Glyphosates and their effect on the Gut and Autism
Glyphosates were introduced in 1975 and since then, this popular herbicide has been used in agricultural and residential applications and in public land use such as parks and pathways. Not only is Glyphosate-containing Roundup sprayed prior to planting, but farmers use glyphosate to dry crops like beans, wheat, and oats right before harvesting them to speed up the drying process.
Glyphosates disrupt the shikimate pathway that plants use to produce amino acids, which are a precursor to proteins, vitamins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. When glyphosates disrupt this pathway, it kills the plant. As humans don’t possess this shikimate metabolic process in their cells, it would appear we are immune to the effects of glyphosates. How then are we affected by glyphosate?
Microbes in our body do contain shikimate pathways. These microbes provide nutrients, aid digestion, maintain a healthy gut barrier, and promote the development of a healthy immune system.
The gut microbiome is a collection of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, with which we have a symbiotic relationship. Glyphosates directly impact the gut microbiome by destroying the microbe’s shikimate pathways and destroying beneficial bacteria, thus causing dysbiosis (an imbalance of microbiota in the gut microbiome).
“When we disrupt the gut, we disrupt the brain” - Stephanie Seneff PhD
The gut and brain are always in close communication and the signals between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system are called the Gut-Brain Axis. Communication is released by microbes via our lymph system, blood circulation, and via the vagus nerve. (I offer additional support via Organotherapy to further address this process.)
This is why several of our modern-day illnesses have their origin in the gut, including Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, Depression, and Parkinson’s disease, among others.
Children with compromised brain function like those presenting with Autism often suffer from gut problems. They often have a leaky or inflamed gut that allows pathogens to enter general circulation, which causes systemic and brain inflammation and is associated with mood disorders and cognitive problems.
Dysbiosis (an imbalance of microbiota in the gut microbiome) allows pathogenic bacteria to outnumber beneficial bacteria. Children with an Autism presentation have more Clostridia (something I address at the Poly Fungi Plus stage of Detox) in the gut and this pathogenic bacteria contributes to disease manifestations and is known to be less sensitive to glyphosates. An overgrowth of Clostridia leads to toxic metabolites that disrupt dopamine levels in the body, which leads to high levels of Dopamine. Some symptoms associated with high levels of Dopamine are mood swings, intense excitement, pleasure-seeking behaviors, anxiety, Autistic behavior, constipation, and more.
Health improves when there is more of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. However, these are the two bacteria most sensitive to glyphosates. (I address this via the Poly Bowel Plus stage of Detox, PB+ is a homeopathic combination remedy comprising healthy intestinal flora, enzymes, and candida).
Another impact glyphosates have is on specialized enzymes that the body produces to digest our foods, and these digestive enzymes can be infiltrated by glyphosates. The digestive enzymes are responsible for the breaking down of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food. These are necessary for the absorption of nutrients and to maintain optimal health, and can leave one malnourished or nutrient deficient even if they eat a nutritious diet.