The product we know by the name of Roundup, produced by Monsanto is an agricultural herbicide designed to deliver powerful and consistent weed control. The active ingredient in this herbicide is glyphosate. Glyphosate was approved for use in the US in 1974 and has been widely used ever since.
Scientists have looked carefully at glyphosate and its results. Many have come to the conclusion that glyphosate-based herbicides destroy soil, plant, animal and human health. Many farmers have come to the same conclusion.
Let's talk first about glyphosate's impact upon the soil where food is grown. Researchers have found that glyphosate decimates the beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Those organisms are essential for proper plant function and high quality nutrition. Without them, food is less nutrient dense. In other words, glyphosate sprayed food and crops are less nutritious. This has a direct impact upon our health.
In 2011, 250 million pounds of glyphosate were used in the US. The EPA recently doubled the amount of glyphosate allowed in our food. Be especially aware of conventionally produced soybean oil, flax seeds and peanuts. I strongly recommend only certified organic/organic for these food products, as a protection of you family's/your health.
Through scientific research, it has been established that glyphosate affects human health by causing disruption of your gut's microbial functions and life cycles. In addition, glyphosate has been found to preferentially affect the beneficial bacteria in your gut, while promoting the growth of pathogens in your intestines. Your gut's flora is critical to the proper functioning of your immune system. Let me repeat that. Your gut's flora is critical to the proper functioning of your immune system. When your immune system is disrupted, you can develop all kinds of health problems.
I'll speak more about the epidemiological patterns of diseases that closely correspond to our use of glyphosate in the next post.
Considering all this information is pretty disheartening. What can you do to safeguard your family's/your health? I've mentioned some suggestions in earlier posts and I'll repeat them here.
Eat organic as much as you possibly can. Of course, it will be more expensive, but when you consider that you are saving yourself doctor and medicine expenses that will occur later, it's actually a kind of preventative spending. Consider growing some food yourself in your own back yard. It's relaxing and rewarding at the same time. Start with something easy like some greens and a couple of tomato plants. Third, start shopping regularly at your local farmer's market. You'll get a chance to make friends with fruit and vegetable farmers and slowly build a relationship where you can ask questions and learn. Knowing the producers of your food has many positive aspects to it. Finally, inform yourself as much as possible. Here's one example. Did you know that California is considering its own food labeling law for the state? Yes! Food activists are still working on getting GE/GMO foods labeled. Please consider assisting in this effort by endorsing the CA State Food Labeling Bill, SB 1381. You can sign on to do that at this site: http://www.caforgefoodlabeling.org/endorsement_main_page
If you'd like to read and keep informed about the health hazards of glyphosate use, I'd strongly recommend Dr. Mercola's articles. He does a lot of research and speaks very clearly on this issue. Check out his website at: http://articles.mercola.com
Remember to be vigilant about reading the labels as you food shop, because things are changing all the time. Good health to you!
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