🎙️ Why do allergies seem to worsen—or even appear for the first time—as we age? In this eye-opening episode, we unpack the surprising connection between hormonal changes, allergies, and the immune system, guided by the expertise of Professor Pete Smith, a leading allergist.

From sneezing fits and itchy skin to migraines and food sensitivities, many of us experience allergy symptoms without fully understanding why. Here’s the key: your immune system may be working overtime, reacting to hormonal shifts like fluctuating estrogen and progesterone during menopause. These changes can amplify histamine levels and lead to heightened allergic responses.

We also explore the role of environmental factors—like microplastics, petrochemicals, and household toxins—that contribute to our body’s overactive inflammatory response. Did you know that 40% of people develop new food allergies after the age of 40? Or that histamine levels peak in the morning, explaining why symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes may feel worse when you wake up?

But don’t worry—there’s hope! Professor Pete shares actionable steps to calm your immune system, manage symptoms, and reduce your exposure to allergens and toxins. From choosing fresh, simple foods to swapping out harsh cleaning products, we discuss easy ways to take back control of your health.

Key Takeaways:

• Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can exacerbate allergies and immune responses.
• Environmental exposures, including microplastics and chemicals in household products, have a cumulative effect on our health.
• Solutions include reducing toxic exposures, improving air quality, and exploring allergen immunotherapy.
• Genetic testing through programs like FitGenes can help uncover histamine intolerance and other genetic predispositions.

Join us in taking small but powerful steps to calm your immune system and embrace a healthier, allergy-free future.

👂 Tune in now and discover how menopause, allergies, and the immune system are all connected—and how you can rewrite your health story.

Featuring:

Professor Pete Smith
Expert Allergist and Founder of Queensland Allergy Services

Shop Immune and Allergy Products at You Must Try It HERE

The Fitgenes Program Waitlist - Join the waitlist - HERE 

Want to sign our PETITION on Change.Org?

Sign HERE

Make DNA Screening for Cancer and Heart Disease Risk Available in Australia, Asks Shelley Craft 

Shelley Craft and Amanda Attwood, from The Aging Project Podcast  need your support. 

We're calling on Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care, to champion and approve funding for the next stage of the DNA Screen Project  at Monash University, to move towards population-wide DNA screening for adult disease prevention.

This trial initiative is providing life-saving genetic testing for hereditary cancers and heart disease, preventing tragedies before they happen and dramatically reducing the financial burden on Australia’s healthcare system. 

Led by Professor Paul Lacaze and Dr Jane Tiller, the DNA Screen Project has already demonstrated the life-changing potential in a trial of 10,000 people aged 18 to 40 years at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, Lynch syndrome, and familial hypercholesterolemia. 

Genetic variations affect 1 in 75 people, and with genetic testing now available, there is no reason why it should be restricted. Despite the clear benefits, publicly funded testing is currently available only to those who meet restrictive criteria. 

Every Australian, of any age, deserves the right to know if they fall within the 2% of the population at high risk, so they can take preventive action to protect their health. We want a population-wide, criteria-free screening program. A national initiative like this would put Australia at the forefront of preventive healthcare, ensuring that every Australian knows their genetic risks and can take steps to protect their future health.

Here’s why this matters:

• The DNA screening test can cost as little as $200-$400 per person—an affordable price for a program that has the potential to save lives and reduce long-term healthcare costs. 
• The cost of cancer care alone to the Australian healthcare system is over $6 BILLION annually
• By identifying genetic risks early, we can reduce the number of people needing expensive treatments later, saving taxpayer dollars while preventing disease.

The 10,000-person pilot completed study at Monash University has laid the groundwork for a scalable, nationwide DNA screening program. But to move forward, the project needs government funding to expand beyond the initial trial group and make this life-saving test available to every Australian who wants it, regardless of age or background.

By signing this petition, you are joining a community voice advocating for a future where genetic screening for high risk genetic variations is accessible to everyone, and where preventive healthcare can truly save lives.

We ask Mark Butler and the Australian Government to support funding for the next phase of the DNA Screen Project and allow this innovative program to become a nationwide, population-based screening initiative.

Join us in calling for change. Let’s ensure that every Australian, at every age, has the chance to know their significant genetic risks and take proactive steps to safeguard their health and the health of their families.

The future of genetic testing is HERE - now we just need access to it. 

Sign now and make your voice heard—because access to life-saving genetic screening should be a right, not a privilege.

Help us get 10,000 signatures.

Join our movement to live healthier for longer.

Shelley Craft and Amanda Attwood 

The Aging Project and You Must Try It , Co-Founders

www.theagingproject.com