Doctors:
Avoid Genetically Modified Food and GMOs
Source
of Article: http://www.examiner.com/x-6495-National-Intelligence-Examiner~y2009m6d2-Doctors-Avoid-Genetically-Modified-Food-and-GMOs
June 2, 12:57 AM ·
A group of leading doctors has warned the public to avoid
genetically modified food and GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). A revealing
press release from this group of concerned physicians states, "The
American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) today released its
position paper on Genetically Modified foods stating that 'GM foods pose a
serious health risk' and calling for a moratorium on GM foods."
The critical information here is largely taken with
permission from an excellent article written by respected health
researcher Jeffrey Smith on this key topic so vital to our health.
On May 19th, the AAEM posted their
landmark paper calling on “Physicians to educate their patients, the
medical community, and the public to avoid GM (genetically modified) foods
when possible and provide educational materials concerning GM foods and
health risks. In addition to a moratorium on GM foods, these doctors also
called for non-biased, long-term independent studies, and labeling of all
foods containing GM ingredients.
AAEM’s position paper stated, “Several animal studies
indicate serious health risks associated with GM food,” including
infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, insulin regulation, and
changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. They conclude, “There is more than
a casual association between GM foods and adverse health effects. There is
causation,” as defined by recognized scientific criteria.
“The strength of association and consistency between GM foods and disease
is confirmed in several animal studies.”
More and more doctors are already prescribing GM-free diets.
Dr. Amy Dean, a Michigan internal medicine specialist and board member of
AAEM says, “I strongly recommend patients eat strictly non-genetically
modified foods.” Allergist Dr. John Boyles says “I used to test for soy
allergies all the time, but now that soy is genetically engineered, it is
so dangerous that I tell people never to eat it.”
Research has shown that pregnant women and babies are at
particularly great risk. Biologist David Schubert of the Salk Institute
warns that “children are the most likely to be adversely effected by toxins
and other dietary problems” related to GM foods. He says without adequate
studies, the children become “the experimental animals.”
Animal Studies
The experience of actual
GM-fed experimental animals is scary. When GM soy was fed to female rats,
most of their babies died within three weeks – compared to a 10% death rate
among the control group fed natural soy. The GM-fed babies were also
smaller, and later had problems getting pregnant. When male rats were fed
GM soy, their testicles actually changed color – from the normal pink to
dark blue. Mice fed GM soy also had altered young sperm.
GMOs are known to provoke immune reactions. AAEM states,
“Multiple animal studies show significant immune dysregulation,” including
increase in cytokines, which are “associated with asthma, allergy, and
inflammation” – all on the rise in the US. According to GM food safety
expert Dr. Arpad Pusztai, changes in the immune status of GM animals are “a
consistent feature of all the studies.”
Warnings by government scientists ignored and denied
Scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had
warned about all these problems even in the early 1990s. According to
documents released from a lawsuit, the scientific consensus at the agency
was that GM foods were inherently dangerous, and might create
hard-to-detect allergies, poisons, gene transfer to gut bacteria, new
diseases, and nutritional problems. They urged their superiors to require
rigorous long-term tests, but to no avail.
The White House instead ordered the agency to promote
biotechnology. The FDA responded by recruiting Michael Taylor, former
attorney of Monsanto – the largest GM food producer – to head up the
formation of GMO policy. The wolf was hired to regulate the hen house. The
policy developed under Taylor, which is in effect today, denies knowledge
of scientists’ concerns and declares that no safety studies on GMOs are
required. It is left to Monsanto and the other biotech companies to
determine if their foods are safe. Mr. Taylor later left the FDA to become
Monsanto’s vice president.
AAEM states, “GM foods have not been properly tested” and
“pose a serious health risk.” Not a single human clinical trial on GMOs has
been published. A 2007 review of published scientific literature on the
“potential toxic effects/health risks of GM plants” revealed “that
experimental data are very scarce” for human tests. The author concludes
his review by asking, “Where is the scientific evidence showing that GM
plants/food are toxicologically safe, as assumed by the biotechnology
companies?"
Famed Canadian geneticist David Suzuki answers, “The
experiments simply haven’t been done and we now have become the guinea
pigs.” He adds, “Anyone that says, ‘Oh, we know that this is perfectly
safe,’ I say is either unbelievably stupid or deliberately lying.”
There is a pocket Non-GMO Shopping Guide, co-produced by the Institute
for Responsible Technology and the Center for Food Safety, which is
available as a download, as well as in natural food stores and in many
doctors’ offices. If even a small percentage of people choose non-GMO
brands, the food industry will likely respond as they did in Europe – by
removing all
GM ingredients. Thus, AAEM’s non-GMO prescription may be a watershed for
the US food supply.
The box immediately below provides several ideas on what you
can do to educate yourself and make a difference on this vital topic. We
also invite you to comment below and let us know what you think. Can we
join Europe in demanding the safety of our food supply and labeling of GM
food?
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