What is Failsafe Eating? 5 Things to Know About the Latest Fad Diet

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Failsafe eating is a diet that is free from additives, flavor enhancers and other compounds added to foods. It is a diet originally for kids with ADHD.

Failsafe is an acronym for Free of Additives, Low in Salicylates, Amines, and Flavor Enhancers. According to Shape, the diet is about retaining the food in its most natural form which is why it is sometimes called the "elimination diet" wherein ingredients considered allergens are encouraged to be taken out.

Recommended foods to be eliminated include ones that have added artificial flavoring, colors and preservatives as well as those with ditch salicylates, glutamates and amines.

Here are five things you should know about it:

1.) Failsafe was originally intended for kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

According to Virtual Medical Center, common compounds and food additives found in food such as the ones mentioned above which are salicylates, amines and glutamine can cause adverse reactions to specific individuals. The reactions include digestive disorders, allergies, ADHD and sleeping disorders. The diet aims to minimize the consumption of the chemical compounds via elimination.

2.) Many fresh foods naturally contain salicylates

The guideline suggests eliminating fruits except for pears with skins removed. Other prepared foods that should be avoided are processed meat and cheese, ice cream, chocolate, most pastries such as pies, breads, cakes, takeaway foods and beverages like sports drink, juice and teas.

3.) Subsequently, it eliminates most vegetables as well

Only vegetables such as lettuce, parsley and carrots are the ones only included in the diet. The flavor enhancers allowed are only malt vinegar, salt and pepper. For meat, it's chicken, lamb and beef. Fats allowed are safflower, olive and sunflower oils. Staple foods consist mainly of semolina, white flour, rice, rice bubbles and rice noodles.

4.) The diet may be restrictive but still nutritious

According to FailsafeDiet.com which references their own version of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) elimination diet, the diet is still nutritious when done in the right way. RPAH is a food and shopping guide for people with food intolerance, according to the Sydney Local Health District. It is the discretion of those who will try this diet to eat normally with guidance and avoid bingeing. Food supplements and vitamins can be taken to add more nutrition intake if necessary.

5.) Professional advice will be needed

For those who want to venture in Failsafe dieting, it is advised to talk with an expert who is well-versed in the RPAH elimination diet because a DIY version might spell disaster. Rigorous research is also encouraged.