6th July 2013
Larissa Long
Guest Writer for Wake Up World
You know about them, and you probably try to avoid them like the plague, with good reason. Even though genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were sneaked into our food supply over 15 years ago, there have been limitations on the tests that could be performed on these foods. But science is finally starting to reveal the true potential dangers associated with consuming these “Frankenfoods”—and it’s looking scarier by the minute.
Last year, researchers gave us an eye-opening sneak peek into some of the problems linked to GMOs. This study clearly showed that GMO-fed rats suffered unbelievable damage to their kidneys and livers—mostly in the form of golf ball- (or larger) sized tumors.
And, not surprisingly, the list of GMO-related health concerns continues to grow, thanks to newer research published just this month. In this most recent study, researchers showed the long-term effects on the stomach’s of pigs fed a diet of genetically modified corn and soy.
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GMO feed caused severe inflammation of the stomach
Researchers evenly divided 168 pigs (average age, 24 days) into two feed groups—GMO corn/soy and non-GMO corn/soy. Everything else about their living and sleeping conditions remained the same.
After 26 weeks on their respective diets, the pigs were sacrificed and autopsied by veterinarians. While the vets noticed no differences between the two groups’ weight gain, mortality or blood biochemistry, they did see that the stomachs of the pigs on GMO feed had much higher rates of severe inflammation.
The pigs on the GMO diet showed a nearly 300 percent increase in severe stomach inflammation compared to the non-GMO fed pigs. The male pigs’ inflammation was far worse than the females,with 400 percent more stomach inflammation than that of the non-GMO fed male pigs. The researchers stated that this inflammation could be a result of proteins that certain GMO corn varieties are engineered to produce.
In addition, the GMO-fed female pigs’ uteruses weighed 25 percent more than the non-GMO female pigs. This drastic uterine weight difference could be indicative of reproductive organ damage, including endometrial hyperplasia, cancer, endometriosis and polyps—all of which can lead to infertility.
What do these results mean to us humans? Well, the researchers believe that certain proteins formed from Bt toxin-containing GMOs could be the potential cause of the pigs’ stomach inflammation. These proteins act as digestive system “destroyers” in insects—causing these pests’ stomachs to explode, leading to their demise. While it’s been argued that these proteins do not affect larger organisms, this study makes it clear that these proteins do, in fact, have similar effects on the digestive systems of larger animals, too.
How much longer before GMOs are fully to blame for most of the digestive ills that humans deal with?
Probably not long.
In fact, in their conclusion, the researchers pointed out that “humans have a similar gastrointestinal tract to pigs, and these GMO crops are widely consumed by people, particularly in the USA, so it would be prudent to determine if the findings of this study are applicable to humans.”
A Big Fat “No!” to GMO
Legislation on deck in many areas indicates the majority of people want GMO foods labeled, at the very least.
To limit your consumption of GMOs as much as possible, check the labels on all food you buy, or use the app we told you about last week, Buycott. Everything that has corn or soy, unless specifically labeled as organic, is likely GMO. As for meats, make sure the label specifically says that the animals were grass fed, or given organic, non-GMO feed.
With the rampant use of GMOs today, if you want to keep yourself and your loved ones’ food supply as pure as possible, you need to take control and be your own advocate.
Previous articles by Larissa
- Why Sunshine May Be The New Spinach
-
EXPOSED: This Ingredient Signals Your Hunger Cues and Makes You Eat Too Much
- Vitamin D Protects Against Common Cause of Blindness
About the author:
Larissa Long has worked in the health care communications field for more than 13 years. She co-authored a self-care book titled Taking Care, has written countless tip sheets and e-letters on health topics, and contributed several articles to Natural Solutions magazine. She also served as managing editor of three alternative health and lifestyle newsletters — Dr. Susan Lark’s Women’s Wellness Today, Dr. David Williams’ Alternatives, and Janet Luhrs’ Simple Living.
For tips, tools and strategies to address your most pressing health concerns and make a positive difference in your life, visit Peak Health Advocate.
This article was republished with permission from Live in the Now, one of the fastest growing natural health newsletters. Visit LiveInTheNow.com to browse their complete library of articles, or join the nearly 60,000 readers subscribed to their Newsletter.
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