What Your Physician Never Told You About: Mercury, Arsenic and Mold In Our Food Supply

In this episode of The Harmony With Food Show, Registered Dietitian and Functional Nutritionist Meg Marie O'Rourke explores the science behind common environmental toxins found in food and how they may impact inflammation, allergies, asthma, metabolism, hormone balance, and overall health. Meg discusses mercury in fish, arsenic in rice, mold toxins (mycotoxins) in foods such as coffee and peanuts, and the growing concern surrounding microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Listeners will learn how these exposures may contribute to weight loss resistance, fatigue, immune dysfunction, respiratory symptoms, and chronic health challenges, as well as practical strategies for reducing exposure without becoming overwhelmed by fear-based health messaging. Meg also explains the concept of "obesogens," the role of inflammation in chronic disease, and why a personalized, test-based approach may be more effective than generic nutrition advice. In This Episode:The connection between allergies, asthma, inflammation, and nutritionMercury exposure and its potential effects on metabolism and thyroid healthArsenic in rice and rice-based productsMold toxins (mycotoxins) in coffee, grains, peanuts, and other foodsThe latest research on microplastics and endocrine disruptorsWhat obesogens are and how they may affect weight managementTips for selecting lower-risk food products and trusted brandsWhy functional testing can help identify hidden contributors to chronic symptomsPractical strategies for making informed food choices without fear-mongeringWhether you're dealing with seasonal allergies, asthma, unexplained fatigue, digestive issues, hormone imbalances, or weight loss resistance, this episode provides an evidence-informed discussion on environmental exposures and how they may influence long-term health.Keywords: mercury in food, arsenic in rice, mold toxins, mycotoxins, microplastics, obesogens, environmental toxins, food sensitivities, inflammation, weight loss resistance, asthma, allergies, functional nutrition, gut health, hormone balance, thyroid health, detoxification, Harmony With Food, Meg Marie O'Rourke.Work With MegIf you’re ready to stop guessing and start understanding what your body actually needs, there are several ways to work with Meg.The BioUnique Boutique is a personalized, testing-guided approach to functional nutrition. Through targeted assessments—including food sensitivity testing, digestive analysis, and nutrient evaluation—Meg helps clients identify what’s driving their symptoms and build a plan rooted in data, not trends. This is for those who want answers, structure, and ongoing guidance.Your Diet Do-Over is designed for people who feel stuck in cycles of restriction, elimination diets, or “doing everything right” without results. This program focuses on rebuilding trust with food, identifying personal triggers, and creating a sustainable way of eating that supports energy, digestion, and inflammation without unnecessary rules or overwhelm. Schedule a Free CallNot sure where to start? You don’t have to figure it out alone.You can schedule a free call to talk through your symptoms, health history, and goals, and to see which option makes the most sense for you. This is a no-pressure conversation focused on clarity and next steps.Your symptoms are real.Your questions matter.And understanding your body is the first step forward.About Meg Meg Marie (AKA- Megnificent):Meg is a Registered Dietitian and Functional Nutrition practitioner who helps clients understand the science behind their symptoms. She debunks outdated beliefs like “calories in, calories out,” the overreliance on BMI, and the idea that food isn’t connected to chronic issues such as eczema, joint pain, or fatigue.Her work highlights the powerful role of genetics, microbiome balance, nutrient deficiencies, and food intolerances in shaping long‑term health. Meg bridges the gap between conventional medicine and functional nutrition, empowering people with evidence‑based strategies that support digestion, metabolism, hormones, immunity, and whole‑body wellness. Learn more at: HarmonywithFood.com