Editor’s Note: This article was previously published on November 23, 2016.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a severe autoimmune condition that affects over 3.1 million American adults. It should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a functional disorder without significant physical causes. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both characterized by chronic GI tract inflammation and symptoms like abdominal cramps, fatigue, and diarrhea.
The rise in IBD cases may be attributed to various factors, including genetics, toxic environmental exposures, diet, altered intestinal microbiome, and immune dysfunction. Dietary shifts towards processed foods high in sugars and synthetic chemicals, along with other factors like air pollution, antibiotics, pesticide exposure, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been linked to the increased incidence of IBD.
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in herbicides like Roundup, has been shown to have detrimental effects on human health. Studies suggest glyphosate residues can worsen the effects of other toxins in the environment, leading to disruptions in normal bodily functions and the development of diseases. Moreover, Bt crops, genetically engineered to produce insecticidal Bt toxin, have been associated with IBD and IBS.
To protect your health, it is essential to avoid GMOs and opt for organic and non-GMO foods. Organic foods are less likely to contain pesticide residues, heavy metals, and harmful additives like emulsifiers, which have been linked to inflammation and other health issues. Choosing organic, grass-fed, and locally sourced foods can help mitigate the risks associated with GMOs and processed foods.
Vocabulary List:
- Inflammatory /ɪnˈflæməˌtɔri/ (adjective): Causing or related to inflammation or swelling in the body.
- Autoimmune /ˌɔːtəʊɪˈmjuːn/ (adjective): Relating to a condition in which the immune system attacks its own body.
- Detrimental /ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntəl/ (adjective): Causing harm or damage.
- Incidence /ˈɪnsɪdəns/ (noun): The occurrence or frequency of a disease or event within a population.
- Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪˌɡeɪt/ (verb): To make something less severe or painful.
- Microbiome /ˌmaɪkroʊˈbaɪoʊm/ (noun): The collection of microorganisms living in a particular environment especially the human body.
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