Food to Dye For

It's been all over the news this week and it's something my family avoids; ARTIFICIAL DYES. So, what's the big deal?
     * Multiple studies have shown that children who consume artificial dyes are more hyperactive 
     * Studies have also shown children who quit consuming the  ingredient have much better focus in school
     * Carmel Coloring in soda has been linked to cancer
What are these products called? If it says a color and has a number it's bad. Ie;  Red1, Blue2, Yellow5, etc.
What products contain these ingredients? 
Pretty much all processed foods. Some of the big ones are;
Macaroni and Cheese (Annie's is safe), yogurts, cheese, cereal, soda, chips, candy, ice cream
What can I do to avoid these ingredients?
Eat "real" food. More fruits and vegetables, and make more food from scratch. Most organic products use natural dyes, so if you must buy pre-package food, READ THE LABEL.
     
   The FDA is further researching the link between hyperactivity and artificial dyes. It is not believed that is the cause of ADHD, but that it enhances the problem. Even if the ingredient doesn't cause hyperactivity, it is highly "fake" and processed, and I don't want it going into my child's developing body.
   If you have a child that suffers from ADHD, or has trouble focusing I highly encourage trying to eliminate all processed food from their diets. Many mothers that have tried this have seen drastic improvement in their children after only 2 weeks.
"Let thy food be thy medicine"- Hippocrates

Resources
Do Food Dyes Make Kids Hyper? Time Magazine
Where food dyes lurk- Reuters
Carmel Coloring in Sodas- USA Today