Glyphosate, kidney damage and nutrition: liver, intestinal flora and GM soya

Glyphosate, kidney damage, animal feed and healthy nutrition

The domestic pig, Sus scrofa, is often regarded as a model organism in biomedical research because its anatomy, physiology, metabolism, organ structure and certain disease patterns are closer to those of humans than many other animal models.

This is precisely why observations from livestock farming are interesting when it comes to modern feeding, industrial raw materials, genetically modified plants, glyphosate residues, liver, kidneys, intestinal flora and food quality.

This article is about why Glyphosate, GM soya, industrial animal feed and modern agriculture in connection with Kidney damage, liver, intestinal flora, digestion and healthy nutrition.

Why pigs are interesting as a model for humans

Pigs are often used as biomedical models in research. The reason: many organ functions, metabolic processes and physiological structures are more similar to humans than to smaller laboratory animals.

This does not mean that observations from pig farming can be transferred one-to-one to humans. However, they can provide indications as to which issues in modern nutrition, feed, organ stress and food quality should be considered more closely.

Particularly relevant are central metabolic organs such as Liver and Kidneys. Both organs are involved in the processing, conversion and excretion of various substances.

Kidney damage and genetically modified plants

Modern animal husbandry has been using various raw feed materials for many years. These include maize, soya, vegetable proteins, free amino acids, minerals, vitamins and technological additives.

Genetically modified soya is discussed particularly frequently in connection with industrial animal feed. Such raw materials can originate from cultivation systems in which glyphosate plays an important role.

Various agricultural observations have described changes in the liver and kidneys of farm animals. Such observations should be cautiously categorised because many factors can act simultaneously: Feeding, husbandry, genetics, infections, mycotoxins, pesticide residues, use of medication, water quality and general management.

Nevertheless, the topic remains relevant because the liver and kidneys can react sensitively to stress from feed, the environment and metabolism.

Observations from pig farming

Changes in central metabolic organs have been observed on pig farms over many years. These included abnormalities in the liver and kidneys, changes in vitality, varying litter quality and visible changes in organ assessment.

Such observations are not the sole scientific proof of a single cause. However, they do show why modern animal feed, GM soya, glyphosate, mycotoxins and industrial additives are viewed critically in the context of animal health and meat quality.

For consumers, one question is of particular interest: How do animal feed, agriculture and processing influence the quality of animal food?

You can find out more in the article about Industrialised animal feed and meat quality.

Liver and kidneys as central metabolic organs

The Liver is one of the most important metabolic organs. It is involved in fat metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, hormone metabolism, bile acid metabolism, protein metabolism and the processing of exogenous substances.

The kidneys are particularly important for excretion, fluid balance, electrolytes, acid-base balance and certain metabolic end products.

If the liver and kidneys are permanently contaminated, this can affect many metabolic areas. This is why these organs are often discussed in connection with pesticide residues, mycotoxins, heavy metals, industrial agriculture and animal feed.

Glyphosate-resistant GM soya

Glyphosate is an herbicide that is used in many countries to control weeds. It is particularly well known in connection with glyphosate-resistant plants.

In the case of genetically modified soya, plants have been developed in such a way that they tolerate certain herbicide treatments better. This allows the herbicide to be used in the field while the crop continues to grow.

Several aspects are discussed critically:

• Residues in animal feed
• Soil and water pollution
• Effects on soil microbiome and plant metabolism
• Indirect intake via animal products
• Role of global supply chains
• Transparency for consumers

In Europe, the direct use of genetically modified plants for food is more strictly regulated than in many other regions. However, GM soya can enter the food chain indirectly via imported animal feed.

Biochemical background: shikimate pathway and glyphosate

Glyphosate acts on plants via the so-called shikimate pathway. This metabolic pathway occurs in plants, fungi and many bacteria, but not in human cells.

Aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan are formed via the shikimate pathway.

This is precisely why glyphosate is also being discussed in connection with microorganisms. This is because many bacteria have metabolic pathways that could be influenced by glyphosate.

Of particular interest for human nutrition is whether and how such effects can influence the gut microbiome, food quality and the overall nutritional environment.

Glyphosate, gut flora and microbiome

The Intestinal flora is a complex ecosystem made up of many microorganisms. It reacts sensitively to nutrition, medication, stress, alcohol, fibre, food quality and possibly also to residues from agriculture.

Glyphosate is discussed in research in connection with the microbiome, bacterial metabolic pathways and the intestinal environment, among other things.

For consumers, one practical conclusion is particularly useful: a diet with as little highly processed food as possible, more fibre, natural variety and transparent origin is better suited to a gut-conscious diet.

You can find out more about this topic in the article on Glyphosate, intestinal flora and healthy nutrition.

Amendment of maximum residue levels

In recent decades, maximum residue levels for glyphosate have been repeatedly discussed and adjusted in different countries and for different food and feed groups.

Such limits are regulatory assessments. They do not automatically mean that every intake is dangerous. At the same time, they show that residues are a relevant issue in modern food production.

Many consumers therefore want to know as transparently as possible where food comes from, how it was grown and whether organic quality, regional origin or short lists of ingredients can provide better orientation.

Why glyphosate residues are being discussed critically

Glyphosate was long considered to be comparatively specific to plants. Today, however, it is discussed more broadly, including in connection with:

• Gut microbiome
• Cytochrome P450 enzymes
• Liver metabolism
• Kidney questions
• Heavy metal binding
• Feed quality
• Mycotoxins
• Soil microbiome

The scientific assessment is complex. It therefore makes sense neither to dramatise nor to trivialise. The decisive factors are quantity, duration, exposure, accompanying substances, individual situation and overall nutritional quality.

The cytochrome P450 enzyme system

The Cytochrome P450 enzyme system is a large family of enzymes that is mainly found in the liver, but also in the intestines, kidneys, lungs and other tissues.

These enzymes are involved in many metabolic processes. They play a role in

• Breakdown of exogenous substances
• Drug metabolism
• Hormone metabolism
• Fatty acid metabolism
• Vitamin D metabolism
• Processing of certain environmental substances

Researchers are discussing whether glyphosate can influence certain cytochrome P450 processes. Such relationships are complex and depend on dose, model, exposure and accompanying factors.

Liver function, bile and digestion

The liver produces bile, which is important for the digestion of fat. If the liver, bile or intestinal environment are under strain, this can affect digestion.

In livestock farming, changes associated with liver stress and digestive problems have also been described in certain herds.

For human nutrition, this does not mean that individual feedstuffs automatically cause diseases. However, it does show why animal feed, agriculture, feed quality and food processing are closely linked to the quality of animal food.

Glyphosate, heavy metals and kidney issues

Glyphosate can form complexes with certain metal ions. It is therefore also discussed in connection with heavy metals, water quality and kidney issues.

In various regions of the world, chronic kidney problems have been described among agricultural labourers. Possible influencing factors discussed include heat, dehydration, pesticides, water quality, heavy metals and working conditions.

It would be too easy to attribute such diseases to a single substance. Nevertheless, the topic shows why water quality, agriculture, pesticides and kidney function should be considered together.

Kidney damage in animals: What is being discussed?

In livestock farming, liver and kidney values are important indicators of the metabolic situation. Creatinine, urea, bilirubin, ketone bodies, urine pH and other parameters can provide information about organ function and metabolism.

In livestock, liver and kidney problems can have many causes:

• Feed quality
• Mycotoxins
• Pesticide residues
• Infections
• Housing conditions
• Water quality
• Stress
• Genetics
• Medication

It therefore makes sense not to look at such issues in isolation. Modern animal health is closely linked to feeding, farming and management.

What does this mean for meat quality?

Meat quality does not begin with the finished product. It depends heavily on how the animals are kept, fed, medically cared for and processed.

Feed can influence animal health, organ stress, intestinal flora, fat quality, meat quality and residues.

If you eat meat consciously, you can pay attention to the following points:

• Transparent origin
• Organic quality
• Grazing or regional husbandry, if available
• As few processed meat products as possible
• Fresh instead of highly processed goods
• Short lists of ingredients
• less sausage, salami and ready-made meat products

You can find out more in the article about Is meat healthy?

Healthy nutrition instead of one-sided fear of residues

Anyone who takes a critical view of glyphosate, GM soya and industrial animal feed should not just avoid individual substances. A better overall structure of the diet is more important.

These include:

• more natural foods
• More vegetables and plant diversity
• Sufficient fibre
• less processed food
• Less sugar and refined carbohydrates
• Fresh instead of long-stored products
• Organic products, if possible
• Conscious meat consumption from transparent origins

Such a diet does not specifically support a single organ, but improves the overall nutritional quality.

Dietary fibre, intestinal flora and excretion

Especially for intestinal flora and digestion are Dietary fibre important. They influence stool volume, fermentation, the intestinal environment and short-chain fatty acids.

Inulin and pectin are soluble dietary fibres that are often considered in connection with intestinal flora, fermentation and digestion.

Also Pure apple fibre may be of interest to people who want to make their diet more fibre-conscious.

Milk thistle, silymarin and liver metabolism

The Milk thistle is traditionally considered in connection with the liver, plant substances and natural nutrition.

Its best-known ingredient complex is Silymarin. Silymarin consists of various flavonolignans, including silibinin.

In research, silymarin is discussed in connection with antioxidant properties, liver cells, inflammatory processes and cell protection. However, no direct healing promises should be derived from this.

In the case of existing liver or kidney diseases, a doctor should always clarify which measures are sensible and safe.

Fulvicherb Synergy in connection with liver, intestinal flora and healthy nutrition

Fulvicherb Synergy combines fulvic acid, inulin, pectin, arginine, niacinamide, natural unrefined rock salt, sunflower lecithin and selected herbs in a liquid formula.

The recipe is thematically suited to people who are concerned with intestinal flora, digestion, dietary fibre, natural ingredients, healthy nutrition and modern food quality.

Fulvic acid is often considered in connection with complex formation, mineral binding and natural substance systems. As soluble dietary fibres, inulin and pectin fit in with the intestinal flora and digestive logic of the recipe.

Fulvicherb Synergy is not a substitute for medical treatment and is not intended to treat liver or kidney disease. However, it can be used as a complementary liquid formula in a conscious nutritional concept.

Frequently asked questions about glyphosate, kidney damage and nutrition

Can glyphosate affect the kidneys?

Glyphosate is discussed in connection with kidney issues, heavy metal binding, water quality and agricultural exposure. The relationships are complex and depend on many factors.

What does GM soya have to do with meat quality?

GM soya is often used as animal feed. This means that cultivation methods, feed quality and possible residues can indirectly become part of the food chain.

Why are the liver and kidneys important in this topic?

The liver and kidneys are central metabolic and excretory organs. They are often considered in connection with pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals and industrial nutrition.

What is the cytochrome P450 system?

Cytochrome P450 enzymes are involved in many metabolic processes, including drug metabolism, hormone metabolism and the processing of exogenous substances.

What role does the intestinal flora play?

The intestinal flora influences digestion, fermentation and metabolic products. Glyphosate is also discussed in connection with the microbiome and intestinal environment.

How can you reduce residues in everyday life?

Organic products, regional origin, less processed food, short ingredient lists and conscious meat consumption from transparent farming are sensible points of reference.

Can milk thistle protect the liver?

Milk thistle and silymarin are considered in connection with liver metabolism and antioxidant properties. However, medical advice should be sought in the case of liver disease.

Does Fulvicherb Synergy fit this theme?

Fulvicherb Synergy fits thematically with intestinal flora, dietary fibre, fulvic acid, natural ingredients and healthy nutrition. However, it does not replace medical treatment.

Conclusion: Glyphosate, kidneys and nutrition in context

Glyphosate, GM soya, industrial animal feed and modern agriculture are complex issues. They affect not only plant cultivation, but also animal feed, food quality, intestinal flora, liver, kidneys and healthy nutrition.

Instead of looking at individual substances in isolation, it makes sense to take a holistic view: less highly processed food, more fibre, natural ingredients, transparent origin, more conscious meat quality and a diet that takes intestinal flora and digestion into account.

Apple pectin with inulin, Pure apple fibre and Fulvicherb Synergy can fit into a conscious nutritional concept - especially for people who are concerned with intestinal flora, dietary fibre, natural ingredients and modern food quality.