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Evidence Mounts on Roundup's Link to Liver and Kidney Damage

Published August 30, 2015

One of the world’s most popular herbicide–Roundup–is making its way back into the headlines in regards to its health and environmental effects. Monsanto, the producer of Roundup (glyphosate), claims this herbicide is safe; however, study after study from independent researchers is showing the exact opposite. A new research study is showing that small amounts of exposure–up to thousands of times lower than permitted in drinking water in the U.S.–can produce unfavorable and concerning effects in the liver and kidneys. Could this study be the turning point for finally phasing out Roundup in agriculture? Or will it simply be ignored and human health continue to suffer?

The Damaging Effects of Roundup to Liver and Kidney Health

According to U.S. estimates, the use of glyphosate, or Roundup, has increased more than 250 times over the past 40 years. There are scientists who suggest the use of the popular herbicide could be a contributing factor into the widespread kidney disease epidemic in Sri Lanka, India, and Central America. ^[1] Many genetically-modified seeds, also produced by Monsanto, can withstand Roundup, making the issue even more problematic. If GMO plants are beginning to resist glyphosate, then more and more dangerous chemicals are being used during the process, resulting in more exposure among humans and animal life. One of the newest herbicides to come from Monsanto is said to override GMO seeds’ resistant effects; however, this herbicide is also said to be even more dangerous to human health than Roundup.

A new study first of its kind to examine the impact of Roundup on liver and kidney health is indicating that low levels of exposure can result in significant organ damage. ^[2] The study administered a small amount of Roundup to the drinking water of mice–a concentration that is considered thousands of times lower than what is allowed in U.S. drinking water. After two years, the consumption of the glyphosate-laden water seemed to have spurred kidney and liver damage. The study also compared the female mice and found changed gene expression in the organs, suggesting potential increased risk for a variety of diseases. When genes are disrupted, or turned on and off at the wrong time, it could lead to consequences in a number of different facets of health.

How to Avoid Roundup Exposure

Due to Roundup’s pervasiveness in our environment, complete exposure to the chemical herbicide may not be practical. You can, however, take precautionary steps toward preventing overexposure. If you purchase most of your food organic, you can reduce your exposure to all herbicides and pesticides. You will also be reducing your consumption of GMO foods, which simply does not have enough research behind it to determine its safety. Because many herbicides can be found in small quantities in drinking water, it may also be wise for you to invest in a water filtration system. Performing a regular kidney cleanse and liver cleanse may also be helpful for reducing accumulation of toxic herbicides.

What are your thoughts on Roundup and other herbicides? Please let us know in the comments!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM