Glyphosate…. Again?
If glyphosate is popping up in your newsfeed again, you’re not imagining it.
Glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It’s sprayed on conventional crops, used in public spaces, and applied in home gardens. And while it’s often framed as “safe when used as directed,” ongoing research and legal battles continue to raise serious questions.
We have talked about it before here. Let’s revisit why this matters and what you can realistically do about it.
Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it kills most plants it touches. It’s heavily used in conventional agriculture, especially on genetically engineered crops designed to withstand it.
That means crops can be sprayed directly (and repeatedly) without dying.
The result? Increased use over time and measurable residues showing up in parts of the food supply.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” That classification sparked global controversy. Some regulatory agencies disagree and others stand by precaution.
Meanwhile, lawsuits involving Roundup exposure have led to high-profile settlements… When something is classified as probably carcinogenic and is nearly impossible to avoid completely, that’s enough reason to reduce exposure where you can.
Gut Health Concerns
This is the part that doesn’t get talked about enough.
Glyphosate works by disrupting a biological pathway (the shikimate pathway) in plants and microorganisms. Humans don’t have that pathway, but many of our gut bacteria do.
Emerging research suggests glyphosate exposure may:
Disrupt beneficial gut bacteria
Alter microbial balance
Potentially impact intestinal barrier integrity
If you’ve followed Excel & Thrive for a while, you know we care deeply about gut lining health, nutrient absorption, and inflammation. Whether from ultra-processed food, stress, alcohol, or environmental exposures, your gut barrier matters. And this is one more reason to protect it.
Why It’s Hard to Avoid
Glyphosate residues have been detected in:
Conventional grains (especially wheat and oats)
Processed foods containing corn or soy derivatives
Some produce
Water in certain areas
It’s also commonly used in:
Home lawn care
Public parks
Golf courses
Total avoidance isn’t realistic, but meaningful reduction is.
Read More: Grappling with Glyphosate
Our Recommendations
MitoLife Water Filter→
MitoLife Shower Filter→
How to Reduce Your Exposure (Without Losing Your Mind)
Here’s what actually moves the needle:
1. Prioritize Organic for High-Residue Foods
Organic standards prohibit synthetic herbicides like glyphosate. If your budget allows, prioritize organic grains and oats first.
2. Wash and Scrub Produce
Rinse under running water and scrub firm produce. It won’t eliminate everything, but it reduces surface residues.
3. Filter Your Water
Look for water filtration systems certified to reduce herbicides. This is especially important if you’re on well water or in agricultural areas.
4. Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Many processed foods contain conventional corn, soy, and wheat derivatives. Whole food swaps naturally reduce exposure.
5. Skip Glyphosate in Your Own Yard
There are natural weed-control alternatives. Your soil microbiome will thank you.
6. Support Organic & Regenerative Farmers
Every dollar is a vote for the kind of agriculture you want more of.
What About Gut Support?
You may remember we previously mentioned Ion by Intelligence of Nature. Ion is marketed as a supplement designed to support gut lining integrity and barrier function. It contains plant-derived compounds intended to strengthen tight junctions in the gut.
No supplement can “detox” glyphosate or eliminate exposure entirely. But supporting gut lining integrity, microbial balance, and overall resilience, is always a wise strategy.
Real food.
Filtered water.
Sunlight.
Daily Movement.
Lower stress.
You know our pillars. Glyphosate and the conversation around it isn’t new. But awareness matters.
We don’t believe in fear-based wellness, just informed decisions, steady upgrades, and strengthening your body’s resilience.
You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight, small shifts compound, and that’s how we thrive — even in a chemical-heavy world.
Do you have questions about this or any other topic? We would love to hear from you! Share this and make sure to follow along via our socials.
Until next time, be well!