The Insidious Dangers Of Glyphosate Toxicity + What This Chemical Is Really Doing To Your Health

According to estimates by the United States Geological Survey, (1) glyphosate use has increased from approximately 13 million pounds in 1992 to 280 million pounds in 2016. This dramatic increase on the food we eat on a daily basis undoubtedly has an effect on our long-term health - whether we want to admit to that connection or not. As a functional medicine practitioner, it’s my job to empower you with facts and education so that you can make informed choices about what is best for your health. So if you are confused as to why you should be concerned about glyphosate, read on as we demystify everything about this chemical from what it is, how it impacts your health, and natural ways you can limit glyphosate exposure in your everyday life.

What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a ubiquitous herbicide that has become an integral part of modern agriculture. More commonly known by its brand name Roundup, glyphosate is widely used to control weeds in order to enhance crop yields. However, its pervasive presence in our food supply has raised alarm bells amongst health-conscious individuals, researchers, and practitioners alike. Studies have suggested a potential link between glyphosate exposure and various health issues, including disruptions in gut health, hormonal imbalances, and immune system dysregulation.

The dangers of glyphosate

While there are many reasons for the rise in chronic health conditions - particularly autoimmune diseases - it’s hard to ignore the likely impact that glyphosate use has on this phenomenon. Around 99 percent of our genes were formed before the development of agriculture approximately 10,000 years ago, not including the development of glyphosate.

While studies are limited, researchers are starting to finally look at this mismatch between our DNA and our increased use of glyphosate. Needless to say, they have found some surprising health implications between today’s most common health problems and our use of glyphosate.

1. Glyphosate inhibits thyroid function

Glyphosate has been shown to act as an endocrine disruptor - a chemical that can mimic or interfere with your body’s natural hormone production - with studies linking glyphosate exposure to an increased risk (2) of thyroid problems worldwide including cancer and Hashimoto’s. One study even found (3) that women who were married to men who used pesticides in their daily work were at a higher risk of developing thyroid problems compared to other women.

2. Glyphosate disrupts hormone balance

Since glyphosate is an endocrine disruptor, its hormonal effects go far beyond your thyroid health. Glyphosate toxicity has been linked to an increased risk of other hormone imbalances including estrogen dominance due to its increased estrogenic activity. In fact, glyphosate’s estrogenic activity is so powerful, studies have found that it can even promote the growth (4) of breast cancer cells via your body’s estrogen receptors.

3. Glyphosate damages your gut health

One of the most concerning aspects of glyphosate is its potential impact on gut health. A recent study published in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology has suggested that even low doses of glyphosate can significantly disrupt (5) the delicate balance of gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis and an increased risk of gastrointestinal issues. And since a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for nutrient absorption, immune system regulation, and your overall health, by disturbing this delicate ecosystem, glyphosate may pave the way for various chronic health problems.

4. Glyphosate increases oxidative stress + inflammation

Glyphosate has been linked (6) to an activated inflammatory response through its ability to increase oxidative stress and cellular damage, which are key contributors to the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and metabolic syndrome. 

How do I know if glyphosate is in my food?

To know if glyphosate is present in your food, first look for ingredients that include foods that are commonly treated with this herbicide. Conventionally grown crops such as corn, soy, wheat, and cotton are most likely to have glyphosate residues. Opting for organic versions of these foods can be a safer choice as they are less likely to have used any sort of glyphosate during the growing process. Additionally, consider seeking out third-party lab testing results for glyphosate content in the products you purchase.

Ways to mitigate glyphosate exposure

Although it can be difficult to eliminate glyphosate exposure altogether (we can’t always know with 100% certainty which brands are being transparent with their practices or where restaurants are supplying their food from) we do have the power to greatly limit our exposure and its effects on our health.

1. Switch to locally grown, organic

The number one way to limit glyphosate exposure is by making the switch to organic food as much as possible. Whether it is prepackaged food or produce from the grocery store, anything labeled organic isn’t going to be treated with glyphosate. Take it a step further and shop from local farmers and suppliers who you can talk with face-to-face about their farming practices and whether or not they use glyphosate.

2. Choose your produce wisely

If you can’t eat all organic due to sourcing or budget constraints, consult The Environmental Working Group’s Clean Fifteen (7) and Dirty Dozen (8) lists of produce most likely and least likely to contain both GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and pesticides like glyphosate. When in doubt, buy organic versions of the produce on the Dirty Dozen list and non-organic versions of the produce on the Clean 15 list.

3. Support your liver

As your body’s main detox organ, your liver’s primary function is to filter out toxins from the foods you eat and the things you are exposed to in your environment. But when your liver is overloaded with toxins because it can’t process them fast enough, it creates a cascade of chronic inflammation in your body, which further affects your liver’s ability to rid itself of these toxins. 

By supporting your liver’s natural ability to detox, you’re allowing the liver to restore itself and catch up with the detoxification workload of any glyphosate you do happen to come across in your food. Milk thistle is one of my favorite tools for supporting your liver as it helps eliminate toxins that have built up in your liver while also restoring damaged liver cells from repeated toxin exposure. You can find milk thistle in tea or supplement form like my supplement, Protect.

4. Enhance your detox pathways

Methylation, a biochemical process, happens more than 1 billion times a second in your body to keep you alive and healthy, and one of its primary purposes is detoxification. Many people with immune problems have genetic methylation impairments, such as MTHFR gene mutations, which makes it difficult to detox on your own. 

To boost your body’s ability to detox from any glyphosate and other chemicals in your daily life, support methylation pathways with superfoods like sulfur-rich veggies including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, along with dark leafy greens rich in B vitamins - methylation’s preferred fuel.

The Takeaway

While research surrounding glyphosate is continuing to develop, what has come out has not shown this chemical in the most positive light. But by arming yourself with education, you can continue taking steps towards vibrant health, both big and small. Part of that education comes with uncovering whether or not glyphosate toxicity is a part of your health case. In my telehealth functional medicine clinic we run tests to determine the presence of glyphosate in your body and design natural functional medicine protocols based on the results.

If you think you might have glyphosate toxicity and are ready to dive a little deeper into your health, schedule a telehealth consultation today to learn more about how we can help you with functional medicine.

As one of the first functional medicine telehealth clinics in the world, we provide webcam health consultations for people around the globe.