The Number One Thing You Can Do to Boost Your Family's Health.

Transcript

Welcome to Season 2 of Follow Your Gut! After a few week break we are back and ready to bring so much goodness to share with you. In this season you can expect new episodes every Tuesday with a few bonuses sprinkled in between. Instead of all solo shows we have interviews with mamas, healthcare professionals and birth workers lined up. 

Every episode will also be available in video format on YouTube if you ever want to watch you’ll see the different places I am recording the podcast from. For the past 8 months my family and I have been working really hard to build a bus to travel the world. We finally moved in last week and oh my friend. We are home. After spending most of the past 8 years living and traveling in our airstream, our hearts feel most at home on the road. 

This episode is coming at you from my new office, the rooftop deck of our bus among a pristine mountain lake in Montana. Now lets get into it. Here we are, episode 51; The number one thing you can do to boost your family’s health.

As you know, the food you consume directly impacts your health and it is crucial to be mindful of what you put on your plate and into your body. In this episode we are going to focus specifically on GMOs and how they impact your gut health. Your gut is the very root of your entire well-being and in an ideal world where humans are nurtured to thrive, gut health and balance would be the number one priority. 

So let’s dive into the hidden dangers of GMOs and the pervasive use of glyphosate, uncover the intricate relationship between these and gut bacteria imbalance, and shed light on their potential links to chronic health issues like autoimmune diseases, cancer, and autism. Additionally, we will go into the importance of making conscious choices by opting for organic or non-GMO alternatives for the top 12 dirtiest GMO foods. By understanding what the term GMO actually means we can equip ourselves with the knowledge needed to make informed choices for the betterment of our families' health.

It is important to understand what GMOs are. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are crops or animals that have undergone genetic engineering techniques, where specific genes from one organism are inserted into another to confer desired traits. GMOs are often designed to resist pests, diseases, and herbicides, allowing for increased crop yields and profitability. Additionally, some GMO crops are engineered to produce toxins that are harmful to insects, effectively killing them when they feed on the plants. While these toxins are meant to target specific pests, it's natural to wonder how they impact other organisms, including human beings, and the delicate balance of our gut health. It isn't the genetic modification itself that is concerning. It's how and why plants and animals are modified. They are designed to kill everything except the plant. Hmmm.

Now let's go a little deeper. Glyphosate, the primary active ingredient in the widely used herbicide Roundup, is closely associated with GMOs. GMO crops are engineered to withstand glyphosate, allowing farmers to drench their crops in Roundup to kill surrounding weeds while sparing the modified crops. Connecting the dots makes it obvious that these crops are not grown for the health of humans. They are grown for the profitability of the multi billion dollar corporations that just so happen to have close ties to federal regulatory agencies like the EPA and FDA. In the documentary GMO OMG you quickly learn that it is not uncommon for retired legislators to go work as lobbyists for these corporations after leaving the public sector, nor is it uncommon to see former regulators going to work for these corporations after spending years at an agency charged with policing these corporations. Lastly, former corporate employees have been known to make the switch to the public sector, where they are supposed to be relied upon to police their former employer. It's ugly and sickening. Please! When you are done with this episode go watch the documentary GMO OMG. One other thing that is so sick and wrong is that GMOs are marketed as the only sustainable way for the almost 8 billion people living on earth today to have enough food. But the truth is that these toxic corporations have taken complete control away from farmers, are depleting the soil of nutrients and killing not only people but our planet. In May 2013 the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling that a farmer who buys patented seeds (all GMO seeds are patented) may not reproduce them through planting and harvesting without the patent holder's permission. These corporations have seed rights and farmers are forced into poverty because every year they have to buy new seeds. 

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So how does Glyphosate impact your health, particularly your gut health? Well, it is a recipe for chronic health issues.

Our gut microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. Studies have shown that glyphosate disrupts the delicate balance of our gut microbiome, selectively killing beneficial bacteria while allowing harmful strains to proliferate. This disruption leads to an imbalance in the gut flora, known as dysbiosis or imbalnace, which has been associated with a range of health issues. Imbalance and the subsequent gut inflammation have been linked to chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases, cancer, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

But it goes further. 

Research proves the link between GMOs, glyphosate, and the development or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. Imbalance and gut inflammation resulting from glyphosate exposure may trigger an immune response that mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, contributing to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, glyphosate has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies have associated glyphosate exposure with an increased risk of certain cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma. I have another documentary for you. It will get you really fired up so right it down. A fired up woman is a mountain mover and WE! We are the ones who need to move mountains for our children and planet. Its called Genetically Modified Children. After you watch it come join me in my free community The Gutsy Woman and we can all cry together and then support each other in making informed and intentional choices. There is a link to join the community in the show notes. 

Regarding autism spectrum disorders, while research in this area is still evolving, many studies suggest a link between glyphosate exposure during pregnancy or early childhood and an increased risk of autism. Glyphosate's impact on the gut microbiome and its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier may contribute to the development of autism-related symptoms. Studies have also shown that children with autism have significantly fewer good bacteria strains in their gut than children who do not have autism. Glyphosate kills the good bacteria. 

So what can you do? Where can you start? Well, I want to share with you what my family does. We are 100% committed to eating a non-gmo diet. We shop organic as much as we possibly can and at the very least, we will not buy any food if it doesnt say non-gmo. So to clarify - organic always means non-gmo. But some foods can be non-gmo and not be organic. This may sound extreme but once you know how detrimental it is the your growing children’s bodies and your beautiful aging body - you understand that it is the absolute most substantial thing you can do to nurture your family’s health and well-being. 

To start, the following are the crops where glyphosate are the most heavily used.

1. Corn: Corn is one of the most prevalent GMO crops, and its derivatives, such as corn syrup and corn oil, can be found in numerous processed foods. Genetically modified corn poses risks of allergenic potential and contamination with glyphosate.
2. Soybeans: Genetically modified soybeans are widely used in food production, including soybean oil, soy lecithin, and soy protein. Concerns revolve around the potential impact on hormone balance.
3. Cottonseed: While cotton is primarily grown for its fiber, cottonseed oil is used in many processed foods. Since cotton is a genetically modified crop, its oil can be contaminated with GMOs and glyphosate.
4. Canola: Genetically modified canola, derived from rapeseed, is often used in cooking oils, margarine, and processed foods. There are concerns about the health effects of GMO canola and its potential impact on heart health.
5. Sugar beets: The majority of sugar beets grown in the United States are genetically modified. As a result, processed sugars and sweeteners derived from sugar beets may contain GMOs and traces of glyphosate. Most sugar is made from sugar beets.
6. Alfalfa: Though primarily used as animal feed, genetically modified alfalfa can indirectly affect human health through meat and dairy products. Opt for organic or non-GMO animal products to reduce GMO exposure.

The majority of the foods we just discussed are used in animal agriculture so the trickle down effects is horrendous. 

You can go to EWG.org to find the latest dirty dozen list. They update it annually. For 2023 the list includes . . .

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, Collard and Mustard Greens
4. Peaches
5. Pears
6. Nectarines
7. Apples
8. Grapes
9. Peppers
10. Cherries
11. Blueberries
12. Green Beans

By choosing organic or non-GMO alternatives for these dirty dozen foods, you can reduce your exposure to GMOs and potentially harmful substances like glyphosate, promoting a healthier gut and overall well-being.

To wrap this episode up lets quickly review all that we went over. The impact of GMOs and glyphosate on our gut health cannot be ignored. The Disruption they cause to the delicate balance of our gut microbiota, trigger inflammation, and contribute to chronic health issues demands our attention. By advocating for transparent labeling, supporting organic and non-GMO agriculture, and making conscious food choices, we can protect our gut health and pave the way for a healthier future. Not only for ourselves and our family’s but also mama earth and the animals that inhabit it with us. Remember, the power to safeguard our well-being lies in our own hands and the choices we make daily.

Thank you so much for joining me today. Stay tuned as we have a very special bonus episode coming out on Thursday! 

And if you have an extra second would you please just scroll down to the bottom of this episode and leave a review? It helps the podcast reach more listeners and together we can make a big impact in the lives of so many family’s. Also - your review will enter you to win a free Gut Rebalance. The winner will be announced at the end of June! 

Okay, I'll be back on Thursday. Until then, go watch GMO OMG and Genetically Modified Children. And don’t forget to invite your partner to join you. 

Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of Follow Your Gut. As a reminder, the information shared on this show is not just for your children, but also for you as a woman. At ōNLē ORGANICS, I have created a line of the best quality gut-balancing supplements and products that have transformed my family's health and happiness. Head to www.onleorganics.com to start your journey to optimal gut health today. Lastly, I always want to be very transparent that I am not a medical professional, and the information shared on this podcast is based on my personal experience and research. Please always listen to your own inner voice of wisdom and your healthcare professional. Join me again next week for more insights and inspiration on taking charge of your family's health and happiness. I will see you then!