Why You Must Avoid GMOs: The Hidden Dangers in Your Food

It is extremely important not to consume GMOs. Let me explain why and show you how to protect yourself and your family.

What Are GMOs?

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. They are also referred to as Genetically Modified (GM), Genetically Engineered (GE), and bioengineered ingredients.

A GMO is an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Scientists take genes from bacteria or viruses and insert them into the genes of different kinds of plants. This combination of genes from different species is impossible in nature and can only occur in a laboratory.

GMOs were introduced into our food supply and the marketplace in the 1990s. They are used in the food industry to make crops more resilient to insects and the application of chemicals, and also to make them look better and grow faster.

Here's the problem: 

None of the produce or animal products at your grocery store will contain labels letting you know that they are or contain genetically modified ingredients. This is why it is vital for you to be knowledgeable about this subject.

Types of GMOs You Need to Know About

Roundup Ready Crops (The Most Common)

The chemical company Monsanto made the herbicide Roundup, which contains glyphosate. Then they genetically modified corn, soy, sugar beets, alfalfa, canola, and cotton to be able to withstand being sprayed with their toxic herbicide. These are called Roundup Ready seeds. The chemical company itself altered the plants to be resistant to being sprayed with their own product.

Disease-Resistant Crops

Some crops are modified for disease resistance, such as papaya from Hawaii or China, and zucchini and yellow squash.

Bt Toxin Crops

Some corn, soy, and cotton crops are modified to contain a toxin inside the plant. This Bt toxin kills certain insects by breaking open their guts.

CRISPR Gene Silencing Technology

The gene silencing technology CRISPR uses short strands of RNA to silence certain genes. Examples of these foods include non-browning potatoes, apples, and mushrooms, as well as CRISPR-edited corn, soy, and tomatoes.

Synthetic Biology (Syn Bio)

In synthetic biology, scientists remove a cell's DNA, synthesize a new sequence of DNA, and insert it into the cell. They engineer microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast with additional genes, which create proteins used in products, including food and medicine.

Current products on the market using Syn Bio technology include:

• Aspartame

• Synthetic fats and blood-like substances found in products like Impossible Burger

• Steviol glycoside (not the same as pure stevia)

• "Non-animal dairy proteins" used in milks, ice creams, and cheeses marketed as vegan (they are not actually vegan)

• Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH)

Warning: Steer clear of all products that describe their foods as being made through a "precise fermentation" process.

The Glyphosate Problem

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, and it's an additional massive problem with GMOs. Here's what you need to know:

What Glyphosate Does

It's a Mineral Stripper

• Glyphosate was originally patented as a descaler to clean boilers and pipes because it grabs onto minerals and strips them off

• It makes crops mineral-deficient and binds with minerals in our body, depriving us of essential nutrients

It's an Antibiotic

• Roundup is patented as an antibiotic

• It specifically kills the beneficial bacteria in our guts

• An improper balance of gut bacteria is a precursor to most diseases

It's Everywhere

• Roundup is sprayed as a desiccant on grains and legumes, as well as on all types of produce

• Roundup contains additional toxic chemicals beyond glyphosate

• Once sprayed, glyphosate cannot be washed off—it ends up being absorbed into every cell of the plants

It's Increasing Rapidly

• Because GMO plants have a bacterial gene inserted in their genome, they become resistant to glyphosate

• GMO crops can survive extremely high levels of Roundup without dying

• Because of their resistance, in the last few years, glyphosate use has increased by 800%

Scientific Research About the Dangers of Glyphosate

The research is alarming:

• It has been implicated in many different types of disease

• It damages mitochondria, which are key for health, energy, longevity, and prevention of cancer

• It creates leaky gut and leaky brain by opening the tight junctions in the gut, causing digestive issues, and is linked to birth defects

• It's an endocrine disruptor and interferes with the creation of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and melatonin

How Glyphosate Affects Your Brain and Mood

Studies have shown that glyphosate plays a role in:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Fatigue

• ADHD/ADD

• Autism

• Insomnia

• Poor memory

• Parkinson's

• Alzheimer's

• Schizophrenia

• OCD

• Eating disorders

• Weight gain or loss

• Acid reflux

• Constipation

• IBS

The Neurotransmitter Connection

Glyphosate (Roundup) blocks an enzyme in the shikimate pathway, which is how it kills plants. Humans and animals do not have this pathway; however, the gut bacteria in our bodies (90% of our cells are microbes) do have this pathway. They use it to synthesize the amino acids that are precursors to serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine.

Studies have shown that glyphosate shuts down the shikimate pathway in the gut bacteria, thus affecting our bodies' production of these vital neurotransmitters. This is why glyphosate exposure can lead to mood disorders, sleep problems, and neurological issues.

How to Avoid GMOs

Your Action Plan

1. Consume Certified Organic Foods

This is your best protection. Organic certification prohibits GMOs.

2. Look for the Non-GMO Project Verification Label

If you cannot get something organic, make sure it has the Non-GMO Project verification label (look for the butterfly that says "Non-GMO Project Verified"). Download the Non-GMO Shopping Guide at nongmoshoppingguide.com.

3. Avoid "Bioengineered" Labels

Never buy anything with a label that includes the word "bioengineered."

4. Know Which Foods Are Currently Genetically Modified

Avoid all non-organic forms of these foods:

High-Risk Crops:

• Corn

• Soybeans

• Cotton (cottonseed oil)

• Canola (rapeseed) oil

• Sugar (from sugar beets)

• Papaya (from Hawaii or China)

• Zucchini

• Yellow summer squash

• Alfalfa

Newer GMOs:

• AquaAdvantage salmon

• Non-browning Arctic apples

• Non-browning potatoes

• Pinkglow pineapple

• Tomatoes and purple tomatoes

Hidden GMOs:

• Non-organic dairy products from cows injected with the GM growth hormone rBGH

• Food additives, enzymes, flavorings, and processing agents, including the sweetener aspartame (NutraSweet)

• Rennet used to make hard cheeses (to avoid GM rennet, only eat organic cheese)

• Steviol glycosides

• Non-organic meat, eggs, and dairy products (these animals consumed GMOs while they were raised)

• Any dairy alternatives made with precision fermentation

The Bottom Line

GMOs and glyphosate are wreaking havoc on our health in ways most people don't realize. The connections between glyphosate exposure and mental health issues, gut problems, and chronic disease are well-documented in scientific research.

Your best defense is knowledge and vigilance. Choose organic whenever possible, read labels carefully, and avoid the high-risk crops listed above unless they're organic or verified non-GMO.

Your body, and especially your gut bacteria, will thank you.

Want to Learn More?

Visit the Institute for Responsible Technology at responsibletechnology.org for more in-depth information about GMOs.

Need help detoxifying from glyphosate exposure or healing your gut after years of consuming GMOs? I can guide you through a personalized protocol to support your body's natural detoxification and healing processes.