GMOs and Your Health
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) foods —even the name sounds creepy. With advanced biotech engineering methods, scientists combine genes from various plants, bacteria and animals into industrial crops in an attempt to improve various features. For example, a number of commercial GMO crops contain bacterial DNA to help protect them from pests.
First marketed in the 1990s, GMO foods are now widespread. It is estimated that as many as 70% of foods found in supermarkets contain GMO ingredients. The battle over these engineered foods has become fierce. On one side, pro-GMO groups (mainly Big Ag supporters) maintain these altered crops increase the food supply, reduce the need for pesticides and have been proven safe. Anti-GMO groups are concerned these items may cause irreparable environmental damage and affect numerous critical areas of health, and as many reports shows, actually increase the need for more pesticides due to increasing resistance. GMOs are banned in a number of countries and many others have effectively enforced labeling of GMO foods.
Vermont Leads the Way
Just this week, a federal judge rejected a bid by GMO proponents in the food industry to strike down the Vermont law that was recently passed with overwhelming support, requiring the labeling of genetically modified foods. Vermont is the first US state to successfully pass a GMO labeling law — a huge victory for the “Right to Know” movement, which is gaining momentum as more and more people demand to know which foods contain GMO ingredients. It also sets a precedent for other states to pass similar laws. The world is watching.
Red Flags
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine has raised red flags over GMOs. A growing number of independent studies have analyzed the results of feeding GMO corn and soy to animals over time. These foods have been shown to affect fertility, immunity, cellular health and other critical functions in animals.
There are other issues as well. Increasing evidence shows GMO crops may encourage drug-resistant bacteria and pesticide-resistant bugs. Resistant pests will require stronger and more toxic pesticides in the future. Also, GMO crops can spread outside farm boundaries, becoming invasive and edging out native heirloom plants.
More independent studies must be done to understand the impact of GMOs on human health. To truly determine the safety of GMO foods, we need multi-generational pre-clinical and clinical research, genetic testing, epidemiological data and independent, peer-reviewed safety studies. Though no one currently knows the long-term effects of GMOs on human health, we can indirectly observe the declining public health landscape since their mass introduction into our food supply roughly ten years ago.
Where You’ll Find GMO Foods
Labeling laws do not allow GMOs to be certified organic. However, cross-contamination from neighboring fields may taint the organic food supply. At present, GMO crops make up roughly 88 percent of the soy, cotton, canola, sugar beet and corn supply. In addition, meat and dairy animals often live on GMO feed.
Support Your Health
Yes, GMO foods are prevalent. But we can all mitigate the risk by making a few simple, smart choices.
Go Organic
As noted, organic foods may be affected by GMO pollen; however, they can still reduce exposure. When factoring in other benefits, such as fewer pesticides and hormones, organic is simply a good choice.
Support Digestion
Some studies have indicated GMO foods can change the gastrointestinal lining, increase food sensitivities and block digestive enzymes. There are a number of ways to effectively support digestion: probiotic and prebiotic supplements; the minerals zinc and chromium; digestive enzymes amylase, protease and lipase; and cinnamon, cardamom, pomegranate, ginger and other digestive herbs.*
ecoNugenics Integrative Digestive Formula® combines many of these ingredients and other digestive-supporting herbs and nutrients, to protect and support digestive function and relieve occasional digestive discomfort.*
Maintain Immunity
A strong immune system is essential for maintaining long term health, particularly against toxins and potential GMO effects. In addition to a wholesome diet, regular exercise and healthy stress relief, ecoNugenics recommends targeted formulas for acute and long term immune health. Medicinal mushroom formulas are a great example, because medicinal mushrooms help optimize immune cells so that they function more efficiently.*
Ten Mushroom Formula® is a comprehensive daily wellness formula that delivers a synergistic blend of targeted medicinal mushrooms to support immunity and overall health. *
MycoPhyto Complex® mushroom formula combines six mushrooms grown on a blend of immune-supporting herbs. This powerful formula offers natural protection for immediate and long term immunity and overall health.*
Detoxify
Regular, gentle detoxification practices can help remove environmental toxins, pesticides and other pollutants from the body. For addressing heavy metals and pesticides in the circulation and digestive tract, ecoNugenics recommends PectaClear® formula, made with PectaSol-C® Modified Citrus Pectin and sodium alginates. This formula works to grab circulating heavy metals and environmental toxins and help remove them safely, while also preventing reabsorption through the digestive tract.
For total-body, comprehensive detoxification support, ecoNugenics new formula ecoDetox™, contains targeted botanicals and nutrients that pull toxins from deep within organs and tissues, while supporting the organs of elimination and body’s natural detoxification capacities at the cellular and genetic levels. It also supports antioxidant activity and vital energy, key components for a successful cleanse.
Clearly, more independent research on GMOs is urgently needed. In the meantime, we recommend taking a cautious approach. Stick to organic foods as much as possible and, to be safe, add in scientifically validated natural ingredients that can help maintain your long term health and vitality.*