In this episode of “OK Now You Know,” Joe Garner tackles the enigmatic world of allergies, an affliction that bothers millions while sparing others. Joe delves into the reasons why our bodies react so intensely to typically harmless substances like pollen, pet dander, and certain foods. Through his exploration, he sheds light on how our immune systems decide to respond and what factors contribute to these often-irritating immune responses.

Allergies involve the immune system’s exaggerated response, primarily facilitated by an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). Joe explains how the production of IgE leads to the release of chemicals such as histamine, thereby causing classic allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and swelling. He discusses the genetic predisposition to allergies and how specific genes can make an individual more susceptible. Joe introduces listeners to the “hygiene hypothesis,” which suggests that growing up in overly sanitized environments may actually increase the risk of developing allergies due to an undertrained immune system.

Joe also examines environmental and lifestyle factors, such as early exposure to allergens and urbanization, which contribute to allergy prevalence. He highlights how living with pets from a young age and early exposure to allergens like peanuts might decrease the risk of developing allergies. Conversely, living in urban areas with higher pollution levels may increase susceptibility. By weaving these threads together, Joe presents a comprehensive look at why some people suffer from allergies while others do not.