Have you ever wondered what happens inside your body during an allergic reaction?

From itchy eyes to anaphylaxis, the science behind allergies explains why some reactions are mild while others can be life-threatening. In this episode, we break it all down.

Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney unpack the basics of food allergies, starting with what IgE antibodies are and how they play a role in allergic reactions. They explain what happens when your immune system encounters an allergen, breaking it down with our favorite pinata analogy. This deep dive into the immune system reveals why reactions can range from mild to life-threatening and explores the differences between food allergies, intolerances, and oral allergy syndrome.

If you're newly diagnosed or curious about the science behind allergies, this episode offers valuable insights to help you understand your body and stay safe.

More resources about allergies: 

This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genetech for sponsoring today’s episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.