Do GMOs (genetically modified organisms) cause more allergic reactions in the highly sensitive?
Table of contents
British Food vs. American Food — Is It the Lack of GMOs?
A recent visit to the UK — and no allergic reactions. Could GMOs be the missing link?
This past June and July, I had the joy of returning to my home country, the United Kingdom, also known as Britain (or England, since I’m from the South and definitely English!).
It was a wonderful trip: I caught up with old friends, my children explored sights they’d never see in Kansas, and I indulged in some of my favorite British foods, and the chocolate, of course!
But here’s what surprised me most: throughout the entire trip, none of us, especially my youngest child, who has multiple allergies, had a single allergic reaction. Not one.
Life in the UK: No Allergic Reactions… None!
We traveled with the usual arsenal of EpiPens, Benadryl, and allergy meds, just in case. Yet despite frequent eating out and sampling plenty of treats, there were no reactions.
One thing I noticed and loved: in the UK, all allergens on food labels are printed in bold. Such a simple, brilliant idea! And whenever I asked about allergens at restaurants, managers brought out detailed booklets listing every ingredient. It was refreshing, reassuring, and honestly, how it should be done everywhere.
America, please take note.
Back Home: Two Reactions in One Month
Fast-forward to our return to the U.S., and within a few weeks, both my youngest and I had allergic reactions.
First, it was me. I’ll admit, I didn’t exactly eat healthily in the UK —fish and chips, chocolate, the works —but I had no issues at all. Then, back in Kansas, I treated myself to a decaf iced vanilla latte from Starbucks.
Within minutes: breathing trouble and stomach upset. Not once, but twice. Needless to say, I won’t be ordering that again.
Then it was my youngest’s turn. I made him a boxed mac and cheese from a “healthy” brand, and almost immediately, he ran to the bathroom.
It got me thinking…why the sudden reactions? What changed?
My Theory: GMOs
It’s only a theory, but I can’t help wondering if the difference lies in genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
In the UK, GMO ingredients are clearly labeled; as a result, consumers tend to avoid them.
Here in the U.S., labeling isn’t as straightforward, and GMOs appear in nearly everything, especially soy, which we’ve learned my child is highly allergic to. It’s used as a cheap filler in so many processed foods that it’s almost unavoidable.
Could the absence of GMOs, or the stricter food regulations, be why we felt so much better in the UK? I can’t prove it scientifically, but the contrast was hard to ignore.
Perhaps one day, we’ll have the same freedom of choice here in America.
Wow, dramatic results. I bet your theory is right on. So so sadly!
Interesting. I haven’t had the opportunity to be putside the US and experience non-GMO foods. EWG has let me know about the DARK act that has passed the House and hopefully will not pass the Senate: it’s language says states will not make labeling GMO’s mandatory, but food companies can voluntarily label through USDA. The public WANTS GMO labeling, to make our own choices. Scientists are saying GMOs are safe.
Anyway, I think I have reactions, but not the kind I can notice. I think all of mine are in antibodies, so I have two autoimmune conditions, and no easy way to tell if gluten and dairy are causing reactions in my immune system. I wonder if non-GMO food would also help my situation?
I believe it would be worth a try, Tracey. There are apps out there to help us shop GMO-free. More and more food suppliers are labeling non-GMO in an attempt to cancel out the DARK act!
I just don’t believe that scientists can truly know that GMOs are safe. It’s like that saying that re-introducing dinosaur DNA into the modern world could be safe under ‘scientific’ circumstances…how can we truly know?