America is facing a silent epidemic—one that is sweeping through our children’s bodies and minds, leaving them sick, fatigued, and struggling to thrive. The culprit? The very food we are feeding them. Processed, chemically altered, and filled with toxic additives, today’s food supply is creating a nation that is fat, sick, and on the brink of collapse.

This issue is personal to me. My daughter has an autoimmune disease, and after years of searching for answers, we discovered that food was the single most important factor in her healing. We have eliminated gluten, artificial dyes, preservatives, and processed foods, focusing instead on a diet of grass-fed meats, organs, raw local honey, raw dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Despite our efforts, we recently had a terrifying experience that reinforced just how toxic the food system has become: a box of “healthy” popsicles containing hidden MSG led to severe sickness, days of vomiting, brain fog, and dangerously high white blood cell counts.

We are not alone. Millions of families are experiencing similar health crises, and yet, the government continues to allow toxic ingredients in our food. In this article, we will explore the science behind this epidemic, the regulatory failures that permit these poisons, and what we can do to take back control of our children’s health.

The Epidemic—Why Are So Many Children Sick?

The rise in chronic illnesses among children is staggering. In the last 20 years, we have seen dramatic increases in:

• Autoimmune diseases (Celiac, Type 1 Diabetes, Crohn’s Disease, Hashimoto’s)
• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Obesity and metabolic disorders
• Behavioral disorders (ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, and depression)
• Gut health issues (IBS, leaky gut, and chronic bloating)

Scientific Findings

Recent studies have shown a direct link between food additives and these conditions. For example:

• Artificial food dyes have been proven to increase hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children. Countries such as the UK have banned many dyes, yet they remain widely used in the U.S.
• Gluten and glyphosate exposure contribute to intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which triggers autoimmune responses.
• MSG and hidden excitotoxins overstimulate the nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms, inflammation, and severe digestive distress.

Our personal experience is a testament to this. A simple exposure to hidden MSG caused our daughter’s immune system to go into overdrive, leading to days of illness that mirrored the symptoms of a severe flu. How many other children are suffering because of these hidden ingredients?

The Science Behind Processed Foods and Their Harmful Effects

Artificial Dyes & Hyperactivity

Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 have been linked to increased hyperactivity, attention issues, and allergic reactions. In Europe, these dyes require warning labels, yet in the U.S., they are used freely in snacks, candies, and even so-called “healthy” foods.

MSG—The Hidden Neurotoxin

MSG is often hidden under labels such as “natural flavors,” “yeast extract,” or “hydrolyzed protein.” Research shows that MSG is an excitotoxin, meaning it overstimulates neurons and contributes to brain fog, anxiety, and gut inflammation.

Gluten Sensitivity and Autoimmune Triggers

Gluten exposure, especially in the form of modern processed wheat, has been linked to celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Studies show that gluten increases zonulin production, which leads to leaky gut, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger autoimmune reactions.

Preservatives and Their Role in Cancer

Common preservatives like BHA, BHT, and sodium nitrate have been classified as potential carcinogens. Processed meats, cereals, and snack foods are loaded with these chemicals, yet regulatory agencies continue to allow their use.

The Government’s Role—What They Know and Ignore

FDA’s Lax Regulations

The FDA allows thousands of chemicals in our food, many of which are banned in other countries. For example:

• Banned in the EU: Titanium dioxide (used in candies and dairy)
• Banned in Japan: Potassium bromate (used in bread and baked goods)

Celiac Testing in Colorado: A Step in the Right Direction

Colorado recently added celiac testing to routine pediatric screenings. This should be standard in all states, yet most medical professionals fail to acknowledge the epidemic of gluten sensitivity and its widespread impact.

Big Food & Lobbying: Profits Over Public Health

Major food corporations spend billions lobbying against stricter regulations. The processed food industry is tied to pharmaceutical giants, ensuring a continuous cycle of sickness and dependency on medication.

The Solution—Taking Back Our Health Through Food

The Power of a Whole-Food Diet

By eliminating processed foods and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, we can heal our children’s bodies.

Animal-Based Diet for Healing

A diet rich in grass-fed meats, organ meats, raw dairy, and local honey provides essential nutrients that help combat inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

How to Read Labels

Parents must learn how to identify hidden toxins in food labels, including:

• “Natural flavors” (often MSG)
• “Enriched wheat” (highly processed gluten)
• “Vegetable oil” (inflammatory seed oils)

Eating Out is a Risk

Even “healthy” restaurants often use seed oils, MSG, and preservatives. Cooking at home remains the safest way to ensure clean eating.

The Bigger Picture—What Needs to Change and How You Can Help

Consumer Power: Vote With Your Dollar

Supporting local farmers and organic producers can help shift the food industry away from toxic additives.

School Lunch Reform

Many school meals contain artificial dyes, preservatives, and processed grains. Parents need to demand better food options for their children.

Raising Awareness

Educating other parents and spreading awareness can create a movement toward better food policies.

Final Words of Encouragement

Healing through food is possible, but it requires diligence. Families must take control of their food choices, advocate for change, and push for cleaner, more transparent food regulations.

The epidemic of sick children in America is not a coincidence—it is the result of a corrupted food system prioritizing profits over health. Artificial dyes, preservatives, MSG, and gluten-contaminated foods are wreaking havoc on our children’s bodies.

Our personal story is just one example of the countless families suffering due to hidden toxins in food. The government knows, yet fails to act. It is up to us to educate ourselves, protect our children, and demand change.

By choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods and eliminating toxic ingredients, we can reclaim our health and fight back against this nationwide epidemic.

It’s time to wake up, take control, and demand better food for our families.