Whitney and Brandon Cawood discuss the impact of synthetic dyes on children’s behavior/health, and promote an upcoming documentary on the topic.

Key Takeaways

– Synthetic dyes can significantly affect children’s behavior, causing issues like hyperactivity and impulsivity
– The documentary “To Dye For” explores the impact of synthetic dyes and will be released on January 14th, 2024
– Eliminating synthetic dyes from a child’s diet can lead to dramatic improvements in behavior and overall well-being
– Advocacy and education are crucial for raising awareness and pushing for regulation of synthetic dyes in food products

Topics

Personal Experience with Synthetic Dyes

– Brandon and Whitney Cawood’s son exhibited behavioral issues between ages 1-3
– Eliminating synthetic dyes from his diet resulted in a dramatic improvement within 48 hours
– Their son went from daily behavioral problems to thriving in school without incidents

Understanding Synthetic Dyes

– Synthetic dyes are petroleum-based chemicals used for coloring food
– Common dyes include Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3
– These dyes serve no nutritional purpose and are used solely for cosmetic reasons
– Studies have linked synthetic dyes to hyperactivity, attentiveness issues, and other behavioral problems in children

Regulatory Differences and Advocacy

– The EU requires warning labels on products containing certain synthetic dyes
– California banned Red 3 in 2023 and prohibited synthetic dyes in public schools
– 10 other states are considering similar bans on Red 3
– Advocacy efforts include writing to state representatives and school boards to push for regulation

Documentary Production Process

– The Cawoods self-funded and crowdfunded their documentary “To Dye For”
– Total budget ranged from $80,000 to $110,000, including personal savings and fundraising
– Production involved interviewing leading experts in the field of synthetic dye research
– The 83-minute feature film is set for release on January 14th, 2024

Practical Steps for Families

– Read ingredient labels and look for color names followed by numbers (e.g., Red 40)
– Consider a 30-day elimination diet to observe potential behavioral changes
– Find dye-free alternatives at stores like Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and even generic brands at major retailers
– Join online communities for support and product recommendations

Next Steps

– Pre-order the documentary “To Dye For” on platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, or Google Play
– Join the Facebook group “Dye-Free Family Swaps, Resources, and Recipes” for ongoing support
– Visit todieforthedocumentary.com for resources, templates, and updates on legislation
– Consider writing to state representatives and school boards to advocate for dye-free options in schools and increased regulation