India’s farming industry has recorded an increasing amount of pesticide use in the last few years – raising concerns over long term impact on health. Despite alkaline washes and organic labels plastered on produce, the toxic impact of pesticides continue to worry scientists.
Recently, an viral reel surfaced on Instagram that claims adding a pinch of baking soda in drinking water can help pull out the toxins present in the body, “because it has a very high affinity for glyphosate which is roundup”.
According to the content creator in the video, “even if you eat organic and drink filtered water, glyphosate is still a neurotoxin that is linked to things like lymphoma, cancers, Parkinson’s and even MS”. She recommended adding a pinch or an eighth of a spoon of baking soda in water daily to flush these toxins out.
Curious, we turned to a health expert for some clarity.
Meenu Balaji, Chief Nutritionist at Pragmatic Nutrition, Chennai said that glyphosate is a herbicide used in many countries. However, it has comes under fire in recent years due to its association with increase in risk of developing digestive issues and cancer.
“There are some studies that show baking soda can remove glyphosate from the surface of the produce. This is because glyphosate is not stable in alkaline medium. But we don’t have strong scientific evidence for it. Even if baking soda removes glyphosate from the surface, glyphosate is a systemic herbicide. It means that it is also found in tissues and other parts of the plant,” she said.
What are other ways to remove glyphosate?
Balaji mentioned that while other ways are not as effective due to the nature of glyphosate, peeling certain fruits before eating them may help. “Including foods rich in antioxidants and sulforaphane can remove these toxins by supporting liver function. If you want to eat a healthier option, look for organic foods. You can also check for glyphosate reside free labelled products,” she added.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
