GMOs Part I: Hold the Glyphosate!

        This is the first of a series of posts surrounding information regarding the development, distribution, and effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the herbicides they are used in conjunction with.   Future posts will focus on describing GMOs in further detail, but for the sake of understanding the information presented, it is important to know what GMOs are.  In short, GMOs are plants that have had their DNA altered to act as a pesticide, and also become resistant to herbicides.  In other words, the plant itself is now a pesticide.  This particular post will focus on the strong herbicide, glyphosate, also known as Roundup, that is used to control weed growth in fields growing genetically modified organisms. 

        Glyphosate was introduced in the early 1970s by a company called Monsanto¹.  Glyphosate attracted attention because unlike traditional herbicides, it killed virtually all plants, instead of being selective and only killing certain weeds.   Evidence¹.  One study showed that glyphosate exposure is linked to birth defects².   Another study showed that glyphosate exposure can cause infertility in males³.  Other evidence shows that glyphosate also destroys the microbiome in our small intestines that is vital for a number of highly essential functions such as immunity⁴.  Further studies found that the chemical is linked to cancer, including non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Leukemia^6,7.  Studies all around the world, even in areas where the chemical is not widely used, have shown that glyphosate is present in the urine of as many as 100% of individuals tested.  Even individuals who were not thought to have immediate exposure to this chemical were found to have levels in their urine that were higher than was deemed safe in the water supply⁵.

shows that this chemical has a variety of significant effects on our environment as well as our bodies

        Based on the evidence, it would seem that most, if not all of us, are now exposed to this chemical and have it residing within our bodies.  How does this happen? And what can you do to minimize your exposure?  Glyphosate is sprayed on GMO crops to control weed growth.  Therefore, avoiding consumption of GMOs will allow you to significantly decrease your intake and exposure to this harmful pesticide.  Be sure to check back next week for more information on GMO crops and the effects they can have on our health.  If you’d like more details on this, and other topics in health and nutrition, please visit www.nhwchiro.com to download your free eBook!

Sources

1.  http://roundup.ca/en/rounduphistory

2. Paganelli, A., Gnazzo, V., Acosta, H., Lopez, S.L., Carrasco, A.E.  Glyphosate-based herbicides produce teratogenic effects on vertebrates by impairing retinoic acid signaling.  Chem. Res. Toxicol. 2010; 23(10): 1586-95. 

3.  Cattani, D. et. al.  Roundup disrupts male reproductive functions by triggering calcium-mediated cell death in rat testis and Sertoli cells.  Rfee Radic Biol Med. 2013; 65: 335-46. 

4.  http://www.naturalnews.com/046911_glyphosate_history_GMOs.html#

5.  https://www.organicconsumers.org/essays/gmos-are-killing-bees-butterflies-birds-and

6.  De Roos, A.J. et. al. Integrative assessment of multiple pesticides as risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among men.  2003; 60(9): e11. 

7.  Hardell, L., Eriksson, M., and Nordstrom, M.  Exposure to pesticides as risk factor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hairy cell leukemia: pooled analysis of two Swedish case-control studies.  Leuk Lymphoma.  2002; 43(5): 1043-9.

8.  Natural Health and Wellness Chiropractic, LLC.  Learn more about your health at www.nhwchiro.com

9.  Photo credit: https://gmoawareness.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/wheat-and-glyphosate-med.jpg

10.  Photo credit: http://dailyhp.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-08-08-epa-considers-glyphosate-ban-cycle.jpg