Glyphosate (round up) is an herbicide that has infiltrated every aspect of our water and food systems and is wreaking havoc on our health, both human and animals.
In 1991, glyphosate was approved for crop use, leading to its widespread application on wheat, soybeans, chickpeas, and legumes. This practice aimed to facilitate quicker harvesting rather than increase crop yields.
The health risks of glyphosate is that it disrupts cellular connections, contributing to chronic diseases, cancers, and gut health issues. Its pervasive presence in the environment affects human health at multiple levels.
Historically, since the use of chemicals in agriculture dating back to the early 20th century, there have been significant detrimental impacts on soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystems, leading to a decline in the nutritional value of food.
Why Test for Glyphosate Toxicity?
The main ingredient in herbicides is glyphosate, a molecule that prevents plants from making proteins, so they die. Glyphosate kills the broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with crops. More than five billion pounds is sprayed worldwide, which ends up in our air, water, and soil.
Glyphosate can enter the body by direct absorption through the skin, by eating foods treated with glyphosate, or by drinking water contaminated with glyphosate. According to a 2022 CDC study, glyphosate is in 75% of rainfall, 75% of air, and 80% of Americans. The level of glyphosate in our system has grown from trace levels in Europeans to 1.75 milligrams per kilogram of body weight in Americans.
The EWG published a report on August 15th, 2018, that sent health food consumers into something of a spin. And quite rightly! This report revealed that glyphosate was present in 43 of 45 samples of products made with conventionally grown oats. Indeed, almost 75 percent of the samples had glyphosate levels higher than 160 parts per billion, the daily level of exposure which EWG scientists consider protective of children’s health.
Shockingly, around a third of the 16 samples of products made with organically grown oats also had glyphosate, although these levels were well below EWG’s health benchmark.
So, which products came out best in the EWG report? The five samples, tested by Eurofin Analytical Laboratories, with no detectable levels of glyphosate were as follows:
Nature’s Path Organic Honey Almond granola
Simple Truth Organic Instant Oatmeal, Original
Kashi Heart to Heart Organic Honey Toasted cereal
Cascadian Farm Organic Harvest Berry, granola bar
365 Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
How do we treat and detox from glyphosates?
Treatment of glyphosate toxicity should be centered on determining the route of introduction and avoiding future exposure.
Eat non-GMO (genetically modified organism) foods
Learn to grow your own food indoors or outdoors
Drink filtered water such as Reverse osmosis
Zeolite – Clinoptilolite – This is a natural zeolite, which has the ability to bind to toxins and removing accumulation.
Fulvic/ Humic Acid – It works in part by helping cells absorb the amount of minerals they need and discard of waste by acting as an ion transporter.
What is being done?
Regenerative Agriculture: There is hope through regenerative agriculture, which focuses on restoring soil health and biodiversity. Initiatives like reintroducing keystone species and promoting sustainable farming practices offer solutions to mitigate glyphosate’s harmful effects.
Consumer Actions: Individuals can reduce glyphosate exposure by choosing organic or permaculture-grown foods, supporting local farmers, and advocating for changes in agricultural practices and policies. Education and awareness are crucial for driving these changes.
references:
http://zachbushmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Glyphosate-Article-for-Holistic-Primary-Care-3-21-16.pdf