Allergy, Learning, and Behavior Problems

Allergy is an immunologic disease that affects adults as well as children. The process begins when allergens---food or chemical---enter the circulation where they stimulate the production of antibodies. Because the allergens enter the circulation, they can travel to any site in the body; therefore, any organ or tissue in the body can be a shock organ, including the brain. When the brain is affected, the resultant effects are learning and behavior problems. Characteristic of many immunologic sensitivity reactions are two stages manifested as a “high” or tension stage followed by a “low” or fatigue stage, usually in that order but sometimes reversed. This is known as the allergic tension-fatigue syndrome. Food dyes have been shown to act as chemical allergens, which can be demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. The literature that has evolved from the Feingold hypothesis is presented here, showing both positive and negative results from double-blind studies. Procedures for the diagnosis of immunologic sensitivity disease are presented for the parent who has the willingness, patience, and perseverance to follow them.