Glyphosate is more than a popular media buzz word - it’s a real threat to whole body health, but especially reproductive health.
Glyphosate, the active component in the chemical Roundup, is an herbicide used to kill weeds that was introduced in 1974. Glyphosate became increasingly more common in the 1990s with the development of genetically modified (GMO) crops that were engineered to be resistant to glyphosate. This allowed farmers to spray glyphosate directly on crops without harming them, which meant increasingly more glyphosate found its way into our food supply and the environment around us.
Concerns about its impact on health surfaced in the early 2000s when animal and in vitro studies suggested that glyphosate could have endocrine-disrupting properties. Then in 2015, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans." More recent studies show evidence of glyphosate’s negative impact on fertility and beyond.
How Glyphosate Negatively Affects Fertility
One of the most troubling aspects of glyphosate exposure is its potential to harm reproductive health. Research has demonstrated that glyphosate is something known as an “endocrine disruptor,” which are chemicals that interfere with the body’s endocrine system, which is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance. Hormonal imbalances can lead to issues with fertility in both men and women, including irregular menstrual cycles, reduced sperm quality, and difficulty conceiving.
Animal studies have also found that glyphosate can impair ovarian function, alter estrogen production, and reduce testosterone levels. These effects can make it harder for couples to conceive and may increase the risk of miscarriage.
The Impact of Glyphosate on Pregnancy and Fetal Development
For those who are pregnant, glyphosate exposure poses additional risks. This chemical can cross the placental barrier, potentially impacting fetal development. Research has linked glyphosate exposure during pregnancy to increased risks of birth defects, low birth weight, and preterm labor.
Glyphosate is particularly dangerous during critical windows of fetal development when organs and systems are forming. Even low-level exposure to glyphosate during these stages can have lasting impacts on a child’s health.
Glyphosate and Newborn Health
The risks don’t stop at birth. Glyphosate has been detected in breast milk, meaning it can be passed to newborns through breastfeeding. This is alarming because infants are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxins due to their developing immune and nervous systems. Exposure to glyphosate early in life could disrupt gut bacteria, affect brain development, and impair the immune system’s ability to function properly. There has even been discussion of the epigenetic impact that glyphosate can have, which can impact generations to come.
Top Foods That Contain Glyphosate
Glyphosate is most common in conventionally grown crops, particularly those that are genetically modified. Here’s a list of the top foods that tend to contain glyphosate:
- Non-organic oats (often found in cereals and granola)
- Wheat (used in bread, pasta, crackers)
- Corn (in products like corn syrup, tortillas, and chips)
- Soy (soybean oil, soy protein, tofu)
- Lentils and chickpeas (often sprayed to dry out before harvest)
- Almonds and sunflower seeds
- Non-organic fruits and vegetables (especially the Dirty Dozen, the top 12 fruits and vegetables that are sprayed with glyphosate per the Environmental Working Group)
Unfortunately, even foods labeled “natural” or “non-GMO” can still contain glyphosate, so it’s essential to be vigilant when making food choices.
How to Avoid Glyphosate in Your Diet
While it’s nearly impossible to avoid glyphosate entirely, there are steps you can take to dramatically reduce your exposure:
- Buy Organic: Organic farming practices prohibit the use of glyphosate. Prioritize organic foods, especially when buying grains, fruits, and vegetables that are commonly sprayed with this herbicide.
- Look for the Glyphosate Residue-Free Label: Some food companies test their products for glyphosate and label them as “glyphosate residue-free.” Seek out these products when you can.
- Eat Locally and Seasonally: Local farmers often use fewer chemicals, especially if they follow regenerative or organic practices. Buying from farmers' markets and eating seasonal produce can help you avoid heavily sprayed crops.
- Avoid Processed Foods: Processed foods are more likely to contain ingredients like corn, soy, and wheat, which are often contaminated with glyphosate. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods to minimize your exposure.
- Wash Produce Thoroughly: Rinsing fruits and vegetables with a mixture of water and vinegar can help remove some pesticide residues, although it won’t completely eliminate glyphosate.
Final Thoughts
Glyphosate is a hidden threat in our food system, and its widespread use poses risks to fertility, pregnancy, and newborn health. While avoiding glyphosate completely can be challenging, making informed food choices can go a long way in protecting yourself and your family from this toxic chemical.
By choosing organic, focusing on whole foods, and staying informed, you can take control of your health and reduce your exposure to glyphosate. Small changes can lead to big impacts, especially when it comes to safeguarding your reproductive health and the well-being of your children.
