A book about glyphosate

In this post we’re trying something a bit different by offering a review of a book about glyphosate – the world’s most widely used herbicide.

Toxic Legacy – How the Weedkiller Glyphosate Is Destroying Our Health and the Environment is written by Stephanie Seneff PhD and brings together all the latest research that focuses on the effects of glyphosate on health. In her book, she rounds up all credible research on glyphosate which is referenced and discussed throughout, including a full reference list which could be used as a handy reference guide to all things glyphosate.  

The Shikimate pathway and glyphosate 

One of the most interesting claims Seneff discusses in her book focuses on the Shikimate pathway of plants, bacteria, fungi and algae, and how glyphosate works on it. The pathway describes the 7 steps that are needed for the biosynthesis of folates and aromatic amino acids; glyphosate disrupts this pathway. Until now, it’s been widely thought that humans don’t have this pathway, and this is one of the reasons that it’s been claimed that glyphosate has little to no adverse effects on human health.  

Does the human gut have a Shikimate pathway? 

As our understanding grows about the human gut microbiome it’s thought that ‘good’ gut bacteria may rely on the same Shikimate pathway as plants, making it arguable that glyphosate can have similar adverse effects on the gut microbiome in humans.  

Poor gut microbiome has been linked to many chronic and acute diseases. Seneff delves deep into the science of the effects of glyphosate on the human gut (which can be quite hard to understand if you do not have a background in science!), but she also focuses on the health effects and the impacts on the brain, the liver, and many other areas of human health.  

Seneff discusses the misconception that we get rid of all glyphosate through our urine and other body processes of elimination, and evidence that some of this chemical substance is stored in the body’s tissue, making it harder to remove. The author delves into many aspects of the debate about the effects of glyphosate on human health and how we can improve our health by reducing and eliminating the use of this herbicide.  

Seneff finishes her book with a chapter dedicated to how we can reduce our exposure to glyphosate and how we need to stop using this substance to better the health of humans and all living beings on planet earth.  

Seneff’s advice on reducing exposure to glyphosate 

• Eat real food including grass fed organic meat, dairy and eggs and wild caught fish.  
• Choose organic options as much as possible. 
• Avoid processed foods. 
• Look after your gut. 
• Eat foods high in antioxidants (glutathione and vitamin C). 
• Get plenty of sunshine to increase vitamin D levels. 
• Filter water, water distillers are the most effective at removing glyphosate. 

About the Author

Stephanie Seneff holds the highest research rank as a Senior research scientist at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, of which she has been affiliated for more than 50 years. She has 4 degrees from MIT including; Biophysics and a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Her research focuses on the effects of drugs, toxic chemicals, and diet on human health & disease, including the widely used herbicide glyphosate.  The book is available from online retailers.

Seneff’s research and publications  

Further reading on glyphosate

lastinghealth glyphosate guide 

80% of us might have glyphosate in our bodies – how does that make you feel? – Lasting Health 

Glyphosate detected in the urine of 99% of pregnant US women – Lasting Health 

Glyphosate linked to breast cancer – Lasting Health 

Glyphosate exposure raises oxidative stress levels – Lasting Health