In today’s world, chemical compounds dominate agriculture. Unfortunately, the health implications of many of these substances are concerning. Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world, despite ongoing debates about its potential health dangers.

The glyphosate-cancer link

Glyphosate was classified as a "probable human carcinogen" in 2015 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) arm of the World Health Organization. A meta-analysis of human epidemiological studies suggests a compelling link between exposures to glyphosate based herbicides and increased risk for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (Zhang 2019).

A silent disruptor: gut microbiota

Recent studies suggest that glyphosate negatively impacts gut microbiota, the complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing in our digestive systems (Rueda-Ruzafa, 2019). Disruptions to this delicate balance could have far-reaching implications for human health, with some evidence pointing to a potential role of glyphosate in autism (Pu, 2020) and ALS progression (Anderson 2022).

Intergenerational effects

Some research has linked glyphosate with endocrine-disrupting and estrogen-mimicking activity that may affect affect fertility not only for those exposed to the chemical, but for their children and subsequent generations (Milesi, 2021)

Residues in food and water

Glyphosate residues are not confined to agricultural fields; they have infiltrated our food supply and drinking water. Research has highlighted the presence of glyphosate in a range of foods, from cereals to fruits, as well as in groundwater and surface water sources. The impact of glyphosate goes beyond our diet. It can disrupt soil ecosystems, harm non-target plants and insects, and raise concerns about biodiversity loss. Our well-being and the environment are intertwined, making informed choices even more crucial.

Children and vulnerable populations

Children, with their developing bodies and unique vulnerabilities, are particularly at risk from glyphosate exposure. The potential implications for developmental health are worthy of concern for families everywhere.

What can we do about glyphosate?

Because glyphosate use is so widespread, minimizing exposure requires our conscious choice. Opting for organic produce, supporting sustainable and regenerative farming practices, and advocating for more stringent regulations are steps individuals can take to reduce the potential risks.

Detoxing glyphosate is essential for safeguarding our health and well-being. Biome Medic by Purium is a safe and effective option for ridding your body of this and other harmful toxins. It’s the first ever anti-GMO supplement that helps protect your gut from glyphosate, as well as other herbicides and pesticides. It is the first ever product to receive the Gold Seal Standard Detox Certification from The Detox Project. In just six weeks, an early trial showed that taking it daily reduced glyphosate levels in the gut by 75%.

Biome Medic is designed to help replenish your body with beneficial bacteria while flushing unhealthy toxins. In addition to helping detoxify your body, Biome Medic also supports healthy digestion by providing needed nutrients. Plus, it’s completely vegan friendly. To check it out, just click on the product shown. Give it a try and get on the path toward toxin free living!

For more information on healthy ways to detox, visit Roots of Wellness.

References

Anderson G. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathoetiology and Pathophysiology: Roles of Astrocytes, Gut Microbiome, and Muscle Interactions via the Mitochondrial Melatonergic Pathway, with Disruption by Glyphosate-Based Herbicides. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 29;24(1):587. doi: 10.3390/ijms24010587. PMID: 36614029; PMCID: PMC9820185.

Milesi MM, Lorenz V, Durando M, Rossetti MF, Varayoud J. Glyphosate Herbicide: Reproductive Outcomes and Multigenerational Effects. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Jul 7;12:672532. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.672532. PMID: 34305812; PMCID: PMC8293380.

Peillex C, Pelletier M. The impact and toxicity of glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides on health and immunity. J Immunotoxicol. 2020 Dec;17(1):163-174. doi: 10.1080/1547691X.2020.1804492. PMID: 32897110.

Pu Y, Yang J, Chang L, et al. Maternal glyphosate exposure causes autism-like behaviors in offspring through increased expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2020 May 26;117(21):11753-11759. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1922287117. Epub 2020 May 12. Erratum in: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Feb 2;118(5): PMID: 32398374; PMCID: PMC7260984.

Rueda-Ruzafa L, Cruz F, Roman P, Cardona D. Gut microbiota and neurological effects of glyphosate. Neurotoxicology. 2019 Dec;75:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.08.006. Epub 2019 Aug 20. PMID: 31442459.

Weisenburger DD. A Review and Update with Perspective of Evidence that the Herbicide Glyphosate (Roundup) is a Cause of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2021 Sep;21(9):621-630. doi: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.04.009. Epub 2021 Apr 24. PMID: 34052177.

Van Bruggen AHC, He MM, Shin K, Mai V, Jeong KC, Finckh MR, Morris JG Jr. Environmental and health effects of the herbicide glyphosate. Sci Total Environ. 2018 Mar;616-617:255-268. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.309. Epub 2017 Nov 5. PMID: 29117584.

Zhang L, Rana I, Shaffer RM, Taioli E, Sheppard L. Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides and risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A meta-analysis and supporting evidence. Mutat Res Rev Mutat Res. 2019 Jul-Sep;781:186-206. doi: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2019.02.001. Epub 2019 Feb 10. PMID: 31342895; PMCID: PMC6706269.