How Glyphosate Is Damaging Your Health

In this episode of Feel Freaking Amazing, Dr. Wendie Trubow and Dr. Ed Levitan chat with Professor Dr. Michael Antoniou, an expert in molecular genetics and toxicology, about the concerning effects of glyphosate-based herbicides, particularly Roundup. Dr. Antoniou dives into his research findings, shedding light on the links between glyphosate exposure and diseases like fatty liver disease and cancer.

His studies demonstrate how even low doses of Roundup herbicide can lead to fatty liver disease in laboratory animals, mirroring the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the US population. What’s most worrisome is how glyphosate and Roundup disrupt the shikimate pathway in gut bacteria, causing changes in the gut’s biochemistry and creating oxidative stress, potentially increasing the risk of cancer. Furthermore, Dr. Antoniou’s research reveals that prenatal exposure to glyphosate has significant effects on the offspring’s gut microbiome, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness of chemical pollutant exposure. This episode is a must-listen for everyone prioritizing their health, as it provides valuable insights into minimizing health risks associated with glyphosate exposure and making informed choices about their well-being.

Minimize health risks from glyphosate

Glyphosate-based herbicides, such as Roundup, pose significant health risks, given their link to harmful conditions like fatty liver disease, cancer, and disruptions in our gut bacteria. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects roughly a quarter of the US population, seems to be exacerbated by exposure to glyphosate. Hence, it’s essential to limit contact with such chemical pollutants and maintain an awareness of the potential health hazards they present.

Impact of glyphosate on gut microbiome

Dr. Michael Antoniou’s research centers on the disturbing effects of glyphosate on the gut microbiome. The pesticide interferes with the shikimate pathway in gut bacteria, a process necessary for producing important amino acids in plants, leading to drastic biochemistry changes and increased oxidative stress. This induced oxidative stress can damage our DNA and escalate the risk of cancer, making it crucial to understand and minimize our exposure to glyphosate.

Prenatal glyphosate exposure

During pregnancy, exposure to glyphosate can have a more pronounced effect on an offspring’s gut microbiome. Antoniou’s research shows that prenatal exposure to the pesticide significantly decreased the diversity of bacteria and increased the fungal population in the offspring’s gut microbiota. These changes can lead to an environment more susceptible to fungal infections, magnifying the need for reducing glyphosate contact during pregnancy to protect future generations from its adverse effects.

Guest Bio

Prof Michael Antoniou is Head of the Gene Expression and Therapy Group, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London (UK). He is a molecular biologist with first-hand experience in virtually all types of genetic engineering technologies and their biotechnological application within a medical context. In addition, for the last 8-9 years he has undertaken research in the field of molecular and cellular toxicology research with a focus on pesticides, leading research in glyphosate (herbicide) toxicology.

Resources

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusFoodTrust/
GMWatch: https://gmwatch.org/
Institute for Responsible Technology; https://responsibletechnology.org/
https://www.responsibletechnology.org/gene-editing/
Podcast Episode:
https://sustainablefoodtrust.org/podcast/in-conversation-with-dr-michael-antoniou/

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