Allergies & Immunity: Why Your Body Overreacts—and What You Can Do About It

• What Are Allergies, Really?
  Allergies happen when your immune system mistakes harmless things—like pollen, peanuts, or pet dander—as dangerous threats. The result? Sneezing, itching, swelling—or in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
• How the Immune System Gets It Wrong
  During the first exposure to an allergen, your body creates IgE antibodies, which stick to immune cells like mast cells. The next time? These cells explode with histamine, triggering all-too-familiar symptoms.
• Common Allergy Types:
  • 🌸 Seasonal Allergies – Sneezing & itchy eyes from pollen
  • 🥜 Food Allergies – Peanuts, shellfish, dairy—can cause digestive issues or anaphylaxis
  • 🐝 Insect Sting Reactions – May lead to swelling or even shock
  • 🐶 Dust & Pet Dander – Year-round sneezing, coughing, or rashes
• Strengthen Your Defenses (Naturally):
  ✔️ Eat Well – Vitamin C, D, and omega-3s support immune balance
  🧘‍♂️ Manage Stress – Less stress = fewer flare-ups
  🚴‍♀️ Exercise Regularly – Boosts immune response (just avoid pollen-heavy times!)
  🦠 Try Probiotics – Supports healthy gut–immune communication
• Treatment Options:
  💊 Antihistamines – Block histamine’s effects
  👃 Nasal Steroids – Reduce swelling and congestion
  💉 Allergy Shots – Train your immune system to chill out
  🚫 Avoid Triggers – Read food labels, track pollen counts, clean your environmen.t