October 29th, 2012 
Americans are getting sick more often than people in other parts of the world. Diseases are on the rise. Since the mid-90s, at least three chronic illnesses have nearly doubled, America’s ranking for infant mortality and lifespan has plunged. Why? What has changed? Well, our food certainly has, and evidence points to G.M.O. as one of the culprits.
(Photo Credit: nongmoproject.org)
So what is G.M.O.? After all, there has been so much buzz about it. Most people do not have the time to research it or pay such close attention to what they are eating. So, let me put it simply. G.M.O. stands for genetically modified organisms. Yes, that means that we are now taking organisms and altering their genetic material. These organisms include plants, fish, mammals and even bacteria and yeast. In other words, we are taking genes from one species and forcing them into the DNA of another. For example, we have inserted human genes into corn for spermicide and cow genes into pigs, so they can have cow hide. G.M.O. means that it is severely altered from its the natural state. Now we have new organisms that were never a part of the evolutionary process. Not only that, but we are eating them and most of us do not even know it. Furthermore, there have been absolutely no studies that can assure us of the safety of consuming these human engineered byproducts of nature. There are most certainly unpredicted side effects to expect.
So how do our bodies react to a foreign gene sequence? We simply do not fully know yet. However, we do know that our systems do not fully recognize these organisms and are geared to attack them, which then leads to inflammation. That may still not seem so dangerous, right? Well, what if I told you that inflammation reaction is the hidden source of many diseases like Autism?
Protecting our food supply is extremely fundamental and important. This is a job for the government and the FDA, but they are clearly not doing it well. We should, after all, at the very least, be notified as to whether the fruit or vegetables we are buying are genetically engineered.
The FDA said in 1992 that there were no safety concerns regarding G.M.O., and therefor no studies needed to be conducted. However, scientists working for the FDA have written memos over and over again to warn the public regarding the risks associated with eating these foods. There has been evidence which points to G.M.O.s affecting fertility, cholesterol, changes in the liver, kidney, spleen and the list goes on.
(Photo Credit: Kristy Rao)
Bt, the spray/toxin used to kill insects, is now being inserted into corn. Although, it was at first said that the toxin would only affect insects and is safe for us to consume, it has since been proven to break open pores in human cells. This could most definitely lead to premature aging, autism, cancer, etc.
If we put the wrong fuel into our car, it won’t run properly right? We need to utilize that same logic when it comes to the foods we eat and our bodies. Disrupting the natural form of our food could lead to a whole slew of problems like allergies and asthma. Studies have found that the toxic pesticides from Bt have been found in pregnant women and their fetuses. Now, there is a scary thought, and if these toxins are hanging out in our bodies, they will most definitely cause intestinal damage at the very least.
So what can you do? Start by eating Certified Organic and “NON-G.M.O. Project VERIFIED” foods. Also, educate yourself on the matter. You can do so by taking a look at the Non-GMO Project website. Oh, and if you live in California, vote yes to Proposition 37 which would require “labeling on raw or processed food offered for sale to consumers if made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specific ways.” We have a right to know what we are putting into our bodies!
Great article by my cousin. Good Job Kristy!