Grains and Glyphosate: The Hidden Dangers in Our Daily Bread
For generations, grains have been considered a cornerstone of the human diet—warm bowls of oatmeal, fresh-baked bread, hearty pastas, and wholesome cereals. But the grains we eat today are no longer the same as those our grandparents enjoyed. Modern farming practices have changed not just how grains are grown, but also what ends up on our plates.
One of the biggest concerns is glyphosate, a chemical herbicide that has quietly become a part of our food supply—and with it, a growing health risk.
What exactly is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many widely used herbicides, the most famous being Roundup. It was originally designed to kill weeds, but its use has expanded dramatically over the past few decades.
Farmers now spray glyphosate directly onto grains like wheat, oats, barley, and rye—not just to control weeds, but also as a desiccant, meaning it helps dry crops faster before harvest. This speeds up production and makes harvesting easier, but it also leaves behind residues that make their way into bread, cereals, snack foods, and even products labeled as “whole grain” or “healthy.”
Why is glyphosate a problem for our health?
While glyphosate may help agriculture run more efficiently, its impact on our health tells a different story. Growing research points to several ways this chemical may harm the body—especially when exposure is frequent and long-term.
1. Disrupts Gut Health
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a critical role in digestion, immunity, and even mood. Glyphosate acts as a patent-registered antibiotic, meaning it can damage the delicate balance of gut microbes. Harmful bacteria are allowed to thrive, while beneficial bacteria that support digestion and reduce inflammation are suppressed. This imbalance may lead to gas, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and even conditions like leaky gut.
2. Triggers Inflammation
Inflammation is at the root of many chronic conditions, from joint pain and fatigue to heart disease and autoimmune disorders. Glyphosate has been linked to oxidative stress and increased inflammatory pathways, putting more strain on your body’s healing systems.
3. Disrupts Hormones
For women in midlife, hormone balance is already a delicate dance. Glyphosate is suspected to interfere with hormone function by affecting estrogen, thyroid hormones, and even insulin. This can contribute to weight gain, hot flashes, fatigue, and other symptoms that make midlife health feel like an uphill battle.
4. Possible Cancer Risk
In 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.”
An international study by Environmental health was published in 2025, exposing rats to glyphosate from the moment of conception through two years of age. The study found the subjects developed tumours across multiple organs, rarely seen in rats, such as adrenal glands, ovaries, and nervous system, also in the thyroid liver and blood organs with some developing multiple cancers at once.*
*https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s12940-025-01187-2.pdf
Are all grains equally affected?
Not all grains are created equal when it comes to glyphosate exposure. The highest levels are often found in wheat, oats, barley, and rye, because these crops are commonly sprayed just before harvest. Even organic grains can be cross-contaminated through air drift or shared equipment, though levels are generally lower.
Processed grain products—breads, crackers, cereals, pastas—tend to contain the highest concentrations, especially those made from conventional, non-organic ingredients.
What does limiting glyphosates mean for your health journey?
If you are working on reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, or improving your gut health—especially during the postmenopausal years—limiting your exposure to glyphosate is one of the most effective steps you can take. Many of my clients notice reduced bloating, more stable energy, and better digestion after reducing or eliminating conventional grains from their diet.
How to protect yourself from glysophates
- Choose Organic Whenever Possible
Organic standards prohibit the use of glyphosate as a drying agent. While organic is not completely free of contamination (due to cross-contact in the food system), it’s generally much safer. - Limit or Avoid Processed Grains
Replace refined breads, pastas, and crackers with whole, unprocessed foods. Instead of a grain-heavy breakfast, try chia pudding, a smoothie, or a protein-rich omelet. - Explore Grain-Free Alternatives
Almond flour, coconut flour, and cassava flour make excellent grain-free replacements for baking and cooking. For many midlife women, reducing grains also helps stabilize blood sugar and manage weight more effectively. - Support Your Gut Health
If you’ve been exposed to glyphosate for years, rebuilding your gut lining is essential. Include fiber-rich vegetables, fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi, and consider a high-quality probiotic. - Be an Informed Shopper
Read labels carefully. Foods marketed as “healthy” or “whole grain” may still contain glyphosate residues unless they are certified organic or verified glyphosate-free.
Ready to take the next step?
Reducing glyphosate exposure is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to thriving in midlife. Minerals play a powerful role in supporting your hormones, calming inflammation, and restoring your gut health—but many women are unknowingly depleted.
That’s why I created the Midlife Mineral Reboot Guide—a free, easy-to-follow resource designed to help you:
- Identify key minerals your body may be missing
- Learn how to restore them naturally through food and simple lifestyle shifts
- Feel more energized, balanced, and in control of your health
Download your free guide here >
Start your journey today—because small changes add up to powerful results in midlife and beyond.
