How Food Immunotherapy (OIT & SLIT) Works to Prevent Allergic Reactions

Send us Fan MailYou've heard about peanut immunotherapy, but what is food immunotherapy, actually? How do treatments like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) work, and which one might be right for your family?In this game-changing episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – break down the two leading cutting-edge treatments for food allergies. They compare OIT (eating tiny, controlled doses of the allergen) with SLIT (placing drops under the tongue) to help you understand these life-altering therapies.Learn about the different goals of treatment—from achieving "bite safety" against accidental exposure to reintroducing a food completely into the diet. The doctors discuss the pros, cons, risks, time commitment, and what to expect from each approach, giving you the knowledge to have an informed conversation with your allergist.EPISODE IN A GLANCE00:45 What is Food Immunotherapy?01:37 OIT vs. SLIT: The Key Differences04:00 What's Your Goal? "Bite Safety" vs. Full Reintroduction06:24 OIT: The "Aggressive" Approach (Higher Risk, Potentially Faster)06:36 SLIT: The "Gentle" Approach (Lower Risk, Slower Pace)WRITE A PODCAST REVIEWSEND US A [email protected] HOSTSKARA WADA, MDDr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebookYoutubeTikTokAMBER PATTERSON, MDDr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.WebsiteInstagramInstagramFacebookYoutubeMEAGAN SHEPHERD, MDDr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.InstagramFacebook