Artificial food dyes are everywhere. These dyes, which used to be derived from coal tar and are now produced from petroleum, are added to foods to make them look more appealing and “kid-friendly.” More than 15 million pounds of artificial food colouring are added to foods each year by companies.
Risks
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Artificial food dyes do not add any nutrition, and are potentially harmful; these dyes have been linked with behavioural changes in irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbance.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest also released a report on artificial food coloring’s links to hyperactivity in children, cancer, and other health problems.
In the EU, foods with artificial food coloring come with a warning label that reads: Consumption may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
Avoidance
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Because these artificial dyes don’t have any nutritional value and are mostly found in highly processed foods, it’s best to avoid them. However, food dyes can also be found in unexpected foods, such as fresh oranges, meats, yoghurts, canned fruits, and so forth.
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Artificial food coloring can be hard to avoid, so here are some pointers to keep you safe from their adverse effects:
- Buy organic whenever you can and read the labels. Dyes can be hidden in meats, produce, salad dressing, and so forth.
- Opt for whole foods. A head of cauliflower or broccoli is less likely to have artificial food dyes compared to pre-packaged foods.
- Use natural food coloring. You can always use natural alternatives like beet juice, paprika, and spinach powder to make your meals look more appealing.
Foods That Trigger Allergies In Kids
While artificial food coloring has its effects on children, parents also need to know about the common food allergies to look out for in kids these days. During an allergy, the child’s immune system overreacts producing antibodies to the food as it were a virus. This produces the allergy symptoms that show up on the body.
Some of the most common food allergy triggers in children include:
- Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios
- Eggs
- Cow’s milk
- fish and shellfish like shrimp and lobster
- Soy
- Wheat
Food Allergy Symptoms To Watch Out For In Kids
Food allergies can start showing on your child’s body in several ways. When trying new foods with kids, always look out for allergy symptoms that triggered by the new foods. An allergy will affect your child’s breathing, heart, skin, and intestinal tract.
Some of the symptoms to watch out for include
- Lightheadedness
- Itching
- Nausea
- Hives
- Eczema or red rashes
- Breathing troubles
- Sneezing
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of lips, tongue or face
- Vomitting
- Wheezing
- Congestion
If your child has a history of allergies, always make it a point to carry an epinephrine or epipen auto-injector with you. Or keep one in their bag for emergencies. Also make it a point to inform their class teacher or caregiver about potential allergy issues and how to use the epipen in case of an emergency.
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