Podcast Summary: The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka
Episode 171: Courtney Swan – Why Your ‘Healthy’ Food Is Actually Harmful
Release Date: June 3, 2025
In this enlightening episode of "The Ultimate Human," host Gary Brecka welcomes nutrition advocate Courtney Swan to discuss the hidden dangers lurking in what we consider "healthy" foods. Drawing from her extensive experience in the nutrition and food advocacy space, Courtney sheds light on how the modern food industry prioritizes profits over health, leading to widespread chronic diseases and nutrient deficiencies.
1. Introduction to Courtney Swan (00:00 - 02:17)
Gary Brecka introduces Courtney Swan, highlighting her decade-long dedication to raising awareness about nutrition, food supply corruption, and advocating for public policy changes. Courtney's passion stems from her personal journey from the music industry to becoming a prominent voice in the wellness community.
Notable Quote:
Gary Brecka (02:17):
“She's been in this space more than 10 years, really fighting for awareness and drawing people's attention to nutrition, our food supply, the corruption in our food supply.”
2. Courtney's Journey to Nutrition Advocacy (02:20 - 07:56)
Courtney recounts her early life influenced by her mother's commitment to organic and natural foods—a rarity before the organic movement gained traction. Her struggle with poor health during college, attributed to a diet heavy in processed foods, led her to a pivotal moment after reading "You Are What You Eat." This realization ignited her passion for understanding the profound impact of food on cellular health. Transitioning from the music industry, she pursued a Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health, eventually becoming a nutritionist for a pop star before dedicating herself fully to her advocacy through the "Real Foodology" blog and podcast.
Notable Quote:
Courtney Swan (05:24):
“The food that I'm eating is quite literally building my cells. And it's going to either determine whether I have good energy and I'm going to be at a healthy weight... or it's going to drive all of that.”
3. The Problem with Ultra-Processed Foods (07:56 - 13:08)
Gary and Courtney delve into the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the American diet, constituting over 60% of calorie intake. They differentiate between simple processing (like baking bread) and ultra-processing, which involves adding additives, preservatives, and fillers that render food unrecognizable from its natural state. Courtney emphasizes that these foods are designed for profit and shelf stability, not health.
Notable Quote:
Courtney Swan (12:30):
“Ultra processed foods are made with a bunch of ingredients that you would not normally have in your kitchen. They're a bunch of ingredients that you find in factories.”
4. Impact of Glyphosate and Agrochemicals (15:07 - 22:21)
The conversation shifts to glyphosate, an herbicide widely used in agriculture. Courtney explains its origins, linking it to historical uses of pesticides in wars and its role in the industrialization of the food system. Glyphosate's pervasive presence is evident, found in over 90% of Americans' urine, placentas, and breast milk. The herbicide acts as an antibiotic in soil, disrupting beneficial bacteria and leading to nutrient-depleted crops. Courtney discusses the regulatory challenges and Bayer’s (Monsanto’s) attempts to secure immunity from litigation despite evidence classifying glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen.
Notable Quote:
Courtney Swan (18:32):
“Over 90% of Americans were finding glyphosate in their urine. And it's coming up in placenta, it's coming up in breast milk.”
5. Regenerative Farming as a Solution (26:12 - 40:46)
Courtney advocates for regenerative farming, a sustainable agricultural practice that restores soil health through natural processes like carbon sequestration. She contrasts this with conventional farming, which relies heavily on chemicals like glyphosate, leading to soil degradation and reduced crop nutrient content. The Rodale Institute’s 40-year study is cited, demonstrating that organic farming can match or exceed conventional yields while being more sustainable. Courtney highlights the urgent need to shift subsidies from harmful crops (corn, soy, wheat) to support regenerative practices and local farming initiatives.
Notable Quote:
Courtney Swan (27:08):
“Regenerative farming... pulls the carbon out of the atmosphere and that is actually food for the soil.”
6. The Importance of Organic Foods and Labeling (35:30 - 45:56)
The discussion turns to organic food labeling, where Courtney explains that organic certification ensures absence of harmful pesticides, growth hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). She stresses that organic should be the norm rather than an option. Gary shares his experiences abroad, noting how simplicity and real food contribute to higher life expectancies compared to the U.S., where processed foods dominate.
Notable Quote:
Courtney Swan (36:31):
“With organic, it's higher in the vitamin minerals content... at least with organic, it's higher than the conventional does.”
7. Consumer Actions and Policy Advocacy (50:31 - 66:49)
Courtney provides actionable steps for listeners to transition to healthier eating habits without breaking the bank. She recommends auditing pantry items, reading ingredient labels meticulously, and opting for whole, unprocessed foods. Courtney also emphasizes cooking at home as a means to control ingredients and reduce reliance on convenience foods laden with additives. Additionally, she highlights the importance of supporting local farmers and using resources like apps (e.g., Trash Panda) to identify healthier food options and find local produce.
Notable Quote:
Courtney Swan (64:31):
“Start paying attention and reading ingredient labels. If you can do that one shift and start slowly swapping out a lot of your normal everyday food products that you're buying for ones that are made with real ingredients, you're going to be off to a great start.”
8. The Role of Public Policy and Industry Influence (46:26 - 61:46)
Courtney discusses the substantial influence of agrochemical companies on public policy, noting efforts by Bayer to secure legislative immunity against lawsuits related to glyphosate exposure. This mirrors historical tactics seen in the vaccine industry, aiming to protect corporate interests over public health. She underscores the necessity of collective consumer action to drive market changes, as demonstrated by the rising popularity of organic products and successful bans of harmful additives in certain states.
Notable Quote:
Courtney Swan (48:40):
“The IARC... classifies glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. Now, meaning that we probably basically know that it causes cancer.”
9. Final Thoughts: Becoming the Ultimate Human (69:55 - End)
In closing, Courtney shares her philosophy on living as an "ultimate human," which encompasses living in alignment with one's soul purpose, maintaining integrity, and striving for truth. She emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body through real food, fostering a healthy relationship with eating, and taking proactive steps to ensure personal and communal well-being.
Notable Quote:
Courtney Swan (69:55):
“To be the ultimate human is to live with your soul's purpose and also to live in integrity and always strive for the truth and to be the best you can for yourself and for your others.”
Key Takeaways
- Ultra-Processed Foods: Constitute over 60% of the American diet, laden with additives and preservatives that harm health.
- Glyphosate: A widely used herbicide linked to cancer, found ubiquitously in the environment and food supply.
- Regenerative Farming: A sustainable agricultural practice that restores soil health and enhances nutrient density in crops.
- Organic Foods: Certified organic products are free from harmful pesticides and GMOs, and should be the standard for healthy eating.
- Consumer Action: Reading labels, cooking at home, supporting local farmers, and using health-focused apps can significantly improve dietary habits.
- Public Policy: Advocating for policy changes to support sustainable farming and regulate harmful chemicals is crucial for long-term health.
Resources Mentioned:
- Real Foodology: realfoodology.com
- Apps: Trash Panda
- Books: You Are What You Eat, Dr. Mark Hyman’s works, Michael Pollan’s writings
Connect with Courtney Swan:
- Website: realfoodology.com
- Social Media: Instagram, Podcast “Real Foodology”
This episode serves as a crucial wake-up call to the pervasive issues within the modern food industry and empowers listeners with knowledge and actionable steps to reclaim their health through informed dietary choices.