What is glyphosate and what are its uses?
Glyphosate is an herbicide, registered as a pesticide in the United States since 1974. It is widely used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses. Farmers globally use it to control weeds that interfere with their food crops and to clear and prepare a field for planting.
In 1996, Monsanto introduced seeds that they genetically engineered to be glyphosate resistant. The introduction of these genetically modified seeds has allowed farmers to spray glyphosate products broadly, rather then selectively, to prevent killing their crops along with the weeds.
Farmers around the world use glyphosate as a desiccant to dry out their crops before harvesting. For some crops, such as sugar cane and sugar beet, the continuous use of glyphosate can increase the fiber to sugar ratio enhancing the level of sugar in the beet or cane. Some farmers in Louisiana report there can be an increase of 300-600 pounds of sugar per acre.
Glyphosate is also used publicly and privately to control weeds in schools, yards, parks, gardens, athletic fields, cemeteries and along roadways and railways among other places.
Where is glyphosate showing up?
Glyphosate herbicide is in the water, plants, animals and humans. It is virtually everywhere in the food chain. Around the world glyphosate formulations are the most widely sold and used pesticides. The most common formulation is Round Up by Monsanto.
What can glyphosate do to me?
According to the EPA, there is no risk to all humans. I am old enough to remember the doctors also used to promote smoking. Consequently I’m a bit skeptical that there are no health risks. And, I give some credence to those reporting adverse health effects. Concerns have been raised about cancer, endocrine description, fertility and reproductive issues, liver disease, microbiome disruption and neurotoxicity to get you started.
How can I detoxify my body?
Glyphosate herbicide enters your body through food, drink and what you are exposed to through the skin. It is a good idea to make every effort to mitigate how much new glyphosate you continue to be exposed to.
Minimize exposure:
- Avoid GMO foods
- Avoid animal products fed GMO food
- Avoid using glyphosate products such as Round Up
- Eat organic
- Eat grass fed beef products
- Eat pastured poultry products
- Eat fermented probiotic foods
- Drink filtered water
Help the body:
- Incorporate the above guidelines
- Take supplements that deal with the glyphosate
- Use an infrared sauna
Glycine is an amino acid that helps with muscle and brain function among other things. The body can mistake glyphosate for glycine and thereby store the glyphosate. Increasing glycine levels can help prevent the storage of glyphosate. More glycine reduces the risk of the body storing glyphosate instead of glycine and, as a result, the glyphosate can more easily pass out of the system.
You can eat foods that contain glycine. Bone broth is the best source but you can also eat meat, dairy, poultry, eggs and fish, and some vegetables like spinach, kale, cauliflower, cabbage and pumpkin. Combine this with activated charcoal to bind to the glyphosate so it is more likely to pass through.
You can also supplement the glycine to increase the amount in the body. I found GlyphoCleanse to have the most targeted ingredients and includes almost every one listed in Dr. Axe’s defense team.
This article is not all inclusive, but rather just hitting some high points to make you aware of the issue and decide what you might do for yourself.
My Food History