While shopping for produce and grains, most people are drawn to items that are uniform in color, firm in texture, and free from signs of spoilage. However, there is much more to choosing high-quality produce and grains than simply inspecting their physical appearance. Often hidden on these seemingly pristine products is glyphosate, a controversial chemical that has seeped its way into our food supply.
Since its first use on crops in 1974, over 3.5 billion pounds of glyphosate have been applied to farmlands in the United States—and these numbers continue to rise. Although our modern agricultural practices rely heavily on this synthetic chemical, its application does not come without health consequences. Therefore, as a holistic nutritionist and cleanse expert, my goal is to help you understand how glyphosate impacts your health and implement strategies to reduce exposure to this toxic chemical.
Glyphosate is a synthetic herbicide that is widely used to kill invasive weeds that rob nearby plants and crops of water, sunlight, and nutrients. As such, this potent weedkiller is sprayed across farmlands, gardens, lawns, and parks to protect crop yields and preserve the appearance of landscapes.
More than 750 products in the United States contain glyphosate as an active ingredient, with Roundup being the most popular. This widespread herbicide is available in several chemical forms, including as an acid or salt. In addition to warding off unwanted weeds, glyphosate salts are often used to control plant growth and speed up the ripening and drying process of specific crops. Yep, you read that right! Glyphosate is frequently applied to fields of soybeans, corn, wheat, and oats right before harvest to help them dry and ripen faster.
The incessant use of glyphosate on these common crops has raised growing concern over its negative effects on human health. Research has revealed a potential link between glyphosate exposure and the risk of developing numerous health problems, including DNA damage, hormonal imbalances, respiratory dysfunction, harmful gut bacterial overgrowths, increased inflammation, and cell-damaging oxidative stress.
Additionally, glyphosate acts as a metal chelator, binding to essential minerals that our bodies need to function properly. As a result of these mineral-binding properties, glyphosate has been linked to anxiety, thyroid dysfunction, autism, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, osteomalacia, and even infertility. Equally alarming, glyphosate has also been associated with the onset of cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Therefore, finding ways to minimize and avoid exposure is crucial in preventing the development of various conditions.
Although glyphosate is ubiquitous in our food supply and environment, there are several strategies you can implement to reduce your exposure to this hazardous herbicide.
As you peruse the grocery store for whole grains, legumes, and produce, reach for items labeled with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) organic seal. This label helps to ensure that the products are grown under strict guidelines that prohibit the use of synthetic chemicals like glyphosate. Studies have shown that both adults and children who transitioned from a conventional diet to an all-organic diet experienced an incredible 70% drop in urinary glyphosate levels within just three days.
However, an all-organic diet can be a bit pricey. Therefore, you can use the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list, which outlines the top twelve fruits and vegetables with the most glyphosate residues to prioritize buying organic.
Another fantastic way to reduce the intake of glyphosate is to take weekly trips to your local farmer’s market. By doing so, you can directly interact with the farmers who produce your food. This is the perfect opportunity to ask them about their growing practices and whether they use glyphosate on their fields. Chances are, many of the vendors will have a sign and certificate that clearly states that they are certified organic farmers. These farmers must clearly label organic and non-organic products to prevent organic products from coming in contact with synthetic chemicals.
Many of us lead busy lives. So, weekly trips to the farmer’s market are not always feasible. Fortunately, you can have organic produce delivered right to your doorstep by joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA). Just as the name implies, CSAs are farms that are supported by a community of members who purchase a “share” in the farm. Many CSA farms are certified organic, providing fresh, seasonal produce that is grown and harvested without the use of glyphosate.
If you truly want to take control of what is being sprayed on your food, starting your own garden is one of the best ways to avoid glyphosate exposure. While this may seem overwhelming at first, I always tell my clients that the trick is to start small. An herb garden on your window seal or in a small planter outdoors is the perfect place to start. From there, you can work your way up to tomatoes, berries, and leafy greens. Just be sure to buy organic seeds to avoid contamination with chemical weedkillers and fertilizers.
Even if you buy or grow your own organic produce, you should always wash your fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water with two teaspoons of baking soda before consumption. This is because glyphosate can drift from surrounding conventional farms or lawns, leaving very small traces of glyphosate on organic produce. Therefore, studies have highlighted that soaking your fruits and veggies in baking soda for 15 minutes effectively removes chemical residues from produce.
While eating an organic diet is ideal, the reality is that completely avoiding glyphosate exposure can be challenging. That is why it’s important to protect your body from the damaging effects of glyphosate by supporting your natural detoxification pathways. One of the most powerful detoxifying agents in the body is an antioxidant called glutathione. In order to make enough glutathione, the body needs an amino acid called glycine. However, glyphosate often gets mistaken for glycine in the body, resulting in toxic levels of glyphosate being stored in our tissues. Therefore, taking a glycine supplement or consuming foods rich in glycine, like legumes, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower, can support the glutathione production.
***
Now that you understand the harmful effects of glyphosate and ways to reduce exposure, you can confidently navigate the grocery store and farmers market, choosing options that aren’t sprayed with this toxic herbicide. If you need help supporting your detoxification pathways, consider signing up for my EG 5-Day Gut Cleanse, which features glycine-rich foods and supplements that help bind and remove toxins from your body.
Subscribe to to receive weekly inspirations, recipes and healthy lifestyle tips from Elissa’s newsletter.
Subscribe today and also receive Elissa’s exclusive Immunity Essentials Guide!
"*" indicates required fields
