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Glyphosate Detox
October 10, 2023
Glyphosate, chemically known as N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, is a widely used herbicide that has been in use since the 1970s. In the United States alone, large quantities have been applied to agricultural crops, with estimates suggesting over 1.6 billion kilograms were used between 1974 and 2015, and a substantial increase in use occurring after the early 2000s. Globally, total usage has been estimated in the billions of kilograms, making glyphosate one of the most widely applied herbicides in the world.
How Bad is it?
Research suggests glyphosate toxicity may be more severe than previously believed, that it persists longer in the environment and is found in unexpected places like baby diapers and menstral products. Its actions as a neurotoxin and endocrine disruptor indicate its potential to act in similar ways to persistent organic pollutants such as the organochlorines dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and dioxin.
Glyphosate has potential negative impacts on both androgen receptors and estrogen cell signaling with links to breast cancer. Recent studies on animals implicate glyphosate in a multitude of issues that are currently plaguing our globe.
Glyphosate disables the shikimate pathway found in plants and bacteria and subsequently kills them both. The shikimate pathway is a set of enzymatic reactions that synthesize (create) essential compounds the human body requires. "Glyphosate inhibits the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) in the shikimate pathway for the production of aromatic amino acids, such as tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine. This pathway is found in plants, fungi, bacteria, protozoa and archaea,4 rendering glyphosate an effective antimicrobial. As the human body does not produce tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine, they must be acquired through diet, as well as through production by microbes in the gut.28 However, disruption to the shikimate pathway due to glyphosate has been shown to reduce the levels of these nutrients in plants and therefore potentially limit their bioavailability to humans who consume them.29 One study demonstrated that treatment with 100 µM of pure glyphosate reduced the levels of tryptophan by 13%, tyrosine by 59% and phenylalanine by 77% in sugarcane crops.30 Furthermore, alkaloids, which are medicinal compounds naturally produced by plants with anti-cancer and anti-inflammation properties, are also made by the shikimate pathway and so these natural compounds cannot be produced by plants following treatment with glyphosate."
The human body cannot utilize the shikimate pathway but instead relies on friendly strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to safeguard against folate (B9) deficiency. Animal studies show reduced beneficial bacteria, caused by low-dose glyphosate exposure alters gut microbiota composition and modulates gut homeostasis. Inadequate levels of folate are linked to colon cancer and inflammation that folate-producing bacterial strains provide protection against.
By now you might be wondering what the shikimate pathway has to do with removing glyphosate from the body. While there’s no clear, well-established pathway describing exactly how the body eliminates glyphosate, it is known to have a relatively short half-life, about 5 to 10 hours. This means that within roughly 10 to 20 hours, much of it can be cleared from the system, which is encouraging. However, the bigger concern isn’t just its presence, but the effects it may leave behind; like a hurricane passing through, the compound may be gone, but the disruption, particularly to cellular and microbial systems, can linger and require time and support for the body to fully recover.
The War Can be Won
If your gut microbiome has been disrupted by glyphosate, many of the beneficial bacteria are dead. If left in this fractured state, pathogenic bacteria can quickly move in and populate your gut. The lack of folate (B9) and aromatic amino acids in your system can also leave you weak and vulnerable. Vitamin B9 (folate) helps form red and white blood cells and is also necessary for the production of DNA. Without adequate supplies of natural folate you'll be susceptible to anemia, infections and low cellular energy. Deficiencies in the amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan can lead to depression and sleep deprivation.
Emerging research suggests that polyphenol-rich honey may help the body better cope with glyphosate expsoure by reducing mitochondrial oxidative damage and supporting natural DNA repair pathways. The use of honey should be seen as supportive rather than a direct detox for glyphosate.
If you are wise, you'll also be ready to introduce another set of troops to repopulate your gut. Studies show probiotics have strong antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, and in most wars, victory comes down to strategy, diversity, and numbers. These same principles apply here. The fermented foods you strategically choose, the variety you include, and how consistently you consume them can help strengthen your system over time, supporting resilience in the face of ongoing glyphosate exposure.
Your strategy need not be complex or complicated. Become familiar with the various types of fermented foods available at your neighborhood health food store or choose to make your own. A small bowl of yogurt in the morning or a glass of milk kefir is simple and easy. Sauerkraut in your sandwich at lunch time, washed down with some homemade water kefir or kombucha is always yummy. Some fermented kimchi or pickles with your dinner will complete your meal. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also supplement your diet with probiotics purchased from your local natural health store.
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by Bonnie Penner
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