A Word About Food Dyes
Have you ever felt like your days are getting shorter? I am kind of wishing that we had like 48 hours in each day rather than 24 just to do all of the things that I want to get done! That being said, this page is a little slow-coming. I apologize for that.
Let me start out by saying that I am not one to tell others what to do. What you decide to feed your child is up to you. As much as I would love for every single morsel of food that goes into my own mouth to be certified organic, it just ain't happening. Most people I know just can't afford it. Some people frankly just don't care about it. And you know what? That's cool. What you eat is your decision.
However, that being said, I certainly don't wish to see others living on a straight diet of junk food, or even pre-packaged, already-prepared-for-you-meals, simply because it makes sense for us to at least be reasonable with what we put into our bodies. I truly believe that when we cook homemade, it has to be healthier. It may not ultimately guarantee to extend our days, but in the meantime there must be benefit, right? It makes some sense to assume that eating foods full of additives(or even raw foods sprayed by pesticides and such), probably takes some type of toll on our bodies. I am pretty sure most of us can agree on that. Not only that, but eating home-cooked meals from scratch is cheaper and just tastes better! However, I'm not going to judge you one way or another and that isn't what this page is about. And then, let's face it...We all have those days when you're so tired out that if the family wanted to eat Twinkies (yuck) for supper, it'd be music to the ears, right? Okay, maybe not Twinkies, but boxed macaroni and cheese or Ramen Noodles might feel like a win-win.
Let me start out by saying that I am not one to tell others what to do. What you decide to feed your child is up to you. As much as I would love for every single morsel of food that goes into my own mouth to be certified organic, it just ain't happening. Most people I know just can't afford it. Some people frankly just don't care about it. And you know what? That's cool. What you eat is your decision.
However, that being said, I certainly don't wish to see others living on a straight diet of junk food, or even pre-packaged, already-prepared-for-you-meals, simply because it makes sense for us to at least be reasonable with what we put into our bodies. I truly believe that when we cook homemade, it has to be healthier. It may not ultimately guarantee to extend our days, but in the meantime there must be benefit, right? It makes some sense to assume that eating foods full of additives(or even raw foods sprayed by pesticides and such), probably takes some type of toll on our bodies. I am pretty sure most of us can agree on that. Not only that, but eating home-cooked meals from scratch is cheaper and just tastes better! However, I'm not going to judge you one way or another and that isn't what this page is about. And then, let's face it...We all have those days when you're so tired out that if the family wanted to eat Twinkies (yuck) for supper, it'd be music to the ears, right? Okay, maybe not Twinkies, but boxed macaroni and cheese or Ramen Noodles might feel like a win-win.
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Okay, yadda yadda yadda,..(Get on with it!) What does all of this have to do with food dyes? Well, basically, I can't guarantee how long you will live, nor how healthy you are or aren't going to be overall, based on what you put into your bodies. But one reason that I would love to see more people stay away from pre-packaged meals and processed foods is because many children are affected by food dyes. In my own opinion, I believe that word "many" should be highly emphasized, though there are no real documented numbers on this that I am aware of. Are adults affected as well? I have NO idea, but I would love to do my own observations on this. Nonetheless, I do know that some children are...and I had been advocating this to people for years before doctors have been more openly acknowledging this as well.
Actually, food-dye allergies been known well before I experienced it with my own children. I remember feeling excited when I read about a doctor in Europe who acknowledged and shared the information. I remember when my oldest son was attending a private school here in the United States when he was only in kindergarten and they added his name to the allergy list pinned to the wall. As they were noting down "no red food dyes" next to his name, I saw other children's names with "no yellow food dyes", "no blue food dyes", next to theirs. Well, I knew we weren't alone anyway, but it was safe to say that unless you were experiencing this food-dye situation in your own home....you didn't know of it. I was thrilled when I discussed it with our own pediatrician, ten years later with my fourth child, and she whole-heartedly agreed with it. She didn't laugh at me. She didn't shake her head. She knew that food-dye allergies existed and agreed with the symptoms of it.
Actually, food-dye allergies been known well before I experienced it with my own children. I remember feeling excited when I read about a doctor in Europe who acknowledged and shared the information. I remember when my oldest son was attending a private school here in the United States when he was only in kindergarten and they added his name to the allergy list pinned to the wall. As they were noting down "no red food dyes" next to his name, I saw other children's names with "no yellow food dyes", "no blue food dyes", next to theirs. Well, I knew we weren't alone anyway, but it was safe to say that unless you were experiencing this food-dye situation in your own home....you didn't know of it. I was thrilled when I discussed it with our own pediatrician, ten years later with my fourth child, and she whole-heartedly agreed with it. She didn't laugh at me. She didn't shake her head. She knew that food-dye allergies existed and agreed with the symptoms of it.
What Are The Symptoms Of Food-Dye Alleries?
Well, what are the symptoms of ADHD? Yep, pretty similar. In fact, when my oldest son was very young (before kindergarten), I knew something was up. He was a very calm, very focused child. Except at those moments. There was something going on with him that I couldn't figure out. There were sudden moments where my calm and cool child became a different child. He suddenly appeared not to listen or follow directions. He seemed careless about things even though he was usually very precise, organized (as well as a youngster could be, anyway), and like I said before, focused.
Now, don't get me wrong. I truly believe in kids being kids. In fact, much to many of my family members' dismay, I am a strong (though quiet) advocate of it. I believe that kids only are kids once...so let them be kids! Kids learn through playing, so by golly, let them play! Seriously. Why do some people want their kids to be adults when they are still kids, right? Okay, that is a whole 'nother deal, but what I am trying to say is that, "No". At those moments that I am referring to, my son was not just my kid being a kid. There was something different. He was no longer "obedient" to the simplest of things He was no longer in control of himself. He would "spin circles" as I called it, which would entail him just being totally goofy and unfocused. He wasn't meaning to cause trouble, or to be overly-goofy, but he simply could not help it.
Now, mind you, if this were at playtime at home in the living room, no big deal, right? But what about at a restaurant, on an outing, at someone's home? I knew that at these time, this just wasn't my child. Something wasn't quite right. When I told my mother that, she said, "Well, you had better figure out what it is before he gets into school, or they'll be wanting him on those ADHD meds." Well, that hit me like a brick. I knew my child wasn't ADHD and there was no way I was putting him on meds. I am in no way implying that if a child is diagnosed with ADHD, that he or she is a "bad" child, or meaning insult, by all means. I simply mean that I knew that my child didn't have ADHD. So......what did I do? I did what any well-meaning mother would do: I figured out what was "wrong with him" by accident. To read my story, Click Here.
Now, don't get me wrong. I truly believe in kids being kids. In fact, much to many of my family members' dismay, I am a strong (though quiet) advocate of it. I believe that kids only are kids once...so let them be kids! Kids learn through playing, so by golly, let them play! Seriously. Why do some people want their kids to be adults when they are still kids, right? Okay, that is a whole 'nother deal, but what I am trying to say is that, "No". At those moments that I am referring to, my son was not just my kid being a kid. There was something different. He was no longer "obedient" to the simplest of things He was no longer in control of himself. He would "spin circles" as I called it, which would entail him just being totally goofy and unfocused. He wasn't meaning to cause trouble, or to be overly-goofy, but he simply could not help it.
Now, mind you, if this were at playtime at home in the living room, no big deal, right? But what about at a restaurant, on an outing, at someone's home? I knew that at these time, this just wasn't my child. Something wasn't quite right. When I told my mother that, she said, "Well, you had better figure out what it is before he gets into school, or they'll be wanting him on those ADHD meds." Well, that hit me like a brick. I knew my child wasn't ADHD and there was no way I was putting him on meds. I am in no way implying that if a child is diagnosed with ADHD, that he or she is a "bad" child, or meaning insult, by all means. I simply mean that I knew that my child didn't have ADHD. So......what did I do? I did what any well-meaning mother would do: I figured out what was "wrong with him" by accident. To read my story, Click Here.
Okay, enough with the novel, right? My point is...is that many kids must be allergic to food-dyes, and after experiencing this twice myself, I am very afraid that some of these children may be prescribed ADHD medications when something as simple as removing the food-dyes may be the answer. I am not kidding when I say that there was a night and day difference in my child when he was on food-dyes compared to when he wasn't. Night and day.
Since then, I have (finally) come across several articles veering towards this fact. Even food-product companies are starting to acknowledge that artificial food coloring can create unwanted symptoms in children. Honestly, this is one bandwagon the food manufacturers should actually jump on and proudly advertise "No Food-Dyes"! And even if they only did it for the extra-profit they might make off of it, I'd commend them, because it would make me a happy-camper!
Since then, I have (finally) come across several articles veering towards this fact. Even food-product companies are starting to acknowledge that artificial food coloring can create unwanted symptoms in children. Honestly, this is one bandwagon the food manufacturers should actually jump on and proudly advertise "No Food-Dyes"! And even if they only did it for the extra-profit they might make off of it, I'd commend them, because it would make me a happy-camper!
So Why Did I Actually Start This Page?
1) To inform. Honestly, if you are thinking something seems a little "off" with your child. If he/she is usually very well-behaved, or calm, or focused...and there are suddenly moments that they just go "spinning-crazy" (and I don't mean literally spinning...or literally crazy*), analyze what they just ate. What food colorings were in it? And again, please don't forget to consider 'annatto'. It can cause just as much or even more reaction in those with food-dye allergies.
(* Symptoms could be much more subtle than actually spinning or goofiness, like just sort of being in their "own place", not really caring about what is important, what you say, what is going on. Allergy circles under the eyes may also accompany.)
It is a passion of mine to share this in hopes that you might consider testing out a food-dye allergy before putting your child on ADHD medication. I am not saying medications are always bad or uneeded, nor am I making a judgement on you if you do feel that your child needs the medication, but I want people to be aware that there may be many children needlessly on ADHD-type medications that actually simply have food-dye allergies. I just want people to know.
2) To let you know that you can test this at home. You do not need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on allergy-testing to figure this out. If you are suspecting more than one food-dye color, then test one at a time. Your child should react almost immediately to food-dye, if they are sensitive to it,and only a small amount will be needed to know...like one glass of juice or kool-aid, one lollipop, one piece of candy. It literally only takes a drop. If you want to test out annatto...try one slice of yellow cheese. Also, look for the "allergy circles" under the eyes. Food-dye allergies can cause these dark circles just like seasonal allergies do.
3) To provide an on-going list of food choices and brands that do not contain food-dyes for quick-reference. This list will in no way be a means to bash a food choice or a brand. Honestly, I do not care what you give your child for a snack. But I do care that you are aware of good choices instead of those with food-dyes in the case that this situation pertains to your child.
I will be adding foods to this list regularly. This is just my start here, so please check back. There will continuously be new ones added. Yes, there will be a mix of all foods...whether you feel they are junk food, healthy food or otherwise. This page isn't to preach about what you should and shouldn't eat. It is to inform about food-dyes and food/snack choices contain no food-dyes that can be at your fingertips. I spent many, many years checking labels, and I would love to make it easier for you! I would also like to include some easy-to-make recipes that you might want to consider making yourself instead of eating out of a package, thus getting rid of the added food dyes. Don't forget to check back for this, as this page is a work in progress!
That being said, eating homemade, meals from scratch, are ALWAYS going to be a better choice, because most likely, you will not be adding food-dyes to your meals. When it comes to your desserts, you can choose not to add any at all even if they are called for (ie: frosting, cookies), or perhaps add color by more natural means (ie: berries, or beets).
Okay, so what do you usually eat? Check your labels! Find alternatives. Even in frozen foods, if there is one brand that contains a food-dye or annatto, there will be an alternative that doesn't. And it isn't always the more expensive one. You'd be surprised.
(* Symptoms could be much more subtle than actually spinning or goofiness, like just sort of being in their "own place", not really caring about what is important, what you say, what is going on. Allergy circles under the eyes may also accompany.)
It is a passion of mine to share this in hopes that you might consider testing out a food-dye allergy before putting your child on ADHD medication. I am not saying medications are always bad or uneeded, nor am I making a judgement on you if you do feel that your child needs the medication, but I want people to be aware that there may be many children needlessly on ADHD-type medications that actually simply have food-dye allergies. I just want people to know.
2) To let you know that you can test this at home. You do not need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on allergy-testing to figure this out. If you are suspecting more than one food-dye color, then test one at a time. Your child should react almost immediately to food-dye, if they are sensitive to it,and only a small amount will be needed to know...like one glass of juice or kool-aid, one lollipop, one piece of candy. It literally only takes a drop. If you want to test out annatto...try one slice of yellow cheese. Also, look for the "allergy circles" under the eyes. Food-dye allergies can cause these dark circles just like seasonal allergies do.
3) To provide an on-going list of food choices and brands that do not contain food-dyes for quick-reference. This list will in no way be a means to bash a food choice or a brand. Honestly, I do not care what you give your child for a snack. But I do care that you are aware of good choices instead of those with food-dyes in the case that this situation pertains to your child.
I will be adding foods to this list regularly. This is just my start here, so please check back. There will continuously be new ones added. Yes, there will be a mix of all foods...whether you feel they are junk food, healthy food or otherwise. This page isn't to preach about what you should and shouldn't eat. It is to inform about food-dyes and food/snack choices contain no food-dyes that can be at your fingertips. I spent many, many years checking labels, and I would love to make it easier for you! I would also like to include some easy-to-make recipes that you might want to consider making yourself instead of eating out of a package, thus getting rid of the added food dyes. Don't forget to check back for this, as this page is a work in progress!
That being said, eating homemade, meals from scratch, are ALWAYS going to be a better choice, because most likely, you will not be adding food-dyes to your meals. When it comes to your desserts, you can choose not to add any at all even if they are called for (ie: frosting, cookies), or perhaps add color by more natural means (ie: berries, or beets).
Okay, so what do you usually eat? Check your labels! Find alternatives. Even in frozen foods, if there is one brand that contains a food-dye or annatto, there will be an alternative that doesn't. And it isn't always the more expensive one. You'd be surprised.
Where Do I Start?
One place to start, and one of the last places I looked, is with cheese. All yellow cheese contains annatto. Without it, the cheese would be white. Annatto is natural, and used in several food products, but it can affect a person exactly the same way food dyes can. In fact, with my fourth child, annatto probably affected him the most.
If you suspect an allergy to annatto, then the first step is to, very simply, eliminate all yellow cheese. Eat white cheeses instead. There are many products that contain annatto and they will be added to my list. Taco shells, tortilla chips, frozen french fries, ice cream, to just name a few. Fortunately, you can find a brand in every one of these that does not contain it.
If you suspect an allergy to annatto, then the first step is to, very simply, eliminate all yellow cheese. Eat white cheeses instead. There are many products that contain annatto and they will be added to my list. Taco shells, tortilla chips, frozen french fries, ice cream, to just name a few. Fortunately, you can find a brand in every one of these that does not contain it.
I was going to put together a very labor-intensive list of foods that contain food dyes and annatto, but I found this site. It seems to be very complete and informative.