Glyphosate
The world's most used herbicide. Glyphosate (Roundup) is sprayed on GMO crops and as a desiccant on wheat, oats, and legumes. It disrupts gut bacteria, chelates minerals, and may substitute for glycine in proteins. Ubiquitous in the food supply.
How Glyphosate Works
Shikimate Pathway
Blocks plant pathway for aromatic amino acids. Kills weeds. "Safe for humans"—but gut bacteria have it.
Microbiome Disruption
Kills beneficial bacteria. Favors pathogens. Disrupts gut ecosystem. Affects nutrient synthesis.
Mineral Chelation
Binds minerals: manganese, iron, zinc, cobalt. Makes them unavailable. Originally patented as chelator.
Glycine Mimicry
May substitute for glycine in proteins. Creates misfolded proteins. Disrupts collagen, enzymes.
Cytochrome P450
Inhibits detox enzymes. Impairs liver function. Reduces ability to clear other toxins.
Barrier Function
Damages tight junctions. Increases intestinal permeability. Contributes to leaky gut.
Health Concerns
Cancer
IARC Class 2A: probably carcinogenic. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma link. Court cases won.
Gut Issues
IBS, celiac-like symptoms. Microbiome disruption. Leaky gut. Inflammation.
Endocrine Disruption
Hormone interference. Thyroid effects. Reproductive concerns. Estrogen mimicry.
Neurological
Crosses blood-brain barrier. Neurotoxicity. Parkinson's link studied. Manganese depletion.
Kidney/Liver
Organ damage in studies. Sri Lanka kidney disease. Detox pathway inhibition.
Autoimmunity
Increased permeability triggers. Molecular mimicry potential. Celiac correlation.
Reducing Exposure
Eat Organic
No glyphosate allowed. Levels drop quickly when switching. Priority for high-spray crops.
Avoid GMOs
Roundup-Ready crops sprayed heavily. Corn, soy, canola, sugar beets. Read labels.
Watch Wheat/Oats
Pre-harvest desiccation. Conventional wheat highly contaminated. Oats often tested high.
Filter Water
Runoff contaminates water. Carbon filters help. RO more effective.
Supplement Glycine
May help displace glyphosate. Support collagen. 5-10g daily. Theoretical benefit.
Support Detox
Humic/fulvic acids. Probiotics. Liver support. Sweating. Rebuild gut.