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Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

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GMOs Now Found in Everyday Food

Mar 30, 2012 03:20PM ● By Karen Asbury, M.D.

My recommendation for many years now has been to avoid any genetically modified organism (GMO) foods. The genetic modifications in many foods are not safe for human consumption and the devastating health problems are just beginning. For example, the genetic modification in corn causes the entire corn plant to be toxic, by producing bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin.

The good bacteria in our intestinal tract can pick up that gene, turning them into little pesticide factories. A study published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology found Bt toxin in the blood of 93 percent of pregnant women and in more than 70 percent of their fetuses. This study is the first to reveal the presence of circulating pesticides associated with GMO in women with and without pregnancy; paving the way for a new field in reproductive toxicology, including nutrition and utero-placental toxicities. Some rodent studies have shown a five-fold increase in infant mortality, as well as smaller babies, sterile babies and severe immune responses.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has done no studies on the safety of genetically modified anything, because their outdated criteria are based solely upon changes that are evident to the five senses; not inside the cells. Publications on genetically modified food toxicity are scarce. The title of an article in Science magazine states it well: “Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods: Many Opinions, but Few Data.”

In fact, no peer-reviewed publications of clinical studies on the human health effects of genetically modified food exist. Even animal studies are few and far between. A former attorney for Monsanto, the world's leading producer of the genetically modified seeds, was appointed to the FDA and has encouraged genetically modified foods to enter the market without requiring additional safety tests or labeling.

I would encourage anyone that is concerned about these serious health issues to send a message to food producers, write to their legislators and avoid GMO at all costs. The most common examples are corn, soy, canola, cotton, potatoes and zucchini. Avoid wheat and gluten, as it has been hybridized to make it toxic to us. My recommendations are to consume foods that are organically grown. Use whole raw milk obtained directly from the dairy and grass-fed meats that are antibiotic- and hormone-free.

Stay informed and stay Healthy. To work toward government labeling of GMO foods, visit OrganicItsWorthIt.org.


Karen Asbury is a medical doctor specializing in integrative medicine in Plano. For more information, call 972-867-7790 or visit KarenAsburyMD.com.