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 nutrition
• Mercury exposure and its potential effects on metabolism and thyroid health
• Arsenic in rice and rice-based products
• Mold toxins (mycotoxins) in coffee, grains, peanuts, and other foods
• The latest research on microplastics and endocrine disruptors
• What obesogens are and how they may affect weight management
• Tips for selecting lower-risk food products and trusted brands
• Why functional testing can help identify hidden contributors to chronic symptoms
• Practical strategies for making informed food choices without fear-mongering

Whether 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 Meg

If 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 Call

Not 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...