At Moms Across America we often get questions like " What can I eat?" or "Everything is contaminated, what do I do?"
Here is a recent question that we think everyone could benefit from considering and our answer.
“Hi, I'm a new mom who has eaten Quaker Oats throughout my pregnancy. After learning about arsenic levels in the oats I made the switch to Bob's Red Mill organic steel-cut oats. Now I discover that I have been unknowingly eating small doses of glyphosate every morning for breakfast, as well as feeding it to my daughter through breast milk. I'm infuriated and wondering what actions I'm able to take? ”- Michelle V.
1. Stop eating oats*. Eat other organic breakfast foods instead.
2. Switch brands and test the other brand with a home test kit. Test kits are available here.
3. Switch brands and don't test - just hope that it doesn't have glyphosate - and have raw organic sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, and/or kombucha every day.
Sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, and/or kombucha have been found to have a beneficial bacteria called acetobacter whichdegrades glyphosate in soil. Meaning that theoretically (more studies need to be done in humans) acetobacter would break down the molecule into non-toxic components that are absorbed as nutrients in the body and the glyphosate would be gone. We do not know the quantity of acetobacter in these foods/liquids that you need to consume to degrade the particular amount of glyphosate in your body - there simply has not been enough testing conducted. We simply suggest that people consume one or more of these foods every day, especially when you eat a meal or snack.
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UPDATED**:
We have been asked for a page that lists the food products that ARE glyphosate free. The problem is that because of contamination, and the millions of pounds of grains that could cross-contaminate, etc, we cannot be accurate in making such claims.
We simply direct people to buy organic as much as possible. Although SOME organic has still been shown to be contaminated, not ALL organic food is contaminated with glyphosate (and MOST conventional is contaminated), and the ones that are havebeen shown to have 26-1000's of time lower levels of glyphosate. Although there is no safe level of glyphosate, organic is still the best we can do besides biodynamic or growing it yourself in a greenhouse with RO filtered water.
We simply do not have the resources to test every brand of food availableand supply such a list that is current.
The only way to eventually consume glyphosate free is to have our EPA ban glyphosate.
Until then, all we cando is list the companies who have taken the steps to go glyphosate free.
The first one was Tropical Traditions.
Next was an organization called the Detox Project which created a certification program and has companies listed here.
We have been sent test results showing that LalonisVineyard and LaRocca Wines California wines are glyphosate free.
We tested hummus and the only brand, of the ones we tested, that did not have a quantifiable level wasLilly'shummus.
We will do our best to report the data we receive but please keep in mind we are not batch testing each product so we cannot accurately report on glyphosate free food.
You can test your own food by purchasing an at-home test for certain foods here:
We just started this GlyphosateTest Results page on Facebook- we would love to have help posting the results for all to share here. Please post your glyphosate test results here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/240465883313342/?ref=br_rs
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We know that we will all be exposed to glyphosate daily, no matter how hard we try, unfortunately, (as long as it is allowed by the EPA) because it drifts and has been found in the soil, air, tap water, and rain. So we do the best we can.
There is a product called Restore that helps to support gut health - glyphosate can cause gut damage - and we highly suggest trying it. You can find it on our website - your purchase also supports our programs to fulfill our mission of creating healthy communities. Check out our Health Solutions here.
We appreciate you contacting us.
Please let us know if you have health improvements! And please sign up for our action alerts and get involved so others in your community can be healthy too!
We invite you to sign out the petitionto get Roundup and glyphosate products REMOVED from the shelves in big retailers and to call the EPA at 703-308-8187 and ask Neil and the Pesticide Review Board to revoke the license of glyphosate. This is the only way that our food will stop being contaminated. Thank you!
With Gratitude,
Zen and MAA Team
*Conventional oats are commonly sprayed with glyphosate herbicides as a drying agent before harvest. Organic oats are not allowed to be sprayed with glyphosate but could be contaminated by drift, mislabeling, or even a very small amount through rain or irrigation water. We are working hard to ban glyphosate completely and hope you will join us.www.momsacrossamerica.org/action
** Updated Oct 24, 2018 Thanks to an email from a supporter. Your feedback matters!
I'm an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field of food safety, contaminants, and their impact on health. My expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of scientific studies, regulatory frameworks, and practical solutions for individuals facing concerns about the quality of their food. I've closely followed the ongoing discussions surrounding contaminants like arsenic and glyphosate, demonstrating a commitment to staying informed and up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and information presented in the article from Moms Across America:
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Arsenic in Quaker Oats: The article mentions that the concerned individual switched from Quaker Oats to Bob's Red Mill organic steel-cut oats due to concerns about arsenic levels. This reflects a growing awareness of the potential health risks associated with arsenic contamination in certain food products.
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Glyphosate Contamination in Oats: The primary focus of the article is on the inadvertent consumption of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, present in the oats. It emphasizes the importance of choosing organic options and raises awareness about the potential risks associated with glyphosate exposure, particularly for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
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Home Testing Kits: The article suggests practical steps for individuals concerned about glyphosate contamination, such as switching to another brand of oats and using home test kits to assess the glyphosate levels in the new brand. This reflects a proactive approach to addressing food safety concerns at the individual level.
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Beneficial Bacteria in Sauerkraut, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Kombucha: The article introduces the concept of using sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, and kombucha as potential dietary solutions. These foods are said to contain acetobacter, a beneficial bacteria that may degrade glyphosate in soil. However, the article acknowledges the need for more studies in humans to confirm these effects.
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Organic Certification and Glyphosate-Free Claims: The article discusses the challenges of guaranteeing glyphosate-free food due to contamination risks. It advocates for choosing organic products as they generally have lower glyphosate levels, and it provides information on organizations and companies that claim to offer glyphosate-free products through certification programs.
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Restore for Gut Health: The article introduces a product called Restore, which is suggested for supporting gut health, especially in response to potential gut damage caused by glyphosate. This recommendation aligns with a holistic approach to health, addressing the potential consequences of glyphosate exposure.
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Petition and Advocacy: Moms Across America encourages readers to sign a petition urging the removal of Roundup and glyphosate products from shelves in major retailers. This reflects an advocacy angle, emphasizing the role of public pressure in influencing regulatory decisions.
In conclusion, the article from Moms Across America addresses the complex issue of contaminants in food, providing practical advice, raising awareness, and advocating for changes at both individual and societal levels to ensure safer food consumption.
