It’s Not Your Genes. It Might Be Your Water.

It’s Not Your Genes. It Might Be Your Water.

From Food, We Need To Talk by Juna Gjata

February 2, 2026 · 35 min

About this episode

This episode discusses how environmental factors may influence health more than genetics, featuring insights from Dr. Gary Miller.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Gary Miller, a professor at Columbia University, about how the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we use every day may be shaping our health more than our genes ever could. We dive into the science of the “exposome,” why diseases like Parkinson’s and obesity are rising so fast, and what everyday chemicals might be doing inside your body. Along the way, we get practical about what actually matters — from water filters and air purifiers to plastics, perfumes, and even flowers on cakes. Dr. Miller breaks down what’s truly worth worrying about and what’s not. If you’ve ever wondered how much control you really have over your environment (and your future health), this episode will change how you look at everything around you. Sign up for our newsletter here! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book ! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk ! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok ! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

People in this episode

Host: Juna Gjata

Guest: Dr. Gary Miller

Topics covered

  • health
  • exposome
  • environmental chemicals
  • disease prevention
  • water quality
  • air quality

Keywords

  • exposome
  • health
  • water
  • air
  • chemicals
  • Parkinson's
  • obesity
  • environment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Columbia University

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