Roundup: A Closer Look at Glyphosate and Its Place in Our Health
A Wellness Perspective on Everyday Exposure and Thoughtful Choices
Why This Conversation Matters
Over time, it becomes clear that true wellness is not only about what is added into daily life, it is also about what is thoughtfully limited.
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is one of those substances that warrants closer scrutiny.
It is widely used in agriculture, landscaping, and home gardening. Because of this, most of us are exposed to it in ways we may not fully realize — through the foods we eat, the environments we move through, and even the products we use at home.
The intention here is not to alarm, but to inform and empower. With greater understanding comes the ability to make more thoughtful decisions for personal and family health.
A Brief History
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military used a chemical known as Agent Orange to clear dense jungle vegetation. This made it easier to locate enemy forces and establish camps. However, after devastating health effects became evident, the search began for a safer alternative.
In 1970, a scientist working for Monsanto, an American agricultural biotechnology and chemical corporation, developed glyphosate (pronounced gli-fuh-sate), a new type of herbicide.
In 1974, the company introduced glyphosate to the market under the brand name Roundup. It was designed as a broad-spectrum herbicide to kill weeds that compete with crops and other desired plants. In 1996, Monsanto launched “Roundup Ready” seeds — genetically modified seeds engineered to survive heavy applications of glyphosate. This innovation dramatically increased glyphosate use across the agricultural system, and concerns about its long-term effects began to grow. In 2018, Monsanto was acquired by the German pharmaceutical giant, Bayer.
Today, it is the most widely used herbicide in the world.
What the Research Shows
A growing body of research has explored the risks associated with glyphosate exposure. A French study in 2022 found that 99% of urine samples tested positive for glyphosate. That said, there are some important findings worth noting.
Chronic Disease Considerations
A 2025 medical review encouraged physicians to take a closer look at glyphosate as a potential contributor to broader health concerns, including metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular health, and liver function.
Long-Term and Systemic Effects
A recent study found that exposure to glyphosate may lead to lasting biological changes, even after exposure has ended.
Another body of research has explored how even low-level exposure may influence neurological function, behavior, and gut health.
Gut Health and the Microbiome
Those of us in the wellness space have long understood the importance of the gut microbiome.
Glyphosate is known to act as an antimicrobial agent. Some researchers are now asking whether this effect may extend beyond soil and into the human gut, potentially disrupting the balance of beneficial bacteria.
Cancer Classification
In 2015, glyphosate was classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Since then, nearly 200,000 lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto/Bayer, the makers of Roundup. To date, $21 billion in settlement money has been awarded, yet these settlements do not require the company to admit wrongdoing. At the same time, regulatory agencies in several countries maintain that typical exposure levels fall within accepted safety limits. This tension reinforces the importance of staying informed and thoughtful in our choices.
Where Exposure Often Occurs
Through Food
Crops most heavily sprayed with glyphosate include corn, soy, canola, and sugar beets (refined white sugar). These ingredients are found in many processed foods that have become a part of the Standard American Diet.
Glyphosate is also applied to wheat, barley, legumes, and oat crops as a drying agent, minimizing the time from harvest to shelf. These staples have always been seen as “healthy,” further adding to the confusion.
In addition, animal products can serve as an indirect source of exposure. Conventionally raised livestock are often fed crops such as corn, soy, oats, barley, and canola. As a result, glyphosate residues may be present in meat, dairy, and eggs. This creates another pathway worth considering when evaluating overall dietary exposure.
In Our Immediate Environment
Many people are exposed to glyphosate through lawn and garden products, neighborhood landscaping, and public green spaces.
In the Broader Environment
Glyphosate has been detected in soil and water systems, raising ongoing questions about its long-term environmental impact.
A Thoughtful Approach to Reducing Exposure
The most sustainable changes are often those that feel manageable and consistent over time.
In the Kitchen
Choose organic options when it feels accessible, especially for grains
Prioritize whole, minimally processed foods
Get to know local farmers and their practices
At Home
Consider alternatives to chemical weed control
Ask questions about products used on your property
Read labels carefully
Supporting the Body
Nourish the gut with whole foods and fiber
Stay well-hydrated
Prioritize rest and recovery
Final Thoughts
Wellness often becomes less about chasing the next solution and more about returning to simple, grounded principles.
Know where your food comes from. Be mindful of what you bring into your home. Stay curious and informed.
Glyphosate is just one piece of a much larger picture, but it’s one we now have more awareness around.
And with awareness comes the opportunity to choose differently, in ways that support both our personal health and the health of the world around us.
Simple Ways to Get Involved
Visit local farms and ask about their growing practices
Support farmers using organic or regenerative methods
Choose alternatives to chemical herbicides at home
Stay curious and continue learning
Share reliable information within your community
Resources & Ways to Take Action
This podcast with Dr. Zach Bush explains (in simple terms) more about the history, use, and misuse of glyphosate. When I listened to this the first time, I finally understood the gravity. I also understood my role in changing the trajectory.
And here are some amazing websites:
