We're sunsetting PodQuest on 2025-07-28. Thank you for your support!
Export Podcast Subscriptions
cover of episode #277 ‒ Food allergies: causes, prevention, and treatment with immunotherapy | Kari Nadeau, M.D., Ph.D.

#277 ‒ Food allergies: causes, prevention, and treatment with immunotherapy | Kari Nadeau, M.D., Ph.D.

2023/10/30
logo of podcast The Peter Attia Drive

The Peter Attia Drive
AI Deep Dive AI Chapters Transcript
People
P
Peter Attia
Topics
Peter Attia：本期节目探讨了食物过敏的病因、预防和免疫疗法，特别关注了免疫系统在食物过敏中的作用，以及如何区分食物过敏和食物不耐受。讨论了早期接触过敏原、免疫疗法以及如何降低儿童患食物过敏风险和治疗现有食物过敏的方法。还探讨了免疫疗法如何使对过敏原产生致命过敏反应的人在接触过敏原时更安全，以及空气污染对健康的影响以及降低风险的建议。 Kari Nadeau, M.D., Ph.D.：详细解释了免疫球蛋白家族及其在人体防御中的作用，免疫系统对抗病毒、细菌或真菌的一般途径，以及细胞免疫和体液免疫的区别。解释了食物过敏的发生机制，指出食物过敏的发生与环境因素有关，而非基因遗传。讨论了影响食物过敏风险的其他环境因素，包括肠道菌群、维生素D水平以及饮食多样性。解释了免疫疗法在治疗食物过敏中的作用，以及治疗食物过敏的不同方法。详细解释了PM2.5是什么，以及它对健康的影响，并建议根据室外空气质量指数调整户外活动，并建议在室内使用空气净化器。

Deep Dive

Chapters
The immune system employs a complex process involving macrophages, T cells, and B cells to combat infections. Macrophages engulf pathogens and present their fragments (antigens) to T cells, which then activate B cells to produce antibodies. These antibodies mark the pathogens for destruction by other immune cells. However, the immune system isn't foolproof and sometimes requires assistance from antibiotics or antivirals.
  • The immune response involves a complex interplay between cellular and humoral immunity.
  • Macrophages act as educators, presenting antigens to T cells.
  • T cells develop memory and instruct B cells to produce specific antibodies.
  • Antibodies mark pathogens for destruction by macrophages.
  • The immune system is not always effective against all microbes, necessitating medical interventions.

Shownotes Transcript

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode)

Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content)

Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter)

Kari Nadeau is a physician scientist with expertise in treating food allergies. In this episode, Kari first explains the fascinating workings of the immune system, exploring how it adeptly defends against bacteria and viruses but how the same system can lead to food allergies. She proceeds to explore the complexities of food allergies, detailing their typical developmental patterns, underscoring the significance of preventative approaches like early exposure, and highlighting the potentially life-threatening nature of severe food allergies. Kari illuminates the latest advancements in immunotherapies that not only mitigate allergy severity but also hold the potential to completely cure the patient. Additionally, Kari shares her concerns about the increasing levels of air pollution, elucidating its adverse effects on health while providing valuable suggestions for reducing exposure.

We discuss:

  • Kari’s motivation to study food allergies [4:00];
  • Overview of the immune system and the family of immunoglobulins [9:00];
  • How our immune system fights viruses, bacteria, or fungi, and some exceptions to the rule [13:00];
  • Why our immune system is generally better at fighting viruses than bacterial infections [18:45];
  • Differentiating a food sensitivity from a food allergy, and a discussion about celiac disease [25:30];
  • How food allergies develop, why they can be lethal, and factors contributing to the uptrend in food allergies [35:45];
  • The role of environmental factors in the onset of food allergies and strategies for prevention [50:15];
  • How immunotherapy helps to overcome, and even cure, food allergies [1:04:15];
  • Can immunotherapy work for environmental allergens like pollen? [1:24:00];
  • Air pollution: impact on health and tips for reducing your risk [1:25:30];
  • Resources for those wanting to learn more or find clinical trials related to food allergies [1:40:45]; and
  • More.

Connect With Peter on Twitter), Instagram), Facebook) and YouTube)