Modified Food: The Danger From Within

Working as a health counselor in the world of modified food is very challenging. I have many client's that ask me my personal opinion over food that is processed in a lab over a science experiment. This process of my career will challenge my inner me especially when I have to see many patient's with chronic disorders of food sensitivities and full blown allergies that plague my client's daily life. I guess my bottom line would be to simply go organic as much as possible but you first have to understand exactly where the concern is coming from. Let's begin....


What exactly is modified food?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and food have had genetic material (DNA) changed using biotechnology. Scientists add and take away genetic defects or genes to make the plant more resistant to disease. Genes from scorpions, humans, or other plants and animals are added to create a stronger plant. However, the Organic Consumers Association and other agencies say this process harms plants and animals by creating a dangerous mortal threat and crop crisis across the country.

Potatoes that have been modified using a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis are often eaten by insects, but this food creates toxins in the insects' bodies, leading to paralysis and death. And while scientists will not admit why bees are dying, some people speculate that it may be due to genetically modified foods.

Crop Failure

• Genetically modified foods increase the incidence of crop failure. This is a serious danger because it threatens the future of food by wiping out crops. Natural News reported that GMO corn plants in South Africa failed to produce kernels. This type of issue may occur more often as many farmers have switched to genetically modified seeds. Leaving the foods in their natural state without modifying their genes is one way to prevent this.

Toxins

• Genetically modified foods can be dangerous when ingested, claims the Mother's For Natural Law website. This is especially true for more vulnerable species such as animals in the wild. Some of these foods create toxins when exposed to stomach acid of insects and animals. The effects on humans are unknown because significant studies have not been done, and the GMO industry is not regulated. GMO foods are an experiment because many foods appear to be harmless but the long-term effects are not yet known. When genetically modified foods have evidence of causing harm to humans, these strains are taken out of grocery stores and destroyed, but the damage has already been done. Many organizations fear that genetically modified foods threaten the food supply.

Death

• Some genetically modified foods have caused death in a small number of people, according to the Global Healing Center. Many Americans became very sick and some died from genetically altered L-tryptophan added to tomatoes. This food was taken off the market and destroyed, but this is an example of what manipulating genes can do. There are also claims that genes spliced from soybeans and Brazil nuts have caused severe allergic reactions and death.

 

Health risk of GMO's 

Allergic Reactions

Modifying plants genetically introduces viruses, bacteria and other substances into the food. The human body is not accustomed to these changes occurring in the food. The Organic Consumers Association notes that when genetically modified soy was introduced in the United Kingdom, food allergies increased by 50 percent. Genetically modified soybeans include a protein that is allegedly an allergen. Reports have surfaced on allergic reactions linked to genetically modified corn and papaya.

Altered Organ Size

Studies performed on animals that were fed genetically modified foods showed a decrease in the size and function of many internal organs. Rats that were fed genetically modified potatoes ended up with smaller-than-normal livers, while another group of rats that were fed genetically modified canola had heavier-than-normal livers. Other organs that were affected included the heart, brain, pancreas, intestines and stomach. Because studies on humans have not been done, it is unclear whether these exact reactions occur in humans who ingest these foods. Time and further research are needed to fully understand the impact on the human body, though these animal studies do indicate that there may be a risk to our internal organs as well.

Other Possible Health Risks

Other possible health risks that have been observed in animal testing and in independent studies include infertility, decreased immunity, high blood sugar, inflammation of the lungs and kidneys and precancerous growths in the intestines. An increased risk of premature death and a higher infant mortality rate has also been observed in animal studies.

The bottom line is to know and understand what you are putting in your body. Make note of your reaction to certain foods and shop organic or local as much as possible. Just remember....YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!