When Nothing Made Sense — We Started Removing One Thing at a Time
By the time we reached the point of eliminating artificial dyes, we were already overwhelmed. Our son was having intense behavioral episodes — meltdowns that didn’t match his personality, sudden aggression, hyperactivity, and heartbreaking moments where we could just tell he didn’t feel in control of his body.
We had tried everything. Doctor visits, evaluations, new routines, parenting books, specialist referrals — and still, no clear answers. Until one day, I had a gut feeling that maybe the problem wasn’t something in him — but something we were unknowingly giving him.
Step One: We Got Intentional With Food
We didn’t go all-in overnight. It started with small swaps.
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We started choosing the dye-free version of snacks.
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I read every cereal box and juice label.
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Birthday parties and school treats became a challenge — but also a learning opportunity.
And when we accidentally gave him something with dyes after a good stretch of clean eating? The reaction was undeniable. The behavior changes returned like clockwork.
That was the moment we knew: this was real.
Step Two: Watching Patterns Like a Hawk
I started a simple notebook. I wrote down:
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What he ate
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What products we used (bubble baths, vitamins, toothpaste)
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His behavior that day
Patterns emerged fast. And not just from food. We realized dyes were hiding in everything — even in over-the-counter medicine, mouthwash, and “kid-friendly” vitamins.
This process wasn’t about perfection — it was about information. Every reaction gave us more clarity. Every good day gave us hope.
Step Three: Noticing the Positive Shifts
As we removed the artificial dyes, we saw:
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Fewer meltdowns
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Less irritability and restlessness
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Better sleep
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Clearer communication
It wasn’t a magic fix. But it was a foundational change that gave us a new starting point — one that felt empowered, not helpless.
Encouragement for Other Families Starting This Process
If you’re in the thick of it, wondering if something like food dye could be affecting your child – you’re not crazy. And you don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight.
Start small:
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Switch out one snack or drink.
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Check labels on a few everyday items.
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Keep notes for just one week.
What matters is paying attention. You are the expert on your child. And your gut is worth listening to.
Coming Up Next:
In the next post, I’ll share what I found dyes in that truly shocked me — and how we handled social events, school, and family gatherings while navigating this journey.