Ep. 58 The Modern Parent's Guide to Fertility, Food & Fighting Everyday Toxins

<p>What if protecting your family&#39;s health starts long before symptoms ever appear?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Grounded Wellness, Bethany sits down with nutritionist, educator, and Realfoodology founder Courtney Swan for a wide-ranging conversation on fertility, pregnancy, pesticides, mold exposure, and the everyday choices that shape lifelong health.</p><p><br></p><p>Fresh off a meeting at the White House to discuss the future of America&#39;s food system, Courtney shares why she&#39;s more hopeful than ever about the growing awareness around environmental toxins, and the practical steps families can take today to reduce their toxic burden without living in fear.</p><p><br></p><p>Together, Bethany and Courtney explore preparing your body for pregnancy, navigating fertility after 40, uncovering hidden mold exposure, understanding glyphosate and pesticides, choosing nutrient-dense foods, and raising children with a healthy foundation from day one. They also discuss regenerative farming, balancing intentional living with flexibility, and why real food should be accessible to every family.</p><p><br></p><p>This conversation is an encouraging reminder that while we can&#39;t control everything, we can make meaningful choices that support our health, our homes, and future generations.</p><p><br></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who&#39;s passionate about creating a healthier future for their family.</p><ul><li><p>Dirty Dozen &amp; Clean Fifteen Produce Guide</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/"><u>https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/</u></a></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Kiss the Ground</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Common Ground</strong></p></li></ul><p>Courtney recommends washing produce with:</p><ul><li><p>Ozonated water (using an ozone bubbler)</p></li><li><p>Baking soda soak</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Courtney references recent research discussing mitochondrial protection of ovarian cells and fertility with age. She notes she&#39;ll provide the study after recording for inclusion in the show notes. <em>(Add once received.)</em></p><p>Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/realfoodology"> <u>https://www.instagram.com/realfoodology</u></a></p><p>Podcast: <a href="http://youtube.com/channel/UCKnDft-Ovm1iTfSN1kn957A"><u>youtube.com/channel/UCKnDft-Ovm1iTfSN1kn957A</u></a></p><p>Website:<a href="https://www.realfoodology.com"> <u>https://www.realfoodology.com</u></a></p><ul><li><p>Dirty Dozen &amp; Clean Fifteen Produce Guide</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/"><u>https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/</u></a></p></li></ul><p>Courtney recommends washing produce with:</p><ul><li><p>Ozonated water (using an ozone bubbler)</p></li><li><p>Baking soda soak</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Learn more:</strong></p><p><strong>Science Advances (2025):</strong> Human eggs have special protection against age-related mitochondrial mutations: <a href="https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/human-eggs-have-special-protection-against-certain-types-of-aging-study-hints?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><u>https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/human-eggs-have-special-protection-against-certain-types-of-aging-study-hints</u></a></p><p><strong>Mitochondria in Ovarian Aging and Reproductive Longevity</strong> (Ageing Research Reviews) <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32896666/"><u>https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32896666/</u></a></p><p><strong>Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial: </strong><a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/science/farming-systems-trial/"><u>https://rodaleinstitute.org/science/farming-systems-trial/</u></a></p><p><strong>Glyphosate exposure in pregnancy and birth outcomes: </strong><a href="https://link.springer.com/journal/12940"><u>https://link.springer.com/journal/12940</u></a></p><p><br></p><p>Follow Bethany: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/"><u>https://www.instagram.com/bethanyjmcdaniel/