soil health

Gut Enemy #2 | Glyphosate

August 07, 20245 min read

Glyphosate, the primary ingredient in Roundup, is far more than just a weed killer—it’s an antibiotic that disrupts the delicate ecosystems of both soil and the human body. Originally introduced in the 1970s and incorporated into the U.S. food system by the mid-1990s, glyphosate was once considered safe. However, mounting evidence suggests it plays a critical role in the rise of chronic health conditions.

How Glyphosate Harms the Body

Glyphosate blocks our ability to absorb essential amino acids from food—compounds necessary for building proteins, neurotransmitters, and cellular function. Over time, this disruption contributes to systemic degeneration, impacting everything from brain function to immune response.

Since glyphosate’s widespread introduction, we have witnessed skyrocketing rates of neurological, autoimmune, and metabolic disorders. In the 1970s, autism affected 1 in 5,000 children; today, it’s 1 in 36. Cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have surged in parallel with glyphosate exposure.

This article explores the ways glyphosate impacts gut health and overall human well-being—and what we can do to protect ourselves.

Glyphosate and Gut Health

1. Destroys the Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome is an intricate ecosystem that governs digestion, immunity, and brain function. Glyphosate functions as an antibiotic, wiping out beneficial gut bacteria while allowing harmful strains to flourish. This disruption leads to gut dysbiosis, which has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders. Glyphosate targets EPSP synthase, an enzyme critical to amino acid metabolism in both plants and beneficial gut bacteria. When this pathway is disrupted, cells become isolated, damaged, and prone to abnormal replication patterns—similar to cancer growth.

2. Impairs Nutrient Absorption

A compromised gut microbiome leads to poor nutrient absorption. Deficiencies in key minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium contribute to weakened immunity, poor digestion, and systemic inflammation.

3. Increases Gut Permeability (Leaky Gut)

Glyphosate damages the intestinal lining, making it more permeable. This allows toxins, undigested food particles, and pathogens to leak into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses, systemic inflammation, and chronic conditions.

4. Weakens Immune Function

Over 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. By disrupting microbial balance and damaging gut integrity, glyphosate weakens immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections, allergies, and autoimmunity.

Glyphosate and Cancer: A Known Link

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a "probable human carcinogen." Research has linked glyphosate exposure to an increased risk of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and other cancers, reinforcing concerns about its widespread presence in our food and water supply.

The Silent Invasion: Glyphosate in Food and Water

Glyphosate residues are found in 75% of food and drinking water. Because it is water-soluble, it infiltrates crops, soil, and waterways—making exposure nearly unavoidable. Since our bodies are 70% water, glyphosate has a high potential to integrate into our biological systems, further compounding health risks.

How to Reduce Glyphosate Exposure and Support Detoxification

  1. Regenerative Nutrition: Opt for organic, non-GMO foods grown using regenerative farming practices that prioritize soil and ecosystem health.

  2. Biome Medic: Because glyphosate is so widespread, even if we choose a completely organic diet we still need to take measures to detoxify it from our bodies. This targeted supplement is clinically shown to remove glyphosate, rebalance the gut, and reduce inflammation. Studies show a 74% reduction in glyphosate, a 75% decrease in C-reactive protein (an inflammation marker), and a 35% improvement in gut integrity in just six weeks. Get it here.

  3. Hydration & Mineral Support: Proper hydration with clean, filtered water supports detox pathways. Replenishing lost minerals like zinc, magnesium, and trace elements helps restore cellular function.

  4. Lifestyle Shifts: Reduce exposure by avoiding conventionally grown grains, legumes, and processed foods, and advocate for regenerative agriculture.

Reclaiming Your Health

Glyphosate is more than an environmental toxin—it’s a biological disruptor with profound effects on gut health and cellular function. But awareness leads to action. By prioritizing regenerative nutrition, targeted detoxification, and conscious choices, we can take back control of our health and support our bodies in healing from the inside out.

💚 Learn more about glyphosate’s impact and how to protect yourself with science-backed solutions from Gut Restoration Expert.

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Sara Schaefer PhD is a nutrition and wellness expert, certified practitioner of Energy Kinesiology and Neurological Integration Systems, and founder of Gut Restoration Expert. She merges cellular health and biofield science to help individuals resolve the root causes of dis-ease and restore health and their core.

Sara Schaefer, PhD

Sara Schaefer PhD is a nutrition and wellness expert, certified practitioner of Energy Kinesiology and Neurological Integration Systems, and founder of Gut Restoration Expert. She merges cellular health and biofield science to help individuals resolve the root causes of dis-ease and restore health and their core.

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