Many have heard the puzzling phenomenon of eating pasta everyday in Europe and losing weight, yet drinking water in America and gaining weight. It is not that you are gaining fat, rather that you are gaining inflammation. Did you know that in most European countries pesticides and preservatives like glyphosate are banned, yet agricultural practices in America involve heavy use of these herbicides.

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is what gives dough its elasticity. Many people are quick to blame gluten for their digestive issues. But what if gluten isn't the real culprit? The underlying cause might actually be glyphosate, a toxic herbicide used predominantly in American agriculture.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in many herbicides, is extensively used in agriculture as a poison for killing weeds. The FDA has deemed it “safe” in small quantities, but its widespread use has led to residues in a wide range of crops. Consequently, these residues are then commonly found in foods that make up a significant portion of our diet. This raises concerns about how glyphosate impacts our health over time.

Health professionals are now pointing fingers at glyphosate as a contributor to countless health issues. Here are a few examples of how glyphosate can wreak havoc on your health:

Gut Microbiome Disruption: Glyphosate has been shown to disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, the microorganisms living in our intestines. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for digestion and overall health, acting as a mini-ecosystem that keeps everything running optimally. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to issues such as digestive problems, bloating, IBS, inflammation, and even autoimmune disorders. 

Leaky Gut Syndrome: Glyphosate has been found to contribute to leaky gut syndrome, where the lining of the small intestine gets damaged. This damage allows undigested food particles and toxins to pass into the bloodstream, causing inflammation and possibly triggering food sensitivities, including those to gluten. 

Nutrient Deficiencies: Glyphosate is known for latching onto essential minerals, preventing plants, animals, and humans from absorbing them effectively. This interference can result in deficiencies of critical nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and iron, which play crucial roles in maintaining quality of life.

By incorporating certain practices into one’s lifestyle, it is possible to take proactive steps to potentially reduce exposure and the health issues associated with glyphosate:

Choose Organic: Vote with your dollar by choosing organic! Organic farming standards prohibit the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate. By opting for organic foods, you not only reduce your exposure to glyphosate residues but also support sustainable farming practices that prioritize natural, pesticide-free cultivation. Studies have even shown that eating organic foods for just 3-5 days can reduce circulating pesticides in your blood by a whopping 80-90 percent, proving how significant eating organic can be in reducing exposure to harmful pesticides.

Embrace Gut Health: Probiotics and prebiotics are essential for maintaining a thriving gut microbiome. Include probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, and kombucha in your diet to support beneficial bacteria. 

Uncovering the impact of glyphosate on digestive health broadens our perspective beyond gluten, urging us to scrutinize agricultural practices and their effects on our well-being. As research unveils more about these hidden connections, incorporating healthier habits becomes a proactive journey towards improving one’s quality of life.