My daughter is 4we were told not to give her anything with any kind of added food coloring please help?

Question

she was diagnosed as being hyper and I don't want to giver her any medication. She the doctor said to take her off of food coloring.

I went to the grocery store today and it is very hard to find food that does not have coloring added.

Please help.

Answer 1

I don't give my kids dyes most of the time because they do make them hyper. You will find things without coloring.  If you stick with the outside aisles of the grocery store where they have the fresh fruits and veggies, dairy, and meat, you will find good choices.

It is tough to avoid dyes in processed foods.  You just have to read the ingredients.  Obviously, un-naturally colored things like Kool Aid (although there is a dye free option) and popscicles are out.  You can also try to go organic.  Even Wal-Mart has good options there now.  Try Annie's brand stuff.  I linked their site below so you know what to look for at the store.  

Keep in mind that sodium benzoate, a preservative, also has been show to cause hyperactivity.  

It will be worth the effort when your daughter is calmed down and better able to focus!

Answer 2

I'm wondering how the doctor was able to diagnose hyperactivity in an infant since they don't even test for it until the child is school age.

Answer 3

I know several people who have gone this route with their children.  Yes, it is hard to find commercially prepared foods without added food color.  What you have to do is stick with food in as natural a state as you can get it.  Plenty of fresh veggies with some fresh fruit along with whole grain products and meat/protein are going to have to be her mainstay.  Anything that comes boxed, bagged, jarred, or frozen is likely to have added color.  You will have to become an avid label reader and you will want to teach your daughter to ask for the label to be read before she eats anything when she isn't at home.  It can be done.  Most of the people I know who have gone this way with their kids also avoid preservatives as well.  Most make their own bread.  It is a diet that can work, but you have to be diligent about it.  It helps to stick to the outside aisles in the grocery store, this is where most of the fresh products will be found.  There are several good recipe books that are on the market.  Do a search for dye-free recipes.

Answer 4

ur gonna hafta go with natural foods. i guess teach her to eat healthier.

Answer 5

i feel your pain, i went to camp just a while ago with a girl with the same condition! remember that all fruits and most breadsand meats dont have coloring... there are many health food stores that have candies and sweets without coloring (ie, sprouts, fresh and easy...) beware of sauces, cheeses and spreads which have many hidden colorings! good luck

Answer 6

You should call the doctor & ask him to reccomend a nutritionist, they ususlly know what are the best foods for this type of diagnosis.

Also stay away from preservatives & sugar alternatives like high fructose corn syrup.  

I think that your family might have to go organic for the most part.