We all try to eat as healthy and “clean” as we can. Some of us try harder than others. These days, it is an impossible task because every time we look, there’s something else to avoid! So, we do what we can to mitigate exposures where it makes the most sense for us and our families. Some people avoid gluten for a variety of reasons, as gluten can be inflammatory and can stimulate immune responses. People with celiac disease can get deathly sick from gluten exposure. Many people have “non-celiac" gluten intolerance.
Unfortunately, it turns out, gluten free and organic foods may not be as clean as we think. I listened to this recent podcast featuring Zen Honeycutt of Moms Across America and Paul Thomas on Children’s Health Defense TV discussing a recent study of gluten free foods and was very disappointed, but I can’t say I was shocked. Dr. Mercola’s website published a similar article with the same study.
Honeycutt states: “We had hoped to find that gluten-free foods that were also organic would be free of glyphosate and pesticides. They were not. The prevalence of glyphosate and agrochemicals in our food supply, even in organic and even in foods made for people with [disabilities], such as Celiac disease, is disturbing for many reasons.”
Here is a summary from the Mercola article:
"Non-GMO" labeling does not mean chemical-free farming. These crops may still be treated with pesticides and herbicides. Many nonorganic grains are heavily sprayed with toxic pesticides like glyphosate just before harvest, a practice called desiccation
A recent study found glyphosate in 44 out of 46 organic and nonorganic gluten-free products tested, with some at alarmingly high levels
Glyphosate exposure can disrupt gut health by killing beneficial bacteria and promoting the growth of harmful bacteria. Consuming organic food has been linked to reduced cancer risk, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine
The EPA's acceptable daily intake for glyphosate is 7,000 times higher than European standards, raising concerns about regulatory oversight
Supporting organic and regenerative farming practices through consumer choices can help drive positive change in the food system
This is frustrating! But knowing this helps you make decisions about the foods you choose to buy and from where. Knowing that your gut issues may not be solely (or at all) from the wheat but from the pollutants used in the grain production could be a helpful clue as to why you have gone through the trouble of eating gluten free but are not reaping the benefits. Last night I made hummus with black beans instead of chickpeas... and then I'll find out something wrong with those!
There are MANY different threads to follow from this topic, and it gets one thinking about what else is not "all that", such as organic foods with the Apeel coating. Awareness is important, but let's not get so wound up and worried - that is counter-productive to health! What is important to remember is that we do the best we can with what we've got. Food, sleep, exercise, community, worship, and other things are all important components of a full and healthy life!
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