, another who studies medicine - we all support Sue Dengate and feel we are eating healthier food than we have ever done before.

Food intolerance is a relatively new area being studied and we are far from completely understanding how chemicals (food and other)affect the body. Sue Dengates book was the first piece of literature which gave me an insight into food intolerance and how it affected me. Years later I still am re-reading it. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A COPY!!!!

Growing up, though outside of the home I was thought to be an angel and was achieving exceptional grades (without studying mind you, which I have always regretted) - at home I was often a completely obnoxious, uncontrollable terror. The foods I was eating affected my health and mood (I often had a cold, had constant swings between adoring everyone and being depressed or angry - especially if I was asked to clean up etc). Rarely did a day go past where I did not get into trouble. We all thought it was normal behaviour - part of growing up. Imagine everyones relief when I started eating "friendly foods". In fact everyone noticed improvements - and mum's migranes are gone.

I can't begin to descibe the profound effect this book and finding out about food intolerance has had on my family's life. I am still learning how food effects me. This isn't a diet!! Everyone is affected by food differently and everyone has a different tolerance level to certain chemicals (refer to "Super Size Me").It is about finding out if and to what extent you are affected - allowing you to make informed decisions about what you put in your mouth - allowing you to lead the life you want to lead.

Once big problems like health and behaviour have disappeared there are subtle effects food has on your mood, concentration,sleep, balance etc These take longer to fix - and often you only notice the difference when you start eating the wrong foods again. I am one of the lucky ones to have been affected enough for the diet to have a notieable difference in my behaviour so these subtle benefits can give me the extra edge over my competition at university.

Sue, if you read this - I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!


How "Fed Up" Gave me my Angel   April 4, 2004
Agi Herman (SYDNEY, NSW Australia)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

My daughter was diagnosed ADHD at the age of 5 and put on ritalin and last year (2003) I found Sue's book, found lots of on my daughter in it so decided to take the plunge and tried the diet. My daughter went from being unhappy, rejected by her peers and academically lacking to a child who was happy, healthy, socially and academically capable and is still improving. For my daughter salicylates (which are in varying degrees in all fruit and vegetables were a killer, they prevented her from learning as her body could not tolerate them. Her teacher asked me what I had done to my daughter as she went from being distractive and disruptive in class to sitting in class and being part of the "core" of the class. It only took one week for her body to get rid of the offending salicylates (which were like poison to her body) and my angel appeared and she has now been able to be taken off ritalin.

Thank you Sue for your wonderful book, without which my daughter would have been on ritalin and still no better off.


Changed our life   March 15, 2004
Faye (Sweden)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

We are brought up to believe fruit is good for us and it is, but in moderation and some of us are more sensitive to food than we know. The diet outlined in this book is revolutionary but is also life changing! Food chemicals can and DO affect us, the added food chemicals are even worse than the natural ones.
The Feingold diet is the start of this revolution and Sue takes it even further, this doesn't totally disregard Feingold at all just improves on his ideas.

I had an ADHD son and a "failing" baby who possibly would not have survived who were both "cured" by this diet. I myself have shaken off my long term depression due to it also. We do not need any medications now.

Try the diet for a month before you trash the idea,... if you do not experience any changes then trash it but I would like to bet that the positive changes will change your mind.

For even easier reading and guidance, get hold of Failsafe Cookbook which is easier to refer back, and follows up this first book of Sue Dengate's. There is also a webpage (www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info) with heaps of information and also scientific study with proof on how added preservative in our bread can cause serious side affects in our childrens behaviour and illnesses.


Great Book .... Great info   April 29, 2005
mom in colorado
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I have and 8 yo adhd odd son. I started removing dyes and additives from his diet at 5 years old because I NOTICED that it made a difference. This year I finally bought sue's book and you cannot believe the difference this has made in my sons life... Sues book explains it all... My son is sensitive to salacylates amines and additives. Everyday his behavior is rated by his teacher from 1-5. pre diet we were lucky to get a 3... now 3s are bad days. It can be hard but it is so worth it...
Mom in colorado