I will never forget a story on ACA a while back and there were 5 kids with autism. They cut out wheat and sugar (or similar, definitely wheat though) from their diet, and they improved so much. I know this isn['t always the case, but for these 5 it was AMAZING. Im a big believer that if there's something wrong with you (health wise eg constipation, or depression, or ADD) you look at food first. You don't just have to have an allergy for preservatives to be bad. I try to avoid as many preservatives as possible for my children. Humans were designed to eat fresh fruit and veg, meat, nuts and seeds (if you think of the cave people, they had to find their own food). As Melbo said, if we stick to fresh produce, then the odd treat is fine. Moderation is the key. Of course I let DD1 have treats, but I make sure that what I feed her at home and send to school is the healthiest possible. (would love her to eat more vegies though)!! xoox