Why Food Allergies Are Rising—and What Actually Helps

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

Are you still hearing that you should wait days between introducing new foods—or that food causes eczema? Are you stressed about feeding your baby the top 9 allergens?

In this episode, I sit down with pediatric allergist Dr. Dave Stukus to bust the biggest myths about food allergies. We’re talking real science, not fear: when to introduce allergens, why elimination diets can do more harm than good, and what’s actually driving the rise in allergies today.

We discuss:

• Early allergen introduction helps prevent food allergies.

• Food doesn't cause eczema—here’s what actually does.

• Vaccines don’t cause allergies—here’s what’s behind the rise.

To connect with Dr. Dave Stukus follow him on Instagram @allergykidsdoc, check out all his resources at https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/find-a-doctor/profiles/david-r-stukus

00:00 – Meet Dr. Dave Stukus
03:50 – Myth: Delay Introducing Allergenic Foods
06:23 – Feeding Should Be Fun, Not Fearful
08:05 – Are Babies More at Risk for Severe Reactions?
10:15 – Parking Lot Peanut Butter & Allergy Anxiety
11:01 – Benadryl vs. Modern Antihistamines
13:02 – What a True Food Allergy Looks Like
15:31 – The Truth About Food and Eczema
18:13 – The Exception, Not the Rule
22:19 – Eczema and Future Allergy Risk
24:11 – When to Start Solids for Prevention
25:08 – Why Food Allergies Are Rising
27:55 – Final Takeaways & Stay Updated

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