You might not expect to find traces of weed killer in your breakfast, but that’s exactly what could be happening thanks to glyphosate. This herbicide is commonly used to kill weeds in crops, but it’s also making its way into our food supply. From fruit juices and cereals to even honey, glyphosate residues are showing up in the foods many eat daily, raising serious concerns about its effects on our health.

Let’s explore what glyphosate is, the risks associated with its widespread use, and how you can reduce your exposure to this potentially harmful chemical.

What is Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, a popular herbicide originally developed by Monsanto. Farmers worldwide use it to control weeds, particularly in crops like corn, soy, and wheat. Unfortunately, this herbicide doesn’t just stay in the fields. Traces of glyphosate are found in food products made from these crops and other foods like fruit juices, bread, and honey.^[1]

With glyphosate now one of the most widely used herbicides globally, it’s no surprise that it’s becoming harder to avoid in our daily diets.

The Health Risks of Glyphosate

Over the years, glyphosate has been linked to numerous health problems. One of the most significant concerns is its potential link to cancer. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” in 2015 after reviewing studies that indicated a higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in those exposed to glyphosate over time.^[2]

Other health concerns related to glyphosate include:

• Disruption of Hormonal Systems: Glyphosate may interfere with hormone balance, particularly affecting reproductive and thyroid hormones. This could contribute to issues such as fertility problems, developmental delays, and metabolic conditions.^[4]
• Neurological Impacts: Studies have suggested that glyphosate may contribute to neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s by causing damage to brain cells.^[5]
• Impact on Gut Health: Glyphosate has been shown to affect the balance of bacteria in our gut negatively. Since gut health is closely linked to immunity and digestion, long-term exposure could lead to digestive disorders and weakened immune function.^[6]

Environmental Impact of Glyphosate

Beyond its impact on human health, glyphosate is causing significant environmental harm. One of the most troubling effects is on bee populations. Research has shown that glyphosate damages bees’ gut bacteria, leaving them more vulnerable to disease. This is alarming, given that bees are essential for pollinating many of the crops we rely on for food.

Additionally, glyphosate affects the overall health of ecosystems. By killing off plants indiscriminately, glyphosate reduces biodiversity and harms wildlife. It also degrades soil quality, making it harder for future crops to grow sustainably.

Why Is Glyphosate Still So Common?

Despite the growing evidence linking glyphosate to serious health and environmental risks, it remains one of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide. Part of this is because large agricultural corporations like Bayer (which now owns Monsanto) continue to promote its use. Even though Bayer has faced numerous lawsuits alleging that glyphosate exposure caused cancer, the company has continued to defend the herbicide’s safety while paying out billions in settlements.

Glyphosate use is deeply ingrained in modern farming practices, so reducing its presence in the food supply will take time. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from its potential risks.

How to Minimize Your Glyphosate Exposure

While it’s impossible to eliminate glyphosate exposure, there are several steps you can take to reduce it:

1. Prioritize Organic Foods: Organic farming bans the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate. By choosing organic fruits, vegetables, and grains, you can significantly reduce the risk of consuming glyphosate-containing food. When making the switch to organic, focus on high-risk items like wheat, corn, soy, and other staple crops.

1. Look for Glyphosate-Free Certifications: Some food brands now offer products certified as glyphosate-free. Organizations like The Detox Project test food products to ensure they do not contain glyphosate residues. Supporting these brands is a great way to minimize your intake of harmful chemicals.
2. Install a Water Filtration System: Glyphosate can enter water supplies through runoff from agricultural fields. By using a water filtration system designed to remove glyphosate and other harmful chemicals, you can help protect yourself and your family from contaminated water.
3. Stay Informed and Advocate for Change: While individual changes can help, advocating for broader action is also important. Support advocacy groups that are pushing for stricter regulations on glyphosate use or a complete ban. By joining these movements, you can help drive more sustainable and safe agricultural practices.

Conclusion: Take Action to Protect Your Health

Glyphosate’s widespread use and presence in our food supply raise serious concerns for human health and the environment. While big agricultural companies continue to defend glyphosate, the growing evidence linking this herbicide to cancer, neurological damage, and environmental degradation cannot be ignored.

Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your exposure to this harmful chemical by making mindful choices—like buying organic foods, supporting glyphosate-free brands, filtering your water, and advocating for change. While it’s difficult to eliminate glyphosate, small changes can greatly protect your health and contribute to a cleaner, safer food system for everyone.

References:

1. Novotny, Eva. “Glyphosate, Roundup and the Failures of Regulatory Assessment.” Toxics, vol. 10, no. 6, June 2022, p. 321. PubMed Central.
2. Williams, Gary M., et al. “A Review of the Carcinogenic Potential of Glyphosate by Four Independent Expert Panels and Comparison to the IARC Assessment.” Critical Reviews in Toxicology, vol. 46, no. sup1, Sept. 2016, pp. 3–20. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1080/10408444.2016.1214677.
3. Zhang, Luoping, et al. “Exposure to Glyphosate-Based Herbicides and Risk for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis and Supporting Evidence.” Mutation Research, vol. 781, 2019, pp. 186–206. PubMed Central.
4. Costas-Ferreira, Carmen, et al. “Toxic Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 23, no. 9, Apr. 2022, p. 4605. PubMed Central.
5. De Araújo-Ramos, Anderson Tadeu, et al. “Controversies on Endocrine and Reproductive Effects of Glyphosate and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides: A Mini-Review.” Frontiers in Endocrinology, vol. 12, Mar. 2021, p. 627210. DOI.org (Crossref).
6. Walsh, Lauren, et al. “Impact of Glyphosate (RoundupTM) on the Composition and Functionality of the Gut Microbiome.” Gut Microbes, vol. 15, no. 2, p. 2263935. PubMed Central.