What’s a GMO?
A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process of taking genes from one species and inserting them into another in an attempt to obtain a desired trait or characteristic, hence they are also known as transgenic organisms. This process may be called either Genetic Engineering (GE) or Genetic Modification (GM); they are one and the same.
But haven’t growers been grafting trees, breeding animals, and hybridizing seeds for years?
Genetic engineering is completely different from traditional breeding and carries unique risks.
In traditional breeding it is possible to mate a pig with another pig to get a new variety, but is not possible to mate a pig with a potato or a mouse. Even when species that may seem to be closely related do succeed in breeding, the offspring are usually infertile—a horse, for example, can mate with a donkey, but the offspring (a mule) is sterile.
With genetic engineering, scientists can breach species barriers set up by nature. For example, they have spliced fish genes into tomatoes. The results are plants (or animals) with traits that would be virtually impossible to obtain with natural processes, such as crossbreeding or grafting.
Health Risks
These lab tests provide facts on your case:
- Micro Nutrient Blood Test/Spectrocell Labs
- Neurotransmitter and Comprehensive Adrenal Test/NeuroScience
- GI Effects Profile/Genova to evaluate the health of the Microbiome, detecting overgrowth of bacteria, potential pathogens, candida/Yeast, parasites and digestive markers
- Blood Test: CBC 24 with added Vitamin D3
What Can I do?
There is a growing movement for buying local and supporting local farmers. Resources to find organic and locally grown foods can be found using the links below:
National listing – individual producers and farmer’s markets
US Department of Agriculture
National list of farmer’s markets
Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.