The Red Dye Ban: Great News... but Risks Remain
The News
You’ve probably heard last week's announcement that the FDA has banned Red Dye #3 from use in foods and ingested medications due to its potential link to cancer. It’s about time! Especially when you consider that the chemical compound (also known as erythrosine or E127) was banned from cosmetics and topical treatments in 1990. So, let me get this straight…. For the last 35 years, we couldn't put it on our skin… but it was ok to eat?? Baffling.
What does this mean for you? Certainly it’s great news. But there’s more work to be done to protect ourselves.
The Specifics
First of all, according to the ruling, food and drug manufacturers have two years to reformulate their products, which means the dye will still be out there. Beyond that, there’s no reason to believe that the health risks stop with Red 3. Why wait for scientists to discover more adverse effects from other additives? Why wait for the FDA to catch up? After all, it took 35 years for them to make this ban complete.
Be a Food Detective
The best thing we all can do is be our own health advocates. We know what that means in the doctor’s office, but we need to move it to the grocery store, too. It starts with reading food ingredient labels. If you see a color, number, or abbreviation listed, put the product back and find a replacement. It may mean a little extra time at first, but it’s well worth it.
Other Risks
Apart from the cancer risk, which is more than enough on its own, there’s another risk to consider. Artificial colors of all types – which are so prevalent in foods marketed directly to children – have been linked to an increase in ADHD symptoms and other neurobehavioral issues. For children with diagnosed ADHD, this can mean an increase in the severity of symptoms. For others, it might mean an increase in behavioral symptoms that puts them beyond the diagnostic threshold. Either way, it’s clear that artificial colors in our food and medications are adversely affecting the long-term health of the next generation.
Vote with Your Wallet & Find a New Path
Stop buying products from manufacturers who are willing to put your well-being on the line for the sake of their businesses.
Transitioning to a whole-foods diet, without additives that compromise your health, will benefit you in more ways than you might imagine. You’ll feel better, you’ll sleep more soundly, you’ll think more clearly, your mood will improve, and you’ll have more energy with less disease risk. It’s not just a matter of increasing your lifespan, It’s really about increasing your health span. With the right guidance, it’s easier to achieve than you think.
I can help! If you want to learn more about what that means specifically for you, click on the link below and request your FREE consultation.
