When women and men have too much oestrogen

Oestrogen is known as the female sex hormone, while testosterone is the male sex hormone.

April 22, 2019 Health, Wellness

By Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar

High levels of oestrogen can result in erectile dysfunction in men and low sex drive in women. — AFP

However, the fact is, men and women produce both types of hormones, and both play a key role in regulating various functions.

For example, in women, oestrogen plays a part in developing our reproductive system and regulates the menstrual cycle. In men, it helps with sexual function.

Unfortunately, having too much of either hormone not only causes an imbalance in our body, but also leads to serious health problems if left unmonitored.

The potential to develop degenerative conditions, atherosclerosis, weight gain, mood swings, endometriosis, fibroids, breast cysts and breast or ovarian cancer in women increases with hormonal imbalance.

As high oestrogen levels present risks to both genders, we should also mention some of the issues men may face.

Guys, in addition to heart problems, be on the look out for prostate cancer, as the risk increases together with oestrogen levels.

You may also experience erectile dysfunction, weight gain, difficulty gaining muscle, artherosclerosis or stroke.

Causes of oestrogen increase

High levels of oestrogen can stem from family genetics. If there are instances of family members who experience high oestrogen levels, chances are that you may be prone to it as well.

Indicators of high oestrogen levels include obesity, liver disease and ovarian tumours.

When you develop a hormonal imbalance, the body produces low levels of other hormones like progesterone or testosterone, while oestrogen levels are in overdrive.

Causes of imbalance include taking oral contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy, which is administered to menopausal women.

Hormonal imbalance is also a side effect of certain medications. Pay attention to your oestrogen levels if you take any of the following:

• Phenothiazines, which is an anti-psychotic medication used to treat emotional or mental conditions.

• Certain antibiotics. Check with your doctor if the antibiotic they prescribe to you might cause hormonal imbalance.

• Herbal or natural remedies. A few common ones are evening primrose oil, liquorice and black cohosh extract.

• Hormonal contraceptives.

• Oestrogen replacement therapy.

Symptoms

Oestrogen in excess will cause the following symptoms:

• Weight gain, especially at the hips and waist.

• Irregular periods with either heavy flow or light spotting. Symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) may also be more severe.

• Cold hands and feet.

• Bloating.

• Fatigue.

• Trouble sleeping well.

• Low mood and low sex drive.

Reversing oestrogen increase

You can correct oestrogen imbalance by first and foremost, modifying your diet.

Calcium d-glutarate helps to get rid of excess oestrogen before it is reabsorbed back into the system. Foods that are rich in this calcium salt include grapefruit, apples and oranges.

Brussel sprouts, turnips, bok choy, cauliflower and broccoli are cruciferous vegetables that are a rich source of many types of nutrients that not only fight high oestrogen levels, but have also been found to help with cancer and thyroid function.

Cruciferous vegetables contain indole-3-carbinol, which neutralises the impact of high oestrogen.

Still, unless you have the time to prepare large quantities of food every day, it can often be a challenge to get the correct amount of nutrients needed to counter the risks of high oestrogen levels.

Here’s where supplements can help with the process, and the types to seek out include:

• Probiotics.

A healthy microbiome is essential for the management of every hormonal condition imaginable.

There’s a community of gut bacteria, and specifically, bacterial genes called the oestrobolome that produce an enzyme that supports the metabolisation of oestrogen.

Your gut is an important part of the elimination system that is vital in ushering hormones out of the body.

When you eat dairy, gluten or food that has been produced with pesticides, or take antibiotics, you disrupt this hugely important bacterial balance.

• Di-indole methane (DIM), which is a natural plant-based chemical found in many cruciferous vegetables.

• Fish oil, especially DHA.

• Zinc, to dampen the activity of oestrogen receptors.

• Boron, which lowers the quantity of free oestrogen.

Apart from that, it is a good idea to rid your surroundings of xenoestrogens, which are found in many daily items.

Xenoestrogens are endocrine disruptors that mimic, but do not perform oestrogen functions.

Eliminating xenoestrogens can be difficult, especially in places and situations beyond your control.

Here are some things that will help you remove xenoestrogens from your life:

• Use natural skin and body care products.

• Avoid plastic containers for food and water as much as possible.

• Do your laundry with natural detergents.

• Use household cleaners that contain fewer chemicals or make your own natural household cleaners.

• Do not let plastic wraps touch your food during microwaving, and use ceramic or glass containers to reheat food.

• Consume organic produce.

• Reduce meat consumption.

• Reduce dairy consumption.

• Reduce stress.

• Support liver health.

Your liver plays a critical role in maintaining hormonal balance and keeping symptoms at bay.

In order to do all of the detoxification work it does on your behalf, it needs a fully stocked supply of many micronutrients, such as the B complex vitamins and the antioxidants Vitamins A, C and E, Q10 and alpha lipoic acid.

Your issues with elevated levels of oestrogen might also be due to poor lifestyle habits like overeating, excessive recreational drugs or alcohol consumption.

Practice everything in moderation. Eat smaller portions, and if you’re overweight, it will help to lose some kilos as well.

Try to reduce your alcohol intake and stop smoking.

In summary, high levels of oestrogen has its risks, but if you identify why it’s occurring, you have ways to control it.

The best thing to do is consult a doctor when you experience any symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

With proper advice and monitoring, it is possible to pre-empt the issue from escalating into more serious health issues.

https://www.star2.com/health/2019/04/22/women-men-too-much-oestrogen/

Six ways to reduce xenoestrogen exposure

Hormonal balance is important for the proper functioning of our endocrine (hormone) system.

Hormones act as chemical messengers that regulate reproductive function and control pituitary glands, the thyroid and the adrenal glands.

April 23, 2017 Health, Living, Viewpoints, Wellness

By Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar

Even if it might be cost-prohibitive, try to buy and use organic produce as much as possible. Photos: AFP

Many things can threaten to upset this balance, including xenoestrogens – synthetic hormones that mimic the ones produced by our body.

Xenoestrogens are the result of high exposure to environmental toxins from car fumes, household cleaners, personal care products, and even food and drinks.

When xenoestrogens disrupt our hormonal balance, the endocrine system is unable to function properly, and may cause problems like painful periods, long menstrual cycles (36 days or more), breast lumps, endometriosis, fibroids, infertility and the spread of breast cancer cells, as well as male oestrogen dominance.

In men, xenoestrogens could be the culprit of low libido, low sperm count or infertility, and andropause symptoms like mood swings, depression, weight gain, blood sugar imbalance, heart conditions, atherosclerosis, benign prostate hypertrophy and prostate cancer, usually affecting men around the ages of 40 to 55.

In men, xenoestrogens could be the culprit of low libido and low sperm count or infertility.

Here are six ways to reduce xenoestrogen exposure:

1. Switch to hormone-free meat and organic dairy products

Commercially-raised dairy and meat products in your regular supermarket are usually full of growth hormones and antibiotics.

They are used to speed up the growth of livestock and increase the production of milk and eggs, in order to keep up with market demands.

Inevitably, residual hormones and antibiotics are found in these meat and dairy products. When it enters our system, our endocrine and gut function is disturbed.

Removing commercial meat and dairy products is one way you can avoid these residual hormones and antibiotics.

2. Eat local and organic

Similar to commercially-grown meat and dairy products, commercially-produced fruits and vegetables are laced heavily with pesticides to prevent damage and disease. It also helps it to stay fresh longer and travel further.

Pesticides are carcinogenic and a rich source of xenoestrogens.

Even if it might be cost-prohibitive, try to buy organic produce as much as possible. At other times, be sure to soak and wash your commercial fruits and vegetables multiple times before cooking and eating them.

3. Use fragrance-free beauty products made from natural ingredients

There is a wide spectrum of face and body products available in stores that people use everyday that are laden with cheap, fruity or floral fragrances.

What we don’t realise is that these fragrances mimic oestrogen in our bodies, interrupting our natural hormone cycle.

Fragrance is also very “drying” to the skin, and will cause dryness and skin irritation.

The best thing to do is invest in products that are fragrance-free and that use natural ingredients.

A good place to start is your local health food store. Read the ingredient list before buying. Try to buy beauty products that don’t have that many ingredients.

Avoid products that contain artificial dyes, parabens and phthalates.

4. Rethink your household cleaning agents

Eliminating chemicals in our environment isn’t just limited to our beauty routine.

Air quality at home can often be more detrimental than the pollution we experience outside.

Mould, trapped mites and dust in our carpets contribute to the problem, but another big culprit is the products used to clean our homes every day.

Items like scented laundry detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, scented dish soap and the many cleaning products that contain bleach and other harsh chemical agents that we use to clean our homes, all contain oestrogen-mimicking chemicals.

For laundry, substitute with unscented versions. Try natural product cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon or lime, to clean your home.

There are many online recipes for making household cleaning products from natural ingredients. Give those a try.

5. Avoid using plastic containers

In terms of exposure to xenoestrogens, one of the worst conveniences we’ve incorporated into our lives is the widespread use of plastic.

Not only is it used as water bottles and takeaway containers, even certain tea bags use plastic as part of their material.

Plastic contains bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that displays hormone-like effects on the body and has been associated with breast cancer.

One easy way to reduce your exposure to BPA is to limit your use of plastics and avoid heating foods in plastic containers, as heat causes BPA to further leach into your food. Change your bottles and containers to non-plastic ones as a start. Also, canned food should be avoided, as tins are often coated with BPA.

6. Skip birth control pills

Hormonal contraceptives can cause havoc to body’s natural balance, but surprisingly, the role of birth control pills, the patch, the shot, the implant, the ring and the hormonal IUD in disrupting the healthy functioning of the endocrine system are addressed the least. That’s because all these products are designed to be disruptive in order to prevent pregnancy.

Hormonal birth control is the most potent source of xenoestrogens as it goes right into your body and creates the most damage.

Even if you change your diet and make lifestyle changes by avoiding plastics and household chemicals, the balance in your endocrine system will not be restored.

The best thing to do is to stop using hormonal contraceptives and to consider intrauterine contraceptives if you can, in order to minimise direct exposure to harmful, synthetic chemicals

Here are 10 more ways to avoid overexposure to xenoestrogens:

1. Don’t use a microwave to heat up your food.

2. Cook foods in a cast iron, stainless steel or lead-free glass cookware, instead of non-stick cookware.

3. Avoid hot liquids in foam styrofoam cups.

4. Eat soy and ground flax seed in moderation because these have been known to have an oestrogenic effect.

5. Use stainless steel water containers, instead of plastic ones.

6. Minimise the use of harsh pesticides on your lawn.

7. Look for feminine products made from organic cotton and avoid any that contain dioxin.

8. Minimise your use of nail polish and any kind of solvent.

9. Invest in a water purification system for every water source in your house.

10. If you are trying to conceive, get pregnant or are breastfeeding, avoid inhaling industrial strength glue and other chemicals.

If you are experiencing hormonal imbalance, weight gain, acne, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, problems with fertility or reduced libido, then it’s best to consult a doctor who can advise you on nutritional supplementations and hormone optimisation to overcome the affects of the xenoestrogens holistically.

http://www.star2.com/living/viewpoints/2017/04/23/six-ways-to-reduce-xenoestrogen-exposure/

How to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally

As men, we often experience high levels of stress and compromise our health, leading to a severe drop in testosterone levels, which has serious consequences to our well being. Learn how to replenish this vital hormone.

This post is on Healthwise

• CURATED BY JACOB VAN PUTTEN

How I Doubled My Testosterone Levels Naturally

This gentleman experienced a severe drop in testosterone levels after enduring significant stress, poor sleep patterns and eating habits. In an effort to turn around his health, he challenged himself to double his testosterone levels in 90 days. He was able to do so successfully by modifying his diet, increasing the amounts of quality fat and cholesterol consumed, and sticking to a diet based on real foods and Paleo principles. He monitored his cholesterol levels during this process and they remained healthy. He also introduced some supplements, such as vitamin D3,fish oil, and whey protein. He adopted approaches to manage stress, improve sleep and remove xenoestrogens (endocrine disrupters) from his life, and improve his exercise routine, all combining to dramatically raise his testosterone levels in a relatively short time.

Indole-3-Carbinol Is a Negative Regulator of Estrogen

Studies published in the Journal of Nutrition indicate that broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables contain significant amounts of a compound called indole-3-carbinol, which has been shown to reduce the estrogen levels that sap testosterone. I3C can even ameliorate tumor growth due to overabundance of estrogen in the body.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Testosterone Levels

Vitamin D isn't actually a vitamin, but rather a hormone that the body produces from sun exposure. The National Institute of Health suggests that supplementation of vitamin D has been shown to raise testosterone levels, so for those males who aren't receiving enough exposure to regular sunlight, supplementing with vitamin D (preferably D3) is an excellent way to support increasing testosterone.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Testosterone Levels

Vitamin D isn't actually a vitamin, but rather a hormone that the body produces from sun exposure. The National Institute of Health suggests that supplementation of vitamin D has been shown to raise testosterone levels, so for those males who aren't receiving enough exposure to regular sunlight, supplementing with vitamin D (preferably D3) is an excellent way to support increasing testosterone.

Xenoestrogens and Phytoestrogens

This article brings awareness to the ubiquity of household toxins and their effect on our hormones. Common household chemicals that disrupt the body's endocrine system are known as xenoestrogens, and should be avoided if you are attempting to restore and raise testosterone levels. Some easy ways to avoid xenoestrogens are avoid using plastic goods to store and eat food, especially in the microwave, as well as common toxins such as pesticideds and herbicides on food (buy organic!), and fabric softener and cosmetic goods made with non-natural ingredients.

Olive Oil Converts Cholesterol More Easily into Testosterone

Recent studies show that consumption of olive oil allows the body to more easily absorb cholesterol. This article cites studies from Argentina demonstrating how our Leydig cells need cholesterol to produce testosterone, so consuming ample amounts of this healthy fat can help the body's overall testosterone levels.

http://learni.st/users/jacobvp/boards/81367-how-to-increase-testosterone-levels-naturally

Go to Healthwise for more articles

Year-Round Breast Health

Dr. Isaac Eliaz | Nov 01, 2013


This October marked the 25^th year of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a remembrance intended to raise visibility about the increasing incidence of breast cancer and emphasize the importance of early detection. These are critical messages. But I’m always struck by what I don’t hear: practical advice on how to keep your breasts protected and healthy all year.

Breast tissue is particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins as well as dietary habits. This is partly because breasts are primarily fatty tissue that stores toxins. Breast tissue is also highly sensitive to hormonal signals, many of which come from environmental pollutants.

Breast cells are some of the more rapidly dividing cells in the body, putting them at a higher risk for mutations, particularly in the presence of DNA-damaging toxins.

Toxic Soup

Many environmental toxins are not very water-soluble. Instead, they like to dissolve in lipids, so they tend to store in fatty tissues throughout the body. Breast tissue has a high fat content: Breasts are composed of ducts and glands surrounded by fatty tissue. As women age and sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone decrease, the glandular tissue diminishes and there is a corresponding increase in fatty tissue.

Pesticides and other chemicals, as well as heavy metals, tend to gravitate toward these fatty tissues. Numerous studies have found high levels of toxins in both breast tissue and breast milk. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has an excellent article that details the results of numerous studies and also provides information on individual toxins and their risks here.

Interestingly, countries that have banned specific chemicals such as DDT and other dangerous pesticides have seen a corresponding drop in breast milk concentrations. Even with the ban, however, many of these chemicals, known as “POPs” (Persistent Organic Pollutants), remain in the environment for a long time and continue to bio-accumulate up the food chain. Decreasing their levels takes time.

The NRDC states that there are more than 85,000 chemicals registered for use in the U.S., and very few of them have actually been tracked or studied for their health effects.

We have seen a reduction of certain chemicals in breast milk samples, but have also seen an alarming rise in other chemicals such as brominated flame retardants, known as PBDEs. Bromine is a near relative of the essential nutrient iodine. When bromine steps in and blocks thyroid iodine receptors, thyroid function suffers. Bromine is also used commonly in commercial flour and baked goods and numerous other packaged food products, as well as in pool chemicals.

Hormone Imposters

In addition to the direct toxic effects of these chemicals, there is a group of chemicals with another dangerous trait. Known as endocrine disruptors, environmental estrogens or xenoestrogens, this group of chemicals mimics estrogen and other hormones and tricks the body into using them.
These estrogen mimics produce excessive stimulation to hormone-sensitive tissues. In order to understand how this works, we need to look at how hormones communicate with their target tissues.

Cells comprising specific hormone-sensitive tissues, such as breast, uterine and testicular tissue, have receptor sites on their cell surface for particular hormones. These receptors have a definite shape, and function similarly to a lock and key mechanism. The hormone fits snugly into the receptor which “opens the door,” allowing a signal to enter the cell and give instructions to the cell nucleus. Often, the message is to grow, grow, grow. However, the shape of environmental estrogen mimics is similar enough to the native hormone that the toxin can fit into the receptor and activate the cell, often producing excessive growth and disrupting the body’s complex communication network. Studies in animals from contaminated lakes and streams have seen reproductive changes that seriously hamper normal reproduction, producing offspring with feminizing organ development and other serious developmental issues.

Top Offenders

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has just published a list of the top chemicals found to be endocrine disruptors. To read about these chemicals and where they are most commonly found, here.

A Different Kind Of Breast Support

First on the list for any health program is educating yourself about the toxins in your surroundings, including food and water supply as well as household products, body products, etc. This is particularly critical for breast health. Using a water filter, eating organic whole food, and buying natural home and body products is an excellent start.

Next on the list, add foods and supplements that help remove chemicals and heavy metals. The plant kingdom is a great ally in our efforts to keep breasts toxin-free. Sulphur-containing foods such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, onions and garlic all contain compounds that aid in detoxification. Modified citrus pectin, derived from the pith of citrus peels, easily enters the circulation and has been shown in human studies to safely remove heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic from the blood.

I also recommend a researched combination of botanical compounds including DIM (diindolylmethane from cruciferous vegetables), curcumin, quercetin, astragalus and medicinal mushrooms. This formula provides powerful support for healthy breast cell behavior, immune function and hormone balance.

As always, a proactive, multifaceted, integrative approach is the best way to support long-term health. And for the men reading this article, this applies to you as well! I encourage you take steps this year to protect and enhance the health of your breasts and other hormone-sensitive tissues. For more information, download a free copy of my Breast Health Guide.

http://easyhealthoptions.com/alternative-medicine/year-round-breast-health/

Glyphosate Drives Breast Cancer Proliferation ...

 ...  Study Warns, as Urine Tests Show Europeans have this Weed Killer in Their Bodies

Story at-a-glance

• Tests show that people in 18 countries across Europe have glyphosate in their bodies. Of the urine samples tested, an average of 44 percent was found to contain glyphosate; 70 percent of Germans, Britons, and Polish tested positive
• Researchers have determined the mechanism by which glyphosate residues in food disrupt normal body functions and induce disease; the pathway glyphosate uses to kill plants also exists in human and mammals’ gut bacteria
• Glyphosate has estrogenic properties and promotes breast cancer in the parts-per-trillion range. Meanwhile, the EPA proposes raising allowable residue levels in certain vegetables from 0.2 to as high as 6 parts-per-million
• The phytoestrogen genistein, naturally found in soybeans, has been found to heighten the estrogenic effects of glyphosate, prompting the warning that genetically engineered soybeans may therefore pose a breast cancer risk
• A new EU-US free trade agreement has again cracked the door open for genetically engineered (GE) crops and foods into Europe

By Dr. Mercola 

Disturbing discoveries relating to glyphosate—the active ingredient in Monsanto’s broad-spectrum herbicide Roundup—keep emerging. No less than two shocking discoveries recently went public on the same day... 

Earlier this month, groundbreaking research was published detailing a newfound mechanism of harm of the chemical. 

Now, testing shows that people in 18 countries across Europe have glyphosate in their bodies¹, while yet another study reveals that the chemical has estrogenic properties and drive breast cancer proliferation in the parts-per-trillion range². As reported by GreenMedinfo.com:

“Does this help explain the massive mammary tumors that the only long term animal feeding study on Roundup and GM corn ever performed recently found?”

Meanwhile, a new EU-US free trade agreement³,⁴ known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), has again cracked the door open for genetically engineered (GE) crops and foods into Europe.  

This may effectively negate the hard work Europeans have done to limit the proliferation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their food supply, and with genetically engineered “Roundup Ready” crops and the food made from it come increased glyphosate exposure...

People Across Europe Test Positive for Glyphosate

A 2011 study detected glyphosate in 60-100 percent of all US air and rain samples, and last year another study revealed widespread glyphosate contamination in groundwater. When groundwater is used as a drinking water source, this contamination poses a risk to animals, plants and humans alike.  

Now, the first-ever test for weed killer contamination in human bodies was commissioned by Friends of the Earth Europe⁵. Volunteers from 18 different countries provided urine samples. 

Of the 182 urine samples tested, an average of 44 percent was found to contain glyphosate, although the proportion of contamination varied from country to country. All volunteers were city dwellers who had not handled or used glyphosate, and only one person per household was tested. 

Macedonia and Bulgaria had the least number of positive tests (10 percent), while 90 percent of samples in Malta tested positive. Seventy percent of volunteers in Germany, UK and Poland had the weed killer in their bodies.  

Can you even imagine what the results might be if similar testing was conducted in the US, considering the fact that Americans eat their own weight or more in genetically engineered foods⁶ each and every year—in large part because the US does not require GE foods to be labeled, so many are still completely in the dark about such stealth ingredients. 

The fact that close to half of all people are testing positive for glyphosate (including countries that don’t even use it) is profoundly disturbing in light of the recent findings that this commonly used weed killer may be among the most important factors in the development of modern diseases, as the pathway by which glyphosate kills plants is the identical pathway found in animal and human gut bacteria.  

According to Friends of the Earth Europe’s spokesperson Adrian Bebb⁷:

“Most people will be worried to discover they may have weed killer in their bodies. We tested people living in cities in 18 countries and found traces in every country. These results suggest we are being exposed to glyphosate in our everyday lives, yet we don’t know where it is coming from, how widespread it is in the environment, or what it is doing to our health.

Our testing highlights a serious lack of action by public authorities across Europe and indicates that this weed killer is being widely overused. Governments need to step-up their monitoring and bring in urgent measures to reduce its use. This includes rejecting any genetically modified crops that would increase the use of glyphosate.”

Glyphosate Found to Be Carcinogenic in Infinitesimal Amounts 

The second study pertains to the carcinogenic nature of this popular weed killer. Contrary to Monsanto’s claims that Roundup is “minimally toxic” to animal and humans, along with claims of it being environmentally friendly and biodegradable—claims found to be false in the highest court of law—Roundup is quite the disaster... As reported by GreenMedinfo.com⁸:

“The study, titled, 'Glyphosate induces human breast cancer cells growth via estrogen receptors,' compared the effect of glyphosate on hormone-dependent and hormone-independent breast cancer cell lines, finding that glyphosate stimulates hormone-dependent cancer cell lines in what the study authors describe as 'low and environmentally relevant concentrations.'"

The researchers concluded that glyphosate is a xenoestrogen that is functionally similar to estradiol, the most potent human estrogen, and concentrations in the parts-per-trillion range had carcinogenic effects. Adding insult to injury—in light of the fact that more than 90 percent of soybeans grown in the US are genetically engineered (GE)—they also found that the phytoestrogen genistein, naturally found in soybeans, heightened the estrogenic effects when combined with glyphosate. According to the authors:

“This study implied that the additive effect of glyphosate and genistein in postmenopausal women may induce cancer cell growth. In this present in vitro study, we showed an estrogenicity of pure glyphosate... Furthermore, this study demonstrated the additive estrogenic effects of glyphosate and genistein which implied that the use of glyphosate-contaminated soybean products as dietary supplements may pose a risk of breast cancer because of their potential additive estrogenicity." [Emphasis mine] 

Glyphosate Implicated as Driver of Modern Diseases 

Another groundbreaking report, published earlier this month in the journal Entropy⁹, argues that glyphosate residues, found in most commonly consumed foods in the US, “enhance the damaging effects of other food-borne chemical residues and toxins in the environment to disrupt normal body functions and induce disease.” As explained by the authors, Dr. Stephanie Seneff and Anthony Samsel:

“Glyphosate’s claimed mechanism of action in plants is the disruption of the shikimate pathway... The currently accepted dogma is that glyphosate is not harmful to humans or to any mammals because the shikimate pathway is absent in all animals.

However, this pathway is present in gut bacteria, which play an important and heretofore largely overlooked role in human physiology through an integrated biosemiotic relationship with the human host. In addition to aiding digestion, the gut microbiota synthesize vitamins, detoxify xenobiotics, and participitate in immune system homeostasis and gastrointestinal tract permeability. Furthermore, dietary factors modulate the microbial composition of the gut.”

Remember, the bacteria in your body outnumber your cells by 10 to 1. For every cell in your body, you have 10 microbes of various kinds, and all of them have the shikimate pathway, so they will all respond to the presence of glyphosate! It causes extreme disruption of the microbe’s function and lifecycle; worse yet, glyphosate preferentially affects beneficial bacteria, allowing pathogens to overgrow. At that point, your body also has to contend with the toxins produced by the pathogens. Once the chronic inflammation sets in, you’re well on your way toward chronic and potentially debilitating disease. In a nutshell, Dr. Seneff has summarized the two key problems caused by glyphosate in the diet as:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Systemic toxicity

She believes glyphosate is possibly the most important factor in the development of multiple chronic diseases and conditions that have become prevalent in Westernized societies, including but not limited to:  

Autism	Gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, colitis and Crohn's disease	Obesity
Allergies	Cardiovascular disease	Depression
Cancer	Infertility	Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease	Multiple sclerosis	ALS

 

Meanwhile, the EPA Raises Allowable Glyphosate Limits... 

Just as more independent reports are emerging confirming the multivariate health hazards of glyphosate, the Environmental Protection Agency¹⁰ (EPA) is proposing to RAISE the allowed residue limits of glyphosate in food and feed crops¹¹. The new allowable level of glyphosate in teff animal feed will be 100 parts per million (ppm). Allowed levels in some fruits and vegetables eaten by humans will also rise. Root and tuber vegetables, with the exception of sugar, will get one of the largest boosts, with allowable residue limits being raised from 0.2 ppm to 6.0 ppm. The new level for sweet potatoes will be 3 ppm.

This is unconscionable, considering the finding that glyphosate is carcinogenic in parts-per-TRILLION concentrations. Previous research by Professor Andres Carrasco documented malformations in frog and chicken embryos at just over 2 ppm glyphosate¹². 

Not surprisingly, Monsanto has petitioned and received approvals for increases in glyphosate residue levels for several crops. Clearly, they need allowable levels to be raised because farmers are increasingly forced to use more glyphosate due to glyphosate-resistant weed growth. The question is, how many of its citizens will the US government sacrifice in order for Monsanto to continue making money from its failing products?

Help Spread the Word, as Most Consumers Are Still Unaware of Risks from GMOs

The biotech industry, led by Monsanto, is increasing their propaganda efforts to sway opinion against the need to label genetically engineered foods. Many consumers are still in the dark about the very real risks that GE crops pose, both to the environment and human health. This is precisely what the biotech industry wants, even as increasing research demonstrates the many dangers associated with GE foods.  

For example, one recent study found that rats fed a type of genetically engineered corn that is prevalent in the US food supply for two years developed massive mammary tumors, kidney and liver damage, and other serious health problems. This was at dietary amounts of about 10 percent. Does 10 percent or more of your diet consist of genetically engineered ingredients? Or are you like the average American who eats his or her own weight in genetically engineered foods each year?  

If processed foods form the basis of your diet, then you’re likely in the latter category. Unfortunately, you can't know for sure which items might contain GMOs since the US does not require genetically engineered foods to be labeled. With the latest revelations discussed above, the need for labeling couldn’t possibly be greater.  

Last but not least, I would also encourage you to educate yourself a bit more on the topic of food sovereignty, and the critical nature of biodiversity for food sustainability and security. Because aside from the human health hazards associated with GE foods, seed patenting endangers the very future of life on Earth, as it destroys biodiversity and effectively prevents agricultural methods from flourishing that call for less, or no, agricultural chemicals. 

An excellent resource is the free e-book, The Law of the Seed¹³; the result of a working group meeting of leading lawyers, scientists, and members of the International Commission on the Future of Food and Agriculture, including the tireless environmental activist Dr. Vandana Shiva¹⁴. 

Total Video Length: 40:21

In the first video, Bill Moyers talks to scientist and philosopher Vandana Shiva, who's become a rock star in the global battle over genetically modified seeds. The second video is the documentary Seeds of Freedom, which illustrates how patenting seeds turns farmers into slaves, and food into a weapon of mass poverty and, ultimately, starvation.

Keep Fighting for Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods

While California Prop. 37 failed to pass last November by a very narrow margin, the fight for GMO labeling is far from over. The field-of-play has now moved to the state of Washington, where the people's initiative 522, "The People's Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act," will require food sold in retail outlets to be labeled if it contains genetically engineered ingredients.

Remember, as with CA Prop. 37, they need support of people like YOU to succeed. Prop. 37 failed with a very narrow margin simply because we didn't have the funds to counter the massive ad campaigns created by the No on 37 camp, led by Monsanto and other major food companies. Let's not allow Monsanto and its allies to confuse and mislead the people of Washington and Vermont as they did in California. So please, I urge you to get involved and help in any way you can.

• No matter where you live in the United States, please donate money to these labeling efforts through the Organic Consumers Fund.
• Sign up to learn more about how you can get involved by visiting Yeson522.com!
• For timely updates on issues relating to these and other labeling initiatives, please join the Organic Consumers Association on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.
• Talk to organic producers and stores and ask them to actively support the Washington initiative.

 

[-] Sources and References

• ¹ Globalresearch.org June 13, 2013
• ² Greenmedinfo.com June 13, 2013
• ³ Corporate Europe Observatory
• ⁴ Stopthecrop.org
• ⁵ ‘Determination of Glyphosate residues in human urine samples from 18 European countries’ by Medical Laboratory Bremen (PDF)
• ⁶ Environmental Working Group October 15, 2012
• ⁷ Globalresearch.org June 13, 2013
• ⁸ Greenmedinfo.com June 13, 2013
• ⁹ Entropy 2013, 15(4), 1416-1463
• ¹⁰ Federal Register /Vol. 78, No. 84
• ¹¹ GM Watch May 3, 2013
• ¹² GM Watch May 3, 2013
• ¹³ Navdanya.org, The Law of the Seed (PDF)
• ¹⁴ Navdanya.org

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/06/25/glyphosate-residue.aspx