Glyphosate might not be a word you hear every day, but its presence is everywhere around us. From the fields where our food is grown to the water we drink, and even the air we breathe, this powerful herbicide has quietly become a pervasive part of our modern environment. While glyphosate is primarily marketed as a weed killer, a growing body of research reveals that it may have a much broader—and more dangerous—impact on human health than we’ve been led to believe.
Three pivotal studies have shed light on glyphosate’s role in contributing to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, cancer risk, and even cognitive impairments in children. Adding to the conversation, companies like Purium are taking action by providing practical solutions for detoxifying glyphosate from the body. Together, these findings point to the urgent need for greater awareness, proactive health strategies, and systemic change.
What Is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate, first introduced by Monsanto in 1974, is the active ingredient in Roundup, the most widely used herbicide in the world. Its primary function is to inhibit an enzyme essential for protein synthesis in plants, effectively killing weeds. This efficiency transformed agriculture, especially after the introduction of genetically modified crops that were engineered to tolerate glyphosate. As a result, glyphosate use has skyrocketed, with over 1.8 million tons applied in the United States alone.
Today, glyphosate is used not only in farming but also in home gardens, parks, playgrounds, and schoolyards. Its widespread application has made it nearly impossible to avoid. Glyphosate residues have been detected in food, water, soil, air, and even in human urine. For many of us, exposure to glyphosate is a daily reality, whether we realize it or not.
Glyphosate and Neuroinflammation
A 2024 study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation examined glyphosate’s impact on brain health, focusing specifically on its role in neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s-like pathology. Researchers exposed two groups of mice—one genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease (3xTg-AD mice) and another without such predispositions—to glyphosate for 13 weeks. The mice were then monitored for six months after exposure ceased.
Persistent Presence in the Brain
One of the most striking findings from the study was that glyphosate’s metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), was still present in the brain tissue of both groups of mice even six months after exposure had ended. This suggests that glyphosate can accumulate in the brain, raising significant concerns about its potential long-term effects in humans.
Chronic Neuroinflammation
Both groups of mice exhibited elevated levels of inflammatory markers in their brain tissue, with the Alzheimer’s-prone mice also showing systemic inflammation detectable in their blood. Chronic inflammation is a well-known driver of various diseases, including Alzheimer’s, and this study highlights glyphosate’s role in exacerbating these inflammatory processes.
Accelerated Alzheimer’s Pathology
In the Alzheimer’s-prone mice, glyphosate exposure was linked to increased levels of amyloid-beta plaques and phosphorylated tau proteins, both of which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Behavioral changes, such as anxiety and impaired spatial cognition, further underscored the damaging effects of glyphosate on brain function. The study suggests that glyphosate exposure could accelerate neurodegenerative processes, particularly in individuals already predisposed to conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Glyphosate, Oxidative Stress, and Cancer
Another study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, shifted the focus to glyphosate’s role in oxidative stress—a condition where the body’s antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed by free radicals, leading to cellular damage. Oxidative stress is a well-known precursor to chronic diseases, including cancer.
Oxidative Stress and Cellular Damage
Participants with higher levels of glyphosate exposure showed elevated biomarkers of oxidative stress in their urine, indicating increased cellular damage. This finding is particularly alarming given that oxidative stress is linked to numerous health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Link to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
This study adds to growing evidence linking glyphosate exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A 2019 meta-analysis identified a “compelling link” between glyphosate and NHL, which has been at the center of numerous lawsuits against glyphosate manufacturers. Plaintiffs allege that long-term exposure to glyphosate contributed to their NHL diagnoses, highlighting the potential carcinogenic effects of this chemical.
Glyphosate and Children’s Cognitive Development
Another study published in Environmental Research explored glyphosate’s impact on children’s neurodevelopment. The findings were particularly concerning given children’s heightened vulnerability to environmental toxins.
Cognitive Impairments in Children
Higher levels of glyphosate in children were associated with poorer performance on cognitive assessments, suggesting that glyphosate may interfere with brain development during critical growth periods. This is especially troubling considering how common glyphosate exposure is through food and the environment.
Behavioral Issues and Attention Deficits
The study also linked glyphosate exposure to behavioral problems, including attention deficits and hyperactivity. These findings underscore the need for stricter regulations to limit glyphosate exposure, particularly in settings where children are most at risk.
The Gut Connection: How Glyphosate Disrupts Digestive Health
Glyphosate’s impact on gut health is one of the most concerning aspects of its widespread use. While it’s often marketed as safe for humans, its effects on the microbiome tell a very different story. Glyphosate works by targeting the shikimate pathway, a metabolic route essential for plants and bacteria but not found in human cells. However, the bacteria in our gut—both beneficial and harmful—rely on this pathway. As a result, glyphosate can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, leading to widespread health issues.
Suppressing Beneficial Gut Bacteria
The gut microbiome is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. Beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are particularly important for producing essential nutrients, regulating immune function, and maintaining the gut barrier. Research cited by the Weston A. Price Foundation shows that glyphosate selectively harms these beneficial bacteria, while more harmful strains like Clostridia and Salmonella can thrive. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can pave the way for a range of health problems, including leaky gut, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammation.
The Domino Effect of Dysbiosis
When glyphosate disrupts the microbiome, the effects can cascade throughout the body. A compromised gut barrier, often referred to as “leaky gut,” allows undigested food particles, toxins, and pathogens to enter the bloodstream. This triggers an immune response and chronic inflammation, which are precursors to many chronic diseases, including autoimmune conditions, allergies, and even mental health disorders. The Weston A. Price Foundation article highlights how glyphosate’s interference with gut health may contribute to issues ranging from food intolerances to systemic inflammation.
Data linking increased glyphosate use on corn and soy to rising rates of inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal infection deaths. Graphs from the Weston A. Price Foundation
Blocking Nutrient Absorption
Another critical issue is glyphosate’s ability to bind to essential minerals like manganese, magnesium, and zinc, making them unavailable for absorption in the gut. These minerals are vital for numerous bodily functions, including enzyme activation, immune defense, and neurotransmitter production. Deficiencies in these nutrients can exacerbate the health issues caused by dysbiosis and further impair the body’s ability to detoxify.
Connection to Neurotransmitter Production
The gut is often called the “second brain” for good reason—it produces many neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, that regulate mood, sleep, and cognitive function. Glyphosate’s disruption of beneficial gut bacteria interferes with this process, potentially contributing to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The Weston A. Price Foundation also points to glyphosate’s interference with the production of aromatic amino acids like tryptophan and phenylalanine, which are precursors to key neurotransmitters. This highlights the far-reaching consequences of glyphosate on both gut and brain health.
Biome Medic: A Proven Solution for Glyphosate Detox
Purium’s Biome Medic is specifically designed to address the harmful effects of glyphosate on gut health. Its proprietary blend of ingredients works to detoxify glyphosate, reduce inflammation, and restore balance to the microbiome. Here’s what makes it so effective:
- Digestive Wheat Germ Extract (DWGE): Helps repair the gut lining, promoting intestinal health and reducing symptoms of leaky gut.
- Chicory Root Fiber: A natural prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy microbiome balance.
- Fulvic and Humic Acids: Bind to toxins like glyphosate and help remove them from the body while improving nutrient absorption.
- Bacillus Coagulans (Probiotic): This resilient strain of beneficial bacteria repopulates the gut and enhances digestive health.
Biome Medic has been clinically proven to reduce glyphosate levels by 74% in a double-blind study, while also lowering C-reactive protein—a marker of inflammation—by 75%. It’s the only product certified by The Detox Project for glyphosate detoxification, making it a trusted choice for anyone looking to reduce their exposure to this harmful herbicide.
Jigsaw Health Essential Probiotic Blend: Gut Defense at Its Best
Another powerful ally in protecting your gut is Jigsaw Health’s Essential Probiotic Blend. This supplement includes key strains of beneficial bacteria specifically identified in research, including findings from the Weston A. Price Foundation, as critical in combating glyphosate’s negative effects. These strains not only help restore balance to the microbiome but also perform an extraordinary dual function: removing microplastics from the gut before they can enter the bloodstream.
- Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains: These are among the most essential bacteria for combating glyphosate’s impact on gut health. They support the breakdown of toxins, improve nutrient absorption, and strengthen the gut barrier.
- Microplastic Detox: These strains are also scientifically proven to bind to microplastics in the gut, preventing them from being absorbed into the body. This adds another layer of protection against the modern environmental pollutants we encounter daily.
By pairing Jigsaw Health’s Essential Probiotic Blend with Biome Medic, you create a powerful, synergistic approach to gut health, addressing both the harmful effects of glyphosate and other environmental toxins like microplastics.
Additional Steps to Reduce Glyphosate Exposure
Beyond supplements, there are several practical lifestyle changes you can make to limit your exposure to glyphosate and other harmful chemicals.
- Choose Organic Foods: Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate. Prioritize organic versions of high-risk foods, including wheat, corn, and soy.
- Filter Your Water: Glyphosate residues have been found in drinking water. Use a high-quality filtration system, such as reverse osmosis, to remove contaminants.
- Support Regenerative Agriculture: Look for farmers and food brands that practice regenerative farming, which reduces chemical use while prioritizing soil health and biodiversity.
- Include Detoxifying Foods: Incorporate foods like turmeric, chlorella, and spirulina into your diet to support your body’s natural detoxification processes.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Stay informed about the latest glyphosate research and support policies that limit its use in agriculture and public spaces.
A Combined Strategy for Long-Term Health
Glyphosate exposure is a serious concern, but by combining targeted solutions like Purium’s Biome Medic and Jigsaw Health’s Essential Probiotic Blend with conscious dietary and lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce its impact on your health. These steps not only protect your gut microbiome but also support your body’s ability to detoxify and recover from the harmful effects of modern environmental toxins.
The question isn’t whether glyphosate is affecting us—it’s how much longer we’ll allow it to.
