Allergies
Misdirected immunity. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to harmless substances—pollen, food, pet dander—as if they were dangerous invaders. The response (IgE antibodies → mast cell degranulation → histamine release) causes symptoms from sneezing to anaphylaxis. Allergy rates have skyrocketed in modern times.
Types of Allergies
Seasonal (Hay Fever)
Pollen from trees, grasses, weeds. Spring, summer, fall peaks. Sneezing, itchy eyes.
Food Allergies
IgE-mediated. Top 9: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame.
Pet Allergies
Dander, saliva, urine proteins. Cats more allergenic than dogs typically.
Dust Mites
Year-round. In bedding, carpet, upholstery. Worse in humid environments.
Mold
Indoor and outdoor molds. Can cause both allergy and more severe reactions.
Drug Allergies
Penicillin most common. Can be life-threatening. Different from side effects.
How Allergies Work
Why Allergies Are Increasing
Hygiene Hypothesis
Too clean environments. Immune system not properly trained. Needs early microbial exposure.
Gut Microbiome
Disrupted by antibiotics, C-sections, formula. Gut trains immune tolerance.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Indoor lifestyles. D modulates immune response. Deficiency = more allergies.
Delayed Food Introduction
Old advice to delay allergens backfired. Early introduction now recommended.
Allergy Management
Avoidance
First line. Know triggers. Read labels. HEPA filters. Allergen-proof bedding.
Antihistamines
Block histamine receptors. Second-gen (Zyrtec, Claritin) less sedating.
Nasal Steroids
Flonase, Nasacort. Reduce inflammation. Most effective for nasal allergies.
Immunotherapy
Allergy shots or sublingual. Desensitizes immune system. Only cure.
Quercetin
Natural mast cell stabilizer. Take before allergy season starts.
Gut Health
Probiotics, fiber. Support immune tolerance. Address underlying dysbiosis.