Weed Killer is Killing You Too

We love living in Chicago, IL – the lakefront, the vibrant culture, and the fantastic restaurants are hard to beat. However, along with the city’s perks come some unwanted guests: environmental toxins. Here at MDLifespan, we’re passionate about promoting healthy living, including understanding the potential health risks these toxins pose.

To shed light on this issue, we’ve been testing our Chicago-based patients for toxin exposure. The most common toxin we’ve found is glyphosate, the active ingredient in popular weed killers like Roundup. This finding is concerning, and it motivates us to learn more.

The following sections will delve deeper into glyphosate, its potential health effects, and ways to reduce your exposure. We believe knowledge is power – by understanding these risks, you can make informed choices for a healthier you.

Glyphosate is a type of herbicide used to kill weeds. It’s incredibly popular in farming, home gardens, and landscaping because it effectively controls weeds. Some crops have even been genetically modified (GMO) to resist glyphosate, allowing farmers to spray it directly without harming their plants.

Although glyphosate breaks down from bacteria in the soil, it doesn’t disappear quickly. It can persist in soil for weeks or months and even longer in its broken-down form. It can take days or months to degrade in water, especially in dark, warm conditions. Plants can also hold onto traces for a long time.

This means that repeated use leads to glyphosate buildup in the environment. We can be exposed to it through the food we eat, the water we drink, and by using these products ourselves without taking safety precautions. It is important to note that the effects of glyphosate seem to be dose-dependent, and repeated exposures over a long period put you at the highest risk.

We are still discovering the various ways in which glyphosate can impact our health. However, the findings from multiple studies are beginning to paint a worrisome picture. Here are some of the health risks that have been linked to glyphosate exposure in research:

• Oxidative Stress: Glyphosate can increase harmful molecules in your body, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide-causing cell damage and potentially contributing to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Mitochondrial Damage: Glyphosate can harm the tiny powerhouses in your cells (mitochondria), leading to fatigue and potentially chronic health problems.
• Gut Health Disruption: Glyphosate can harm the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which are essential for digestion, immunity, mental, and overall health.
• Potential Link to Cancer: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” This means there’s evidence suggesting a link to cancer in humans, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

You are not the only one who is at risk of these health concerns. Weed killers that have glyphosate are also harming your pets, children, neighbors, and local wildlife. One crucial problem is the impact it has on honeybees. Glyphosate, though not directly toxic to honeybees poses risks through habitat destruction, contamination of nectar/pollen, gut microbiota disruption, and sublethal effects on behavior. Its interaction with other stressors may exacerbate negative impacts, highlighting concerns for bee health and long-term sustainability. 

Despite concerns, glyphosate remains widely used in the US. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains that it poses no significant health risk. This stance differs from that of the IARC, which is part of the World Health Organization. They reviewed human and animal studies to classify glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” This means there is a strong link between glyphosate and cancer in animal studies, but it’s not as straightforward when it comes to humans.

Regulatory bodies in many other countries have banned or heavily restricted glyphosate. So why is it still used in the US today? The answer lies in complex relationships between regulatory agencies, powerful lobby groups, and varying interpretations of scientific data.

• Choose Organic: When possible, buy organic produce. This significantly reduces your exposure to glyphosate and other pesticides.
• Rethink Your Lawn: If you can, limit the use of herbicides on your lawn. Explore alternative weed-control methods.
• Consider Safer Weed Killers: If you must use a weed killer, look for options based on vinegar or natural fatty acids. Here’s the BuyersGuide list of Top 10 Best Non Toxic Weed Killers.
• Spread Awareness: Educate yourself, share information with others, and support tighter regulations on glyphosate use.

Reducing your exposure to glyphosate is one way to support your long-term health. At MDLifespan, we believe in the importance of clean living for optimal well-being. A good place to start is signing up for a toxin test kit shipped directly to your home! By gaining a clearer picture of an individual’s toxic burden, practitioners can more effectively tailor detox strategies, offering hope to those battling chronic conditions influenced by these stealthy adversaries.

Educating yourself on the types of toxins in your home, how to avoid them, and how to remove them will grately benefit you and your family. You will find two free guidebooks below to help you live a toxin-free life. Remember, always consult your healthcare provider when considering new health treatments.