There’s a mental health issue affecting children in the US, and Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and founder of the Amen Clinic, believes that the kinds of food they’re consuming, along with the media they’re exposed to, significantly contribute to this crisis.
“Unhealthy foods increase the likelihood of other harmful substances entering kids’ bodies,” shared Amen. During a discussion, he noted that screen time—be it from video games, smartphones, or tablets—plays a crucial role as well.
“These devices have become prevalent in society purely for profit, yet we lack solid neuroscience research to back it up.”
On a positive note, the Trump administration is taking steps to address these concerns. Led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is the Secretary of Health and Human Services, there’s a plan to phase out synthetic dyes often found in candies and cereals.
“We’re focusing on eliminating the dyes first, followed by other harmful ingredients and additives legally permitted in food,” RFK Jr. stated during a recent press conference.
Stucky, during her conversation with Amen, posed the question: “What’s your take on the new public policies regarding environmental factors linked to health that have emerged under this administration?”
“I’m a huge supporter,” Amen responded. “While I’m trying to maintain a non-political stance, I firmly believe that if the previous administration had remained, our health wouldn’t have improved.”
“There’s going to be a significant debate around fluoride. Research suggests that in areas with fluoridated water, children’s IQ levels are often lower,” he elaborated, discussing the troubling studies surrounding artificial dyes and sweeteners.
“What I’ve published recently has gained a lot of attention. For example, I scanned a child who had been exposed to red dye number 40,” he continued. “His parents sought my help because he became irritable whenever he consumed anything red; it clearly affected his behavior.”
“We decided to scan him while he was under the influence of the dye, and the results were concerning. It significantly altered his brain activity,” Amen noted, adding that many of these harmful substances are already banned in countries like Canada and those in Europe.
