The Medical Advisor

In recent years, researchers have discovered glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and other common weed killer formulations, may affect your body's ability to produce fully functioning proteins, inhibit the shikimate pathway (found in gut bacteria) and interfere with the function of cytochrome P450 enzymes (required for activation of vitamin D and the creation of nitric oxide and cholesterol sulfate). However, the risks and safety concerns of glyphosate have received very little detailed attention and media coverage. Glyphosate also chelates important minerals; disrupts sulfate synthesis and transport; interferes with the synthesis of aromatic amino acids (shikimate pathway) and methionine, resulting in folate and neurotransmitter shortages; disrupts your microbiome by acting as an antibiotic; impairs methylation pathways; and inhibits pituitary release of thyroid stimulating hormone, which can lead to hypothyroidism. (1,2) Note:  70 to 80% of your immune system resi...

Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in your overall health, including brain function. Recent research has uncovered a fascinating connection between vitamin A, gut health and Alzheimer's disease risk. A study using mice genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer's-like symptoms reveals that vitamin A deficiency leads to significant changes in the gut microbiome. (1) These alterations contribute to increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as "leaky gut," and promote inflammation throughout the body. The researchers found that mice fed a vitamin A-deficient diet had lower diversity in their gut bacteria compared to those receiving adequate or supplemental vitamin A. Specifically, vitamin A deficiency led to an increase in proinflammatory bacteria like Parabacteroides and Tannerellaceae, while reducing beneficial anti-inflammatory bacteria such as Akkermansia and Verrucomicrobiales. This shift in microbial balance creates an environment that's more ...