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The negative health effects of GM foods and how to negate them

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According to a report by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, GM foods are associated with the six negative health effects listed below.

Although nutraceutical supplementation can’t completely negate these harmful effects, I’ve compiled a list of supplements that are proven to lessen the damage.

  1. Immune malfunction, in particular increased activity of the immune system’s inflammatory response, controlled by biochemicals called cytokines. Curcumin, an extract from turmeric spice, is a potent inhibitor of inflammatory cytokines. Take about 500–1 000mg twice daily.

  2. Alteration in structure and function of the liver, particularly the way in which it metabolises fats and carbohydrates. This can lead to diabetes and heart disease. A nutrient called pantethine prevents liver disease and helps the liver correct dysfunctional cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism. Take 300mg twice daily.

  3. Increased production of free radicals Take a broad-spectrum antioxidant that includes grape seed, green tea, coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid.

  4. Changes to the kidneys and their function 500–1 000mg carnitine twice daily helps correct kidney malfunction.

  5. Altered gene expression, especially genes that control protein synthesis, cell-to-cell communication, cholesterol synthesis and insulin regulation. Resveratrol and its more powerful sibling pterostilbene have been shown to correct over 400 malfunctioning gene expressions. Take 100–200mg combined resveratrol and pterostilbene daily.

  6. Intestinal immune dysfunction Probiotics (10–20 billion of a blend of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria) and glutamine powder (about 3g daily) promote healthy intestinal and immune function.

What are genetically modified organisms?

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health explains: Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are a broad group of plants, animals, and bacteria that are engineered for a wide variety of applications ranging from agricultural production to scientific research. The types of potential hazards posed by GMO’s vary according to the type of organism being modified and its intended application. Most of the concern surrounding GMO’s relates to their potential for negative effects on the environment and human health.

Image: Selective breeding over time has dramatically changed corn. Image credit: John Doebly, via Wikimedia Commons.



Source: This article was written by Brent Murphy, BPharm, MPS, a pharmacist specialising in the research of natural medicines and bioidential hormones. It first appeared in the September/October issue of Health Intelligence magazine. Other top stories you can find in this edition includes: The dangers of all-natural diet pills, a review of skin peeling treatments, advice on supplements for kids, a look at 'nature deficit disorder' and ways to boost your brain. For more info, visit HiMag.co.za:

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