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GMOs: Cause of Mysterious Health Symptoms
By Linda | August 3, 2009
I used to tell my clients that the worst thing they could possibly eat was trans fat, man-made oils found in margarine and many processed foods. But trans foods pale in comparison to the diseases associated with GMOs, now hidden in most processed foods.
The most dangerous thing in our food today is not sugar or fat, but GMOs: Genetically modified organisms. Transgenic organisms are created when scientists take genes from one species and insert them into the DNA of another species. Most Americans say they would never eat GMOs, but they are hidden in 90% of processed foods and never appear on labels.
GMOs are not the same as hybridized plants or breeding two different types of goats to get a third. A plucot is not a GM food. A cross between a Dalmatian and a Poodle is not a GM animal. Nature puts up her own blocks when blending two species is inappropriate.
Genetically engineered food results when scientists insert genes from something like a virus, a fish or a human into the DNA of a tomato or corn plant, or an animal, leaving the new plant or animal with unnatural characteristics. Dow has managed to stick human genes into corn to produce spermicide. Jellyfish genes cause pigs’ noses to light up. Cow genes turn pigskin into cowhides. Prodigene has forced the herpes virus into corn genes. Fish genes render tomatoes and strawberries resistant to frost. Handy.
This changes the function of natural genes. A vegetable or glass of milk can become a drug. A tomato might no longer a vegetarian food. Crops glow in the dark when they need water.
When you eat a GM organism, unpredictable things can happen. The pesticide “Bt” engineered in corn plants, when consumed, can do it’s own DNA splicing with your gut bacteria, thus activating this “inert” pesticide inside your digestive system. Why not just swallow some Roundup? Even after you realize you want to avoid GM foods, your GI tract may still be producing pesticides from the corn syrup in your last soft drink or corn chips.
GMOs have been linked to a variety of animal and human health problems. Livestock have been sickened, sterilized and killed by GMOs. Lab animals fed GMOs suffer damage to every organ system. Most animals refuse to eat them, unless forced. In humans, GMOs are associated with increased allergies, food sensitivities and arthritis, along with a variety of mysterious conditions. UK researchers have found a surge in food allergies since transgenic foods were released into the nation’s food supply. I have clients with new arthritis pain associated to GMOs in thier diets.
The consensus among FDA scientists is that GM foods can lead to unpredictable allergens, toxins, new diseases and nutrition problems. Unfortunately these scientists have been ignored, silenced, or fired. A lawsuit brought to light 44,000 FDA documents showing GM foods pose health risks. The recent book Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods, cites 65 health-risks from everyday GMO-containing foods. There is enough evidence to push through a ban on GE food by Congress. Unfortunately there is not enough money to fight off the biotech industry.
You probably think the government has subjected GM foods to rigorous safety testing. It has not. Instead the FDA relies on safety research from the very companies who profit from this technology, such as Monsanto. To help their cause, biotech representatives have spliced themselves (much like their own technology) into government regulatory agencies. Thus some of the FDA officials in charge of regulating GM products are from Monsanto, and later return to the company once they accomplish what they set out to do in government.
How do we avoid GMOs? If you eat typical processed foods, this won’t be easy. From 70-90% of processed foods contain GMOs. In a nutshell, avoid any non-organic soy, cottonseed oil, canola, or corn products (Sweet corn is OK - the GMO kind is inedible as a vegetable). That takes care of most vegetable oils. Stick with olive oil. Next, start checking up on your dairy products and meats - Are these animals fed GMO grains? Now screen your food additives, sweeteners, flavorings, and even honey. Tofu, tamari and soy sauce can be transgenic. So can corn starch and vitamin C (made from corn). Don’t eat that Hawaiian papaya either. Even “organic” products may be GM. Check out Will Taft’s fascinating blog interview on soy.
To learn more about GMOs see the web site or read the book: Seeds of Deception.
For a printable guide to GMO-free brands, click here.
Have you suffered health problems from GMO’s? Or mysterious health issues no one seems to be able to solve? Share with other readers here.
Topics: Processed Food, Sustainable Food, Uncategorized |
October 11th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Eating to Health? Think Again!http://howtomakeagood.info/
October 16th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Hi Linda, this is a fascinating article that may help explain my increased aches and pains (back/joint stiffness especially in the morning and vaginal infections)since returning to North America. I thought is was my increase in sugar consumption due to eating out more and being seduced by all the sweet temptations available.
I feel very strongly that it is diet related because I experienced much less pain while living in Asia. The stress has increased since being back in the US however my diet has changed the most.
GM foods seems overwhelming to think of avoiding due to economic times and lack of knowledge. I look fwd to learning more.