Dye Free ADHD

Did you think these colors come from nature?  

Think again!

The American Academy of Pediatrics 

"Artificial food colors may be associated with exacerbation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms."  Studies cited in the report found a restriction diet benefits some children with ADHD.

Food Additives and Child Health, Pediatrics (the journal of the AAP), August, 2018

What are Food Dyes?

There are natural dyes — made from substances like plants and minerals — and synthetic dyes — made primarily from crude oil (petroleum).   Synthetic dyes can be vivid, retain their bright color and are far cheaper for manufacturers than natural dyes.

But our bodies are not designed to tolerate petrochemicals, and they can result in many problems.  They can affect virtually any system of the body, depending on your individual chemistry.  Some people seem to be able to eat them with no unwanted reaction, while for other people, even a small amount can have a dramatic effect.  However, there’s a limit to how much any of us can tolerate before we begin to experience harmful effects.

Synthetic dyes have been around for a long time, but they were not used in large amounts until the mid 1900s.  Since that time their use has continually increased.  And the number of people — especially children — who have serious learning, behavior, developmental and health problems has also increased.

In the years since 1950 the amount of dyes used in foods 

In the U.S. has increased by an estimated 500%!

FD&C and D&C

In the United States, colors are designated as FD&C or D&C.   FD&C means the dye is allowed to be used in foods, drugs and cosmetics.  D&C means it is allowed in drugs and cosmetics, but not in foods.   So dyes not allowed to be added to foods can still be used in toothpaste, medicine or vitamins — ingested just like food.