Beyond the Gluten...taking a look at Food Dye

This one puzzles me a bit!  I get gluten!  Although, I think that wheat and it's counterparts are produced differently than it was meant to be, and I believe that because of that many people have become intolerant to it...but, I get why it's in our food system.  Food dye - really, why?

Here are some things I've learned about food dye:

RED 40
The most widely used food dye.  It acts like a neurotoxin and excites the brain.  It is also known to cause hyperactivity, mood swings and irratibility - ADHD symptoms.  It has also been known to cause migraines in adults.  What part of the word 'toxin' would anyone choose to eat?  It is hidden in all sorts of food you eat every day!  Including many different kid and adult medications, sausage, frosting, chips, instant oatmeal and soda/juice.

 

RED 3
This one has medical evidence that links it to cancer!  Really?  Yet it can be found in many candies!  It is banned from cosmetics, but is allowed in the food system?  It has been given the nickname 'coal tar' dye!  Check out your can of store bought fruit cocktail!

YELLOW 5
Hello!  How about a little petroleum?  This food dye also causes hperactivity, mood swings and irritability...ADHD symptoms!  It can also cause itching and hives.  This one is crazy, I have found it in my pickles, different mayos, candy, soda (Mt. Dew), jello etc...really!  Why do pickles need food dye...c'mon! 

 

YELLOW 6
This one can be found in mac and cheese, cereal, dressing, popcorn, beverages, packaged cakes, cookies,  frosting, and ice cream toppings to name a few. It has been found to cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors, and contains small amounts of many carcinogens.  Yellow 6 has also been linked to sudden allergic reactions.

BLUE 1
"Brilliant blue" is derived from coal tar and is not digestable by the body, which can lead to green poop.  Yet another petroleum based chemical.  This one is linked to neurotoxicity and tumors.  This one was unbelieveable...it's in marshmallows!  Along with other candy and your favorite sport drinks.

So why is color added?  Marketability in my opinion!  It's pretty, colorful and enjoyable to look at so it must be good to eat.  The whole idea that we buy with our eyes!  When in reality the majority of synthetic food dyes used in processed foods are derived from petroleum and coal. It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that those probably aren't intended to be eaten!

So, what do you do?  Start reading labels!  You'll be shocked and surprised what you find it in.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, once we removed food dye from our kids' diets the change was incredible!  Our daughter had trouble sitting still, concentrating, sleeping at night and was irritable all the time!  She is a new kid!  When she cheats we all know it!  And so does she.  She also breaks out in hives now when she gets it...we've set them up for success by proving a zip loc bag of treats in their school bag.  It's full of chocolates from Trader Joe's, organic lollipops and Trader Joe's gumdrops.  They have free reign over it, basically if someone offers them a treat at school for any reason, they can grab one of these treats.  When it comes to holidays that load them up with treats - like the upcoming Valentine's Day parties, they will have the opportunity to 'sell' us the food dye filled junk they will come home with...plus I'll be sure to have a few extra chocolates on hand for them :)

I know for some it's hard to find a store that sells a large variety of dye free alternatives.  I am lucky to live where I do.  I know that Trader Joe's and Whole Foods won't let the stuff anywhere near their stores! But, check out this link from Amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_scat_16310101_ln?rh=n%3A16310101%2Ck%3Aannie%27s&keywords=annie%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1295150217&scn=16310101&h=c371916b5ea6f31bc473bc13fba476edc2b38bca .  Annie's is a great product line, free from artificial food dye.  We also love our food dehydrator - you can make dried fruit slices and fruit leather - yummy treats!

As for the food dye in your medicine, check out Target!  I found their Up & Up brand had most medicines in a dye free option.  They were very reasonably priced and I replaced all our medicine!

I know it's a lot to think about...but honestly, I wish the US would get on board with many of the European countries and outlaw this stuff!  There is hard medical evidence as to what food dye does to a persons body.