Glyphosate in Produce and Gut Health: Why Organic Matters – Q&A for Port Charlotte, Florida

In Port Charlotte, Florida, where fresh produce from local farms and markets is a staple of healthy living, concerns about pesticides like glyphosate are on the rise. At PCP Health, your primary care provider in Port Charlotte, we focus on functional medicine approaches to gut health and overall wellness. This Q&A blog explores glyphosate's role in conventional produce, its impact on the gut, and why choosing organic can make a difference. Backed by peer-reviewed research, these insights help Port Charlotte families make informed choices. If you're experiencing gut issues or seeking preventive care, our team at PCP Health is here to support you.

Glyphosate in Produce and Gut Health: Why Organic Matters – Q&A for Port Charlotte, Florida

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, commonly found in products like Roundup, applied to crops to control weeds. It's prevalent in conventional farming for grains, fruits, and vegetables, leading to residues in non-organic produce. In the U.S., it's the most common pesticide, with exposure primarily through diet. For Port Charlotte residents enjoying Florida's abundant citrus and veggies, understanding glyphosate helps in choosing safer options to minimize intake.

What does glyphosate do to one's gut?

Glyphosate can disrupt the gut microbiome by inhibiting the shikimate pathway in bacteria, leading to dysbiosis—imbalance where beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus decrease, while resistant pathogens may increase. This alters metabolism, reduces short-chain fatty acids, increases inflammation, and may contribute to conditions like leaky gut or neuropsychiatric issues via the gut-brain axis. Low-dose exposure, common in diets, has been linked to changes in urine metabolome and gut interactions, potentially raising health risks. In Port Charlotte, where gut health affects everything from immunity to mood, minimizing glyphosate supports a balanced microbiome.

Why is organic produce better?

Organic produce avoids synthetic pesticides like glyphosate, resulting in significantly lower residues and exposure risks—up to 90% reduction in urinary pesticides after switching to organic. It often contains higher nutrients (e.g., antioxidants, vitamins) and is linked to health benefits like reduced obesity, allergies, and cancer risk. Organic farming promotes biodiversity and soil health, lessening overall pesticide reliance and dietary hazards. For Port Charlotte families, organic choices from local markets can lower glyphosate burdens, supporting better gut and overall health.

How can Port Charlotte residents reduce glyphosate exposure?

Start by prioritizing organic produce, especially high-residue items like strawberries or spinach. Shop at Port Charlotte farmers' markets or stores offering organic options. At PCP Health, we recommend gut health assessments and nutritional counseling to tailor your approach.

Ready to optimize your gut health in Port Charlotte? Visit www.pcp-health.com or contact our Port Charlotte office for a consultation. Let's prioritize your wellness with evidence-based care!

References:

Puigbò, P., Leino, L. I., Rainio, M. J., Saikkonen, K., Saloniemi, I., & Helander, M. (2022). Does glyphosate affect the human microbiota? Life, 12(5), 707. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12050707

Lehman, P. C., Cady, N., Ghimire, S., Shahi, S. K., Shrode, R. L., Lehmler, H.-J., & Mangalam, A. K. (2023). Low-dose glyphosate exposure alters gut microbiota composition and modulates gut homeostasis. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 100, 104149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2023.104149

Barnett, J. A., Bandy, M. L., & Gibson, D. L. (2022). Is the use of glyphosate in modern agriculture resulting in increased neuropsychiatric conditions through modulation of the gut-brain-microbiome axis? Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, Article 827384. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.827384

Hu, J., Lesseur, C., Miao, Y., Manservisi, F., Panzacchi, S., Mandrioli, D., Belpoggi, F., Chen, J., & Petrick, L. (2021). Low-dose exposure of glyphosate-based herbicides disrupt the urine metabolome and its interaction with gut microbiota. Scientific Reports, 11, Article 3265. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82552-2

Vigar, V., Myers, S., Oliver, C., Arellano, J., Robinson, S., & Leifert, C. (2019). A systematic review of organic versus conventional food consumption: Is there a measurable benefit on human health? Nutrients, 12(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010007

Rahman, A., Baharlouei, P., Koh, E. H. Y., Pirvu, D. G., Rehmani, R., Arcos, M., & Puri, S. (2024). A comprehensive analysis of organic food: Evaluating nutritional value and impact on human health. Foods, 13(2), 208. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13020208

Benbrook, C., Kegley, S., & Baker, B. (2021). Organic farming lessens reliance on pesticides and promotes public health by lowering dietary risks. Agronomy, 11(7), 1266. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071266

Fagan, J., Bohlen, L., Patton, S., & Klein, K. (2020). Organic diet intervention significantly reduces urinary glyphosate levels in U.S. children and adults. Environmental Research, 189, 109898. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.109898