Dr. Berg’s Healthy Keto and Intermittent Fasting Podcast

This Makes NO Sense… and It’s Totally Legal?!

6 snips

Jun 9, 2025

The podcast dives into the hidden dangers of synthetic food dyes, highlighting their toxic byproducts and the lack of long-term testing for human effects. While many are banned in Europe, they're still prevalent in the U.S., affecting children's health and behavior. In contrast, methylene blue, a pharmaceutical-grade dye, is shown to offer health benefits, even for serious conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer. Natural pigments, rich in phytonutrients, are emphasized for their protective properties, underscoring the importance of making informed dietary choices.

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INSIGHT

Toxicity and Regulation of Food Dyes

Food dyes contain toxic byproducts not found even in some drugs, and lack long-term human safety testing.
Many dyes banned in Europe are still allowed in the U.S., partly due to industry self-regulation and FDA's reliance on company studies.

ANECDOTE

Dyes Boost Junk Food Cravings

Synthetic food dyes are used to psychologically increase cravings and consumption of junk foods.
Kraft's mac and cheese sales dropped when they removed coloring, so they put it back to boost appeal.

INSIGHT

Health Benefits of Natural Pigments

Natural food pigments act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that protect cells and mitochondria.
These pigments are present in plants and grass-fed meats, contributing important phytonutrients.

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There are more toxic byproducts in food dyes than in many drugs. These synthetic food colorants have never been tested long-term for biological effects in humans! Many food dyes have been banned in Europe, but are still used in the U.S.

Junk food industries that sell products with food dyes are heavily self-regulated, so the FDA allows them to perform their own studies. In 2021, there was a petition to ban red dye number 3 in cosmetics because it's a carcinogen even in small amounts, but it can still be found in your child’s cereal.

Artificial food coloring has been shown to cause hyperactivity in children and other neurological issues. Food dyes are often used for their psychological effects. Studies have shown that people will choose to eat more of a food because of its color.

Natural pigments in our food have antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, help protect your cells, and protect the mitochondria. You can also get these phytonutrients when you consume grass-fed beef or lamb.

Methylene blue is a synthetic, petroleum-based food dye that benefits your health. It was one of the first drugs ever developed, and unlike other artificial food dyes, methylene blue is pharmaceutical grade. It’s been used for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, bladder infections, cancer, and more.

Methylene blue is chemically different from other artificial food dyes. It helps give the body energy, even when there’s damage to the mitochondria. It’s beneficial for degenerative neurological disorders and reduces oxidative stress associated with cancer and mitochondrial damage.

Artificial food coloring does not have the benefits of the pigments found naturally in food. They don’t act as antioxidants or reduce inflammation in the body. They damage the mitochondria, and they don’t have nutritional cofactors.

Artificial food dyes have been linked to ADD and tumors in rats. They can cause leaky gut, and their effects are worsened when combined with preservatives and other food chemicals.

Some food dyes are bioaccumulative, which means they build up in the body. The kidneys effectively eliminate methylene blue, so it doesn’t accumulate.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.