By Betty Murray
Genetically modified foods, or GMOs, are foods that are genetically modified with the use of hormones and toxins to grow faster or to withstand large amounts of pesticides. When you eat foods containing GMOs, you are taking in multiple toxins that can be harmful to your health.
Research has shown that rats fed genetically modified corn developed kidney and liver problems. This same corn can be found in grocery stores. Other health problems found in animals that were fed genetically modified foods include: increased allergic reactions, mouth lesions, cough, bloating, diarrhea, sterility, altered sperm cells and changes in embryo development.
And yet, even with the knowledge of the harmful effects GMOs can have on the human body, the U.S. government has put no pressure on food companies to label GMOs in food products. And the Obama administration has approved three genetically modified crops from biotech corporation Monsanto, which produces the common pesticide RoundUp. Crops approved by the FDA include RoundUp Ready alfalfa, sugar beets and corn for ethanol production.
In addition to the various health problems we have known about for several years, new research released by the Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT) shows genetically modified foods like soy and corn might be responsible for gluten disorders.
Approximately 18 million people in America suffer from some type of gluten-related disorder, such as Celiac Disease. Research by the IRT relates genetically modified foods to five conditions that can either cause or exacerbate gluten disorders, including Celiac disease. These conditions include:
- Intestinal permeability
- Imbalanced gut bacteria
- Immune activation and allergic response
- Impaired digestion
- Damage to the intestinal wall
With the rise in the number of gluten disorders in the US, experts agree that genetics alone cannot be blamed, but that an environmental factor, such as GMOs must be to blame.
For more information on the link between GMOs and gluten disorders, watch this video.
Betty Murray, CN, HHC, RYT is a Certified Nutritionist & Holistic Health Counselor, founder of the Dallas-based integrative medical center, Wellness and founder of the Metabolic Blueprint wellness program. Betty’s nutrition counseling practice specializes in metabolic and digestive disorders and weight loss resistance. A master of the biochemistry of the body, Betty teaches her clients how to utilize nutritional interventions to improve their health. Betty is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.
