Glyphosate and Autism - 3 Controversial Connections

Glyphosate and Autism, Sulfate Deficiency - Sulfate is an essential nutrient for human health. It pertains to many foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and vegetables. Sulfate plays a role in many bodily functions, including the formation of cartilage and other connective tissue, metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, detoxification of the body, and maintenance of electrolyte balance. Sulfate deficiency can lead to various health problems, including joint pain, muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, and depression. Sulfate supplements are available to prevent or treat sulfate deficiency.

Glyphosate

This chemical compound is a broad-spectrum herbicide that kills weeds, grasses, and other plants. The herbicide binds to minerals in the soil, such as iron and aluminum, which prevents plants from absorbing them.
It effectively combats many weeds and finds applications in agriculture, landscaping, and home gardening. It is also sometimes used as a food additive to control mold and bacteria growth.

Some people worry that it may be harmful to human health. Studies have demonstrated that glyphosate causes cancer in rats and mice, but whether it increases the risk of human cancer remains unclear.
It also links to other health problems, including congenital disabilities, liver damage, and kidney failure. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential health effects.

If a person is concerned about the possible risks of glyphosate, they can take steps to reduce their exposure. For example, they can choose to buy glyphosate-free products or avoid using glyphosate in their garden. They can also wash their hands and clothes after using this chemical compound and keep it out of reach of children.

Glyphosate and Autism 

Glyphosate and autism may go hand-in-hand. There is no clear evidence that it causes autism. However, some people believe that it may contribute to autism because it can disrupt the body's sulfate balance. The herbicide also binds minerals in the soil, including sulfate, meaning plants grown in soil treated with this chemical may contain less sulfate than in untreated soil. Plants treated with this product may also absorb less sulfate from the ground, which could lead to a deficiency of this vital nutrient.

Sulfate is essential for many bodily functions, including developing the nervous system. A deficiency of sulfate during pregnancy shows an increased risk of congenital disabilities, including autism. Exposure may also interfere with the body's ability to detoxify harmful chemicals, which could lead to an accumulation of toxins that may contribute to autism.

More research is needed to determine if it is a cause of autism. 

Neurological Diseases

The chemical compound disrupts the body's sulfate balance and binds to minerals in the soil, including iron and aluminum. Glyphosate-treated plants may also absorb less sulfate from the ground. It may cause several neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

• Alzheimer's Disease: Exposure may cause brain damage in rats and mice and may also be present in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. It may contribute to Alzheimer's disease by causing inflammation and oxidative stress or interfering with the body's ability to detoxify harmful chemicals. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, confusion, and death. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults.
• Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder affecting body movement, has an unknown cause but is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors linked to Parkinson's disease include pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals. Tremors, rigidity, slow movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination characterize Parkinson's disease. It can also lead to dementia.