Detailing the Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods and the Affect it Can Have on You and I as Introduced by Bruce Lipton, M.D. in Biology of Belief

Date:   10/11/2005 4:28:47 PM ( 19 y ago)

One of the interesting and incredible important topics introduced by Lipton’s book is the use of genetic tampering or manipulation by scientists in the agricultural and food industries. In a pursuit to increase profits and reduce costs, scientists have now given the agricultural and food industries the ability to manipulate the genes of certain foods to increase production. This has created new versions of corn and other vegetables that allow them to produce more on smaller and smaller plots of land. While the owners of these food and agricultural businesses are applauding these efforts, should the rest of us? Has anyone really done long term studies to determine what effects the consumption of genetically altered produce can have on the environment or even on the human body? I would think this would be one of the most important steps undertaken before introducing this produce to the human population, but that doesn’t mean that those in charge thought so.

Lipton gives us a brief look into this subject and shows the inherent dangers in genetically modified foods. I quote:

“Already there is a study that shows that when humans digest genetically modified foods, the artificially created genes transfer into and alter the character of the beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Similarly, gene transfer among genetically engineered crops and surrounding native species have given rise to highly resistant species deemed superweeds.” (Lipton, pg. 45)

Here is another example of the dangers of genetically modified foods from the website of Dr. Joseph Mercola:

“We are already seeing the emergence of the first "superweeds" as GE herbicide-resistant crops such as rapeseed (canola) spread their herbicide-resistance traits to related weeds such as wild mustard plants. Lab and field tests also indicate that common plant pests such as cotton boll worms, living under constant pressure from GE crops, will soon evolve into "superpests" completely immune to Bt sprays and other environmentally sustainable biopesticides. This will present a serious danger for organic and sustainable farmers whose biological pest management practices will be unable to cope with increasing numbers of superpests and superweeds.” (http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/3/ge_food.htm)

And here is another article from his website:

“Professor Hans-Hinrich Kaatz, a leading zoologist from Germany, has found evidence that genes used to modify crops can jump the species barrier and cause bacteria to mutate, lending more credence to the claims of many that genetically modified (GM) technology could pose serious health risks.

A four-year study by a respected German zoologist found that an alien gene used to modify rapeseed (canola oil) had transferred to bacteria living inside the guts of honeybees.

The research is disturbing because it suggests that many types of bacteria could become contaminated by genes used in GM technology, including those that live inside the human digestive system. If this happened, it could have an impact on the bacteria's vital role in helping the human body fight disease, aid digestion, facilitate blood clotting, and other beneficial functions.

Britain's Agriculture Minister suggested that farmers who had accidentally grown contaminated GM rapeseed crops in Britain rip up their crops.

Professor Kaatz has been reluctant to talk about his research, because he fears a backlash from the scientific community similar to that faced by Dr Arpad Pustzai, who claimed that genetically modified potatoes damaged the stomach lining of rats. Dr. Pustzai was sacked and had his work discredited.

Kaatz said he 'was not surprised' at the results. Asked if this had implications for the bacteria inside the human gut, he said: 'Maybe, but I am not an expert on this.'

Dr Mae-Wan Ho, a British geneticist and a critic of GM technology, has no doubts about the dangers. She said, 'These findings are very worrying and provide the first real evidence of what many have feared. Everybody is keen to exploit GM technology, but nobody is looking at the risk of horizontal gene transfer. We are playing about with genetic structures that existed for millions of years and the experiment is running out of control.'

One of the biggest concerns is if the anti-biotic resistant gene used in some GM crops crossed over to bacteria, which could leave us unable to treat serious illnesses like meningitis and E coli.” (http://www.mercola.com/2000/jun/3/gm_genes.htm)

Here is an article on this subject from the Sierra Club:
http://www.sierraclub.org/biotech/references.asp

Lipton associates the danger with genetically modified foods to the sharing of genes between and among different species which is termed horizontal gene transfer. Previously it was only thought that genes were passed down within a species from one generation to the next. Apparently, this is not the case. As Lipton points out, this is simple another form of cooperation that takes place among species in order to sustain all life on this planet. Lipton writes:

"Now scientists realize that genes are shared not only among the individual members of a species, but also among members of different species. The sharing of genetic information via gene transfer speeds up evolution since organisms can acquire “learned” experiences from other organisms. Given this sharing of genes, organisms can no longer be seen as disconnected entities; there is no wall between species.” (Lipton, pg. 44-45)

So then if this is the case that learned behaviors are passed via genes not only within a particular species but among species than what messages are being sent out there to all the species in this world? The purpose of evolution was to allow for the continued survival of life through greater adaptation to its environment. This was the purpose. As Lipton pointed out, the goal was to allow a species to have more awareness of its environment which in turn would provide for greater survival within that environment. The survival lessons that species or organisms learned were then passed down to its future generations through genes. Now scientists have changed the goal. They have changed the whole point of the evolutionary system. No longer is it survival, but I guess in a way it could be seen as super survival or super production which has got to carry with it harsh repercussions. I think Mercola and Lipton both inform us of these repercussions.

This information should have a strong impact on each and every one of us. I guess I never realized how important an issue this was. I knew it was an issue and that is why I started buying only organic food, but I failed to grasp the true impact it can have on all of us. I don’t know about you, but I would rather not see the bacteria in my stomach be genetically modified by the food I eat. If anything this underscores the importance of a return to natural agricultural methods envisioned by the organic movement in this country. Whole Foods here I come.

 

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