Why You Should Avoid USA Wheat Products

As a naturopathic biohacker and health researcher since 1987, I’ve delved deeply into the science, history, and legal battles surrounding wheat production in the United States. The way wheat is grown, processed, and turned into food in the USA raises serious concerns about its safety and nutritional value. From nutrient depletion to the use of potentially harmful chemicals like glyphosate, there are compelling reasons to reconsider consuming USA wheat products. This article explores these issues, supported by scientific evidence, historical context, and significant legal victories against Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, to help you make informed dietary choices.

The Evolution of Wheat Processing: A Nutritional Downgrade

Around 150-175 years ago, the USA adopted roller milling, a process that strips away the nutrient-rich bran and germ from wheat kernels, producing refined, shelf-stable flour. This results in flour with significantly reduced fiber, B vitamins, and minerals, often described as “nutritionally dead” compared to whole wheat used historically. To compensate, the USA mandates enrichment with synthetic nutrients like folic acid, which has reduced neural tube defects. However, some individuals with MTHFR gene mutations struggle to metabolize synthetic folic acid, potentially leading to health issues, though claims of specific symptoms like fatigue or anxiety lack robust evidence. This reliance on synthetic enrichment, rather than preserving natural nutrients, highlights a fundamental flaw in USA wheat processing.

Harmful Additives in USA Bread

USA bread often contains additives that raise health concerns. Potassium bromate, used to improve dough rise and texture, is classified as a “possibly carcinogenic” substance by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and is banned in the European Union, Canada, and other countries. Animal studies link it to kidney and thyroid cancers, yet it remains permitted in the USA at low levels, with the assumption it breaks down during baking. However, incomplete breakdown could leave residues, posing potential risks. Bleaching agents like benzoyl peroxide, used to whiten flour, further alter its natural state, raising questions about long-term safety. These additives, absent or restricted in many other countries, make USA bread a legit health concern.

Glyphosate in Wheat Farming: A Chemical Controversy

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, is a major concern in USA wheat farming. While genetically modified (GMO) wheat is not commercially grown in the USA, glyphosate is applied to conventional wheat as a pre-harvest desiccant to dry crops and ease harvesting. Tests have detected glyphosate residues in wheat-based products, ranging from 60 to 150 parts per billion in pasta. Classified as a “probable carcinogen” by the WHO’s IARC, glyphosate has been linked to cancer, liver disease, microbiome disruption, and endocrine disruption. Research suggests it may cause “leaky gut” syndrome, leading to symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and brain fog, often mistaken for gluten intolerance. While the EPA claims low levels are safe, ongoing debates and legal battles fuel skepticism about its safety.

Successful Lawsuits Against Monsanto for Glyphosate Health Effects

The health risks of glyphosate have been validated by numerous successful lawsuits against Monsanto (now part of Bayer), particularly for causing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These legal victories highlight the dangers of glyphosate and its use in agriculture, including on wheat crops. Key cases include:

Dewayne Johnson v. Monsanto (2018): This landmark case was the first to successfully link Roundup to cancer. Dewayne Johnson, a former school groundskeeper diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after extensive Roundup use, was awarded $289 million, including $39 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages (CNN). The jury found Monsanto acted with malice, knowingly concealing Roundup’s health risks. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent environmental lawyer, was part of Johnson’s legal team, stating, “The jury found Monsanto acted with malice and oppression because they knew what they were doing was wrong and doing it with reckless disregard for human life.” The award was later reduced to $78 million and then to $21 million after appeals (NPR).
Mass Settlements (2020): Facing thousands of lawsuits, Bayer agreed to settle over 100,000 Roundup cases for $10.9 billion in June 2020, with $8.8–9.6 billion for existing claims and $1.5 billion for future claims (NPR). As of June 2025, nearly 100,000 lawsuits have been settled, with approximately 67,000 still pending, including over 4,400 in federal court (Sokolove Law).
Other Notable Cases:
- In 2019, a man was awarded $80 million, later reduced to $25 million, for non-Hodgkin lymphoma linked to Roundup (NPR).
- A couple received a $2 billion award in 2019, reduced to $86.7 million, for similar claims (Washington Post).
- In March 2025, a Georgia jury awarded nearly $2.1 billion to a man claiming Roundup caused his cancer, one of the largest recent verdicts (CNN).
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Role: Beyond the Johnson case, Kennedy and his partners at Morgan & Morgan filed additional lawsuits against Monsanto in 2017, including a class-action suit for failing to warn consumers about Roundup’s dangers. His involvement has been pivotal in raising awareness about glyphosate’s health risks.

These lawsuits, driven by evidence like the WHO’s 2015 IARC report classifying glyphosate as a probable carcinogen, reveal a pattern of Monsanto’s failure to disclose risks. Internal documents, known as the Monsanto Papers, exposed efforts to ghostwrite studies and influence research to downplay glyphosate’s dangers (Sokolove Law).

Nutritional and Agricultural Differences: USA vs. European Wheat

USA wheat, often red wheat with higher gluten content, can exacerbate digestive issues for sensitive individuals. European wheat, typically white wheat, has lower gluten and is grown without glyphosate due to stricter regulations, making it potentially easier to digest. USA flour is fortified with ferrous sulfate, which may disrupt gut bacteria, while European flour is generally unfortified, preserving its natural profile. Anecdotal reports, such as those from consumers in the Netherlands and Ireland, suggest fewer allergic reactions to European wheat, pointing to differences in farming and processing practices.

Health Impacts and Misdiagnosis of Gluten Intolerance

Symptoms like bloating, brain fog, and fatigue, often attributed to gluten intolerance, may stem from glyphosate exposure or additives like potassium bromate. Studies suggest glyphosate disrupts the gut microbiome, potentially causing leaky gut syndrome, which mimics gluten sensitivity symptoms. A 2014 report noted that individuals experienced fewer digestive issues with European wheat, suggesting glyphosate as a possible culprit. While more research is needed, the lawsuits provide legal weight to these health concerns, supporting the hypothesis that USA wheat processing contributes to adverse effects.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The evidence, bolstered by successful lawsuits against Monsanto, paints a concerning picture of USA wheat products. Nutrient depletion from refining, potentially carcinogenic additives, and glyphosate residues raise valid health concerns. The legal victories, including the landmark case involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlight the serious risks of glyphosate, particularly its link to cancer. Compared to European wheat, which benefits from stricter regulations and lower gluten content, USA wheat may pose greater risks, especially for those with digestive sensitivities. Opt for organic or European wheat, or reduce wheat consumption, to prioritize your health. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

XGYM Video Workout App: Sign Up / Login