17/04/2025
I am seeing so many microbiome (stool) results with low levels of beneficial bacteria like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, despite many of my patients eating relatively good diets.
One of the reasons for this disturbing trend is Glyphosate exposure.
Glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup and many other weedkillers, is the most widely used herbicide globally.
It was said to be orginally safe for humans however we now know that it shares the same metabolic pathway as some of the bacteria in our gut and studies have shown a detrimental effect on our good gut bacteria which, in turn, favours more pathogenic bacteria growth.
This is associated with the rise in autoimmune issues and an increase in inflammatory bowel issues among other health issues .
A recent large-scale study has uncovered a disturbing link:
š The more glyphosate found in peopleās bodies, the higher their risk of early death ā from any cause.
And this isnāt just from industrial useā¦
Itās from everyday exposure ā through food, water, air, and even soil.
Itās sprayed not only on genetically modified (GMO) crops, but also on conventional ones like:
āļø Wheat, oats, barley
āļø Chickpeas, lentils, legumes
āļø Sugarcane and more
These crops are often treated just before harvest to dry them quickly ā a process known as chemical desiccation.
š Studies in multiple countries, including Australia, have detected glyphosate in the general population ā not just in farmers.
š¦ Here in Australia, glyphosate is still sprayed widely:
šļø On footpaths and playgrounds
šļø On beaches
š¾ On conventional farms
Despite regulatory claims that small amounts are āsafe,ā this new research suggests long-term, low-level exposure may still pose serious health risks.
So What Can You Do?
While we can't eliminate glyphosate overnight, we can reduce our exposure and support our body's defences:
ā
Wash your food produce well (a little bit of apple cider vinegar in your water can help remove extra pesticide from your food. Grow your own food when you can
ā
Choose organic or regenerative produce ā Glyphosate-free
ā
Ask local growers about their spray practices
ā
Support your natural detox systems with foods such as organic beef liver, egg yolks (which are high in choline) , fermented foods, liver support herbs and lots of green leafy and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli (wash these well!)
Bottom line? Glyphosate doesnāt belong in our bodies.
While total avoidance may not be realistic (yet), every conscious choice ā from growing herbs to supporting local spray-free farmers ā helps build a healthier future. š±š
