Genetically Modified Organisms are foods that are created and/or manipulated in a lab through genetic engineering. In other words, they’ve been altered from their natural form. What are the consequences of this? 

The corporate creators of GMOs tote their benefits and claim these products are safe and nutritious, however, skeptics are wary. GMOs lack long-term studies to support safety claims, even if they are backed by the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association. 

It is hypothesized that our guts may sustain damage from eating GMO foods. Since GMO’s introduction into our food industry, many people have complained of a variety of gut-related and systemic issues, such as food allergies, gluten intolerance, Leaky Gut Syndrome, IBS, Crohn’s Disease and a startling increase in autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases affect approximately 8% of the population (23.5 million Americans) and the numbers are rising. Animal studies have also linked bowel cancers, Leaky Gut Syndrome and nutrient absorption issues with GMO foods. 

In addition, glyphosate is a pesticide utilized in GMO crops, and it has been linked with destroying the beneficial bacteria in our gut. Our microbiome helps support our immune system, hormone balance, digestion, brain chemistry, detoxification processes and much more. The increased use of glyphosate in our food and water is creating an imbalance in our microbiome, causing an increase in “bad” bacterial overgrowth and less diversity in our “good” bacteria. 

The results are a harmful domino effect on our systems. Most of our immune system lives in our digestive tract. In addition, most of the feel-good neurotransmitter, serotonin, responsible for sleep, regulating our nervous system and brain chemistry is also created in our gut. Since the emergence of GMO crops, inflammation is on the rise, impacting gut and brain health. Is there a link? Interestingly, pharmaceuticals to “treat” such gut and brain issues are on the rise, as well. 

Genetically modified foods may have health consequences that are currently unknown. Avoiding GMOs takes some work these days, as they are everywhere—lurking in processed foods due to corn starch and soybean oil content, and even in our meat, being that livestock are fed GMO soy and grains. In America, it is almost guaranteed that crops of corn, soy and sugar beets are GMO unless they otherwise specify. Conscious effort and mindful eating, however, is necessary and absolutely possible, contributing to your health investment. Long-term GMO safety studies by unbiased organizations would provide us with more insight. In the meantime, it might be wise to steer clear of them by knowing how your food is grown and choosing wisely. Nature knows best!

Are you experiencing gas, bloating, heartburn, fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, mysterious aches and pains? You might have gut inflammation and/or Leaky Gut Syndrome. We test for it! And more importantly, we help you fix it. Discover Wellness today. Book a free consultation. 

Sources:

https://www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/

https://www.wellandgood.com/are-gmos-bad-for-you/

https://www.organicauthority.com/buzz-news/eight-reasons-gmos-are-bad-for-you.

https://www.mdpi.com/1099-4300/15/4/1416

https://www.aarda.org/gmo-foods-leaky-gut-inflammation/

https://thecenterforfunctionalhealth.com/blog/gmos-gut-health/

https://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-dangers/doctors-warn/