What’s Really in Your Food? (And How to Fix It)

Dr. Darshan Shah

Industrial food is failing us. From hidden chemicals to nutrient-depleted meals, the system that feeds us is also making us sick. But what if the solution isn’t just personal choice, it’s collective action?

In today’s food landscape, it’s not enough to eat clean. We need to understand where our food comes from, how it’s grown, and who really benefits. Luckily, change is happening, from the inside out. With brands like Daily Harvest reimagining sourcing, farming, and production, there’s hope for a future where food heals, not harms.

Here’s how to take action starting now:

Buy From Transparent Brands
Don’t just read the front of the label—investigate the story behind the food. Transparent brands are upfront about their sourcing, ingredients, and farming practices. Look for those that:

  • Partner directly with farmers to ensure fair practices

  • Use regenerative or organic methods to preserve soil and reduce chemical use

  • Disclose every ingredient—no vague terms like “natural flavors” or “proprietary blend”
    Avoid companies that hide behind marketing buzzwords but use industrial ingredients, additives, or vague supply chains. Transparency isn’t a trend—it’s a health strategy.

Support Your Gut, Not Just Your Cravings
Ultra-processed foods, even the ones marketed as “healthy,” often contain emulsifiers, gums, and synthetic preservatives that can disrupt your gut microbiome and slow your metabolism.
Instead, choose:

  • Frozen, organic meals made with whole ingredients (they retain nutrients and avoid spoilage preservatives)

  • Foods rich in fiber, prebiotics, and phytonutrients to feed your good bacteria

  • Balanced options that keep blood sugar stable and energy consistent
    When your gut thrives, so does your immune system, mental clarity, and metabolic health

Vote With Your Fork
Every food purchase is a vote for the system you want to support.
Buying from brands committed to sustainability, ethics, and public health helps:

  • Reduce pesticide use and protect water supplies

  • Improve farming conditions and support smaller producers

  • Drive demand for foods that heal, not harm
    This isn’t just personal—it’s collective action. Your choices contribute to a food system that prioritizes health, climate, and fairness.

In this episode of Extend, I sat down with Ricky Silver, CEO of Daily Harvest, to talk about the broken food system, and how we can fix it. 

Episode 58: Ricky Silver: What the Food Companies Don’t Want You to Know

We Also Talk About:

✅ The hidden chemicals and additives in everyday meals
✅ Why industrial agriculture is fueling the public health crisis
✅ How regenerative farming and direct contracting empower the farming community
✅ The surprising benefits of frozen, organic foods for long-term well-being

If you care about your health—and the health of the planet—this conversation is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.