Tag: hyperactivity

Trusting children to make good food decisions

Posted on 16 January 2012 in Blog by L. Schneider
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As a mother, I feel really proud of my children when I let them make their own food choices and they choose well. Today my five year old asked if she could pack the snacks for our outing and I trusted her without interfering in her choices.

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Asthma, hyperactivity and the food colours which cause them

Recent research in the UK points to six artificial food colours which are linked to asthma and hyperactivity in children. Those artificial food additives are: sunset yellow (E110) quinoline yellow (E104) carmoisine (E122) allura red (E129) tartrazine (E102) ponceau 4R (E 124) Some of these food colours are now banned in the USA. In the […]

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Allergic to amaranth even though it sounds natural

Posted on 18 July 2011 in Blog by L. Schneider
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Allergies to red food colouring are not uncommon, but when the name of the colour shown on the label is ‘amaranth’ (E123) it is easy to think this might be one of the more acceptable food colouring alternatives. As a grain, amaranth is touted as one of the superfoods of the decade. High in protein […]

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BHA preservative linked to asthma

Posted on 18 July 2011 in Blog by L. Schneider
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Asthma sufferers should look for BHA on ingredients labels. Butylate Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a preservative that is used to keep food from changing colour, changing flavour, or becoming rancid. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (E320) is contained in meats, butter, chewing gums, nuts and dry mixes, snack foods, baked goods and sweets – many products that typically live […]

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Asthma risk with children’s blue cough syrup

Posted on 18 July 2011 in Blog by L. Schneider
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Blue-coloured cough syrup is best avoided by children with asthma tendencies. Not one but two colours are used to give this over-the-counter medicine its ‘attractive’ blue hue. In one leading brand, I found artificial colour 133 (or brilliant blue) and artificial colour 104 (quinoline yellow) which are both associated with a heightened risk of an […]

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Natural flavours still subject to chemical process

Posted on 18 July 2011 in Blog by L. Schneider
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Do you know the difference between a natural flavour and an artificial flavour? Ironically, they are often both made in the same factory and are both the result of complex chemical processes. The ‘natural flavour’ certainly sounds healthier and more pure but the reality is that it can be just as processed, often with just […]

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Autism, environmental contaminants and horses

Posted on 18 July 2011 in Blog by L. Schneider
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Autism research is clearly indicating that both genes and the presence of environmental contaminants, or heavy metals, both in utero and after birth, can impact on the potential development of autism in babies and young children.

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Food colours and safe choices

Some food colours in the range 160-163 are generally considered safe and may even be beneficial for health (except 160b, 106c, 160d). Not every food coloured in the range red, yellow, orange or violet need be avoided if these mostly plant-derived colours have been used. In particular, foods rich in betacarotene and Vitamin A will […]

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