GMO is a genetically modified organism, plants or animal created through gene splicing techniques/ or with transgenic techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering). An experimental technology which merges DNA from different species/with living organisms genetic material being artificially manipulated in a laboratory creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, or bacterial/viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.. (Non-GMO project.org) Currently, there are several crops In the US that are modified: Corn, Alfalfa, Canola, Cotton, Papaya, apples, bananas, strawberries, Potato, Soybean, Crookneck squash, Sugar beet. Among some of the GM animals there are: cattle, pigs, chicken, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, fish, rats and mice.
There are many layers to scientifically and historically understanding the genetic modification methodology. Scientifically, the GM transformation process always carries risks. The insertion of the genetic material is always through an unstable method, and the results of even one DNA insertion within the genetic coding results in a mutation event within the natural sequencing of the DNA code. This mutated, interrupted sequencing will likely destroy the genes function, as well as the expression of genes in the whole region of the genome with the potential of unpredictable and negative consequences of the cellular and organ processes.
Historically, GM science goes back to the 1980s when they were first discovered. They came to the marketplace first in 1994 with the Flavr Savr tomato, engineered to have a longer shelf life. Monsanto was one of the first companies to apply biotechnology to the model of agriculture using techniques developed by biotech drug companies. They had previously been the developer of the insecticides of DDT, PCB, Agent Orange, and recombinant bovine growth hormone. In 2018, Monsanto sold and was acquired by Bayer pharmaceuticals. They are now the worldwide leader in GM foods, and they are of the belief that these foods will eradicate hunger. They also claim that they will be able to provide food to the populace at lower costs and that their foods have greater nutritional value. They are a global company, owner of Roundup, and have patents on all their GMO strains. In their very creation they have devised that these strains can withstand toxic herbicides “Roundup” or glyphosate. This herbicide is sprayed on crops and the plant GMO strains then do not die. These plants now have immunity to this very toxic pesticide.
Since Bayer owns these GM strains, the farmers that agree to utilize the GM foods must systematically compensate Bayer for their crop seeds year after year. This scenario has now been unfolding for about 20 years, and organic farming has been significantly threatened. When these GMO plants come in contact with the organic farming crops via drift pollination they are no longer able to be considered organic. In fact, whenever this occurred Bayer now had the rights to sue the farmer’s property that their patented seed fell upon, even if it is was due to the natural weather patterns. Since, the GM seeds can drift from the site of application moving from one field to another, it can damage crops not genetically modified to tolerate the herbicide. This drift can lead to lower crop yields, thus many farmers, not wanting to incur profit loss, simply concede to using GM crops. The non GMO farmer/or organic farmer has to either surrender their farm to GMO seed, pay hefty fines, or they are taken out of business. These are very limited options for the farming communities.
The herbicide, Glyphosate in the GM seed, is the active ingredient in Roundup, and is a harmful pesticide used on crops and other plants to kill weeds. This glyphosate residue is throughout our food supply organic and non-organic foods; on produce, in meat, and in packaged foods and in our water systems. The current statistic is that 90% of Americans now have pesticides or the byproduct residue in their bodies. Glyphosate is a major risk for humans and our environment, identified as a probable carcinogen from the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the WHO in 2015. As current as 2018, lawsuits are still in progress regarding suits against Monsanto/Bayer as they failed to warn of the risk of developing forms of cancer with exposure. Glyphosate is the subject of much controversy and conflicting studies. However, it is quite clear that glyphosate, is proven to be toxic to our human cells, causing genetic mutations, promoting, oxidative stress, decimating our gut flora, depleting amino acids, and minerals (zinc, manganese, and cobalt), and impairing of our metabolic enzymes, as well as, disruption to our endocrine function. In 2003, then Monsanto filed a patent on glyphosate as an antibiotic, thus the company acknowledges its herbicide acts to harm beneficial gut bacteria, as associated with the term antibiotic.
Furthermore, Glyphosate is a pervasive toxin in the human body, it is being held responsible for multiple chronic diseases, neurological diseases, endocrine disruption, autoimmune issues, gut dysbiosis, thyroid abnormalities, multiple cancers, and has been found to be a major metal chelator (binding to metals and depositing them into tissues). In numerous clinical studies; there is evidence of multiple interruptions to critical nutrient pathways, how it functions as an antibiotic in the body significantly altering microbiome, concerns that glyphosate mimics glycine, so glyphosate takes the place of glycine in the genetic material; causes a myriad of mineral deficiencies; contributes to gut sensitivities, allergies etc. This is a multi –layered generational, chronic environmental safety and public health risk that demands a connected, empowering, educated community to spread awareness and offer sound alternatives.
Equipped with all of this information, how can we now go about detoxifying our bodily systems from these toxins? I am of the mindset an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Firstly, going organic is an essential strategy, focusing on a micronutrient rich diet, those colorful fruits and veggies; loading up on a lot of herbs, basil, cilantro, thyme, oregano, garlic, onions, dandelion greens; following up with detoxifying supplements like bentonite clays, humic and fulvic acids which are organic acids from the soil, also probiotic sauerkraut juices/fermented foods, grass fed bone broths, Epsom salt baths; and Infrared saunas. For further resources subscribe to our mailing list or to set up health consultation, contact gracecenteredwellness.com
Sources:
GMO myths and Truths
DaveAsprey.com
Myersdetox.com/Dr. Stephanie Seneff
GMOfreeusa.org