Pesticides ruin the intestines

The harms of pesticides, which scientific research continues to investigate, are only increasing. The latest, in order of exploration, concerns the danger of altering the intestinal balance, making it much more fragile. In particular, pesticides, through a series of studies currently in the laboratory, have been shown to alter bacterial metabolism, leading to intestinal dysbiosis. In particular, beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and the dangerous ones like the increaseHelicobacter. 

Consequences of pesticides on the intestine

If the microbiota is altered, following the activity of pesticides, the following problems may occur:

• Less efficient digestion
  Certain bacteria help digest fiber and produce nutrients. If they're depleted, you may experience bloating, gas, or slower digestion.
• Low-grade inflammation
  An imbalance can promote a mild but persistent inflammatory response in the gut.
• Alteration of the intestinal barrier
  The intestines function like a filter. If they become weakened (sometimes called "leaky gut"), more unwanted substances can pass through, stimulating the immune system.
• Immune system changes
  The microbiota is closely linked to the immune system: an imbalance can alter its response.

Symptoms

 Signs of an altered intestinal balance may include:

• swelling
• diarrhea or constipation
• abdominal discomfort
• increased intestinal sensitivity

The study published in Nature Communications

Among the studies that have taken into consideration the damage caused by pesticides to intestinal balance, one is particularly important: it dates back to 2025, when it was published in Nature Communications, edited by a group of researchers led by Li Chen and Hong Yan of Ohio State University, in particular in the area of ​​nutrition and microbiome. A systematic review, completed in the laboratory for now, directly tested 17 gut bacteria with 18 pesticides, and ultimately showed that pesticides in the gut can:

• • alter the growth of bacteria
  • accumulate in microbes
  • change hundreds of metabolites

Researchers have identified a series of alterations in the microbial production of hundreds of molecules, including short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and tryptophan metabolites, which help maintain healthy intestinal walls, prevent and combat inflammation, and strengthen the immune response. 

Pesticide Prevention

Exposure to pesticides cannot be eliminated completely (they are very widespread in the environment), but it can be reduced (and not by a little), making the intestine more "resistant" to the effects on the microbiota (the so-called intestinal dysbiosis).

With these simple but essential precautions:

• Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly
  All you need is running water and scrubbing the fruit and vegetables. Peeling some vegetables is recommended.
• Vary what you eat
  Avoid always consuming the same residues from the same foods.
• Choose organic food when it makes sense
  It is not mandatory, but it reduces exposure to pesticide residues.
• Beware of the most processed products
  Strawberries, apples, spinach, peaches tend to have more residue (on average).
• Avoid non-food exposures
  For example, household insecticides used frequently or without ventilating the rooms of the house. 

Read also:

• Which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticides?
• Bananas contaminated by pesticides: percentages tripled
• Toxic Foods: Where the 10 Most Dangerous Come From