We live in a world full of interconnected ecosystems—both in nature and within our own bodies. When these ecosystems become imbalanced, a domino effect occurs, leading to potential health problems. Discover how glyphosate (Roundup) affects gut bacteria through the shikimate pathway, and why this may be linked to chronic diseases like autism, cancer, and gut disorders. Learn how organic foods can help protect your health. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in agriculture. It works by disrupting the shikimate pathway in plants, effectively killing weeds.
At first glance, this might sound harmless to humans—after all, humans don’t have a shikimate pathway. That’s why glyphosate was long considered safe for people.
But here’s the catch: our gut bacteria do have this pathway.
Gut bacteria are essential for:
- Digestion and nutrient absorption
- Vitamin production (such as certain B vitamins and vitamin K)
- Immune function and inflammation control
- Detoxification of harmful compounds
When glyphosate disrupts gut bacteria, it weakens these defenses—potentially setting the stage for chronic disease. As a human, we do not have the shikimate pathway which is the reasoning behind this chemical being deemed safe for humans. No pathway, no human harm. Seems very logical, until you take it a step further. What research is now discovering is our gut bacteria does have the shikimate pathway. And this chemical, if ingested via our food or inhalation, will kill these defenseless critters. Gut bacteria play a critical role in human physiology. These little critters aid in digestion, help to make vitamins that we need and even plays a role in detoxifying things that are considered to be toxic. Ok now we have a problem!
Over the last few years it has been suggested that Roundup/Glyphosate is playing a role in many chronic diseases in Western societies. Check out this list!
- Autism
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Gastrointestinal diseases: inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, colitis and Crohn’s disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Infertility
- Multiple sclerosis
- Obesity
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease
- ALS
And this list is still growing as new studies emerge.
While we can’t control every environmental toxin, we can control what we put into our bodies.
- Choose organic foods when possible to minimize glyphosate exposure.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Read food labels carefully.
- Support your gut health with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Parents—this is especially important for your children’s diets. Protecting their gut microbiome today may prevent chronic illness in the future.
Being sick with a chronic disease is a heavy price to pay. By making mindful choices, asking questions, and prioritizing organic, nutrient-rich foods, you can protect your gut bacteria—and your long-term health.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this email is for informational purposes only and has been compiled from years of practice, study and experience by Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC. This information is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for the advice from your physician or any other health care provider, or any information contained in or on any product label or packaging. Do not use information in this email for diagnosing or treating any health problem or disease. Always speak to your health care provider before taking any nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement. If you have or suspect that you have a health problem, contact your health care provider immediately. Do not ignore seeking health care advice or delay seeking care because of something that you have read in this email. Information provided in this email DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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