Since my last pulling-my-hair-out post, I took a lot of advice to heart. I've contacted a social worker that does parenting classes and also "counsels" families who are struggling with behavior issues. I hope that having an outside perspective will help us see things in a different light and give us some new strategies to use. I know it's not just Porter that is the problem... I know there are things that we, as parents, are doing that are reinforcing his behaviors/actions.
I also took the advice of Nicole (Fishsticks and Fireflies) and researched a little about Red Dye 40 (aka Red 40... an artificial food coloring found in some foods). A lot of the "research" (I'll use that term loosely) suggests that the artificial coloring can act as a stimulant to some kids and can bring out more impulsive, naughty, hyperactive behaviors. I discussed this with a couple of my co-workers and quite a few of them fully believed it... they'd seen it with their own two eyes in their years of working with kids. So, last week we started watching what Porter was eating and making sure he wasn't eating anything with the artificial coloring in it.
I didn't notice a drastic difference but I did notice we had quite a few good days in a row. And then this morning he woke up before us and chowed a bowl of Trix (aka.... loaded with Red 40) and when I got up he was literally bouncing off the walls.... skipping through the house, jumping into furniture and just plain hyper.
So... what do you think? Is the Red Dye 40 a myth or do you think it does have some effect on some kids?
Here are some articles I found interesting and informative:
I Spy Something Red
Effects of Red Food Dye on Children
Is the Red 40 Food Dye Additive Having a Negative Impact on Your Child?
Could Red Dye Cause Behavior Problems in Children?
I have a friend who swears by it too. Maeve is a nut- but I hadn't even thought of the red dye being an issue. She eats like an animal though (and that's not her fault- we let her)- she eats fruit loops for breakfast, and all that other junk. I've often thought that the food she's eating in general has something to do with how hyper she is... sugar?!?
ReplyDeleteWow that is really interesting! I remember hearing about this when I was younger... My brother ended up being diagnosed with ADHD. But I remember them trying to take out the Red dye in his diet. Not sure if it helped/worked, as I was only prolly 10 or so. But maybe try it out 100% and see if it works. Not sure if there are too many foods to totally refrain from it? Obviously you can catch the easy ones.. like Trix. Keep us posted on how it goes. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I have heard of this before, but don't know anyone who has tried it (that I know of). I'll be anxious to see how it works for you!!
ReplyDeleteI've only heard of it from Nicole but I see the diff it's made in Cooper so yes, I'm a believer. My kids aren't off the wall enough to give up all the stuff with it in it, seems like a huge effort! Good luck and I am anxious to hear more thoughts on this.
ReplyDeleteAre you going through Solutions 2 Wellbeing or did you find a different one?
ReplyDeleteRed dye really affects my 6 year old daughter who is also ADD. If she is given Skittles, she can be up for 24 hours. I am not sure if it is dye or sugar.
ReplyDeleteI have a girlfriend who son reacts to any sugar. Even maple syrup on his pancakes makes him hyper.
Good Luck
wow! Good luck. I have heard of this before...Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of this too! I have done a little research myself - but I haven't taken the time to really cut it all out for my girls. We do limit the obvious - cereals and candies. I will be interested to see how this works for you!!
ReplyDeleteThis made a huge difference for my nephew. Seems like there is too much anecdotal evidence for it not to be somewhat true.
ReplyDeleteIn working in the field of Special Education each day and dealing with parents who want to try the natural approach I have seen success with this method. They not only take out the red dye, but also cut out cafiene as well - including chocolate. It seems to make a difference with the kids whos parents stick to it.
ReplyDeleteI love that you have looked into this! I was going to start researching this for our son Adam who has been having some "issues". Thanks for the info....I hope it works. I am also going to start growing organic foods this summer...in hopes that this will help us too.
ReplyDeleteI believe this theory to be true. I know that one of my three children definately reacts to it. I can notice a big change in his behavior after he's had Red Food Dye. He's more hyper - can't relax to go to sleep etc. I notice that when I consistently keep it out of his diet, he is calmer and doesn't get so out of hand.
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting, I had never heard of it before your blog post. Sounds like it is worth a try!
ReplyDelete