1KHO 356: Behind the Color - How Synthetic Dyes Impact Our Kids' Health | Brandon and Whitney Cawood, To Dye For Documentary
Oct 2, 2024
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Brandon and Whitney Cawood, co-creators of the impactful documentary "To Dye For", dive into their family's journey exposing the hidden dangers of synthetic dyes in children's food. They discuss the alarming effects these additives can have on behavior and health, particularly linking them to issues like hyperactivity. The couple shares their inspiring advocacy efforts, the filmmaking process, and their mission to raise awareness about food safety. Tune in for insights on how parents can make informed dietary choices to protect their children's well-being.
Synthetic food dyes can significantly affect children's behavior and health, as demonstrated by the Cawoods' personal experience with their son.
The documentary 'To Dye For' not only educates the public about synthetic dyes but also highlights the need for policy changes in food regulations.
There is a crucial need for community awareness and advocacy regarding synthetic dyes, as illustrated by the Cawoods' active Facebook group of over 580,000 members.
Deep dives
The Impact of Food Dyes on Children's Health
The episode discusses the alarming effects of synthetic food dyes on children's behavior and health. Parents Brandon and Whitney K. Wood share their personal journey with their son, Atreyu, whose impulsive and aggressive behavior drastically improved after they eliminated certain foods containing synthetic dyes from his diet. This change not only restored Atreyu's temperament, making him happier and more manageable, but also led to significant improvements in his academic and social performance. The Woods emphasize that while not every child may react as strongly, many parents remain unaware of the potential connections between synthetic dyes and behavioral issues.
The Creation of 'To Die For' Documentary
Brandon and Whitney K. Wood describe the motivation behind creating their documentary, 'To Die For,' which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of synthetic dyes in food. They highlight that their journey began as a personal search for answers regarding their son's troubling behavior, ultimately leading them to a broader exploration of food dyes and their effects. Throughout the production, they faced numerous challenges, such as funding and logistics, but managed to secure interviews with leading experts in the field. The documentary combines their personal experiences with factual interviews to create a compelling narrative that seeks to educate the public.
Synthetic Dyes in Everyday Products
A significant revelation in the discussion is the prevalence of synthetic dyes in everyday products beyond just food, including items like hand soaps, medicines, and snacks. The couple shares examples from their research, illustrating how common items such as marshmallows, icing, and even sports drinks often contain these artificial colors. This widespread use poses serious health concerns, especially for children, who might be unknowingly consuming these chemicals in foods and products marketed to them. The Woods call for greater awareness and regulatory changes as many parents remain unaware of these hidden additives.
Challenges Facing Food Regulation
The episode sheds light on the systemic issues within food regulations that allow synthetic dyes to remain prevalent in American food products. The Woods explain that, unlike in the European Union, where many harmful dyes have been banned, American laws and policies are often influenced by large corporations prioritizing profit over public health. They address the lack of transparency in food labeling, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. The couple stresses the importance of public advocacy and pushing for changes in policy to ensure safer food for children.
Community Engagement and Future Impact
Brandon and Whitney underline the importance of building community awareness as a means to enact change around the issue of synthetic food dyes. They highlight their growing Facebook group, which has amassed over 580,000 members, creating a platform for shared experiences, resources, and advocacy among families. The couple expresses hope that through increased education and solidarity, they can inspire collective action towards safer food practices. They encourage parents to stay informed and actively engage with brands and legislators to push for healthier options in schools and public institutions.
In this eye-opening episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with Whitney and Brandon Cawood, the creators of the groundbreaking documentary To Dye For. Whitney and Brandon share their personal journey of discovering how synthetic food dyes were dramatically affecting their child’s behavior, leading them to explore the hidden dangers of these dyes in everyday foods. They discuss the alarming presence of synthetic dyes in school lunches, medications, and even personal care products, and how these seemingly harmless additives can lead to a host of behavioral and health issues in children. The Cawoods also provide hope, offering solutions for parents and advocating for change through their powerful film. Tune in to learn how this couple is working to raise awareness and inspire others to take action for the health and well-being of all children.