By Betty Murray
You’ve made up your mind. You fully understand the potential dangers of genetically modified foods (GMOs), and you are prepared to reduce or eliminate you and your family’s exposure to the potentially toxic food products. But where do you start?
Because the United States government does not require food manufacturers to clearly label products containing GMOs, it can be difficult to know which foods are safe to eat and which are not. Technology makes it a bit easier to grocery shop in confidence, knowing the foods you purchase will not put you or your family at risk. Here are a few apps to use to help you avoid GMOs.
Buycott
Buycott helps you spend money on products that support your principles, and avoid the ones that don’t. Join a campaign in Buycott against GMOs (or one of many other causes) and when you scan a product, the app will let you know if the product conflicts with your campaign commitments. Buycott will help you identify foods containing GMOs so you know which foods not to buy.
Buycott is available for iPhone and Android.
ShopNoGMO
ShopNoGMO helps consumers avoid GMOs when shopping or dining out. The app provides simple tips for avoiding GMOs and gives you everything you need to know to make healthier, non-GMO choices while grocery shopping. The app makes it easy to locate non-GMO brands in 23 food categories, and even provides step-by-step instructions to help you avoid GMOs at restaurants.
ShopNoGMO is available for iPhone in the App Store.
Foods containing genetically modified organisms can be toxic to your body. In some cases, GMOs may cause serious health complications such as kidney and liver problems (as shown in a 2009 study in which rats were given genetically modified corn.). This same corn can be found in grocery stores. Other health problems found in animals that were fed genetically modified foods include: increased allergic reactions, mouth lesions, cough, bloating, diarrhea, sterility, altered sperm cells and changes in embryo development.
You may have to do a little extra work to find the foods that are GMO-free, but protecting your health and the health of your family will be well worth the effort in the long run.
Betty Murray, CN, HHC, RYT is a Certified Nutritionist & Holistic Health Counselor, founder of the Dallas-based integrative medical center, Wellness and founder of the Metabolic Blueprint wellness program. Betty’s nutrition counseling practice specializes in metabolic and digestive disorders and weight loss resistance. A master of the biochemistry of the body, Betty teaches her clients how to utilize nutritional interventions to improve their health. Betty is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.
