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Natural Awakenings Tucson

Food for Thought: : Six Things You Need to Know About Glyphosate AKA Roundup

Aug 28, 2018 11:40PM ● By Anna Blessing

Glyphosate is an herbicide that was developed in the 1950s and introduced in the‘70s to the U.S. Glyphosate and other organophosphates have been sprayed across crops, so all genetically modified, as well as many organic crops, have them. While this may produce a high-yield crop, there are some important things to consider with this man-made substance when it comes to our health and wellness.

Glyphosate is found in Roundup, a common weed killer. It ends up in our air, water and food and can be a serious problem. Since 2015, the World Health Organization concluded that glyphosate is a carcinogen and there are no safe levels for the body. Known as a hormone hacker, it has been the lead contributor to thousands of cancer cases. So then, why is it the most widely used commercial and residential herbicide? What will it take for we the people to stop buying and supporting these agents of death?

To increase awareness, there are six things we must know about glyphosate AKA Roundup.

Glyphosate alters plant structure. One benefit of glyphosates in terms of production is that it speeds up plant growth. The downside of this is that it alters natural plant structure. So the alkaloids, phenolics, sugar and carbohydrate groups in the plants are not the same as if we allowed them to mature.

Another thing to keep in mind is that glyphosate prevents us from absorbing certain nutrients in food. Specifically, it can stop us from absorbing folate, coenzyme Q10 and other necessary nutrients. Even eating a clean, nutritious diet, the majority of Americans are in a state of chronic malnutrition due to the abundance of glyphosate in our air, water and food.

Glyphosate mimics a crucial amino acid in the body. Glyphosate is a synthesized glycine amino acid, and doesn’t act the same in the body as the real thing. Glycine is important for muscle formation and retaining muscle mass, as well as for RNA and DNA synthesis.

A German study on glyphosate by pathobiologist Dr. Stephen Frantz, noted that when a cell is trying to form its protein in the RNA ribosomes engine, “It may grab glyphosate instead of glycine to form a damaged, misfolded protein,” which then goes on to replicate. When the high phosphate replaces glycine, the cell can’t function and can cause “unprecedented consequences.” This mimicry not only creates confusion in our bodies, but also activates massive gene mutation and errant cell proliferation, leading to serious and many times deadly diseases.

Glyphosate can inhibit detoxification and enzyme production. Other studies revealed glyphosates can cause potential harm to the body. One study found that glyphosate and antibiotics inhibit the cytochrome p450 enzyme pathway, a main detoxification and conjugation pathway in the liver. It’s an essential binding chemical root in the liver, which we know is critical for detoxification. Additionally, a 2014 study conducted by Joseania Salbego found that digestive enzymes trypsin, amylase and chymotrypsin were significantly affected by glyphosate.

In human biofeedback testing, the main areas glyphosate appears are in the gastrointestinal (GI) and detoxification systems, which are critical for the body’s health and well-being. If we are unable to properly eliminate and detoxify our bodies of deadly toxins, serious illnesses begin to manifest. Without the proper GI function and enzyme production, we can eat a nutritious and clean diet and still not be utilizing the nutrients we are taking in. For those with a leaky gut, the glyphosate then ends up in the blood and many times the brain.

We are exposed to glyphosate from food, air and water sources. When neighbors use Roundup in their yard, the run-off runs down the drains into our yards and water supply. We then shower, drink and wash our hands in glyphosate-ridden water that filtration does not properly filter out.

Many pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are sprayed in the air. Think of the butterfly effect: one butterfly flapping its wings can reach the other side of the world. This concept works for the abundance of airborne “cides” sprayed onto crops.
The best way to reduce glyphosate consumption is to buy organic, preferably local food. Better yet, growing our own food without harmful substances used on commercial crops. Because glyphosate has permeated our water supply, it’s important to get a good water filter to keep water clear and free of glyphosate and other harmful substances.

Ninety percent of corn, soybeans, cotton, beets, canola and sugar in the U.S. are glyphosate resistant and are constantly sprayed with glyphosate. These are our main “food” sources and are added to almost everything.

Glyphosate is the real reason for gluten intolerance and wheat allergies. Wheat and gluten were not an issue until we destroyed our food supply with the use of glyphosate, genetically modifying and creating hybridization of wheat crops.

Autoimmune severely gluten intolerant patients have traveled out of the U.S. and found they could eat wheat daily. And guess what? They lost 20 pounds, had energy and were able to not only tolerate it, but feel good. In the U.S., we are poisoning our food supply with the use of glyphosate and hundreds of other deadly pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.

What can we do? Building a strong microbiome is key. Our individual microbiome consists of communities of microbes within us. It’s important to keep our microbiome healthy because it really builds our emotional and energetic health.

In addition to herbs, clean food and clean water, there are other things we can do to build a strong microbiome, which will help detox and withstand glyphosate, and other toxins. These are: getting out in nature; nourishing our psychobiome with proper gut/brain support; standing/walking barefoot in clean, natural areas; working on psychospiritual maturation; eating fermented foods daily; and keeping our environment clean.

Biofeedback testing can help see how the body responds to glyphosate and scan for areas glyphosate is impacting, including organ stress, hormone imbalances and others that influence health. Knowing our body’s weak points and how to heal and balance them is invaluable. The body has its own language, and learning to interpret it is the difference between sickness and health.

Glyphosate is not something we want to take lightly as it is a growing problem that is impacting the health of our bodies and plants. So please, for our neighbors, loved ones, the animals and our future generations, choose awareness in the weed and pest killers you use. We the people have the power, and we change the world with every choice we make.

Anna Marie Blessing, B.Msc, CNC works at Tucson Biofeedback, which provides advanced comprehensive testing to pinpoint exactly what is going on in the body including testing to determine how the body is currently being impacted by glyphosate. Biofeedback Treatments have been proven to successfully treat over 16 medical conditions and have been highlighted in The Truth About Cancer. Mention this article to receive $100 off  your tests and consultation. Connect at 520-314-6894 or TucsonBiofeedback.com. See ads, pages 13 and 15.