What is Glyphosate? Uncovering the Truth About a Chemical
Like many people, you’ve either heard of RoundUp or used it. But you might not know this herbicide by its lesser-known name—glyphosate. This chemical is an ever-present toxin in our soil, water, air, and bodies. If you garden, put a lot of care into your lawn, play golf, or simply eat and drink from contaminated sources, glyphosate is likely in your system.
In this article, we discuss what glyphosate is and how it contaminates our environment and bodies. There are also ways to cleanse your body of this substance and reduce your exposure to it.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is among the most widely used herbicides, bought by most household gardeners and landscapers from home improvement and farm supply stores. This chemical gained prominence as the popular herbicide RoundUp. The Monsanto Company introduced this product in 1974, and it’s been on the market ever since.
Through absorption, glyphosate attacks the enzyme that otherwise helps a plant grow. Effective in killing weeds that threaten crops, glyphosate also seeps into soil and water systems. An unintended consequence of glyphosate use is the harm it can cause to insects, fish, birds, other animals, and humans, creating ecological imbalances.
How Harmful Is Glyphosate to Humans?
Animals and plants are not the only organisms that can suffer the effects of glyphosate. Humans can ingest glyphosate through food and liquids that come from contaminated soil and water. We also absorb glyphosate through our skin. In addition, at least 75% of rainfall and air samples contain some levels of glyphosate, making exposure fairly common.
If you do any gardening, farming, or lawn care, you are probably exposed to glyphosate if you use a herbicide like RoundUp. Glyphosate can get in your eyes and on your skin. You can also breathe it into your lungs. If you do not wash your hands after using it, you could get additional contamination through eating, drinking, or smoking. You might also risk exposure if you touch plants sprayed with glyphosate.
Symptoms of glyphosate exposure include skin and eye irritation. If you inhale the spray mist or swallow any liquid, you could experience discomfort in your nose and throat, increased saliva, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Although there is no clear evidence that glyphosate causes cancer, there is significant evidence that it contributes to causation. Researchers at the University of Washington have found that using glyphosate increases the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41%.
Glyphosate is also known as a “hormone disruptor.”
As notated in this NIH article, “Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or human-made chemicals that may mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormones, which are part of the endocrine system. These chemicals are associated with a wide array of health issues.” Glyphosate can contribute to issues with hormones and thyroid.
Testing and Treatment for Glyphosate
We live in a toxic environment. If you are like most people, you probably have glyphosate or RoundUp in your system and do not know it. However, identifying and removing the toxins you carry in your body can help you improve your overall health.
For guidance on detoxification and health maintenance, turn to the Body Cleansing & Detox Specialists at Blatman Health and Wellness Center. Dr. Blatman is a clinical toxicologist with Board Certification in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Dr. Blatman and his team can recommend a detox method that is right for you to measure and remove glyphosate and other harmful substances from your body.
The bacteria in your mouth hold many secrets to what is in your system. Some forms of bacteria contribute to causing breast or prostate cancer. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Blatman to sample bacteria from your mouth and examine it under a dark field microscope.
Mitochondria provide a natural defense against toxic substances, but they get less efficient as we age and their membranes are damaged by glyphosate. Dr. Blatman offers intravenous (IV) treatments that improve mitochondrial functioning. You can also receive IV oxygen and ultraviolet light treatment to boost your mitochondrial function, oxygenate your blood, and help you recover from illnesses while exposed to glyphosate and other toxins.
Your liver’s primary function is to remove toxins, but it could always use a boost. Dr. Blatman can recommend an herbal supplement or liver cleanse to rid your body of harmful chemicals and improve your liver’s functioning. You can also opt for skin detoxification through far infrared or full-spectrum infrared sauna treatment.
To gain the maximum benefits from detoxification, be mindful of the foods you eat and the water you drink or use to bathe. Getting holistic nutrition advice from a local consultant at Blatman Health and Wellness Center can give you the tools you need to maintain your health and reduce your risk of exposure to toxins in the future.
