Genetically-modified organisms are created by meshing genes from one species into the DNA of a food crop or animal to produce some sort of new, desired trait. Living organisms have natural barriers to protect themselves against the introduction of foreign DNA from another species, so genetic engineers have to force the DNA into another living thing by:
- Using a virus or bacteria to infect the animal or plant with new DNA
- Coating DNA on metal pellets and then shooting them with a special gun into animal or plant cells
- Injecting DNA into fertilized eggs with a fine needle
- Using electric shocks to create holes in the membrane covering sperm and forcing the DNA into it
Emerging evidence has indicated that the use of genetically-modified foods will potentially create an irreversible pattern of destruction in agriculture, wild life, and with your own health.
Risks
Dr. Taylor at our chiropractic clinic in the Springfield, IL and Chatham, IL area has done the research and it's been reported that serious health risks are associated with genetically-modified foods. They can effect your immune system, reproductive system, gastrointestinal system, and all of your major organs. Studies performed on mice yielded the following results:
- Mice fed genetically-modified soy had fewer, and even tinier, offspring.
- More than 50% the babies of mother rats fed genetically-modified soy died within three weeks.
- Testicle cells of mice and rats on a genetically-modified soy diet changed in color and size.
- By the third generation, most genetically-modified soy-fed hamsters became infertile.
- Rodents fed genetically-modified corn/soy showed signs of toxicity, lowered immunity & increased allergies.
- The stomach lining of rats fed genetically-modified potatoes showed an abundance of cell growth, which could lead to cancer.
- Studies also found numerous organ lesions, altered liver and pancreas cells, and altered enzyme levels.
Unfortunately, no clinical study has looked at the effects of genetically-modified organisms on humans as of yet. The only published experiment on genetically-modified foods and humans found that once genetically-modified soy was ingested by humans, the genetic material forced into the food will remain inside our intestines and continue to function on its own. This means there is a huge potential for super diseases, antibiotic resistance and internal pesticide production.
What to Look for When Shopping
Dr. Taylor wants you to be an educated buyer. Be sure to read all the labels. Nearly 70% of the foods in the supermarket today have genetically-modified materials in them.
- Look for "non-GM" (non genetically-modified) seals on products
- Buy organic/local foods when possible
- Honey and bee pollen may have genetically-modified sources of pollen
- Sugar may be a combination of sucrose and genetically-modified sugars
- Meat/Eggs - Unless specified on the label, products may be from cows injected with the genetically-modified bovine growth hormones or from animals fed GM soy or corn.
- Other common items which may include genetically-modified organisms:
- Infant Formula
- Hamburgers/Hotdogs
- Chips
- Tamari & Soy Sauce
- Salad Dressing
- Margarine
- Veggie Burgers
- Baking Powder
- Bread
- Mayonnaise
- Meat Substitutes
- Soy
- Protein Powder
- Cereal
- Fried Foods
- Tofu Peanut Butter
- Enriched Flour
- Pasta
- Cosmetics
- Soaps
- Detergents
- Shampoo
- Bubble Bath
- Cheese