Why That Apple Not Be as Gut-Friendly as You Think

From Skeptic to Believer

While working full-time as a physician assistant (and operating as Chief Operating Officer of carpool services for two little kids), life felt like a full-on sprint Monday through Friday, with only a slow jog on weekends. Fun? Not even on the calendar. A friend once confessed she spotted me in the grocery store but didn’t say hi because I looked so rushed—and she wasn’t wrong.

In those days, I never paused to question things unless they applied directly to my patients. And since considering a patient's diet was not part of the medical treatment plan, I didn’t stop to consider the benefits of buying Organic foods.

So, when people asked, “Is buying organic worth it?” I repeated what I’d heard other clinicians say: “Overpriced and unnecessary.” 

Looking back now, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The Hidden Triggers of IBS

On a recent trip to visit my dad in Sonoma, CA—a place famous for its endless rows of vineyards and farm stands piled high with local produce—I passed a grape stand just a short walk from his house. It was overflowing with plump, sweet grapes, and I’ll admit, I was tempted. But I walked right by. Why? Because conventionally grown grapes are one of the worst offenders when it comes to pesticide residues. In fact, they rank #4 on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen List of the most contaminated fruits and vegetables.

For my family, buying organic isn’t just a preference—it’s non-negotiable. The sheer volume of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic chemicals sprayed on conventional crops is staggering. And it’s not just about “eating clean.” These toxins can directly damage the gut lining, fueling inflammation and worsening IBS symptoms.

Here’s the part most people don’t realize: since the Industrial Revolution, more than 10,000 new chemicals have entered our food, air, and water supply—and less than 1% have ever been tested for human safety. Take glyphosate, for example. This weed killer (best known as the main ingredient in Roundup) is still widely used on crops today, despite being labeled by the World Health Organization as a probable human carcinogen. And glyphosate is just one of thousands of chemicals hiding in plain sight on conventionally grown produce.

But the concerns don’t end with chemical exposure. Studies show that organic fruits and vegetables are often more nutrient-dense than their conventional counterparts. Why? Because herbicides like Roundup actually interfere with plants’ ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals from the soil. So while that conventionally grown apple may look shiny and perfect on the outside, it’s often lacking the nutrition your body truly needs.

When Organic Is Optional

The good news? You don’t have to buy everything organic. In the U.S., the Environmental Working Group (EWG) makes this decision a lot easier. They’re an independent research organization that tests conventionally grown produce and ranks it from cleanest to dirtiest. Each year, they publish two key lists worth knowing:

• The Dirty Dozen – fruits and veggies you’ll want to buy organic whenever possible.

• The Clean Fifteen – produce that’s generally safe to buy conventionally grown.

But EWG doesn’t stop with food. They also evaluate skincare, cleaning products, water filters, and more—rating them on a scale from EWG Verified (safest) to 10 (most toxic). Whenever I’m on the fence about what’s in my cart, their database is the first place I check.

3 Small Steps You Can Take To Clean Out the Chemicals

Feeling overwhelmed by all the talk about chemicals in food and the environment? You’re not alone. The good news: you don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Small, intentional changes can make a big difference for your health (and your peace of mind). Here are three simple but powerful swaps you can start today:

1) Shop Smart with the EWG List

Not all produce carries the same chemical load. That’s where the Environmental Working Group (EWG) comes in handy. Their Dirty Dozen list highlights fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, while the Clean Fifteen showcases the ones with the lowest.

👉 When you’re at the grocery store—or even eating out where organic isn’t an option—use this as your secret weapon. For instance, I once attended a fundraiser dinner where the salad was a mix of cabbage (#8 on the Clean Fifteen) and strawberries (#2 on the Dirty Dozen). My solution? I happily enjoyed the cabbage and politely sidestepped the strawberries. No one even noticed.

2) Rethink Your Coffee Routine

Coffee is practically a national pastime, but here’s the catch: unless it’s organic, your daily brew may come with a side of pesticides (hello, glyphosate). And those sugar-packed drinks from big chains? They’re not only pricey, but they can also overload your system with additives and chemicals your gut doesn’t love.

A better swap: make your morning cup at home using organic beans. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and you’ll still get that energizing kickstart without the chemical cocktail. Bonus—your wallet and your gut will both breathe a sigh of relief.

3) Choose Glass Over Plastic and Cans

Here’s a sneaky one most people don’t think about: packaging. Cans often contain BPA liners, and plastics are notorious for leaching chemicals into food (especially when heated). Glass, on the other hand, is inert and much safer for food storage.

An easy example? Honey. If given the choice between a plastic squeeze bottle or a glass jar, I’ll always reach for the glass. Same goes for sauces, pickles, or even leftovers at home. It’s a small upgrade that pays off for your long-term health.

Summary

Hidden toxins in everyday foods and products can quietly fuel IBS symptoms, but small, intentional choices can make a big difference. Conventionally grown produce often carries pesticide residues—like grapes, which rank high on the Dirty Dozen list—while organic options not only reduce chemical exposure but may also deliver more nutrients. Thankfully, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) makes it easier to know when organic matters most and even rates household and personal care products. By shopping smart with the EWG lists, choosing organic coffee, and swapping plastic for glass, you can lighten your body’s chemical load and support your health—without overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight.