Gut Bacteria and the Rise of Colon Cancer in Young Adults

Today, we’re diving into some serious stuff: the confusion over dairy-free, lactose-free, and non-dairy labels, some recent food recalls that might be lurking in your fridge or pantry, the sneaky link between gut health and chronic disease, and yes — the alarming rise of colon cancer among young adults. But don't worry — we’ll make sense of it all without needing a PhD in Nutrition Confusion.

Dairy-Free, Non-Dairy, and Lactose-Free: Why the Labels Matter

Let’s clear up the chaos. “Dairy-free” means absolutely no milk, cheese, or milk derivatives — perfect for vegans or anyone with a true dairy allergy. “Lactose-free” is still dairy, but the lactose, aka milk sugar, has been removed. Now, “non-dairy” sounds safe, right? Wrong. Some “non-dairy” products still sneak in milk proteins like casein or whey. Talk about a bait-and-switch! If you have a true milk allergy or follow a strict vegan diet, non-dairy is not your friend — you need that “dairy-free” label spelled out loud and clear.

Major Food Recalls You Need to Know About

Hold onto your grocery bags — we had five major food recalls lately that could have serious health consequences. Apple juice bottles from Martinelli were found contaminated with a mycotoxin (aka mold alert). Costco’s salsas had wood particles (because who doesn’t want extra fiber, am I right?). A so-called "non-dairy" creamer contained undeclared milk allergens — putting people with allergies at real risk. Some pork products sold at Aldi had possible metal fragments, and mushrooms nationwide were recalled for listeria contamination.

Moral of the story? Keep your cold foods cold, your hot foods hot, and when in doubt, throw it out. Seriously. Nothing says “I love myself” like tossing suspicious salsa.

Why the Microbiome Matters More Than You Think

Let’s talk about the real MVP: your microbiome. This collection of gut bacteria controls so much more than digestion. It helps regulate your mood, your immune system, and even your risk for chronic diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Sadly, conventional doctors aren’t talking about it nearly enough. That's where I come in.

If you've ever taken antibiotics — even once — you may have disrupted your gut flora in ways that stick around for decades. Antibiotics can wipe out not only the bad guys but also the good bacteria, leading to mood disorders, GI issues, fatigue, and more. This is why I always say, “Test, don’t guess.” We need to know exactly what’s going on in your gut so we can fix it the right way — without guessing and without wasting time or money on supplements that may not even work for you.

Ready to get started on fixing your gut? Schedule a free call with me today and let's get going.

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Food Sensitivities Are the Silent Saboteur

One in seven people has food sensitivities they're not even aware of. You might think you're "eating healthy" but still feel tired, foggy, bloated, anxious, or just... off. Food sensitivities can be sneaky and won't show up on traditional allergy tests. They’re different from a food allergy — but just as serious when it comes to your overall health and wellbeing.

And guess what? You’re not going to figure it out with elimination diets or guessing games. You need proper testing and a customized plan — which, yes, I help you with at the Bio-Unique Boutique!

The Gut-Cancer Connection: Why Young Adults Need to Pay Attention

Colon cancer used to be a disease we only worried about after age 50. Not anymore. Rates are climbing among young adults, and new research is pointing fingers right where I’ve been all along — at the gut. A toxin from certain strains of E. coli called colibactin can cause genetic mutations that may lead to cancer. And the exposure often happens as early as age 10.

It’s yet another reason why what we eat, what’s in our food supply, and how we care for our microbiome is absolutely critical. Food has everything to do with it — not nothing, like some conventional doctors still like to claim. (Insert eye roll here.)

It’s Time to Be Your Own Healthcare Advocate

At Harmony with Food, I don’t believe in waiting until you're sick to act. I believe in being proactive, using science-backed testing, and tailoring your nutrition and supplement plan to your unique body. No more cookie-cutter plans. No more wasting time being brushed off by doctors who tell you food doesn’t matter.

You deserve to feel amazing — and if your gut isn't in good shape, trust me, the rest of you isn’t either.

So what’s your first step? Head over to HarmonyWithFood.com, hit that big white “Free Call with Meg” button, or click the orange button below and let's get started. There's no waiting room, no second waiting room, and no doctor showing up 15 minutes late. Just you and me, figuring out exactly how to get you feeling your best.

Schedule a Call with Meg

Episode Transcript