There is mounting evidence that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are the culprit for many of the health issues Americans are facing today. Yesterday, I shared some research that links them to gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut syndrome. These conditions have been on the rise, and it comes as no surprise when we consider how much of our food has been infiltrated with genetically modified crops.

If you're like most Americans, you probably regularly consume corn, soy, and canola, which are almost all genetically modified now. But you may never even see these listed on an ingredient label because they are often under different names.

Stats on the top GMOs grown in the U.S.

- About 90% of all corn is genetically engineered.

Hidden sources: high fructose corn syrup, modified food starch, citric acid, dextrin and dextrose, fructose, lactic acid, malt, mono- and diglycerides, monosodium glutamate, sorbitol, and starch

Additionally, if you eat meat, be aware GMO corn is the main ingredient in animal feed.

- 93% of all soy is genetically engineered.

Hidden sources: carob, emulsifiers, guar gum, natural flavors, shoyu, soy lecithin, soy protein concentrate or isolate, soybean oil, stabilizer, tamari, tempeh, texturized vegetable protein, vegetable broth, and vegetable gum

- About 90% of all canola is genetically engineered.

Hidden sources: processed foods such as mayonnaise, potato chips, oil-packed canned tuna

The Rise of GMO Crops in the U.S.

(HT stands for Herbicide Tolerant, and Bt for Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil-dwelling bacterium used to make certain GMOs)

Bt corn is created by taking Bacillus thuringiensis, splicing part of it's DNA, and inserting it into the corn’s DNA. Bacillus thuringiensis is sought after for this process because it naturally produces an insecticide called Bt-toxin. But since scientists have isolated this toxin, they are capable of engineering the corn to produce the toxin 1,000 times more than the bacteria would on its own.

The result? When an insect consumes part of the corn plant, holes form in its intestines, and it dies of blood poisoning. That being said, Bt toxin makes a very effective insecticide. This becomes a problem, however, when humans unknowingly consume it in their diets.

As I highlighted yesterday, this Bt toxin has been linked to IBS and Leaky Gut Syndrome.

In the U.S., IBS is estimated to affect as many as 25 to 45 million people, including children. But how common is Leaky Gut? Doctors, such as Josh Axe, estimate over half of the population is suffering from some degree of Leaky Gut.

Herbicide Tolerant Crops

Two of the most common types of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) crops are Glyphosate-tolerant and Glufosinate-tolerant crops. Since farmers spray their crops many times with herbicides, it becomes imperative to use crops that are tolerant to them.

How HT crops work:

1. Glyphosate-tolerant crops

Glyphosate herbicide, which is found in Roundup, kills weeds by blocking their EPSPS enzyme. One of the ways crops are made to be glyphosate-tolerant is by engineering them to contain a gene from a soil bacterium that produces a glyphosate degrading enzyme.

2. Glufosinate-tolerant crops

Glufosinate herbicide contains phosphinothricin. This ingredient kills weeds by blocking important enzyme's it needs to function. These crops are unharmed by phosphinothricin because they have been engineered to contain a gene from a bacterium that produces an enzyme to detoxify phosphinothricin.

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Are You Consuming These GMO Foods?

Foods such as these are most likely to be from genetically engineered sources:

soda
candy
sweetened yogurt
bottled salad dressings
bread
bottled juice
boxed dinners
granola bars
cereal
pre-made baked goods
ketchup and other condiments
coffee creamer
energy drinks and sports drinks
ice cream

GMOs are not required to be labelled in the U.S. Therefore, the best way to avoid them is to buy organic or grow your own food.

Sources:
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/adoption-of-genetically-engineered-crops-in-the-us/recent-trends-in-ge-adoption.aspx
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/genetically-modified-crop/
https://www.livinghealthy.com/articles/there-s-an-80-percent-chance-you-have-a-leaky-gut
https://aboutibs.org/what-is-ibs/facts-about-ibs-2.html
http://isaaa.org/resources/publications/pocketk/10/default.asp
http://strongertogether.coop/fresh-from-the-source/soy-and-corn-healthy-choices-or-hidden-ingredients
http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-foods-with-high-fructose-corn-syrup#section21

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