Glyphosate (urine)

What it isThe most widely used herbicide globally, sprayed on glyphosate-tolerant crops and as a pre-harvest desiccant on wheat, oats, and legumes. It clears the body within days, so urine reflects recent exposure rather than cumulative burden.

DoesInhibits the shikimate pathway (absent in humans but present in gut bacteria), with debated downstream effects on the microbiome, gut barrier, and hepatic detoxification.

GoodLow or undetectable levels minimize potential gut microbiome disruption and reduce theoretical cancer and endocrine concerns.

BadElevated levels have been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in heavily exposed agricultural workers; effects at typical dietary exposure remain contested. Higher levels correlate with conventional grain and processed food intake.