We Are Not “Roundup Ready”
In August 2018, a jury in California awarded $289 million to a cancer patient whose cancer was caused by the Monsanto weed killer Roundup. Monsanto (an agro-giant, now part of the pharmaceutical company Bayer) has spent years claiming that their glyphosate-based herbicides are safe for humans. This court case also revealed that Monsanto knew and concealed the carcinogenic effects of this herbicide. For decades, researchers have warned about the cancer causing potential of glyphosate, however, there was no consensus until now. In 2015, the International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), concluded that glyphosate has a substantial potential to cause non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in humans. Yet, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presently allows 50 times more glyphosate on corn crops than they did in 1996.
Each year, more than 250 million pounds of glyphosate is used in the US alone on edible crops such as genetically modified “Roundup ready” corn and soybeans, processed foods with MSG, vegetable oils, high fructose corn syrup and animal feed. Now, significant amounts of glyphosate have been detected in many popular breakfast cereals, oatmeal and granola bars.
Farmers exposed to glyphosate herbicides have double the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma because of its effects on the immune system. Minimal exposure by inhalation of glyphosate, even at 450 times less concentration than that used for spraying, damages DNA in the cells. In addition to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, glyphosate exposure is also linked to cancers of the thyroid, liver, pancreas, kidneys and urinary bladder. Glyphosate is a known endocrine disruptor. The endocrine system regulates metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, and sleep and mood. Glyphosate wreaks havoc on the endocrine system due in part to the levels that are legally allowed in drinking water. Scientists have associated glyphosate exposure with increased incidence of diseases such as celiac and Crohn’s, lactose and gluten intolerance, fatty liver, metabolic syndrome, and neurological conditions including autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s disease.
At the Dr. Rath Research Institute, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of glyphosate at various doses on human cells.* We used human skin fibroblasts to mimic a direct exposure to this herbicide through skin contact, and with kidney cells since Roundup has been indicated to cause increased risk of kidney damage in workers exposed to it. In the study we also used different commercially available nutritional supplements to assess their protective effects against the cellular damage caused by glyphosate exposure to determine if they are sources of possible protection from the harm caused by this widely used herbicide.
Our results confirm glyphosate exposure is severely toxic to human cells. Except for one supplement formula, other commercially available micronutrient formulas tested in this study did not show any protection against glyphosate damage. The one specific micronutrient combination that showed cell protective effects contained potent antioxidants such as vitamin C, green tea and plant extracts, quercetin, and others. The micronutrient combination in this formula was based on the principle of nutrient synergy.
The best way to protect your health against this and other herbicides is to avoid all genetically engineered and processed foods containing corn, soy, and canola. In addition to consuming organic food, people should also consider including scientifically researched micronutrient supplements. Furthermore, it is critical to build worldwide awareness and demand strict regulations against such toxic agents.
*M Chatterjee, et al., Cellular Medicine and Natural Health Journal, Mar 2017
