There are tons and tons of cases of autistic kids, infertile couples, and people with all sorts of diseases, whose health was corrected by just one change! Yes, one change. Some of them eliminated so many things to correct their health issues. But until they made this one change, they could not see a drastic improvement. This is the first step for beginning your health journey. Do you want to know what is it? I am going to drop the pot of gold just right here.
That first step is... are you ready? It is to switch to organic produce that is not genetically modified! Is this a big deal or would it make a big difference? Haven't most of the people around the world done so "well" on conventional produce? Did most of us not grow up on conventional produce? Yes, you heard this right. Going organic is the way to go.
I was a student when I decided to go organic. I did not have much money, so I used to buy less but organic. We don't need much when we eat healthily. When we give our body the healthiest and right nutrients, we feel less hungry. It was clear to me that I wanted to support the right causes in every little way I could, so it becomes affordable to everyone. Check out Jeffery Smith's work at the Institute for Responsible Technology - Home. Watch the documentary called Secret Ingredients.
Produce that is sprayed with pesticides is loaded with glyphosates. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide and the active ingredient in many herbicide formulations. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that is effective against a wide range of weeds and plants. It works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth. It kills good and bad pests. It even killed the crops. So, genetically modified (GM) crops were engineered to be resistant to glyphosate. This allows farmers to apply glyphosate to control weeds without harming the crop. It gets absorbed by the leaves and travels inside the crops. It is not something that can be just washed off. To top it up, it is, also, sprayed as a desiccant on the crops a few hours before harvesting. There is evidence that glyphosates are found in the bodies of people who consume genetically modified produce sprayed with glyphosates. Glyphosate has been a subject of continuous controversy and debate due to concerns about its potential impact on human health and the environment. Studies have suggested associations between glyphosate exposure and certain health issues. Here are some glyphosate-related health concerns:
Carcinogenicity Concerns
Endocrine Disruption
Negative Impact on Gut Microbiota
Neurological and Developmental Delays
Does this alarm you? Let's expand on these.
First, neurological and developmental problems can have a broad range of consequences affecting various aspects of an individual's cognitive, motor, sensory, and emotional functions. The specific issues can vary depending on the nature, timing, and severity of the neurological or developmental challenges. Here are some common issues associated with neurological and developmental problems:
Cognitive Impairments: Difficulties with memory, attention, learning, and problem-solving may arise. Cognitive impairments can impact academic performance, job-related tasks, and daily activities.
Language and Communication Disorders: Neurological and developmental issues can lead to speech and language delays, difficulties in expressive and receptive communication, and challenges in social interactions.
Motor Skill Deficits: Problems with motor coordination, both fine and gross motor skills, can affect activities such as writing, dressing, and participating in sports.
Behavioral and Emotional Challenges: Neurological and developmental issues may contribute to behavioral and emotional challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and difficulties regulating emotions.
Socialization and Relationship Difficulties: Challenges in understanding social cues, forming friendships, and maintaining relationships may arise. Individuals with developmental problems may face social isolation and rejection.
Sensory Processing Issues: Sensory processing disorders can lead to difficulties in processing and integrating sensory information, resulting in hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli like touch, sound, or light.
Learning Disabilities: Conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be associated with neurological and developmental issues, impacting academic achievement.
Intellectual Disabilities: Intellectual disabilities can result from neurological and developmental problems, affecting cognitive functioning and adaptive behaviors.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, involve challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: Some neurological issues can lead to epilepsy and seizure disorders, characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Neurodegenerative Conditions: In cases of progressive neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease), individuals may experience a gradual decline in cognitive and motor functions over time.
Second, let's check out what issues arise when the gut microbiome is compromised. The gut microbiota, a complex community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in various aspects of human health. Disruption of the gut microbiota, often referred to as dysbiosis, can have several potential consequences and may be associated with various health issues.
Digestive Disorders: Dysbiosis can contribute to digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Immune System Dysfunction: The gut microbiota plays a significant role in supporting the immune system. Disruption of the balance can lead to immune dysfunction, potentially contributing to increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune disorders, and allergic reactions.
Metabolic Disorders: Alterations in the gut microbiota have been associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. A healthy gut microbiome is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis.
Mental Health Issues: The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, involves the gut microbiota. Dysbiosis has been linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.
Nutrient Absorption and Malnutrition: The gut microbiota assists in the absorption of nutrients and the breakdown of complex carbohydrates. Dysbiosis may impair these processes, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition.
Increased Inflammation: Disruption of the gut microbiota can contribute to an inflammatory state in the gut. Chronic inflammation may be a factor in various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and certain autoimmune disorders.
Altered Metabolism of Dietary Compounds: The gut microbiota is involved in the metabolism of dietary compounds, including certain drugs and plant-derived compounds. Dysbiosis may affect the metabolism of these substances, influencing their bioavailability and effects on the body.
Increased Risk of Infections: A healthy gut microbiota acts as a barrier against pathogenic microorganisms. Dysbiosis may compromise this barrier function, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal and systemic infections.
Neurological Disorders: Emerging research suggests a potential link between the gut microbiota and neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Disruptions in the gut-brain axis may contribute to the development or progression of these disorders.
Skin Conditions: The gut-skin axis is a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the skin. Dysbiosis may be associated with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Third, what about endocrine disruption? Endocrine disruption refers to the interference with the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating hormones that play crucial roles in various physiological processes. Exposure to substances that disrupt the endocrine system, known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), has been associated with several health issues. These are:
Reproductive and Developmental Effects: Endocrine disruptors may interfere with normal reproductive processes and development. They can affect fertility, disrupt menstrual cycles, and contribute to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In developing fetuses, exposure to endocrine disruptors may lead to abnormalities in sexual development and reproductive organs.
Hormone-Related Cancers: Some endocrine disruptors have been associated with an increased risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. This is often due to the disruption of hormonal signaling pathways.
Thyroid Dysfunction: Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland, leading to thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development.
Metabolic Effects: Exposure to endocrine disruptors has been linked to metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. These chemicals may impact the body's ability to regulate energy balance and glucose metabolism.
Neurological Effects: Some endocrine disruptors may affect the developing nervous system, potentially leading to behavioral changes, cognitive deficits, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Immune System Impacts: Endocrine disruption can influence immune system function, making individuals more susceptible to infections and autoimmune disorders.
Cardiovascular Effects: There is emerging evidence that exposure to certain endocrine disruptors may be associated with cardiovascular effects, including changes in blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Altered Hormone Levels: Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the normal production, release, transport, metabolism, and elimination of hormones in the body, leading to imbalances in hormone levels.
Common endocrine-disrupting chemicals include certain pesticides, industrial chemicals, plasticizers (such as bisphenol A or BPA), phthalates, and some pharmaceuticals.
Fourth is carcinogenic concerns, pesticides act as slow poison! Glyphosate-related cancer has been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
Wheat is the worst one to get impacted by genetic modifications to survive glyphosate sprays. This has made people not able to tolerate it. It damages our intestinal lining and makes it overly permeable, meaning; that very large undigested protein molecules will now escape our gut. These are then attacked by our immune system (since they cannot recognize these as nutrition or help build our tissues with these. If our immune system has antibodies to a specific sequence of amino acids or unwanted peptides that come into the bloodstream (in normal cases, unlinked amino acids will be released in the bloodstream) and if this same sequence is found on the surface of our thyroid, it will create antibodies that will now attack our thyroid. This gives rise to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. While researching, when glyphosates are added to a petri dish with cells, they immediately separate the cells, proving their ability to damage the intestinal lining.
Without a properly functioning brain, we are going to jeopardize our opportunities and ability to achieve maximum potential, to fulfill our soul's purpose in our lives. Our microbiome is our first line of defense against infectious pathogens. An imbalanced body will lead to a plethora of other issues. Do you see how many issues are listed above? These make life seem excruciating and tough; it increases unnecessary suffering. This can all be avoided by doing it right, by going organic. More money can be saved long term by spending a little extra on quality food. Moreover, organic produce can be made dirt cheap when we grow our own. They say if everyone grew food, there would never be a shortage of food.
Most of the organic food is not genetically modified. Non-GMO produce could still be sprayed. Your best bet is to go for food that is both certified organic and non-GMO. Farmer's markets are the best places to shop for local food. This food comes from small farms, and you can ask them all sorts of questions and make a judgment if it meets the important criteria. There is a reason why the organic and non-GMO revolution is in full bloom. BECAUSE IT MATTERS, OUR HEALTH MATTERS.
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