Is your gut making hay fever, seasonal allergies, eczema and food intolerances worse? Here are 5 ways to fight back | Prof. Adam Fox

In this episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Professor Adam Fox, a leading allergy researcher at King's College London, unpacks the alarming rise in food allergies, seasonal allergies, eczema, and food intolerances over the past few decades. He explains that while allergies were once rare, they now affect around 5% of children in the UK and US, with food allergies doubling in prevalence between 2008 and 2018. Fox debunks the outdated hygiene hypothesis, instead emphasizing the critical role of the microbiome—particularly gut and skin bacteria—in training the immune system to tolerate harmless substances. He highlights that early exposure through a compromised skin barrier, especially in babies with eczema, is a key driver of food allergies, with sticky foods like peanut butter and hummus being particularly problematic due to their ability to adhere to skin and penetrate damaged barriers. The episode also reveals that 90% of people labeled as penicillin-allergic are actually not allergic, leading to unnecessary use of less effective and more harmful antibiotics. Fox discusses groundbreaking treatments like desensitization therapy (both oral and sublingual), which can retrain the immune system to tolerate allergens like peanuts and grass pollen, offering long-term relief. He underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis, proper testing, and lifestyle changes—such as dietary diversity and microbiome support—to prevent and manage allergic conditions. The episode concludes with actionable insights: people should question their penicillin allergy label, prioritize gut health through diverse plant-based diets, and consider desensitization for severe allergies. Fox stresses that while modern life has disrupted our microbial ecosystems, science now offers real hope through targeted interventions. The host emphasizes that gut health is foundational to overall well-being, linking it to energy, sleep, and immunity. The episode ends with a free gut health guide from ZOE, reinforcing the show’s mission to translate cutting-edge science into practical health strategies.