Artificial colors make even normal kids hyper...

[catatonic]

A newly released study, sponsored by the British government and involving nearly two thousand children in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover methodology demonstrates that artificial colors and benzoate preservatives make kids hyper. All kids. Even the "normal" ones. Those with previously noted hyperactivity were particularly succeptible.

This is a large study, well-designed, and led the researchers to conclude "that benefit would accrue for ALL children if artificial food colours and benzoate preservatives were removed from their diet."

These hyperactivity effects were generally noted despite the fact that the study used a SMALL amount of dye -- only 20mg -- about the same amount found in a single teaspoon of colored frosting.

"Archives of Disease in Childhood, June 2004, by Bateman et al

You can read the abstract at:
adc.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/89/6/506

[songwriter]

Intensely interesting although not surprising to me.
D.d. (7), practically bounces off the wall after consuming candy or soda with artificial colors. (and she's not ADHD!)

[rosyred45]

Ok done with the sarcasm.

Heck, I coulda said that. Isn't it amazing the things just about everyone knows, but until there is a "study" about it, people don't want to believe it or won't admit it.

During the school year we ask that parents not bring in juice with colors or flavors. And don't you know, we got Hi C, Hawaiian Punch, store brand stuff. And some of the parents wondered why their kids were bouncing off the wall Even at home!!!!!

[bunny]

Ok, so this is a pet peeve of mine! I discovered this while my ds (not add) was in preschool. He was a nightmare! Horrible separation anxiety, uncooperative with the teachers, although they would also see the sweet side peeking through. I almost pulled him out, and the teachers begged me to keep him in while we continued to work with him. They were so wonderful that I wanted to cry .

I realized that his behavior was not at all consistent, and started to think of what may be affecting him. We soon after had the worst day of his life, and I realized it came directly after a shopping trip loaded with foods that contained dyes. He enjoyed an overabundance of these foods (fruit snacks, breakfast cereal, juice boxes, etc...) and became the child from h***!

I then began researching food dyes, and my suspicions where backed up by research and experiences of others. He became a different child within a few days of eliminating the offending foods ;D. Oh happy day! I knew that sweet child was in there somewhere, and he finally came out. The teachers were amazed, and very cooperative with snack time.

Here I am, three years later, continuing to keep dyes to a minimum, and learning healthier eating daily. It's really too bad that so many other parents think your a psycho mom , but I use the opportunity to try and gently educate others in thinking of the health of their family.

Bunny

[rosyred45]

Funny thing about working with the kids that I do, they didn't like how I bought snacks. Why? I didn't get all the cookies and stuff LOADED with artificals. God forbid they can't live 4 hrs without having hi-c or something. The worst I would get was Country Time, and that still had artificial color. I couldn't find any kind that didn't.

Tried making with with lemon juice and the other kids didn't like it. I guess Mikey is just used to the good stuff Tara gets a little picky here and there, but then she gets hungry :Pand realizes I'm not making 20 different things because she says so.

I'm such a mean mom ;DAnd proud of it ;D ;D ;D

[bunny]

When it's up to me to bring drinks for school, or sports, I usually go with Capri Sun. They have no artificial colors or flavors (we won't mention the high fructose corn syrup ;D). The kids don't complain at all about these. I'm also big on pretzels, fritos, or lays potato chips. I also will make rice krispie treats. I've found these to be some good junk food alternatives (is anyone cringing at that last sentence?).

I know these don't all qualify as Feingold friendly, but they are much better than the majority of kids snacks out there.

[rosyred45]

As far as Feingold, I think they are pretty safe, except the rice crispie treats, but I need to make then sometime. Finally figured out how to make marshmellow fluff YIPPEE ;D