The Truth About Modern Wheat: What You Need to Know

For thousands of years, wheat has been a staple in diets around the world — but the wheat you’re eating today may be very different from what your grandparents enjoyed. From changes in wheat’s structure to the controversial use of pesticides like glyphosate, there’s a lot to uncover about modern wheat and how it’s impacting our health.

In this post, we’ll explore: ✅ How wheat has changed over time ✅ The role of pesticides in wheat production ✅ The legal battles surrounding glyphosate (Roundup) ✅ Steps you can take to reduce pesticide exposure and improve your health

Let’s dive in!

The Evolution of Wheat: Why It’s Not the Same as It Used to Be

Wheat has been cultivated for thousands of years, but the wheat grown today has been altered significantly. During the Green Revolution of the mid-20th century, scientist Norman Borlaug introduced high-yield wheat varieties that dramatically increased food production worldwide. While this innovation saved millions from starvation, it also came with some unintended consequences.

Modern wheat varieties, often called semi-dwarf wheat, were developed to produce more grain per plant. Unfortunately, these changes also resulted in wheat with higher gluten content and a more complex protein structure. While this makes wheat easier to process for commercial baking, it’s also why so many people today experience digestive discomfort, bloating, and other wheat-related issues.

Pesticides in Wheat Farming: The Glyphosate Concern

One of the biggest concerns with modern wheat isn’t just the wheat itself — it’s what’s sprayed on it. While Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) developed glyphosate-resistant wheat, it was never approved for commercial use. However, glyphosate — the active ingredient in Roundup — is still heavily used in conventional wheat farming.

Farmers commonly spray glyphosate:

• Before planting to kill weeds
• Before harvest as a drying agent, also called desiccation

This pre-harvest spraying practice is particularly concerning because it leaves higher glyphosate residues in the wheat you eat. While this method is banned in Europe, it’s still common in the U.S. and Canada.

Studies have found glyphosate residues in up to 70% of wheat-based foods, including bread, pasta, and cereals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified glyphosate as a "probable carcinogen", adding to concerns about its long-term effects on human health.

The Legal Battles Surrounding Glyphosate

Over the past decade, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto/Bayer claiming glyphosate exposure has contributed to cancer diagnoses, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Here are some key cases that made headlines:

• In 2018, a California jury awarded $289 million to Dewayne Johnson, a groundskeeper who claimed his terminal cancer was linked to glyphosate exposure. While the settlement was later reduced to $78 million, this case set the stage for future legal battles.
• In 2019, a couple was awarded $2 billion after claiming glyphosate caused their cancer. While this ruling was reduced on appeal, it underscored the growing concern about glyphosate's safety.
• By 2020, Bayer agreed to pay over $10 billion to settle thousands of glyphosate-related lawsuits — all while continuing to maintain that glyphosate is safe when used properly.

The controversy surrounding glyphosate has sparked global conversations about food safety, chemical exposure, and corporate accountability. Countries like Austria, France, and Germany have even begun phasing out glyphosate use altogether.

The Impact on Your Health

So what does this mean for you? Research shows that combining modern wheat’s higher gluten content with glyphosate exposure may contribute to:

• Digestive issues, such as bloating, discomfort, or leaky gut
• Gut microbiome imbalance, which can harm beneficial bacteria
• Hormone disruption, potentially impacting metabolism and energy
• Cancer risk, especially in those with prolonged glyphosate exposure

If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or noticing skin issues or brain fog after eating wheat, these factors could be playing a role.

How to Reduce Pesticide Exposure in Your Diet

The good news? There are steps you can take to improve your wheat choices and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Choose Organic Wheat — Organic certification prohibits the use of glyphosate and synthetic pesticides. Brands that are Certified Organic are your safest bet.

2️⃣ Try Ancient Grains — Varieties like Einkorn, Emmer, and Spelt are closer to their original form, easier to digest, and often grown with fewer chemicals.

3️⃣ Look for “Glyphosate-Free” Brands — Some companies now voluntarily test and label their products as “Glyphosate-Free.”

4️⃣ Go for Sourdough Bread — The fermentation process used in sourdough naturally reduces gluten and may help break down pesticide residues.

5️⃣ Support Local Farmers — Buying wheat products from local regenerative farmers can ensure you’re getting grains grown with minimal chemical use.

Final Thoughts

Modern wheat has changed dramatically in the past century — and those changes haven’t always been for the better. But by making simple swaps like choosing organic wheat, trying ancient grains, and supporting sustainable farmers, you can enjoy wheat products without the added risks.

Have you tried switching to organic or ancient grain options? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below!

For more tips on building a healthier lifestyle, be sure to check out my latest podcast episode on this very topic. 🎧 Listen Here

Stay curious and keep making choices that support your health!

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While I am a certified coach with expertise in nutrition and metabolic health, I am not a medical professional. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle, especially if you have any existing health conditions or concerns. The content shared here reflects my personal experience and research and should be used as a guide, not a prescription.