Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark: Episode Summary

Episode Title: To Dye For: The Impact Of Artificial Food Dyes On Kids
Guests: Whitney and Brandon Cawood
Release Date: January 17, 2025

1. Introduction

In this compelling episode of Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark, host Alex engages with filmmakers Whitney and Brandon Cawood, creators of the documentary "To Die For." The conversation delves deep into the unsettling effects of artificial food dyes on children's behavior and health, unraveling a story that intertwines personal struggle with a quest for societal change.

2. The Woods' Personal Journey

Whitney and Brandon share their heartfelt journey as parents grappling with the severe behavioral issues of their young son. Brandon recounts how their son's impulsivity, aggression, and inability to control his actions led to significant family stress, culminating in the daycare requesting their removal of the child.

Brandon Wood [00:05]: “We had a child that was just really, really struggling to keep his hands to himself. Impulsivity, hitting and biting.”

Driven by desperation, the couple discovered that eliminating wheat, dairy, and—crucially—synthetic food dyes from their son's diet led to a remarkable transformation within just 48 hours.

Brandon Wood [07:37]: “Within 48 hours, that kid that we had seen glimpses of on those good days, we had that kid for 30 days straight.”

This significant improvement not only salvaged their family life but also ignited their passion to investigate the broader implications of artificial dyes in food.

3. The Hidden Pervasiveness of Synthetic Dyes

The Cawoods highlight how artificial food dyes are not confined to obvious sources like candy but are pervasive in unexpected items, including mashed potatoes, spinach wraps, vanilla and chocolate icings, marshmallows, and even household products like toothpaste.

Brandon Wood [02:33]: “We found it in a mashed potato product, spinach wrap, vanilla icing, chocolate icing, fortune cookies, marshmallows. It really has permeated lots of foods and not just the colorful foods.”

They also reveal that synthetic dyes are present in ADHD medications, potentially exacerbating behavioral issues rather than alleviating them.

Whitney K. Wood [03:05]: “Artificial dyes or synthetic dyes can cause ADHD type symptoms. And some people are misdiagnosed with medication that has dye in it.”

4. The Creation of "To Die For"

Determined to shed light on this issue, Whitney and Brandon embarked on creating their documentary, "To Die For." The film chronicles their investigative journey, featuring interviews with leading scientists and researchers to uncover the truths about synthetic dyes.

Brandon Wood [14:12]: “We really feel like God has given us the talents, the ability to create a film that could get this information out.”

Over two years of dedicated research and filmmaking culminated in a documentary aimed at educating the public and advocating for policy changes to eliminate harmful dyes from food.

5. Health Impacts of Synthetic Dyes

The discussion delves into the alarming health consequences associated with artificial dyes, including hyperactivity, sleeplessness, restlessness, and cancer links, particularly focusing on Red 3.

Whitney K. Wood [15:26]: “There are a lot of cancer links to a lot of the dyes. When you start looking into Red 3, Red 3 is crazy.”

They critique the FDA’s stance, highlighting the discrepancy between cosmetic and food regulations despite evidence of carcinogenic effects.

Whitney K. Wood [16:10]: “Studies showed Red 3 causes cancer in animals. They banned it in cosmetics but not in food.”

6. Regulatory Challenges and Global Perspectives

The Cawoods compare the regulatory environments of the United States and Europe, noting Europe's proactive measures, such as warning labels for azo dyes and partial bans, which contrast with the US's slower regulatory response.

Whitney K. Wood [16:44]: “California became the first state to take steps on their own and ban Red 3 along with some other chemicals. A few other states are following suit.”

They emphasize the economic influence of large states like California in driving nationwide changes, hoping that corporate adjustments to comply with California's regulations will lead to broader reform.

Whitney K. Wood [33:35]: “California has a very big economy... most likely they're going to change their formula for the whole country.”

7. Advocacy and Consumer Action

Whitney and Brandon advocate for informed consumer choices and active participation in policy advocacy. They suggest parents eliminate synthetic dyes from their homes, support dye-free brands, and pressure legislators and corporations to adopt safer practices.

Brandon Wood [49:22]: “Eliminate all synthetic dyes. Read labels. Find swaps that you love.”

They highlight successful instances where consumer demand led to companies like Pediasure removing harmful dyes:

Whitney K. Wood [34:29]: “Pediasure has now officially taken Red 3 out of Pediasure.”

8. Recommendations for Parents

The couple provides practical advice for parents seeking to identify and eliminate artificial dyes from their children's diets:

• Read Labels Carefully: Look for color numbers like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, usually listed towards the end of ingredient lists.

  Brandon Wood [38:55]: “Anything that's organic cannot have synthetic dyes. Learn how to read labels.”

• Choose Dye-Free Brands: Recommend brands such as Trader Joe’s, Annie’s, Simple Meals, and Whole Foods for their dye-free options.

  Whitney K. Wood [39:43]: “Trader Joe’s food does not have dye in it. You can shop confidently.”

• Monitor Unexpected Sources: Be aware that dyes can be present in non-food items like temporary tattoos and certain medications.

• Advocate for Policy Change: Encourage writing to senators and supporting legislation that aims to ban or regulate synthetic dyes.

9. Healing a Sick Culture: Final Remedies

In closing, Brandon and Whitney offer holistic remedies to address broader cultural ailments:

• Spiritual Nourishment: Brandon emphasizes the importance of daily engagement with spiritual texts to heal the soul.

  Brandon Wood [52:38]: “Being in the Word daily... heal your soul.”

• Physical Activity: Whitney underscores the significance of regular movement and outdoor activities for overall well-being.

  Whitney K. Wood [53:33]: “Moving, walking, running, getting out daily... it can add so much to your life.”

10. Conclusion

Alex Clark commends Whitney and Brandon for their dedication and impactful storytelling, urging listeners to watch "To Die For" to better understand the dangers of artificial food dyes. The episode serves as a call to action for parents and consumers to take control of their health and advocate for safer food standards.

Alex Clark [60:18]: “Brandon, Whitney broke it down in a really simple way that makes it easier for us to explain to other people why it's important we avoid those in our food.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Documentary: To Die For - The Impact of Artificial Food Dyes
• Facebook Group: Dye Free Family Swaps Recipes and Resources

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Brandon Wood [00:05]: Discusses their son's behavioral struggles due to food dyes.
• Whitney K. Wood [03:05]: Highlights the link between artificial dyes and ADHD symptoms.
• Brandon Wood [14:12]: Explains motivation behind creating the documentary.
• Whitney K. Wood [15:26]: Details cancer links with synthetic dyes like Red 3.
• Brandon Wood [38:55]: Advises on eliminating synthetic dyes by reading labels.
• Whitney K. Wood [39:43]: Recommends dye-free brands like Trader Joe’s.
• Brandon Wood [49:22]: Encourages parents to eliminate dyes and find safe alternatives.
• Whitney K. Wood [53:33]: Emphasizes the importance of physical activity for healing.

This episode of Culture Apothecary not only uncovers the hidden dangers of artificial food dyes but also empowers listeners with knowledge and actionable steps to foster a healthier culture for future generations.