From the Research
The functional medicine approach to detoxification from glyphosate exposure should prioritize supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways, with a focus on increasing glutathione levels, promoting methylation, and enhancing gut health, as evidenced by recent studies such as 1. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2023, investigated the association between glyphosate exposure and urinary oxidative stress biomarkers in the Agricultural Health Study, providing valuable insights into the effects of glyphosate on human health. Key components of a comprehensive detoxification protocol include:
- Increasing glutathione levels through supplements like N-acetylcysteine (NAC) at 600-900mg twice daily and glycine at 3-5g daily
- Supporting methylation with methylated B vitamins, particularly methylfolate (400-800mcg daily) and methylcobalamin (1000mcg daily)
- Using binding agents such as activated charcoal (1-2g between meals), bentonite clay, or modified citrus pectin (5g daily) to trap glyphosate for elimination
- Promoting gut health through probiotics (particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains at 30-50 billion CFU daily), prebiotics, and a diet rich in organic cruciferous vegetables
- Adequate hydration with filtered water (2-3 liters daily) and regular exercise to promote sweating
- Infrared sauna sessions (15-30 minutes, 3-4 times weekly) to aid in toxin removal through sweat This approach is supported by the findings of 1, which suggest that glyphosate exposure is associated with increased oxidative stress in humans, and that supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways can help mitigate these effects.