Why Bread Is Bad For You
When we talk to people about eating better and mention that giving up bread might be a good idea, well, without question the number one response is, no way!
Or, it’s even worst and the reaction is something that I can’t put in print.
So, what is the problem with bread? There’s a lot really. Most people think it’s the gluten or being gluten intolerant but, let’s forget about that for now and concentrate on a even more serious problem. Glyphosate.
Glyphosate, or as it’s more commonly known Roundup, was first approved in Canada in 1991 and since then has 9 billion kilograms have been sprayed worldwide!
It’s the most used herbicide in history and now it’s not just found in our food but, also in the water and the air. Some scientists blame it for a range of chronic illness and even cancer. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer declared the chemical a probable carcinogen.
Why Use Glyphosate on Wheat?
Common practice in the United States is to drench wheat fields with Roundup several days before the combine harvesters work through the fields.
There are two reasons that a farmer wants to use glyphosate on non-GMO crops. If he has a field that came up late and he is having problems with weeds then that can make harvesting slower. This is commonly done with wheat.
The other reason involves late season snow. In the northern regions of the Unite States and in the Prairies of Canada, there is a very short growing season. If it snows on the crop at harvest then you may lose the crop, because you can’t get back into the field to do the harvest.
In these areas, most of the wheat and barley are treated with glyphosate before harvest. This kills the plant so that it will wilt and dry. Farmers don’t want to take a risk of losing their entire wheat and barley crop, so they will take a cut in yield and quality by using glyphosate a few weeks before harvest, and then harvest the crop early.
Sadly, farmers don’t realize how much they are contaminating the food or feed product when they do this. They will accept the cut in quality and quantity of the crop, because that can buy them a week advantage in harvest. It’s really more done for ease and planning. However, from a health and safety standpoint it can have devastating consequences.
What’s the Problem With Glyphosate?
Here’s problem with Roundup. It’s active ingredient lethally disrupts the all important “shikimate” pathway found in beneficial gut microbes which is responsible for synthesis of critical amino acids.
Friendly gut bacteria, also called probiotics, play a critical role in human health. Gut bacteria aid digestion and prevent permeability of the gastointestinal tract, commonly know as, leaky gut.
This is vital in our fight against the development of a whole host of autoimmune diseases. Gut bacteria also synthesize vitamins and provide the foundation for robust immunity.
Roundup significantly disrupts the functioning of beneficial bacteria in the gut and contributes to permeability of the intestinal wall which can result in autoimmune disease symptoms.
The negative impact of glyphosate exposure is slow and insidious over months and years as inflammation can gradually gain a foothold in the cellular systems of the body.
Here are just some of the health issues that systemic inflammation can lead to: gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, Autism, infertility, cancer, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease but, the list goes on!
Avoid Toxic Wheat
You may feel that, because you don’t have a wheat sensitivity or gluten issue, bread is fine. The bottom line is that avoidance of conventional wheat in the United States and even Canada is absolutely essential!
Unfortunately, the fact you may not be showing symptoms now really means very little. The effects of glyphosate on your biology are insidious and even though you may not a have problem with eating bread now, the likelihood you will in the future is high.
How To Avoid Glyphsate
Avoid the staples: Oat and wheat products are routinely treated with glyphosate before harvest in the United States and abroad in neighbouring countries like Canada. Try skipping foods based around these two crops unless they are Certified Glyphosate Residue Free.
Use Baking soda: A study came out recently that showed baking soda is actually the most effective substance to use to wash pesticides off fruits and vegetables. Just add a bit of baking soda and give them a solid rinse before eating to reduce your overall pesticide intake.
Go organic: It’s practically impossible to avoid glyphosate and some residue has been found in organic products, but the residues were much lower overall when compared to conventionally grown products.
USDA certified organic crops are banned from applying glyphosate directly so organic farmers just don’t do it. Choosing organic over conventional is a way to control your overall intake. However, issues like drift and cross-contamination will continue to affect organic crops unless an overall reduction of use is enforced.
Seek Certified Glyphosate Residue Free products: The Detox Project is an independent research and certification organization dedicated to bringing awareness to the public by testing consumer goods and food products for toxic chemicals. They now administer a Glyphosate Residue Free certification by rigorously testing for glyphosate residues to ensure none are present. Choosing products with the certified Glyphosate Residue Free seal is a sure-fire way to avoid glyphosate at the breakfast table, or at lunch or dinner, for that matter!
Conclusion
The bottom line is glyphosate creates a whole host of health problems for us and that quite probably includes cancer. It shouldn’t be sprayed on crops directly before harvest. It’s time for the our governments to protect our health and ban this use of glyphosate on wheat.
In the meantime, avoid wheat products at all costs. While eating bread may seem like a huge sacrifice, isn’t your health worth it? Why not check out this blog post for our simple Keto toast recipe: https://talkingwellness.ca/easy-peasy-keto-toast/
