IS EATING ORGANIC WORTH IT?

MY SUMMER AT GRANDPA'S FARM 

When I was a kid, my summer days were spent in the countryside of Turkey, between fields of my grandfather's farm. I’d feel the earth beneath my feet, hear roosters crowing, and pick fresh veggies straight off the vine.

Inside the house, my grandma and aunt baked sourdough bread in a firewood oven and made cheese by hand. The flavors were so vivid, they still linger on my tongue.

To this day, I can’t forget that warm crust of bread or the tang of their fresh cheese. Food then wasn’t about labels. It was about connection, nourishment, and community.

PESTICIDES IN CONVENTIONAL FARMING 

As a child, I thought spraying fields was simply part of farming, a way to protect crops from bugs. I didn’t question it.

I didn’t know those chemicals could upset digestion, damage gut-friendly bacteria, or inflame the nervous system. I had no idea they could impact mood, immunity, or even gluten tolerance later in life.

It wasn’t until adulthood, when I studied Integrative Nutrition, that I learned how conventional farming disrupts the body, especially the gut.

Today, many people blame gluten sensitivity. But in many cases, it’s not the wheat itself that’s causing issues. It’s what’s been done to it. Pesticide residues and depleted soil conditions are irritating the microbiome and weakening our defenses.

US ORGANIC STANDARDS

So what makes something truly organic in the United States?

• Land must be free of synthetic chemicals for at least 3 years
• No GMOs, synthetic fertilizers, irradiation, or sewage sludge
• A very limited number of synthetic substances are allowed, and only when no natural alternative exists
• Every certified farm must pass annual third-party inspections

This isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about choosing a path toward cleaner, safer nourishment with more integrity.

PESTICIDES & YOUR MICROBIOME

Let me share what I’ve learned through my training at IIN, the world’s largest nutrition school:

• Pesticide residues disrupt gut flora and reduce the diversity of beneficial bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli
• When your microbiome is out of balance, your immune system weakens, inflammation increases, and even natural foods like gluten can cause discomfort
• Over time, these disruptions contribute to brain fog, anxiety, and chronic fatigue

From a holistic perspective, your gut is your foundation.

If the inner soil of your body isn’t thriving, everything else (your energy, mental clarity, and emotional well-being) feels off too.

THE 2025 DIRTY DOZEN & CLEAN FIFTEEN

Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases 2 important lists to help you shop smarter: the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen.

The Dirty Dozen includes produce with the highest pesticide residues. These are the ones to buy organic whenever possible:

The Clean Fifteen are the lowest in pesticide residues. These are generally safe to buy conventionally grown:

If you’re short on time, working with a budget, or simply want clarity at the store, these 2 lists are a great place to start.

ORGANIC OR NOT? USE THESE 3 RULES TO SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE AND CLARITY

Let’s say you're at the grocery store. You don’t have a list. You’re moving fast. What now?

Here are 3 practical rules I live by and share with my clients to help simplify the decision.

✅ TIP #1: IF YOU EAT THE SKIN, CHOOSE ORGANIC

Think apples, berries, spinach, grapes, and potatoes—anything where the peel goes straight into your body. That’s where pesticide residues tend to concentrate.

✅ TIP #2: CHECK THE BARCODE LABEL

Here’s a quick and easy hack:

• A 5-digit code starting with 9 means it's organic (for example, 94011 for organic bananas)
• A 5-digit code starting with 8 means it's genetically modified  
• A 4-digit code starting with 3 or 4 means it’s conventionally grown and likely treated with pesticides

Next time you’re holding produce in your hand, flip it over. That little sticker tells you a lot more than just the price.

✅ TIP #3: BUY ORGANIC IF YOU'RE FEEDING SENSITIVE BODIES

If you or someone in your household experiences:

• Bloating or gut irritation
• Food sensitivities
• Pregnancy
• Children with developing immune systems

Then buying organic (especially for items on the Dirty Dozen list) can support gut health, reduce inflammation, and protect long-term wellness.

BOUGHT CONVENTIONAL PRODUCE? HERE'S HOW TO REMOVE PESTICIDE RESIDUE NATURALLY

In an ideal world eating organic is the best option. But realistically, organic isn’t always available. Or maybe the price tag just doesn’t work that week (and that’s okay).

Here’s a natural and affordable trick I often use and recommend: Baking Soda.

Baking soda helps remove pesticide residues by altering the pH of the water. This creates an alkaline environment that breaks down the chemical structure of many pesticides, making them easier to wash off.

HOW TO DO IT

• Fill a large bowl with water
• Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 2 cups of water
• Submerge your produce and let it soak for 12 to 15 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water 

This method is especially helpful for apples, berries, and leafy greens. It’s a clean, natural solution you can use any time organic isn’t an option.

NATIONAL FARMERS' MARKET WEEK

This week is more than a celebration. It’s an opportunity to reconnect—with your health, your community, and the roots of your food.

If you want produce picked at peak ripeness, filled with nutrients and flavor, and prefer supporting real people who work the land, it’s time to visit a local Certified Farmers’ Market.

Here are a few trusted markets in Orange County, CA that I frequently visit:

• Corona Del Mar Certified Farmers' Market
  • (Saturdays 9am-1pm)
 
• Irvine Certified Farmers' Market @ Mariner's Church
  • (Saturdays 8am-noon)
 
• Irvine Great Park Certified Farmers’ Market 
  • (Sundays 10am-2pm)
 
• Huntington Beach Surf City Nights Downtown Street Fair Certified Farmers'
  • (Tuesdays 5pm-9pm)
 
• Laguna Beach Certified Farmers' Market 
  • (Saturdays 8am-noon)
 
• Newport Beach Certified Farmers' Market
  • (Sundays 9am-1pm)

These markets are California Certified, meaning all vendors are verified growers and held to high standards. Click HERE to see the full list. 

Shopping local isn’t just about fresher produce. It supports small farms, builds resilience in your community, and gives you direct access to food that’s harvested with care.

FINAL THOUGHTS

From barefoot summers on my grandparents’ farm in Turkey to guiding clients through holistic wellness today, one truth keeps coming back to me: 

Food is more than fuel. It is medicine, connection, and intention.

When you choose organic for certain items and support your local farmers for others, you’re not just managing your health. You’re nourishing your gut, protecting your energy, and honoring the earth that feeds you.

This National Farmers Market Week, slow down. Savor what’s in season. Make choices that bring life back to your plate.

Because the more intentional you are with your food, the more vibrant your life becomes.

BE YOU FOR YOU®