PODCAST · health
My Allergist Dad
by My Allergist Dad
My Allergist Dad is the show where comedian Drew Zwetchkenbaum teams up with his real-life father - board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Z - to break down the mysteries of allergies . Every week they answer real questions from listeners and from Dr. Z’s own patients, mixing expert answers with father–son banter, jokes, and the occasional family story. New episodes every Monday!
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Do Pets Get Allergies? A Vet Dermatologist Explains Itchy Dogs, Food Trials & Immunotherapy | My Allergist Dad
On this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew and Dr. Z are joined by Dr. Tapp, Rhode Island’s only board-certified veterinary dermatologist, to explain allergies in pets—focusing on what pets are allergic to and how it differs from humans. Dr. Tapp describes canine atopic dermatitis as a genetic, skin-barrier–driven condition that commonly shows up as paw licking, face rubbing, ear infections, and itching, with increasing rates linked to indoor living and exposures like dust mites and mold. They discuss typical allergens (pollens, mites, molds), the rare role of contact dermatitis, and that pets can even test positive to human dander. The conversation covers food reactions (often not IgE), the need for an 8-week elimination diet and challenges, occasional anaphylaxis (including storage mites), and treatments such as barrier repair, medicated shampoos, immunotherapy, Cytopoint, and Apoquel.00:00 Dog Allergies Rising00:47 Show Intro Theme01:35 Meet Dr Tapp02:20 Dogs Vs Humans Symptoms03:20 Skin Barrier Breakdown05:46 IgE And Cytokines06:24 Western Lifestyle Effects07:50 Common Dog Allergens09:02 Can Dogs Allergic To Humans10:37 Hypoallergenic Dog Myth13:36 Contact Dermatitis Rare16:50 Diet And Food Allergy19:26 Cats Atopic Syndrome20:47 Barrier Focus Treatments21:37 Ceramides and Staph22:41 Three Drivers of Atopy23:56 Biologics and JAK Inhibitors25:23 Food Allergy Testing Limits28:17 Diet Trials and Avoidance30:10 Toxins vs Food Allergy32:21 Genetics and Breeding Risks34:58 Pet Dander and Cat Allergy37:21 Other Species Allergies40:06 Antihistamines Dont Work41:52 Zoo Dermatology Stories43:49 Wrap Up and Disclaimer📩 Have a question for the show?Email: [email protected]
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Pollen Allergies: Don’t Hide Indoors—Prep Early, Treat the Cause (with Dr. Z) | My Allergist Dad
Drew and his dad, Dr. Z, review the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s tips for reducing seasonal pollen exposure, agreeing they can help but challenging the “avoidance” philosophy that keeps people inside. Dr. Z argues for “treat the cause, defeat the symptom” by improving tolerance through immunotherapy and proactive anti-inflammatory treatment so patients can enjoy spring. He explains the priming effect and early vs late-phase allergic responses, why antihistamines often lead to breakthrough congestion as the season progresses, and why starting nasal steroids (e.g., Flonase, Nasacort, Nasonex, Rhinocort) at least two weeks before a predictable season can blunt worsening symptoms. They discuss timing for preseasonal sublingual immunotherapy (preferably about two months before symptoms) and note medications don’t interfere with desensitization.00:00 Pollen Avoidance Tips00:48 Meet the Allergy Doc02:21 Avoidance vs Tolerance02:57 Treat Cause Not Symptoms05:07 Start Nasal Steroids Early06:43 Priming Effect Explained09:18 Early vs Late Response10:48 Decongestants and the D12:16 Timing Your Allergy Plan13:28 Cat Party Asthma Story17:17 Late Phase Asthma Hit18:06 Preseason Meds Strategy19:09 Sublingual Timing Guide20:35 Allergy Shot Love Story22:48 Pollen vs Dust Mite25:49 Control Not Avoidance28:44 Year Round Allergy Plan30:35 Meds vs Immunotherapy32:24 Wrap Up And Disclaimer📩 Have a question for the show?Email: [email protected]
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Mosquito Bites vs Bee Stings: Histamine, Venom, & Life-Saving Immunotherapy | My Allergist Dad
Drew and his dad, Dr. Z, discuss why some people get severe-looking mosquito bite reactions while others don’t, explaining that mosquitoes don’t have venom and big welts are often due to a heightened histamine response rather than a true allergy. They compare this to stinging insect venom allergies, emphasizing that bee/wasp anaphylaxis can be life-threatening but is highly treatable with venom immunotherapy (allergy shots), which is about 85–90% effective and can prevent reactions even after future stings; Dr. Z notes patients should still carry epinephrine. They cover common stinging insects treated (honeybee, wasp, yellow jacket, and hornets), clarify that snake venom toxicity differs from allergy, and note rare snake-bite anaphylaxis and possible allergic reactions to antivenom, including considerations with alpha-gal. They also mention mosquito attraction factors like blood type, CO2, sweat, and heat.00:00 Creepy Crawlies Intro00:41 Rhode Island Snake Talk02:14 Mosquito Bite Reactions04:14 Bee Allergy Treatment06:37 How Venom Shots Work08:50 Snake Venom vs Antivenom15:15 Fire Ants and Bee Reactions23:05 Why Mosquitoes Pick You25:05 Wrap Up and PSA📩 Have a question for the show?Email: [email protected]
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The 9 Major Food Allergens, Food Sensitivity & the Microbiome (Gut + Skin) | My Allergist Dad
Drew and Dr. Z discuss the nine major foods responsible for most allergic reactions in the U.S.—milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame—and use them to explain how food allergy (IgE-mediated) differs from food sensitivity and broader inflammation tied to gut and skin microbiomes. Dr. Z describes eosinophilic esophagitis as a likely food-sensitivity condition that can present with choking, reflux, and fibrosis, often linked to common trigger foods, and notes possible connections to IgG4 and desensitization therapies. They explore dysbiosis, how antibiotics, processed foods, sugar, emulsifiers, and pesticides like glyphosate may disrupt microbiome balance, and why lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, exercise, and diet can influence allergy symptoms and reactivity thresholds. They emphasize bioindividuality, the limits of current microbiome testing, and the need to address root causes rather than only treating symptoms.00:00 Big 9 Food Allergens01:05 Meet My Allergist Dad02:41 Food Sensitivity vs Allergy03:13 Eosinophilic Esophagitis Basics06:45 Microbiome Balance and Eczema09:56 Testing and Dysbiosis Limits11:52 Lifestyle Stress and Gut Brain13:06 Pesticides, Processed Foods, and Inflammation16:03 Integrative Nutrition Goals19:26 Root Causes of Rising Allergies22:38 Birth Genetics and Exposure25:18 Healing Thresholds and Gluten Free Trap31:28 Wrap Up and Disclaimer📩 Have a question for the show?Email: [email protected]
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Can You Fix Your Gut Microbiome? w/ Dr. Mark Charbonneau on Probiotics, Inflammation, and Allergies
Drew and Dr. Z welcome Dr. Mark Charbonneau, a microbiologist and biotech leader at Solaria Bio, to discuss why it’s challenging to beneficially modify the gut microbiome despite major advances in understanding its role in health, immunity, and disease. They explain the microbiome as an ecosystem that influences immune balance between inflammation and tolerance, including regulatory T cells, and how disruptions like antibiotics can contribute to dysbiosis and conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Mark describes Solaria Bio's medical food symbiotic product, Bondia, designed from four fruit-and-vegetable–derived probiotics to reduce gut-driven inflammation, improve gut barrier function, slow aging and menopause-associated bone loss, while also improving GI symptoms in clinical studies. They emphasize proactive, root-cause approaches alongside lifestyle measures like resistance training, calcium, and vitamin D.Solaria website: www.solaria.bioBondia product page: https://solaria.bio/products/bondiaMark's professional socials:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drmarkcharbonneauInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarkcharbonneau/📩 Have a question for the show?Email: [email protected]
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Angioedema Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and When Swelling Is Dangerous
Drew and his dad, allergist Dr. Z, explain angioedema as deep tissue swelling that can occur with hives or as part of anaphylaxis, sometimes affecting lips, eyes, tongue, or the airway. They distinguish common, usually non–life-threatening angioedema from the rare but dangerous hereditary/acquired form involving the complement pathway and C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency, which can be triggered by trauma or surgery and screened with a C4 blood test. Dr. Z also discusses non-IgE mechanisms such as bradykinin/kinin pathways, as well as medication contributors that can worsen swelling.📩 Have a question for the show?Email: [email protected]
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What It’s REALLY Like Raising a Kid With Allergies (From Moms Who Lived It)
In this episode, we go beyond the medical advice and get real about the day-to-day reality—from scary first reactions and EpiPen moments to the constant planning around food, school, and social life.Dr. Z is joined by his wife (who’s been through it all) and their daughter, a new mom navigating allergies for the first time. Together, they share honest stories, practical tips, and the emotional side of being the one responsible for keeping your child safe.We get into:The fear every parent feels after a first allergic reactionHow to prepare without putting your kid “in a bubble”Why anxiety can sometimes be worse than the allergy itselfReal-life strategies for managing food allergies, eczema, and asthmaWhat’s changed for parents today (and what hasn’t)Plus—some surprisingly funny moments about airport food mishaps, allergy “perks,” and why preparation is everything.If you’re a parent, thinking about becoming one, or just trying to better understand allergies—this episode is for you. Like, subscribe, and share with someone who double-checks every ingredient label.
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The 7-Year Allergy Itch: Can You Outgrow your Allergies?
Have you heard that your body completely resets every 7 years? Does that mean your allergies can change too?This week on My Allergist Dad, Drew and Dr. Z break down one of the most common allergy myths and explain what actually happens inside your immune system as you age.They dive into:• Whether allergies really change every 7 years• If it's possible to naturally outgrow allergies• Why some people suddenly develop allergies later in life• How genetics and environment influence allergies• Why allergies often run in families• What epigenetics means for your immune systemPlus, Dr. Z shares real examples from decades of allergy practice—including why siblings can have completely different allergies and how lifestyle and environment can trigger them.If you've ever wondered why your allergies changed—or why your kids might have them—this episode explains it all. Have a question for the show?Email: [email protected]
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Can Stress Make Your Allergies Worse? The Immunity Connection Explained
In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Dr. Z and Drew break down the real connection between stress, the immune system, and allergic reactions. From cortisol and immune tolerance to insulin spikes, mast cells, and metabolic syndrome, we explore why stressful seasons of life often lead to more sneezing, hives, asthma, and inflammation. You’ll learn:How stress lowers your immune “tolerance” thresholdWhy chronic stress can increase allergic reactivityThe link between insulin resistance, overeating, and mast cell activationHow metabolic health affects asthma and allergiesWhy modern life may be making allergies worsePractical lifestyle shifts that can calm inflammation naturallyWe also talk about shingles, immune weakness, preventive care, and why treating symptoms alone isn’t always enough.If your allergies seem worse during intense work weeks, emotional stress, poor sleep, or unhealthy eating patterns — this episode connects the dots.Send us your allergy and immunology questions — we’d love to answer them on a future episode. [email protected]
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How Allergies Change Over Time with Banana Bread Founder Allie Chernick
This week on My Allergist Dad, we’re joined by entrepreneur and banana bread founder Allie Chernick, a former patient of Dr. Z who’s lived the confusing reality of food allergies firsthand. From positive allergy tests that don’t always match real allergic reactions to oral allergy syndrome, nut allergies, cross-reactivity, and food sensitivities, this episode breaks down why diagnosing and managing food allergies is rarely simple.We explore:· The difference between true IgE-mediated food allergies and food sensitivities· Why allergy testing can show a positive result without real-world symptoms· How oral allergy syndrome causes reactions to raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts· Why someone might tolerate Nutella but react to hazelnuts· How puberty, hormones, and environmental exposure can change allergy risk over time· The everyday impact of living with food allergies, including restaurant anxiety and label reading· What it’s like running a food business while managing common allergensDr. Z also shares insight into modern food allergy testing, the difference between sensitization and true allergy, and the latest advances in oral immunotherapy, desensitization treatment, and evidence-based allergy care that are helping patients manage peanut allergies, tree nut allergies, and other common food triggers more confidently.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re truly allergic to a food, outgrew a childhood allergy, tested positive without symptoms, or react inconsistently to certain foods, this episode offers clarity from both a medical and real-world perspective.All that and more on this week’s episode of My Allergist Dad.Check out Allie's Banana Bread -https://alliesbananabread.com/If you have an allergy related question, please email us at [email protected]
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The Estrogen-Free Lifestyle With Dr. Benoit Tano
What if everyday exposures—from food to skincare to environmental chemicals—are quietly fueling allergies and inflammation through “environmental estrogen”?In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Dr. Z and Drew talk with integrative immunology expert Dr. Benoit Tano about the estrogen-free lifestyle and how reducing estrogen-like exposures may help calm allergic and inflammatory symptoms.They discuss how environmental chemicals, pesticides, plastics, and even personal care products can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially overstimulating immune cells and contributing to hives, mast cell activation, fatigue, and chronic inflammation. Dr. Tano explains why women may be especially affected, how hormone imbalance intersects with allergy pathways, and what practical changes he recommends to lower exposure.If you’re dealing with unexplained allergies, chronic hives, or inflammation—and wondering whether hormones or the environment could be part of the picture—this conversation explores the estrogen-free approach and its potential role in immune health."Guest: Dr. Ben Tano The Estrogen-Free Lifestyle tayapromediverse.comListen now to learn how reducing everyday estrogen-like exposures may support allergy and immune balance.If you have an allergy-related question, we'd love to hear it. Please send them to [email protected]
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Exercise & Asthma: Are You Triggering It or Treating It?
If running makes you wheeze, should you stop exercising… or do you actually need it more?In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew and Dr. Z break down the real relationship between exercise and asthma — including why exercise doesn’t cause asthma, how it can act as a trigger, and what’s really going on inside your airways when you start wheezing. They talk through exercise-induced asthma, allergic inflammation, cold and dry air, pollution, and why swimming often feels easier than running.You’ll also learn why treating your allergic triggers can raise your exercise tolerance, how pre-treating with inhalers actually works, and why frequent workouts can mean fewer asthma symptoms over time — not more.. Plus: breathing techniques, humid air hacks, and why the answer is almost always don’t skip the gym.Got allergy questions? Email us [email protected]
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"Am I Allergic to My Hormones?" - Why Food Sensitivities & Hives Show Up in Your 30s
Can you be allergic to your own hormones?In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew and Dr. Z dig into why so many people—especially women—start developing hives, food sensitivities, and new immune reactions in their 30s and 40s. They break down how hormone shifts, estrogen dominance, autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, and even “clean” products can push the immune system into overdrive. Dr. Z explains why many food reactions don’t show up on standard allergy tests, how mast cells respond to hormonal changes, and why inflammation—not the food itself—is often the real trigger.You’ll also hear real patient stories, including how someone became reactive to their dish soap after avoiding previous allergens—and why adult-onset allergies are rarely random.If you’ve ever asked:“Why am I suddenly reacting to foods I used to tolerate?”“Is this autoimmune, hormonal, or actually an allergy?”“Can hormone balance change how sensitive I am?”This episode connects the dots—and helps you stop blaming yourself (or your dinner).Got allergy questions? Email us at [email protected]
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How to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies don’t have to feel like a surprise attack every year. In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew and Dr. Z break down how allergies actually work — and more importantly, how to get ahead of them before pollen, dust mites, and mold take over your life.They cover why dust mites are a year-round problem with a seasonal growth phase, how indoor humidity quietly makes symptoms worse, and the biggest mistakes people make when “cleaning for allergies.” Dr. Z also explains why timing matters — from when to start nasal sprays and antihistamines to how preseason allergy drops and shots can reduce symptoms before your season even starts.Plus, they dig into some wild real-world cases involving exercise, mold exposure, and allergic reactions that weren’t caused by food at all — and how lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, and diet can affect how intense your allergies feel.If you’ve ever wondered:Why your allergies feel worse some years than othersWhether air purifiers actually help with dust mitesHow to prevent seasonal allergies instead of just reacting to themThis is the episode for you! Got allergy questions? Email us at [email protected]
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How to Stop Allergies the Natural Way (Plus, Why My Dad Became an Allergist)
Do natural and herbal remedies actually work for allergies, or is it mostly hype? In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew poses that question to his dad, Dr. Z, a top allergist and immunologist, and the answers go way beyond “drink this tea.”They break down real, evidence-backed options like quercetin with bromelain, nettle tea, probiotics, and vitamin C, and explain how food itself can act like medicine. You’ll learn why a diet full of fruits and vegetables can reduce inflammation, how your gut microbiome connects to allergies, and why lifestyle changes matter just as much as supplements.Along the way, they talk dust mites, air-drying clothes, freezing stuffed animals, and whether honey makes a difference or is benefitting from the placebo effect. Then the episode turns personal as Dr. Z shares his own childhood battle with asthma and the moment that set him on the path to becoming an allergist.It’s a mix of practical allergy advice, myth-busting, and a father-son story about learning how to breathe better—literally and figuratively. Have a question? email [email protected]
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Can You Become Allergic to Your Own Dog? (Losing Pet Tolerance Explained)
You grew up with pets. They slept on your bed. You were fine. Then you leave for college, come home for the holidays… and suddenly your own dog makes you break out in hives. What happened?In this episode, Drew and his allergist dad, Dr. Z, unpack a listener’s question about “losing immunity” to pets—and whether that tolerance can come back. They explain how living with an animal can act like “natural allergy drops,” why time away can make symptoms feel way worse, and how stress, sleep, and college life can throw your immune system out of alignment.You’ll learn the difference between true “immunity” and changing reactivity, why your body has an allergy threshold, and what to do if going home now feels like walking into a sneeze factory. From pre-gaming visits with meds to long-term sublingual immunotherapy, this episode offers practical ways to stay connected to your family and their pets—without suffering.If you’ve ever wondered why your childhood dog suddenly feels like a biological weapon, this one’s for you.Do you have questions? Email us at [email protected]
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Is Your Rash an Allergy… or A Reaction To Something You’re Touching Every Day?
Itchy, blistering skin that won’t go away? Before you blame food, pets, or seasonal allergies, it might be allergic contact dermatitis, a delayed skin reaction caused by everyday products you don’t even realize are touching you.In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew sits down with his dad, Dr. Z, to break down what allergic contact dermatitis actually is, how it’s different from hives or classic allergies, and why antihistamines often don’t help. They share real patient stories involving shampoo, soap, shaving cream, lip balm, jeans buttons, hairdressers, hand sanitizer, and even “all-natural” products that turned out to be the real culprits.You’ll learn:The difference between allergic reactions, irritant reactions, and contact dermatitisWhy rashes can show up days after exposureWhat patch testing is and how it worksCommon ingredients in products like fragrancesfragrances, preservatives, metals, and dyes that cause reactionsWhy “natural” doesn’t always mean safe for your skinIf you’ve been itchy, miserable, or bouncing between doctors without answers, this episode might finally explain what your skin has been trying to tell you.Have an allergy related question? Ask Dr. Z at [email protected]
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Why You Can’t Stop Coughing: The 4 Horsemen of Chronic Coughs
A cough that just won’t go away can be exhausting and confusing. Is it allergies? A sinus infection? Acid reflux? Asthma? Or something left behind after COVID?In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew sits down with his dad, allergist and immunologist Dr. Z, to break down chronic cough—what it actually means, how it’s different from a short-term cough, and why so many people bounce between specialists without getting answers.They walk through the four most common causes of chronic cough, including post-nasal drip from allergies or sinus infections, silent reflux, cough-variant asthma, and post-viral (including post-COVID) neurogenic cough. Dr. Z explains how these conditions overlap, how doctors narrow down the cause, and why treating the root problem—not just the cough—matters.You’ll also hear why chronic cough can be so frustrating socially, why cough syrup often doesn’t help, and what new research is exploring for people whose cough doesn’t respond to standard treatments.If you’ve been coughing for weeks (or longer) and wondering what’s going on, this episode will help you understand what questions to ask—and what might actually help.As always, this show is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice.
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Food Allergies vs Seasonal Allergies: Why Raw Apples Make Your Mouth Itchy
Ever bite into a raw apple and feel your mouth itch… but you’re totally fine if it’s cooked? You’re not imagining it - and it might not be a true food allergy.In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew sits down with his dad, Dr. Z, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, to break down the surprising connection between seasonal allergies and food reactions. They explain oral allergy syndrome (also called pollen-food allergy syndrome), why foods like apples, peaches, nuts, and melons can trigger symptoms, and how pollen from trees like birch can be the real culprit.You’ll learn:Why raw fruits and vegetables cause mouth and throat symptomsHow pollen allergies can show up as “food allergies”The difference between mild oral reactions and real food allergy riskWhen allergy testing can be misleadingHow immunotherapy can reduce both seasonal and food-related symptomsWhy “eating a little” matters more than people realizeThey also get into desensitization, allergy drops vs shots, and why more exposure doesn’t always mean more tolerance.If you’ve ever been confused about food reactions, allergy tests, or why your symptoms only happen certain times of year — this episode connects the dots. Have a question for Dr. Z? Listener questions drive the [email protected]
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Can You Develop Allergies as an Adult?
Can you actually develop allergies as an adult?If you swear you were never allergic to anything growing up—but now pollen, pets, foods, or random hives are ruining your life—you’re not imagining it.In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew sits down with his dad, board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Z, to break down adult-onset allergies and why they’re becoming more common. They talk about how stress, diet, hormones, pregnancy, illness, the microbiome, and even city living can quietly flip the switch on your immune system later in life.You’ll hear:Why allergies are really a breakdown in toleranceHow stress and poor sleep can make symptoms worseThe role your gut, diet, and processed foods may playWhy some “allergies” aren’t true allergies at allHow hormones and pregnancy can trigger new reactionsWhy taking antihistamines every day might be masking the real issueThey also dig into food sensitivities, environmental triggers, post-pandemic immune changes, and why many people end up stuck in a cycle of self-medicating without answers.As always, this episode mixes real medical insight with humor, relatable stories, and practical takeaways—so you can stop guessing and start understanding what your body’s doing.Have a question for Dr. Z? There’s a link in the description to submit it and get it answered on a future episode.email us - [email protected]
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Gluten Sensitivity vs Gluten Allergy: What’s the Real Difference?
If bread makes you feel terrible, you’re not alone, and you’re probably not “allergic” either.In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew sits down with his allergist dad, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, to finally answer one of the most confusing food questions on the internet:What’s the difference between gluten sensitivity, a real gluten allergy, and celiac disease?We break down:Why most people who say they’re “allergic to gluten” technically aren’tWhat gluten sensitivity really is (and why it’s so common)How celiac disease is different from both an allergy and a sensitivityWhy you might react to foods sometimes but not other timesWhat “thresholds” have to do with gluten, dairy, alcohol, exercise, and stressWhy some people can eat bread in Europe but not in the U.S.And how lactose intolerance fits into all of this (and the magic of Lactaid)Along the way, we get into immune systems, food reactions that aren’t allergies, bathroom emergencies and Oregon Trail dysentery, and a genius Thanksgiving survival strategy!If food messes with your stomach, skin, energy, or sanity - this episode will finally help it all make sense. Got a question? Leave a review or send it in to jump the line for future episodes.
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Are Food Allergies Forever? Peanut, Tree Nut & Sesame Reactions Broken Down
Are peanut, tree nut, or sesame allergies really forever? And is it actually possible to train your body to stop reacting?On this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew and his real-life allergist father, Dr. Z, break down everything you actually need to know about food allergies, reactions, anxiety, and desensitization treatments. They start with a timely question about wildfire smoke, asthma, and whether air pollution can trigger allergic reactions, then dive deep into a listener-submitted topic: how to lessen or eliminate allergic reactions to peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame.You’ll learn:The difference between true food allergy vs. cross-reactive pollen allergiesWhy peanut oil usually doesn’t trigger peanut allergiesHow sublingual immunotherapy (drops under the tongue) worksThe real difference between oral desensitization vs. sublingual therapyHow stress, sleep, diet, and lifestyle can raise or lower your allergy thresholdWhy controlling allergies may actually help you fight off more infectionsThe difference between a localized allergic reaction and full anaphylaxisAnd why your immune system is way more connected to your daily life than you thinkAlong the way, Drew learns about micro-dosing allergens, shared birch tree proteins, peanut RH proteins, eosinophilic esophagitis, and why your body sometimes reacts even when your brain knows you're probably safe. If you or someone you love deals with food allergies, asthma, or constant environmental reactions, this episode breaks it all down in a way that’s actually understandable — and even a little funny. Got a question for Dr. Z? Submit it for a future episode and you might hear it answered on air.
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Baby Allergies 101: The Best Time to Introduce Allergens To Your Baby
This week on My Allergist Dad, comedian Drew Zwetchkenbaum and his real-life allergist father, Dr. Z, break down the actual science behind introducing allergens to babies, the unexpected role of eczema and skin barriers, why farm kids and babies licked by dogs have fewer allergies, and whether breastfeeding exposes children to the foods the mother eats.Plus:• A wedding cat-bite emergency (yes, it ends in the ER)• The mysterious rise of mashed-potato bars• Why half of adults who think they have a penicillin allergy... don’t• And, a shocking revelation: babies get rashes for reasons other than food (who knew?)If you're a new parent, expecting parent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or simply someone who likes hearing a doctor say the phrase “don’t rub shellfish on your baby,” this episode is for you.We’ll tackle all the big questions:• When should you introduce peanuts, eggs, and milk?• Does breastfeeding help prevent allergies?• Should pregnant or breastfeeding parents avoid certain foods?• What myths about baby allergies need to die already?• And… can you test for zebra allergies? (We ask. You’re welcome.)Full of laughs, science, and frequent references to Rhode Island, this is your friendly, evidence-based guide to giving your kid the best shot at an allergy-free futureSubscribe now for more episodes. https://linktr.ee/myallergistdad_________________________________________0:00 - Intro1:26 - Checking in: Allergic Reaction at a wedding6:35 - What is the best way to introduce allergens to your baby? 10:00 – When to Introduce Eggs, Peanuts, and Milk11:00 – How breastfeeding interacts with early food introduction.13:40 - Probiotics, Microbiome & Other Helpful Add-Ons19:09 - Should you eat or avoid certain foods to decreaseallergen risk?23:06 - What are some myths about allergies for babies?24:20 – Closing Thoughts25:10 – Outro
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Introducing: My Allergist Dad
My Allergist Dad is a new podcast where comedian Drew Zwetchkenbaum and his board-certified allergist father, Dr. Z break down everything you need to know about allergies. Every week they answer YOUR listener submitted questions about asthma, food sensitivities, immune system issues, and do some father-son bonding while they do it!Whether you’re a parent, allergy sufferer, or just curious about why your body does weird stuff, this show makes medical science simple, useful, and fun.Subscribe and send us your questions!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
My Allergist Dad is the show where comedian Drew Zwetchkenbaum teams up with his real-life father - board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Z - to break down the mysteries of allergies . Every week they answer real questions from listeners and from Dr. Z’s own patients, mixing expert answers with father–son banter, jokes, and the occasional family story. New episodes every Monday!
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