{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"181: The Truth About Artificial Dyes and ADHD with Dr. Ana-Maria Temple","description":"Artificial dyes are in so many of the foods marketed to children,\u2014cereals, candies, sports drinks, and even some everyday snacks. While they may make foods look \u201cfun,\u201d for sensitive kids, these chemicals can trigger tantrums, mood swings, hyperactivity, brain fog, and full-on emotional chaos. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay, ADHD health practitioner and founder of the ADHD Thrive Method for Kids, welcomes back Dr. Ana-Maria Temple, board-certified pediatrician, functional medicine practitioner, and author of Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Temple has seen firsthand how removing dyes can dramatically change children\u2019s behavior. Together, Dana and Dr. Ana-Maria Temple break down what the research really says about artificial dyes, why the U.S. lags behind other countries in regulating them, and what parents can do right now to protect their kids. From real-life clinical stories to simple swaps and mindset shifts, this conversation empowers parents to make choices that support calmer, healthier, and happier children. Links Mentioned in the Show: \u25b6 ADHD Thrive Institute Website \u25b6 ADHD Parent Nutrition Support Group | Facebook \u25b6 Follow Dr. Anna Maria Temple on Instagram Key Takeaways: [01:20] "Headlines vs. reality: why promised changes don\u2019t always equal real change" [03:46] "What really happened in Washington and why parents are still skeptical" [06:20] "The science: what studies actually show about dyes and ADHD behavior" [07:15] "How much dye is in everyday foods like cereal, candy, and sports drinks" [08:09] "The \u201cTwizzler test\u201d: why even small amounts can set off sensitive kids" [09:28] "Genetics, inflammation, and why some kids are more reactive than others" [13:12] "The patchwork of state bans and how it might push companies toward nationwide change" [18:05] "Why processed foods remain harmful, even if dyes are removed" [19:07] "Added sugars as another major trigger for ADHD symptoms and anxiety" [20:02] "A simple rule of thumb for parents: \u201cIf you can\u2019t read it, don\u2019t eat it.\u201d" [21:14] "Redefining what\u2019s \u201cfun\u201d for kids beyond food coloring" [22:02] "Fast, practical real-food swaps parents can use today" [23:21] "Meal prep hacks that make healthy eating quick and realistic for busy families" [26:24] "Dr. Temple\u2019s \u201cyes culture\u201d approach: say yes to snacks, but start with fruits or veggies" Memorable Moments: \u201cArtificial dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 were designed to make cereal and candy look fun\u2014but in sensitive kids, they can hijack behavior.\u201d \u201cI\u2019ve seen my own child go from calm to explosive, and then the opposite when dyes were removed.\u201d \u201cThe average American child eats the equivalent of 20 Twizzlers\u2019 worth of dye every single day.\u201d \u201cMindset is everything. We need to relabel what\u2019s fun\u2014food is nutrition, not entertainment.\u201d \u201cIf you can\u2019t read it, don\u2019t eat it.\u201d \u201cInstead of being a \u2018no\u2019 culture, be a \u2018yes\u2019 culture: yes to snacks, but first choose a fruit or vegetable.\u201d Dana Kay Resources: \ud83d\udd17WEBSITES: \u25b6 https:\/\/adhdthriveinstitute.com\/ \u25b6 https:\/\/dana-kay.com\/ \ud83d\udc4bSOCIALS: \u25b6 Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ADHDThriveInstitute\/ \u25b6 Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/adhdthriveinstitute\/ \u25b6 YouTube: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/ADHDThriveInstitute \u25b6 LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/adhd-thrive-institute\/mycompany\/ \u25b6 Pinterest: https:\/\/www.pinterest.ph\/adhdthriveinstitute\/ \u25b6 Tiktok: https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@adhd_thriveinstitute \ud83d\udcd5INTERNATIONAL  BEST SELLING BOOK: \u25b6 Thriving with ADHD \u2013 https:\/\/adhdthriveinstitute.com\/book\/ \ud83d\udcbbFREE MASTERCLASS \u25b6 Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https:\/\/bit.ly\/3GAbFQl \u2b50COURSES & PROGRAMS \u25b6 ADHD Parenting Course \u2013 https:\/\/info.adhdthriveinstitute.com\/parentingadhd \u25b6 ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program \u2013 https:\/\/adhdthriveinstitute.com\/packages\/   ","author_name":"Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD","author_url":"http:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/402857\/site","html":"