Glyphosate and Gluten Sensitivity
Glyphosates and Gluten
A few years ago, we posted an article (about 12 pages) about Monsanto Roundup and the active ingredient glyphosate. I encourage you to read this article as context for this shorter update.
Glyphosate and Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity
Many people have wondered about gluten intolerance and celiac disease. It would appear that more and more people are finding a gluten free diet beneficial. Current estimates indicate that 5% or more of the U.S. population is now gluten sensitive. Is this from increased awareness, changes in the varieties of grains being used or some other factor?
Glyphosate May Be a Causative Factor
Some researchers, including Stephanie Seneff and Anthony Samsel have findings implicating glyphosate as an important causative factor. To quote from a study abstract: "fish exposed to glyphosate develop digestive problems that are reminiscent of celiac disease. Celiac disease is associated with imbalances in gut bacteria that can be fully explained by the known effects of glyphosate on gut bacteria".
Detox and Cytochrome P450 Involved
Characteristics of celiac disease point to impairment in many cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved with detoxifying environmental toxins, activating vitamin D3, catabolizing vitamin A, and maintaining bile acid production and sulfate supplies to the gut. Glyphosate is known to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Metal Deficiencies
Deficiencies in iron, cobalt, molybdenum, copper and other rare metals associated with celiac disease can be attributed to glyphosate's strong ability to chelate these elements. Deficiencies in tryptophan, tyrosine, methionine and selenomethionine associated with celiac disease match glyphosate's known depletion of these amino acids. Celiac disease patients have an increased risk to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which has also been implicated in glyphosate exposure.
Reproductive Issues
Reproductive issues associated with celiac disease, such as infertility, miscarriages, and birth defects, can also be explained by glyphosate. Glyphosate residues in wheat and other crops are likely increasing recently due to the growing practice of crop desiccation just prior to the harvest. We argue that the practice of ""ripening"" sugar cane with glyphosate may explain the recent surge in kidney failure among agricultural workers in Central America. We conclude with a plea to governments to reconsider policies regarding the safety of glyphosate residues in foods.""
Pre-Harvest Glyphosate Application
They are referring to the practice of one final application of glyphostate just before harvest of wheat and sugar cane as it helps to bring the entire crop to ripeness at the same time. This is different than early application of the weed killer weeks before harvest giving some of the glyphosate time to denature. Applications just before harvest means more will persist into the final food chain, that is final wheat food products.
Low Manganese and Consequences
Studies have also implicated glyphosate in the decrease in manganese that is associated with autism, Alzheimer's, depression, anxiety, Parkinson's and prion diseases. Sperm motility is also associated with Mn so glyphosate may be part of the reason for fertility issues and some birth defects.
Vitamin D and Omega 3 Fatty Acids
As referenced above, glyphosate interferes with cytochrome P450. This is significant because this enzyme controls processing of vitamin D in the liver. This means that you have trouble processing the vitamin D you might get from the sun or from a supplement. Omega 3 fatty acids help active vitamin D so taking a good fish oil supplement will be helpful for many reasons including your vitamin D utilization.
The stats are startling. The correlation of autism and amount of glyphosate used is strikingly similar. People exposed to GMO soy have 20x more Parkinson's and 100x more autism.
How to Avoid Glyphosate
So what is the best plan? 1. Select free range, organic non-GMO products as much as possible to limit your exposure to glyphosate. 2. Supplement your diet with vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids. Some people need as much as 10,000 IU of D per day to keep blood levels at a healthy level. You will need a blood test to know how you are doing. NuMedica Omega 950
You can order an omega 3 index test kit (link below!) to make sure you are keeping your body supplied with essential nutrient. This is a self-administered finger-prick. Very easy to do and you will get valuable information that isn't available in a routine blood test.
With some attention to your food sources and with some supplementation, you can limit your probability of these disease conditions.
