Monsanto and Glyphosate: The Harmful Effects on Humans, Animals, and the Environment

Monsanto and its flagship herbicide, glyphosate, have become synonymous with controversy in modern agriculture. Despite being heralded as a boon for crop production, increasing evidence indicates that the use of glyphosate poses severe risks to human health, animal welfare, and ecological integrity. Our understanding of glyphosate’s impact, particularly its insidious effects on gut health and the microbiome, is critical, especially for those struggling with chronic health problems.

Understanding Glyphosate: A Short Introduction

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with crops. It is the active ingredient in many herbicides, most notably Roundup, which has been marketed by Monsanto (now owned by Bayer). Glyphosate works by inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway in plants, but this pathway is not present in humans or animals. However, the conversation around the safety of glyphosate is far more complex than its mechanism of action suggests.

How Glyphosate Impacts Human Health

The harmful effects of glyphosate on human health can be extensive. Recent studies have linked glyphosate exposure to numerous chronic health conditions. A critical concern lies in how glyphosate interacts with our gut microbiome and overall gut health.

Oxidative Stress and Cellular Damage

One prominent issue is oxidative stress. Glyphosate exposure has been shown to increase the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular damage. Research indicates that glyphosate can cause DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and has genotoxic effects (Pérez et al., 2018). This damage translates to lipid and protein damage, contributing to apoptosis (cell death) and fostering the onset of various diseases.

Gut Barrier Disruption

Another profound impact of glyphosate is gut barrier disruption. Studies suggest that glyphosate can damage tight junctions, promoting a condition known as leaky gut or permeable bowel syndrome. This disruption fosters dysbiosis—the imbalance of gut microbiota—that triggers pro-inflammatory cascades via lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (Zhang et al., 2019). This can lead to widespread inflammation, exacerbating chronic health issues.

Disruption of the Gut Microbiome

The dysbiosis induced by glyphosate makes the gut susceptible to chronic inflammation. Imbalances in beneficial bacteria can lead to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies, and increased risk of autoimmune diseases (Sánchez et al., 2020). It is essential to understand that the health of our gut microbiome is intricately linked to our overall health; imbalance can precipitate multiple systemic issues.

Endocrine Disruption

Glyphosate is also implicated in endocrine disruption. Hormonal imbalances can arise from interference with the estrogen pathway and the disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This leads to impaired steroidogenesis, affecting reproductive health, stress response, and overall metabolic function (Myers et al., 2016).

Neurological Effects

The implications of glyphosate extend beyond gut health into our nervous system. Research suggests that glyphosate exposure is associated with cognitive impairment and central nervous system inflammation (Chun et al., 2015). Such effects are concerning, especially for those suffering from mental health disorders or neurodegenerative conditions.

Immune System Dysfunction

Glyphosate has been found to increase pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α while activating the NF-κB pathway (Pan et al., 2020). This immune dysregulation can compromise the body's ability to respond to infections and can even facilitate chronic systemic inflammation and autoimmune disorders.

Mitochondrial Damage

Mitochondrial damage due to glyphosate poses yet another layer of concern. By affecting energy production, chronic exposure can lead to conditions like fibrosis, necrosis, and ischemia (Harrison, 2017). Healthy mitochondria are vital for robust cellular function, and glyphosate poses a threat to their integrity.

Liver and Kidney Toxicity

Emerging evidence suggests that glyphosate also exhibits hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Glyphosate exposure can cause significant liver and kidney inflammation, affecting overall organ health and functioning (Kumar et al., 2019). These organ systems play crucial roles in metabolic health, detoxification, and homeostasis.

Links to Specific Chronic Diseases

As we explore the grave health repercussions of glyphosate, it becomes evident that its exposure correlates with numerous chronic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, reproductive issues, and various cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (Zheng et al., 2021). This correlation underlines the urgent need to reevaluate the safety of glyphosate products in the market.

The Environmental Impact of Glyphosate

The ramifications of glyphosate extend beyond human health into the fabric of our ecosystems. Its impact on biodiversity and soil health is equally alarming.

Soil Microbiome Disruption

The application of glyphosate can substantially alter the soil microbiome, disrupting microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling, plant growth, and long-term soil health (Rillig et al., 2015). Healthy soils are the backbone of agricultural productivity and critical to ecosystem stability.

Impact on Wildlife and Livestock

Monsanto’s glyphosate not only affects soil organisms but also disrupts habitats. Wildlife populations, especially pollinators and soil fauna, suffer declines due to habitat loss and toxicity associated with herbicide use. Livestock can also experience health issues associated with consuming glyphosate-treated feed, further endangering food security.

Deceptive Practices and Political Power

Monsanto's defense of glyphosate has often come under scrutiny, with claims of manipulative practices in promoting the herbicide as safe. Many studies affirming glyphosate's safety have been funded by the companies profiting from its use, raising questions about the integrity of the research. Independent and unbiased studies frequently highlight the risks that glyphosate poses, yet regulatory bodies have remained largely influenced by big agriculture.

A Frustrating Reality

For many patients seeking help for chronic health issues, the narrative can feel overwhelmingly frustrating. The widespread use of glyphosate in conventional agriculture threatens our health and the health of our planet. Organic farming and biodynamic practices represent a conscientious alternative that prioritizes soil health and the microbiome.

Supporting Sustainable Practices

In my personal journey towards better health, I've transitioned to primarily consuming food sourced from places I trust. A shout-out goes to Joe Sgro and the organic farm at Barongarook, along with Paul and Andrew Kent (the Kent Brothers) at Homebush Pastoral. Their commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices, which prioritize creating a healthy soil microbiome, is commendable.

The pasture developed by the Kents achieves an impressive Brix meter reading of 16 which is typically 4 times the level of superphosphate driven pastures, The Brix meter provides an indication of

• Soluble carbohydrate density (photosynthetic output)

• Mineral density proxy (especially when soils are balanced)

• Plant metabolic health and stress status

• Palatability & intake potential for grazing animals

This clearly demonstraties the superiority of regenerative agriculture over traditional, chemical-intensive farming methods.

In a world heavily influenced by big agriculture, knowledge is power. Understanding the implications of glyphosate and advocating for sustainable practices can foster a healthier future for ourselves, our children, and our soil. Let’s work together to nurture our soils, nourish our bodies, and avoid foods that aren't aligned with our goals for better health and a legacy of wellness for generations to come.

References

• Chun, S. K., et al. (2015). Glyphosate Exposure Modifies Neuronal Activity in Human Lymphoblastoid Cells. Neurotoxicology, 49, 132-148.

• Harrison, G. (2017). Glyphosate’s Mitochondrial Damage Potential in Human Cellular Models. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 30(12), 2202-2210.

• Kumar, S., et al. (2019). Glyphosate exposure induces liver and kidney toxicity in a rat model. Environmental Toxicology Pharmacology, 68, 103-113.

• Myers, J. P., et al. (2016). Concerns over use of glyphosate on food crops. Nature, 536, 303-305.

• Pan, Y., et al. (2020). Glyphosate Induces Immunotoxic Effects on Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes: Implications for Environmental and Occupational Health. Environmental Science & Technology, 54(18), 12067-12077.

• Pérez, G. R., et al. (2018). Genotoxic effects induced by glyphosate in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Environmental Journal of Toxicology and Pharmacology, 59, 16-24.

• Rillig, M. C., et al. (2015). Chemical herbicides disrupt the microbial community in the soil ecosystem. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 87, 134-140.

• Sánchez, B., et al. (2020). The Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Chronic Disease Emergences. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 17, 62-67.

• Zheng, Y. et al. (2021). Association between glyphosate exposure and the development of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Toxicology, 95(7), 2523-2533.