Short Wave A Surprising Culprit of Food Allergies
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Sep 23, 2025 Dr. Waheeda Samady, director of clinical research at Northwestern's Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, dives into the alarming rise in food allergies, now impacting 6% of Americans. She explains the mechanics behind allergic reactions, highlighting the role of immune cells and the significance of skin exposure in children. Dr. Samady also explores global differences in allergenic foods and offers insights into why roasting peanuts may actually heighten their allergenic potential, alongside strategies for managing food allergies.
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Personal Contrast Between Mild And Severe Reactions
- Aaron Scott describes childhood dairy allergy that caused severe nasal congestion with pizza and ice cream.
- Waheeda Samady contrasts mild cases with people who feel a sense of doom and whole-body takeover during severe reactions.
Rapid Rise In Food Allergies
- Food allergies have risen dramatically in recent decades, especially among children.
- Rates shifted from below ~3% before the 1990s to about 1 in 13 children today.
Global Patchwork Of Allergies
- The allergy surge is uneven: common in the U.S., Western Europe, Australia, parts of Asia and Africa but absent in some places.
- Types of allergic foods also vary greatly by country and culture.