We remember the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup commercial where he says, “Hey, your chocolate is in my peanut butter!” Well now it’s more like, “Hey, that monkey pituitary gland is genetically spliced to my popcorn!”
A GMO (genetically modified organism) is created in a laboratory when genes from the DNA are removed from a species and artificially forced into the genes of a plant or animal. A lot of today’s fruits, vegetables, tortillas, soy sauce and many others in your local grocery store have genes from bacteria, viruses, insects and even animals in them. We must buy “certified organic” foods, people!
We often sit in awe at the marvels of science. This one, however, has been a mess on the world and now invades, rather than nourishes, our bodies. Here are a couple examples:
- Fish genes spliced into tomatoes
- Arctic fish spliced with strawberries
- Plants are now engineered to produce insecticide
It all seems kinda cool in a science fiction way but what is it doing to our bodies? Advocates say that the genes in these GMO plants are destroyed in our digestive system and, therefore, do not transfer these mutant genes to our own gut bacteria. Studies are now showing that they can survive digestion and can transfer their genetic material to our friendly bacteria.
Now your own friendly bacteria become “infected” and “unfriendly” bacteria. Then the cells in your body start to change their genetic structure. This has been implicated in a man’s body attacking its own sperm and causing infertility.
One study showed 43% of people fed Roundup Ready Soy by Monsanto had gut bacteria that was genetically altered from the soy. Careful of that edamame! The bacteria were now herbicide resistant, very stable and replicating. There is no known cure for this and it may be long term.
Now the stomach is compromised and the bacteria find its way into the blood. Immune system antibodies are sent to fight it as a foreign invader and the body is left with a hyperactive immune system. Allergies and autoimmune disorders are now showing up in record numbers.
Most GMO foods have genes to make them antibiotic resistant. That means they may make gut flora antibiotic resistant and accelerate the rise of antibiotic-resistant illnesses.
Even breathing the dust or pollen from GMO crops can alter genetic structure of the flora that is present in your respiratory tract.
I know this information is dark but we must know it, stay away from GMOs and fight to have them labeled if not eradicated. Don’t worry, this series will get happier with number 4, “How to replenish our good bacteria”.
See you at the certified organic stand at the farmer’s market!
