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What is Glyphosate?
Let's talk about glyphosate. It’s a herbicide - a chemical designed to kill weeds that farmers are using to protect their crops. That means that it’s all over your food, your water, beauty products and maybe even in that glass of wine you enjoy after a long day.
But what exactly is it, how does it impact your health, and, most importantly, what can you do to protect yourself?
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, first introduced by Monsanto in 1974 under the brand name Roundup in the US. Today, it is one of the most widely used herbicides globally, used in agricultural areas but also in many households privately to control weeds.
Glyphosate inhibits an enzyme known as EPSP synthase, which is essential for plant growth. This enzyme is part of the shikimate pathway, a process that exists in plants, fungi, and bacteria but not in animals or humans. This has been a cornerstone of glyphosate's perceived safety for human use, as it was believed that it only affects organisms that rely on this pathway.
However, the extensive use of glyphosate, especially in genetically modified (GM) crops, has raised significant concerns. Glyphosate is not only applied during the growing season but is also used as a pre-harvest desiccant (to dry them) on crops. I found this part especially interesting! And did you know that it doesn’t affect an organic food label!!? If the crop is sprayed BEFORE planting, it apparently doesn’t count. So yes, organic crops can also be sprayed with glyphosate if it was done before planting them.
The widespread usage has led to glyphosate residues being found in soil, water, air, and, of course, in the food that you are consuming daily.
Where is Glyphosate Used?
China
USA & Canada
Brazil
EU (mainly France, Germany, Poland, Spain)
Argentina
How Glyphosate Affects Health
Although glyphosate was initially deemed safe for humans, emerging research suggests that its impacts on human health may be more significant than previously thought.
Here’s where things get a little scary. Glyphosate was originally designed to clean mineral deposits from industrial pipes, and it works by binding (chelating) to metals. When ingested by humans, it can deplete essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, leaving our bodies nutrient-starved.
On top of that, it disrupts protein synthesis, messes with our gut bacteria, and has been linked to conditions like leaky gut, anxiety, depression, and even cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies it as "probably carcinogenic."
Considering that it interferes with our digestive enzymes and makes it harder to break down and absorb protein, it’s a big deal when muscle loss and nutrient absorption are key health concerns as we age.
Gut Microbiome Disruption: Some studies suggest that glyphosate residues in food could disrupt the gut microbiome by killing off beneficial bacteria while allowing harmful strains to proliferate. You’re basically microdosing on antibiotics daily when consuming glyphosate in small doses. This imbalance has been linked to a range of health issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.
Endocrine Disruption: There is growing evidence to suggest that glyphosate may act as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with hormone regulation in the body. Some animal studies have shown that exposure to glyphosate can affect the levels of estrogen and testosterone, potentially contributing to reproductive issues, developmental problems in children, and even an increased risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast or prostate cancer.
Cancer Risk: One of the most controversial debates surrounding glyphosate is its potential link to cancer. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans." This decision was based on studies that found an association between glyphosate exposure and an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. However, regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have maintained that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a cancer risk at “typical” exposure levels. This discrepancy between different health agencies has fueled ongoing legal battles, particularly in the U.S., where numerous lawsuits have been filed by individuals claiming that glyphosate exposure caused their cancer.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Glyphosate has also been linked to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, leading to cellular damage. Chronic inflammation is a well-known contributor to many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Some research suggests that glyphosate can trigger oxidative stress by depleting the body's natural antioxidant defenses, and therefore promoting inflammation and tissue damage.
Could You Have Glyphosate Toxicity? (Symptoms & Testing)
Mom brain anyone? It's not just being 40. We've normalized this kind of dementia & anxiety culture.
Symptoms of glyphosate exposure can be unexplained brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, or digestive issues like bloating or irregularity, glyphosate might be part of the problem. And if you live near heavily sprayed areas or eat a lot of grains & legumes, your exposure is likely higher.
If you are eating plant-based or if you are vegan, you're going to have potentially a higher exposure, because you are likely eating more foods that have been treated with glyphosate but there’s another aspect: you're much more susceptible to eating less than high-quality oils and fats (omega6), so your cellular walls are made from less than resilient fats. It makes your cell walls more susceptible to not being able to receive nutrients well and not being able to expel metabolic waste and toxins efficiently.
Wondering if it's affecting you? There are tests! You can test glyphosate levels through urine samples, which can provide insight into your body’s glyphosate burden. I like to use the Total Tox Burden Test from Vibrant Wellness, but there are other options, contact me to learn more!
Symptoms can manifest though long before any test shows significant levels. It’s worth considering lifestyle changes to reduce exposure, regardless.
How to Reduce Glyphosate in Your Body
Good news! Reducing your glyphosate exposure and helping your body detox isn't impossible. Here are a few smart steps you can take - if you want my help with detoxing and gut healing, please contact me here:
Go Organic (But Be Smart About It): While organic foods can still have glyphosate from water contamination or spray drift, they're generally safer. Prioritize organic, especially for grains, legumes, soy products, leafy greens and berries. Also stay away from conventional sugar made from beets.
Filter Your Water: Glyphosate is water-soluble, meaning it can show up in your tap water. Invest in a good water filtration system—most municipal systems don’t filter it out. => I recommend Aquatru.
Eat Cleaner Animal Products: Glyphosate also ends up in meat and dairy products from animals fed GMO corn and soy. Look for pasture-raised, grass-fed, and organic options to avoid this.
Detox Smartly: Glyphosate can be stubborn, and detoxing too quickly can make you feel worse. Start slow with binders like humic and fulvic acid, which help to bind to toxins and safely remove them from the body. Also make sure to support your detox pathways.
Support Your Gut Health: Since glyphosate damages gut bacteria and contributes to leaky gut, consider adding gut-repairing foods like bone broth or collagen to your routine.
Be Mindful of Non-Food Sources: Glyphosate is hiding in more than just your food. Personal care products, cosmetics, and even things like dry shampoo can contain glyphosate-laden ingredients. Look out for any products that contain non organic grains like wheat (germ oils), rice, oat… Opt for cleaner, organic alternatives whenever possible.
In Conclusion
Glyphosate may be everywhere, but you don’t have to let it control your health. By being informed and making smart food and lifestyle choices, you can significantly reduce your exposure and keep your body strong, especially during the changes of perimenopause. So, next time you're meal planning or shopping for skincare, remember: you have the power to take control of your health!
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