My Allergist Dad

My Allergist Dad
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  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

My Allergist Dad is the show where comedian Drew Zwetchkenbaum teams up with his real-life father - board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Z - to break down the mysteries of allergies . Every week they answer real questions from listeners and from Dr. Z’s own patients, mixing expert answers with father–son banter, jokes, and the occasional family story. New episodes every Monday!

  1. 3D AGO

    Can You Fix Your Gut Microbiome? w/ Dr. Mark Charbonneau on Probiotics, Inflammation, and Allergies

    Drew and Dr. Z welcome Dr. Mark Charbonneau, a microbiologist and biotech leader at Solaria Bio, to discuss why it’s challenging to beneficially modify the gut microbiome despite major advances in understanding its role in health, immunity, and disease. They explain the microbiome as an ecosystem that influences immune balance between inflammation and tolerance, including regulatory T cells, and how disruptions like antibiotics can contribute to dysbiosis and conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Mark describes Solaria Bio's medical food symbiotic product, Bondia, designed from four fruit-and-vegetable–derived probiotics to reduce gut-driven inflammation, improve gut barrier function, slow aging and menopause-associated bone loss, while also improving GI symptoms in clinical studies. They emphasize proactive, root-cause approaches alongside lifestyle measures like resistance training, calcium, and vitamin D.Solaria website: www.solaria.bioBondia product page: https://solaria.bio/products/bondiaMark's professional socials:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drmarkcharbonneauInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarkcharbonneau/📩 Have a question for the show?Email: myallergistdad@gmail.com

    42 min

  2. MAR 30

    Angioedema Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and When Swelling Is Dangerous

    Drew and his dad, allergist Dr. Z, explain angioedema as deep tissue swelling that can occur with hives or as part of anaphylaxis, sometimes affecting lips, eyes, tongue, or the airway. They distinguish common, usually non–life-threatening angioedema from the rare but dangerous hereditary/acquired form involving the complement pathway and C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency, which can be triggered by trauma or surgery and screened with a C4 blood test. Dr. Z also discusses non-IgE mechanisms such as bradykinin/kinin pathways, as well as medication contributors that can worsen swelling.📩 Have a question for the show?Email: myallergistdad@gmail.com

    32 min

  3. MAR 23

    What It’s REALLY Like Raising a Kid With Allergies (From Moms Who Lived It)

    In this episode, we go beyond the medical advice and get real about the day-to-day reality—from scary first reactions and EpiPen moments to the constant planning around food, school, and social life. Dr. Z is joined by his wife (who’s been through it all) and their daughter, a new mom navigating allergies for the first time. Together, they share honest stories, practical tips, and the emotional side of being the one responsible for keeping your child safe. We get into: The fear every parent feels after a first allergic reaction How to prepare without putting your kid “in a bubble” Why anxiety can sometimes be worse than the allergy itself Real-life strategies for managing food allergies, eczema, and asthma What’s changed for parents today (and what hasn’t) Plus—some surprisingly funny moments about airport food mishaps, allergy “perks,” and why preparation is everything. If you’re a parent, thinking about becoming one, or just trying to better understand allergies—this episode is for you.  Like, subscribe, and share with someone who double-checks every ingredient label.

    40 min

  4. MAR 16

    The 7-Year Allergy Itch: Can You Outgrow your Allergies?

    Have you heard that your body completely resets every 7 years? Does that mean your allergies can change too? This week on My Allergist Dad, Drew and Dr. Z break down one of the most common allergy myths and explain what actually happens inside your immune system as you age. They dive into: • Whether allergies really change every 7 years• If it's possible to naturally outgrow allergies• Why some people suddenly develop allergies later in life• How genetics and environment influence allergies• Why allergies often run in families• What epigenetics means for your immune system Plus, Dr. Z shares real examples from decades of allergy practice—including why siblings can have completely different allergies and how lifestyle and environment can trigger them. If you've ever wondered why your allergies changed—or why your kids might have them—this episode explains it all.  Have a question for the show?Email: myallergistdad@gmail.com

    31 min

  5. MAR 9

    Can Stress Make Your Allergies Worse? The Immunity Connection Explained

    In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Dr. Z and Drew break down the real connection between stress, the immune system, and allergic reactions. From cortisol and immune tolerance to insulin spikes, mast cells, and metabolic syndrome, we explore why stressful seasons of life often lead to more sneezing, hives, asthma, and inflammation.  You’ll learn: How stress lowers your immune “tolerance” threshold Why chronic stress can increase allergic reactivity The link between insulin resistance, overeating, and mast cell activation How metabolic health affects asthma and allergies Why modern life may be making allergies worse Practical lifestyle shifts that can calm inflammation naturally We also talk about shingles, immune weakness, preventive care, and why treating symptoms alone isn’t always enough. If your allergies seem worse during intense work weeks, emotional stress, poor sleep, or unhealthy eating patterns — this episode connects the dots. Send us your allergy and immunology questions — we’d love to answer them on a future episode. Myallergistdad@gmail.com

    38 min

  6. MAR 2

    How Allergies Change Over Time with Banana Bread Founder Allie Chernick

    This week on My Allergist Dad, we’re joined by entrepreneur and banana bread founder Allie Chernick, a former patient of Dr. Z who’s lived the confusing reality of food allergies firsthand. From positive allergy tests that don’t always match real allergic reactions to oral allergy syndrome, nut allergies, cross-reactivity, and food sensitivities, this episode breaks down why diagnosing and managing food allergies is rarely simple. We explore: ·      The difference between true IgE-mediated food allergies and food sensitivities ·      Why allergy testing can show a positive result without real-world symptoms ·      How oral allergy syndrome causes reactions to raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts ·      Why someone might tolerate Nutella but react to hazelnuts ·      How puberty, hormones, and environmental exposure can change allergy risk over time ·      The everyday impact of living with food allergies, including restaurant anxiety and label reading ·      What it’s like running a food business while managing common allergens Dr. Z also shares insight into modern food allergy testing, the difference between sensitization and true allergy, and the latest advances in oral immunotherapy, desensitization treatment, and evidence-based allergy care that are helping patients manage peanut allergies, tree nut allergies, and other common food triggers more confidently. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re truly allergic to a food, outgrew a childhood allergy, tested positive without symptoms, or react inconsistently to certain foods, this episode offers clarity from both a medical and real-world perspective. All that and more on this week’s episode of My Allergist Dad. Check out Allie's Banana Bread -https://alliesbananabread.com/ If you have an allergy related question, please email us at myallergistdad@gmail.com

    46 min

  7. FEB 23

    The Estrogen-Free Lifestyle With Dr. Benoit Tano

    What if everyday exposures—from food to skincare to environmental chemicals—are quietly fueling allergies and inflammation through “environmental estrogen”? In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Dr. Z and Drew talk with integrative immunology expert Dr. Benoit Tano about the estrogen-free lifestyle and how reducing estrogen-like exposures may help calm allergic and inflammatory symptoms. They discuss how environmental chemicals, pesticides, plastics, and even personal care products can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially overstimulating immune cells and contributing to hives, mast cell activation, fatigue, and chronic inflammation. Dr. Tano explains why women may be especially affected, how hormone imbalance intersects with allergy pathways, and what practical changes he recommends to lower exposure. If you’re dealing with unexplained allergies, chronic hives, or inflammation—and wondering whether hormones or the environment could be part of the picture—this conversation explores the estrogen-free approach and its potential role in immune health." Guest: Dr. Ben Tano The Estrogen-Free Lifestyle tayapromediverse.com Listen now to learn how reducing everyday estrogen-like exposures may support allergy and immune balance. If you have an allergy-related question, we'd love to hear it. Please send them to myallergistdad@gmail.com

    50 min

  8. FEB 16

    Exercise & Asthma: Are You Triggering It or Treating It?

    If running makes you wheeze, should you stop exercising… or do you actually need it more? In this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew and Dr. Z break down the real relationship between exercise and asthma — including why exercise doesn’t cause asthma, how it can act as a trigger, and what’s really going on inside your airways when you start wheezing. They talk through exercise-induced asthma, allergic inflammation, cold and dry air, pollution, and why swimming often feels easier than running. You’ll also learn why treating your allergic triggers can raise your exercise tolerance, how pre-treating with inhalers actually works, and why frequent workouts can mean fewer asthma symptoms over time — not more.. Plus: breathing techniques, humid air hacks, and why the answer is almost always don’t skip the gym. Got allergy questions? Email us myallergistdad@gmail.com

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

My Allergist Dad is the show where comedian Drew Zwetchkenbaum teams up with his real-life father - board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Z - to break down the mysteries of allergies . Every week they answer real questions from listeners and from Dr. Z’s own patients, mixing expert answers with father–son banter, jokes, and the occasional family story. New episodes every Monday!

Information

  • Creator
    My Allergist Dad
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © My Allergist Dad
  • Show Website
    My Allergist Dad