In this fascinating episode of Live Well, Be Well, I sit down with Professor Gideon Lack, one of the world’s foremost experts on allergies. We dive deep into the rising prevalence of allergies, exploring the two significant waves of the allergy epidemic—respiratory and food-related—and what they mean for us today.

Professor Lack sheds light on the hygiene hypothesis, explaining how modern cleanliness impacts our immune systems and the skin barrier, potentially leading to allergies. We also discuss his pioneering LEAP study, which found that introducing peanuts early in life dramatically reduces the risk of peanut allergies—a revelation that’s reshaped allergy prevention guidelines.

We cover why some people develop allergies later in life, practical tips for managing both respiratory and food allergies, and the role pets and a less sanitised environment might play in reducing allergic conditions. Whether you’re curious about allergy prevention for infants or navigating allergies on a plant-based diet, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you live well.

About Professor Gideon Lack

Professor Gideon Lack is a leading paediatric allergist and researcher at King’s College London. His work has transformed our understanding of allergies, particularly through his landmark LEAP study. With decades of experience in allergy prevention and treatment, Professor Lack continues to drive innovation in this field, making a tangible difference to families worldwide.

Connect with Professor Gideon Lack

King's College London Profile: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/

References:

LEAP study: https://www.leapstudy.co.uk/index.html

EAT study: 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4852987/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6902243/

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1514210

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHlOy9bow7E

Thank you for listening! Let me know your thoughts on this episode, and don't forget to share it with anyone who might find it helpful.

Sarah Ann

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Highlights:

Introduction (00:00)

The Allergy Epidemic: Are We in One? (00:28)

Understanding the Hygiene Hypothesis (01:57)

The Rise of Food Allergies (04:37)

What is an Allergy? (07:21)

Managing Allergies in Daily Life (12:08)

Histamine Allergies and Food Reactions (15:21)

Respiratory Allergies and Practical Tips (18:05)

The Role of Pets and Hygiene in Allergies (27:12)

The LEAP Study: Preventing Peanut Allergies (36:26)

Dietary Choices and Allergy Prevention (48:09)

Conclusion (52:14)

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