Last night on the CBS Hit Show “CSI: Miami“ (Bad Seed, 10/19/09), the show centered around two people that had been poisoned. It turns out, that both had been exposed to bacteria. One person had eaten bacteria that was exposed to E-Coli and the other had eaten corn that had been genetically modified (GMO) and produced with bacteria to control insects from eating the crop. The bacteria in the GMO food ended up having problems and in the end, the person died from Botulism.
So it got me thinking about our food supply. Of course, I’ve known about genetically modified foods. But so many people I talk to, have never even heard of it nor do they know what it means. So I thought I would talk about it and educate you about this as this is one very serious thing that is poisoning our food supply and robbing us of our health.
So what does genetically engineered or genetically modified food really mean? In the simplest terms, this means that a food’s DNA has been altered by a scientist in a laboratory. This process is done for several reasons, but the primary reason is MONEY. One of the theories is that if they can adjust the DNA of the plant to resist insects, then they can protect the crop from damage.
The foods involved in this are many. Seeds of Deception website has extensive information about this topic. They say that these are the percentages of foods involved in being GMO: soy (91%), cotton (88%), canola (80-85%), corn (85%), Hawaiian Papaya (more than 50%), zucchini and yellow squash (small amount), and tobacco (Quest brand). Of course keep in mind that since a very LARGE percentage of chickens, pigs and beef are being fed corn (to fatten them up), those animals are also ingesting those GMO crops. Then those same animals are being slaughtered and served to us as food. And yes, we are ingesting those crops even if we’re not directly eating them.
So what are the health risks to humans? Well of course the food manufacturers and the FDA would like you to believe that consuming these foods is perfectly safe for humans. But I disagree. There is much research and literature online about the dangers of “tweaking” our food supply (see resources and links below this post). The bottom line for me is that nature didn’t intend our crops to be “tweaked”. It’s bad enough that commercially grown produce is doused with herbicides and pesticides. But now we have to worry about some scientist in a lab purposefully manipulating the gene in the crop and worse, inserting bacterias to make them resistant to insects?! Doesn’t this sound crazy? As a Naturopath, this is abhorrent to me as I know the human body is designed (and functions optimally) when consuming foods that are as close to natural as possible. Eating foods that are GMO is about as far away from this as you can get! Those chemicals are not good for us and it is my personal opinion that our tainted food supply is directly contributing to the rise in allergies, digestive complaints, cancers, muscle and nerve diseases and the list goes on and on.
I urge you to review some of the websites listed below. Watch the video from the CSI: Miami (Bad Seed, 10/19/09) show. I know it was “only a TV Show”, but there was ALOT of truth about what was shown on the show. Also, one of the forefront researchers into GMO issues is Jeffrey Smith. Here’s a wonderful 10 minute video given by him that will also open your eyes to this serious problem:
Educate yourself about this important topic. Of course, always buy organically grown produce. I am not a fan of grains for human consumption; I don’t believe we are genetically designed to eat them, but if you must, be sure when buying corn and soybeans that you seek out the ones that are “NON-GMO”. When buying meat or chicken, buy the ones that are grass fed and free range chickens. Also it’s obviously crucial to get meats and eggs that have ”no hormones or antibiotics”.
Lastly, please feel free to share this information with friends and family. Our health is directly related to what we put in our mouths….make sure you’re putting natural and whole foods. Skip the poisons and the manipulated foods. Your body and your health will be better for it!
Tags: Natural Therapies, Nutrition/Food, Resources
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
I think it is important for you all to know the truth on this topic. The mechanism in GMO’s that provide insect protection is a protein that is produce in stalk and leaves of these plants that when ingested by the insect it disrupts its metabolism and the insect dies. However this is designed that know of this protein is in the actually grain of the plant therefore making it safe for human consumption. Plus the level of this protein in the plant would not effect humans anyway. When the animal is fed this grain the animal breaks it down to amino acids and rebuild the amino acids into a meat protein. Therefore there is no way this protein can get into the human system and cause death. These are not used for money they are used to increase efficiency and production therefore providing the world with a cheaper food supply.
October 25th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Great article. Corn has been involved in various health related controversies mainly due to naturally occurring mycotoxins. What is your opinion on organic cornmeal? Is it safe as a main ingredient in bread?
October 29th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Hi Dmitry, thanks for your comments! I am not a fan of grains at all. In particular corn, even in “organic” state, has a lot of issues associated with it when it comes to human beings trying to digest and assimilate it. Most people have allergies to it and it definitely will spike blood sugar due to the glycemic nature of it. Occasionally for special occasions (meaning 1-2 times a month), I think bread is OK to consume; but the rest of the time I recommend against it. Stay Healthy!
November 8th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I write a good deal about the subject of GMO’s in my soon to be released book, MisInformed About Food. First, most foods have become genetically modified over time. So have we. The fact that technology exists that can proove damaging isn’t new. So can rocket fuel and automobiles, in the wrong hands. The fact that we can now cut and paste between species is understandably frightening. But the fact that we can also make crops that freeze quickly in third world countries last far longer to feed impoverished people is pretty cool. While there will always be bad guys in the world, we need to legistlate them away to the extent that’s possible, by carefully enforcing human rights legislation. Strict rules on modification, certification, and on who says it’s OK ( I offer a comprehensive plan that’s real world, in my book), is aq good start. The labelling going on out there or the lack thereof, is often inadequate and the lack of regulation in that regard scares me as well. But, in my opinion, we stunt our growth as a species if we throw every baby out (that scares us) with the bathwater. Our challenge is to teach them how to swim without drowing- themselves, and those around them.