Glyphosate. Ever heard of it? Probably not. So let me introduce it to you – it is the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup®. The more I learn about it, the more I am concerned. The more I learn about it, the more I am convinced that it may be the number one enemy of good health and the main pathway to so many of the modern diseases we now experience. And if nothing else, it is a great reason to eat organic.

The information I am sharing is from highly respected researchers – MIT PhDs. They have conducted their own studies and reported on others that link the increase in the use of glyphosate with the increase in many modern diseases, including celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and cancer. When we understand what glyphosate does in our bodies we see how specific nutrients are depleted and the subsequent negative impact on specific biological processes essential for good health. My purpose here is to provide a summary of the findings. If you want to research this more I suggest you search Stephanie Seneff, PhD.

The article I read focused on celiac disease, its main symptoms, and glyphosate. The main symptoms of celiac disease are: weight loss, diarrhea, chronic fatigue, neurological disorders, anemia, nausea, skin rashes, depression, and nutrient deficiencies. As you know these symptoms are not unique to celiac disease. They are experienced daily by many people and likely share common origins and roots with celiac disease – one of these being glyphosate consumption and exposure.

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup®. We are told it is not toxic to humans. Yet multiple scientific research studies draw links to obesity, autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, infertility, depression, and cancer as well as celiac disease. The bottom line is that the actions of glyphosate in our body have negative impacts on our health.

One of the major signs of celiac disease is damage to the microvilli of the intestine. This prevents proper digestion and assimilation of many vital nutrients and triggers an autoimmune response. A study on fish exposed to glyphosate showed the same defects in the small intestine lining as seen in humans diagnosed with celiac disease.

Now let’s take a look at some of the specific biological process disrupted and nutrients depleted by glyphosate. There are many more than discussed here, but I selected the major ones to support the main point of this article.

Gut bacteria: Glyphosate disrupt our gut bacteria. They inhibit growth of the good bacteria such as Enterococcus, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus; while allowing the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Clostridium difficile (C-Diff). The pathogenic bacteria cause damage to our gut lining and lead to “leaky gut.” Evidence of this has been seen across poultry, cattle, and swine populations. This is why Probiotics are often suggested to be used in cases of celiac disease or other intestinal discomfort.

As a side note, this is how Roundup® kills bugs. It blows their guts up!

CYP enzymes for liver detoxification: CYP enzymes are essential for the detoxification of specific substances in our liver. CYP enzymes are also required to produce bile acids and process cholesterol. Studies show correlations between liver damage, gall bladder dysfunction, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver, kidney damage, pancreatic damage, and esophageal damage connected to glyphosate. In short, when the detoxification process in the liver is compromised it creates the pathways for damage to these other organs.

Nutrient deficiencies: Many nutrient deficiencies are associated with glyphosate.

Cobalamin (B12) deficiency causes elevated levels of homocysteine which is inflammatory in nature. Cobalamin is derived from cobalt which glyphosate is known to chelate (bind with), thus the shortage. Anemia may result from cobalamin deficiencies, but also folate and iron. Glyphosate interferes with iron assimilation as well.

Molybdenum, a trace mineral, is needed for two key enzymes. Sulfite oxidase which converts sulfite to sulfate (a more stable form) and xanthine oxidase which produces uric acid from xanthine and hypoxanthine. Too much sulfite and uric acid leads to oxidative damage and inflammation in the body. Glyphosate interferes with molybdenum assimilation.

Selenium is required for many processes, including thyroid hormone production, immune system functioning, sperm production, and protective against oxidative cellular damage. Glyphosate inhibits selenium uptake into plants, thus limiting its availability in the foods (such as wheat) where it is supposed to be present. Evidence of the association between thyroid disease and thyroid cancer and the use of glyphosate is documented.

Glyphosate has been shown to disrupt the production of tryptophan. Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin. Serotonin plays many roles among them activating the immune response and inflammation in the gut and mood regulation. Depression is often linked to serotonin shortages.

This is a brief synopsis of one of many articles on the subject of glyphosate. As I stated earlier, the more I read about this herbicide, the more I do believe it is at the source of many of our health problems today. It is not the only cause, but in combination with other factors our bodies our under assault from environmental factors that we have never before experienced as a human race.

The solution to avoiding glyphosate is simple. Eat organic plants and animals. That will greatly decrease your chances for exposure.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Mequon, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.