If you were under the impression that glyphosate, the main active ingredient in Monsanto’s herbicide, RoundUp®, was quickly and easily excreted from the human body, it’s time for a wake-up call. It turns out that glyphosate and various other herbicides and pesticides are accumulating within the human body and could lead to a toxic overload of potentially cancer-causing agents and toxins. This evidence is a glaring contradiction to the claims made by Monsanto and concurred by the Food and Drug Administration that glyphosate is expelled from the human body without causing any health issues.
Glyphosate on the rise
One study conducted in Germany found extremely high concentrations of glyphosate in all urine samples tested. The concentrations found exceeded the established limit for drinking water by five to 20 times. This suggests that glyphosate is building up within the human body over time, instead of leaving the system rapidly. In addition, a study published in the Journal of Environmental & Analytical Toxicology found that people who are chronically ill have higher levels of glyphosate in their bodies compared to their healthier counterparts.
The issue isn’t just limited to Germany but has become a global problem. Glyphosate has been detected in human breast milk samples in 18 different countries, indicating widespread exposure to the herbicide. Furthermore, research has found that glyphosate and other chemicals present in RoundUp® can have “significant” negative effects on red blood cells, further emphasizing the need to reassess the impact of glyphosate on human health.
Effects on children
The fact that glyphosate has been found in breast milk poses an even more significant issue when considering the potential harm it may cause to newborns and young children. Babies are unable to detoxify and remove toxic chemicals themselves, so any accumulation of glyphosate found in breast milk could have devastating consequences on a child’s health. Glyphosate is only one of a myriad of chemicals now present in the umbilical cords of newborns, manifesting worries on how these toxins may affect their development and futures.
Glyphosate in our food
One major reason behind this build-up of glyphosate within humans is its extensive presence in daily diet. A large percentage of the food consumed is grown using glyphosate-based herbicides to boost crop yields. The residue of glyphosate that remains in the food makes its way into our bodies when eaten. This, combined with the fact that the build-up happens over a long period, makes it hard for the body to handle and remove these toxic substances.
RoundUp® – a ‘probable’ carcinogen
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as a ‘probable human carcinogen’ in 2015. This made it the first time that clear and independent conclusions were made about the potential carcinogenicity of glyphosate, giving cause for concern. Studies have linked exposure to glyphosate and RoundUp® to a plethora of health issues, including cancers, birth defects, kidney disease, liver disease, obesity, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological impairments.
The need for change
With mounting evidence suggesting glyphosate and other chemicals present in herbicides and pesticides such as RoundUp® are harmful to human health, it begs the question of whether we need a shift in our approach to food production. Reducing exposure to glyphosate-containing products should be of paramount concern. This can be achieved by promoting organic and ecologically-sound farming practices, which can lead to a significant decrease in our overall exposure to glyphosate and other toxic substances.
Healthier choices
In the meantime, individuals can make smarter choices regarding their diets in order to minimize their exposure to glyphosate and other harmful chemicals. It is suggested that you choose organic, locally grown, and seasonal food products whenever possible, as these have a lower likelihood of harboring glyphosate residues. Another safeguard is to grow your food products in your garden if you have space and resources. More people are starting to engage in backyard gardening to ensure they consume healthier, chemical-free fruits and vegetables. Finally, educate yourself and continue to stay informed on this crucial subject, as keeping up-to-date with scientific research will help you make better-informed decisions.
In conclusion, the issue of glyphosate build-up and its subsequent impact on human health calls for a change in our approach to food production and consumption. Taking more responsibility for the food we eat and choosing healthier options can go a long way in minimizing exposure to these harmful chemicals and their consequences. It’s time to consider the broader implications of our choices, both for the environment and for the future of human health.