Greetings readers! I think most of us understand that GMOs are bad news because of the toxic chemicals (weed killing and insect killing, usually) engineered into those plants–or perhaps because we know that this is done at a sacrifice to nutrient quantity/quality and to allow cheap “filler” food in packaged goods. But if anyone is wondering why GMO labeling laws do not pass where grassroots, people-driven movements have requested labeling and for decades, check out this report: http://
The anti-GMO-labeling group is required by law to publicly disclose its over $7 million in donations from the food industry–but instead set up a front member group “the Grocery Manufacturers of America” to receive and then donate the $7.2 million. In response to a lawsuit, the GMA was at least forced to disclose its members who donated and how much each donated. See which companies would not like you to know what they aim to put in “nutritious” food: the report and also this document.
Without GMO labeling laws, we are unknowingly eating toxic chemicals that affect our health. Purchasing the organic label can be important especially in grocery items that contain soy, wheat, corn, sugar, beets–and animals/eggs raised on soy, corn, wheat… The toxic chemicals produced through genetic modification tend to store in fat so also concentrate in milk and eggs from these animals, not just the meat marbling. Our food can be a major exposure source contributing to the whole exposure problem. Check out my earlier post on cancer rates here. 
When we do not supply our bodies with the tools it needs to detoxify itself, the toxic chemicals instead build up in important organs and our fat tissue (which is an important organ and makes lots of mood and inflammation related hormones). Most toxic chemicals, except recent man-made ones (PCBs, etc.) have been around for a very long time. Over that span of eons, our body’s have developed biochemical pathways that modify and eliminate these chemicals. But to do this, our body needs specific nutrients that can only be obtained from the food we eat. There is some more information here and of course with our watchdog the Environmental Working Group.
In other words, each decision we make to purchase cheap, nutrient deprived food over wholesome nutrient dense food (green veggies especially) is a decision that sacrifices our health and also increases the amount you will spend on healthcare; both insurance premiums and medical bills. On top of that, when our food purchases include pesticides (GMO or not), preservatives, food colors, synthetic vitamins, refined starches and added sugars (organic or not) we upset our body’s balance and contribute to its toxic load. GMO labeling can at least help us make wiser choices.
What can you do?
1. Choose your purchases wisely; include in your budget healthcare costs of buying cheaper food. You will come out ahead in the long run by spending a few extra pennies or even dollars on your food. Organic is, by definition, non-GMO and does not need further GMO labeling. One of my favorite resources with very inexpensive shipping is US Wellness Meats sells quality grassland meat products – Visit Online!
2. eat more green leafy veggies. Click on the above pictures or make the recipes on this and other sites that are grain free and no cane or corn sugar (the most common problems in our food). The recipes on this site help your body obtain the nutrients it needs through the food you eat (plus, most are pretty darn easy, 30 minutes or less).
3. Support your local farmers, you can even ask them how they raise their products. Many of them are not certified organic (because it is expensive and time-consuming to do so) but use organic practices or as close to it as they can–these ethical farmers will happily and proudly tell you what they actually do. Once you have found a great resource, tell your other friends.
4. Make your voice known and share this information. Be super proactive and write your elected officials asking them to support GMO labeling.
By the way, GMO labeling will greatly change our food supply and in a good way. More people will shun these products and be healthier for it. It is certain that quality of life will improve and healthcare costs may even decline if only because they are not as needed. Since they won’t be able to give away GMO-containing products, the demand for organic or at least non-GMO will increase making production of these products actually profitable for the farmers–which is only fair. The price to the consumer will come down as more farmers engage in the production of real food.
Next step: ban government subsidies of GMOs–just thinking big. For now, choose your message with your pocketbook and educate your friends.
Copyright © 2013. Marie Sternquist. All Rights Reserved.
