Little Changes Can Mean Big Gains for Tic Disorders

Rose Winter

Over 30 years ago, my brother was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. Through a long and desperate search, we found that his tics were being triggered in part by several food and chemical sensitivities—major culprits being artificial colors, flavors, scents, and preservatives.

I remember when he went in for allergy testing, we were all required to use fragrance-free body products for a few days before his appointment due to the sensitivity of patients at the medical office. Once we found out he was sensitive to scents, only fragrance-free products remained at home. This applied not just to personal care products but cleaning products, too.

My brother also strongly reacted to artificial flavors and colors in food products. Gone went the familiar snacks and treats that 80s kids were so used to: snack bags of Doritos in our lunch bags, cans of highly addicting fluorescent orange cheese balls, brightly colored fruit roll-ups we’d wrap on our fingers and suck on until our tongues and teeth were purple (or blue, or red, or green or…), and Kool-Aid in every shade of the rainbow. These were the things that went next!

My sister and I complained at first. We weren’t the ones who had been tested, but we all had to make the changes so my brother didn’t feel singled out. When we saw the positive impact these changes had on him—fewer tics and less hyperactivity—we realized it was worth it for all of us.

Little did I know that my mom would be instilling values in me that I still maintain decades later for my own family and child with ADHD. I’m also educating friends who have neurodivergent kids of their own and are looking for help beyond prescription drugs.

I’m so accustomed to focusing on healthy foods and non-toxic home products that I forget there are millions of people who don’t!

If you are just starting out on a wellness journey for your child, I hope you’ll consider making these changes so you can have a cleaner diet and healthier home. It’s not the whole picture, of course. Multiple factors play a role in health. However, as parents or caregivers, you can make these basic changes without needing professional advice. Seeing positive change will empower you to keep up your efforts!

Here are some first steps to take

As parents of children with neurodiversity, we know that managing their condition can be like solving a complex puzzle. Many symptoms, from tics to emotional outbursts, hyperactivity, or brain fog, can be impacted by environmental factors, like diet and household products. The good news is that it’s so much easier now than 35 years ago to find healthier alternatives to the foods and products you use daily.

While there is no guarantee that taking these out of the home will solve all your problems, it’s an easy place to start and shouldn’t require a big lifestyle change. Remember: You may be able to manage many symptoms just by eliminating artificial colors, flavors, and fragrances without spending hours searching for special products.  

Artificial Additives  

Many children can be highly sensitive to artificial ingredients. Studies have shown that artificial colors and flavors in processed foods can increase hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and tics in children with neurological conditions, including Tourette’s. Some common artificial ingredients, such as food dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow Dye 6, and others) and artificial flavorings, have been linked to increased health and behavioral issues, which can worsen tics and overall emotional regulation. 

Similarly, many household products—like cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and scented candles—are loaded with artificial fragrances, which can aggravate the nervous system and affect mood, stress levels, and even contribute to physical tics.

The FDA plans to phase out six synthetic food dyes from the US food supply by the end of 2026. These dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3, are petroleum-based. The agency will work with industry to achieve this, but also plans to revoke authorization for two other synthetic dyes, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, within the coming months.

Note: The excellent documentary “To Dye For” is now streaming. All parents should know how synthetic food dyes may affect their children’s health and behavior. 

Simple Food Swaps  

One of the easiest ways to start supporting your child’s well-being is by adjusting their diet. Here are a few simple, kid-friendly food swaps that can make a big difference: 

1. Think of it as an exchange, not an elimination: We all know change is hard. Even as adults, it’s hard to make cuts to our diet. The goal here is to make as many 1:1 swaps with products you’re used to having with products that have cleaner ingredients.  
2. Check Labels at home: If you’re not already in the habit of checking ingredient labels, spoiler: you will have to get used to it. Your pantry may be full of snacks that have artificial colors and flavors, so it’s time to phase them out. Grab a box and place everything with artificial colors and flavors in it. Decide if you’d like to donate it to a food pantry (if it’s within date and not opened) or another venue, but get it out of the home. At least while you’re getting started, everyone needs to be on board so your child(ren) won’t feel resentful for being left out. It’s tough for kids to make good choices if they’re tempted by seeing foods they shouldn’t eat. If you need help exploring your options, check with  The Feingold Association of America.  
3. Make a list and shop: Work with your child to list their favorite foods and snacks. Bring the list to the store or use it online and check the ingredient info on the labels of similar products. For instance, Newman’s Own, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s all make a black and-white sandwich cookie that tastes just like the classic one we all know. Some brands of chips have a new line with simpler, fewer ingredients than their chemical-laden counterparts. Single-serve yogurts, gummy fruit snacks, juice boxes, and other school lunch favorites have easy-to-find natural alternatives. Keep a close eye on flavors within the same brand with very different ingredients. You don’t have to have a specialty store nearby. Most large grocery stores, big box retailers, and large online vendors have many options that should meet your needs!
4. When in doubt, buy organic: Organic food products should not be grown with, or exposed to, pesticides. And, they cannot be labeled organic if they contain artificial ingredients! So if you see an organic option for a food you love, you can rest assured it will also be natural.  
5. Transition to more whole foods: Brightly colored candies, snacks, and beverages are intentionally marketed to children and are often packed with artificial dyes and chemicals. When buying lunchbox snacks, the fewer ingredients, the better. If your family is used to a lot of processed snack foods, start supplementing them with more whole foods like fresh fruit, dried fruit (without added sugar and colors), prepared fresh veggies, sliced or chunks of cheese, assorted nuts (or trail mix), and whole grain products.  
6. Make Your Own Healthy Treats: Many pre-packaged foods, including chewy granola bars, mini muffins, or snack cakes, contain artificial colors, preservatives, and flavorings. A fun family activity can be baking at home—making oatmeal raisin cookies, fruit bars, or your own granola recipe using natural ingredients like organic rolled oats, honey or real maple syrup, and dried fruit. Make sure you use real vanilla and other extracts, and watch out for vanillin or artificial ingredients in box mixes or baking chips you add to your creations.  
7. Drink Water or Fresh Juices: Artificially flavored and colored sodas, juice boxes, and sugary drinks can have a direct impact on your child’s behavior, including their tics. Your child may be used to having brightly colored sports drinks after a game, so look for clear or dye-free hydration. Gatorade has an all-natural option. Otherwise, opt for water (fresh or sparkling) with or without fruit or herbs for flavor, coconut water (great for replenishing electrolytes), or freshly squeezed fruit or vegetable juices.  

Household Products That Support a Calmer Home 

What’s in the air and around the house can impact the nervous system. Switching to natural, non-toxic products in your home can help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals that could trigger or worsen tic symptoms. 

1. Choose Natural Cleaning Products: Many popular cleaning products, from sprays to floor cleaners, contain strong fragrances and chemicals that irritate the respiratory and nervous systems. Choose eco-friendly and natural cleaning products made from plant-based ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. You can even make your own all-purpose cleaner with just a few ingredients, like water, vinegar, and lemon. Or, look for non-toxic commercial cleaning products from companies like Seventh Generation.
2. Use Essential Oils Instead of Artificial Scents: Scented candles, air fresheners, and plug-ins are often made with synthetic fragrances that can negatively affect children with tics. Instead, use a diffuser with calming essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus. Not only do they create a soothing atmosphere, but they also provide health benefits without harmful chemicals. 
3. Switch to Natural Laundry Detergents: Many laundry detergents and fabric softeners are packed with artificial fragrances and chemicals. Look for natural, hypoallergenic alternatives free from synthetic dyes and scents. Popular brands of detergents often have an unscented detergent.
4. Avoid Scented Personal Care Products: Most shampoos, lotions, and soaps contain artificial fragrances and dyes. Choose natural or fragrance-free options that are made with gentle ingredients, such as aloe, shea butter, or coconut oil. These can help prevent skin irritation or inflammation, which can sometimes exacerbate TS symptoms. Check the website of the Environmental Working Group to find safe personal products. 

The Impact of a Healthier Environment on Tics

It’s important to remember that every child is different, and not all children with tics will respond to the same changes in the same way. However, many parents report a noticeable improvement in their child’s behavior and tic symptoms after eliminating artificial ingredients and fragrances from their diet and environment. 

It’s worth a try! By removing artificial additives from their diet, children with tics or Tourette Syndrome may experience fewer tics, improved mood, and better focus. Similarly, reducing exposure to artificial fragrances and chemicals can help calm the nervous system, leading to less irritability and fewer or less intense tic episodes. 

Creating a home environment that’s free of toxins and filled with natural, calming elements can help your child feel more comfortable and focused, making it easier for them to manage symptoms and thrive. 

Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact

One of the easiest and most effective ways to help your child manage their tics could be by making small changes to what they eat and what they’re exposed to at home. By choosing whole foods, reducing artificial additives, and opting for natural household products, you can make a noticeable difference in your child’s health and well-being. 

These simple swaps are easily found at most grocery stores, so there’s no need to go out of your way. By focusing on a cleaner, more natural environment, you’re not just helping your child with tics—you’re creating a healthier home for the entire family.