The Immune Edit

In a world full of “what your doctor won’t tell you” headlines, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing something—or worse, being misled. But are doctors really hiding information?In this episode, Dr. Doug Jones sits down with pediatric allergist Dr. Manisha Relan to unpack one of the biggest myths in modern healthcare: the idea that physicians are gatekeeping answers. Together, they break down how social media hooks, emotional storytelling, and clever marketing can blur the line between education and manipulation.They dive into:Why doctors don’t order certain tests (and what that actually means)The truth about “hidden” allergies and food sensitivity testingHow to spot red flags in online health adviceThe role of supplements—and why more isn’t always betterWhat it really means when a doctor says, “I don’t know”This conversation is a refreshing, honest look at the realities of medicine—where uncertainty exists, learning never stops, and the goal is always to work with patients, not against them.If you’ve ever questioned medical advice, felt overwhelmed by conflicting information, or wondered who to trust, this episode will help you pause, think critically, and navigate it all with more confidence.

Think you know what to expect when flying with a food allergy? Think again. Airline labeling laws, emergency kit contents, and pre-boarding rights are not what most passengers assume — and the gaps in protection are bigger than you'd think.Dr. Doug sits down with Lianne Mandelbaum, founder of No Nut Traveler and airline correspondent for Allergic Living, to break down what every food allergy family needs to know before their next flight. Lianne has spent over a decade advocating for safer air travel after her son was bullied for his peanut allergy at the Denver airport — and United Airlines refused to help. They cover which airlines will (and won't) accommodate you, why you should never eat an airline meal, how co-factors like stress, fatigue, and altitude can lower your reaction threshold, and what's actually inside those emergency medical kits (spoiler: not what you'd hope). Plus, the latest DOT ruling that limits pre-boarding rights to only peanut and tree nut allergies — and why Lianne is fighting to change it.🩺 Become a patient at GAIN: myimmunenetwork.com📱 Follow Dr. Doug Jones: @drdougjones on Instagram and TikTok🌐 Learn more: drdougjones.com

What if the hardest part of living with food allergies isn't the food — it's what's happening in your mind and body?In this episode, Dr. Doug sits down with Dr. Amanda Whitehouse, a psychologist and food allergy mom of 15 years, to talk about something most people in the food allergy world don't fully address: the mental and emotional toll. Amanda shares her own journey navigating her son's food allergy diagnosis, seeking out OIT treatment before it was mainstream, and ultimately turning her experience into a career helping other families cope. Together, they break down the difference between food allergy anxiety and actual trauma — and why that distinction matters more than you think. Amanda explains the therapeutic tools available (CBT, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic work, and nervous system regulation) and why finding the right provider relationship is just as important as picking the right treatment. They also get real about the emotional weight providers carry and how compassion — not just empathy — is the key to avoiding burnout. Whether you're a food allergy parent feeling overwhelmed by treatment options, a patient carrying years of unprocessed fear, or a provider looking for better ways to support your patients, this episode is one you don't want to skip.🩺 Become a patient at GAIN: myimmunenetwork.com📱 Follow Dr. Doug Jones: @drdougjones on Instagram and TikTok🌐 Learn more: drdougjones.com

What happens when a licensed peanut allergy treatment gets pulled from the market — not because it didn't work, but because nobody could afford it? Dr. Adam Fox, Professor of Pediatric Allergy at King's College London, joins Dr. Doug Jones to unpack that exact scenario and what it means for families on both sides of the Atlantic.This episode gets into the real-world consequences of how healthcare systems shape treatment. In the UK, the National Health Service approved Palforzia for peanut oral immunotherapy — then put zero funding behind it. Fewer than 100 children across the entire country received it through the NHS. Meanwhile in the US, allergists were already treating patients effectively with real food, making a pharmaceutical peanut powder feel unnecessary. Now that Palforzia is being pulled, the ripple effects look very different depending on where you live. Dr. Fox and Dr. Jones also talk about what's driving the global collaboration movement in food allergy treatment, how the right mindset can change a patient's OIT outcome, and why the grass isn't always greener when it comes to US vs. UK medicine.🩺 Become a patient at GAIN: myimmunenetwork.com📱Follow Dr. Doug Jones: @drdougjones on Instagram and TikTok🌐 Learn more: drdougjones.com

Dr. Doug Jones explains FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome), a non-IgE allergy with delayed, severe symptoms often mistaken for a GI bug. Discover why it defies typical rules, common triggers like rice and milk, diagnosis challenges, management (diet, emergency prep, emotional support), and emerging microbiome/neuroimmune links.Key edits:No hives doesn't mean no allergyNormal tests don't rule out FPIESListen to symptoms—don't dismissNeed care? Visit GAIN — Global Allergy Immune Network: myimmunenetwork.comMore from Dr. Doug: drdougjones.com

Dr. Doug Jones talks with Dr. Manisha Relan, pediatric allergist and co-author of the AAP book on solid food introduction. They discuss staying calm while informed, compassion as the foundation, challenges in private practice (insurance, burnout, access to care), early allergen introduction, oral immunotherapy, common mistakes, and practical edits for families.Need care? Visit GAIN — Global Allergy Immune Network: myimmunenetwork.comMore from Dr. Doug: drdougjones.com

Dr. Doug Jones sits down with Dr. Zachary Rubin — pediatric allergist, TikTok/Instagram star with over 4 million followers, and author of the upcoming book "All About Allergies."They discuss Dr. Rubin's journey into allergy/immunology, the surprising origin of his viral hula-hooping content, how he combats widespread misinformation about food allergies and COVID, rebuilding public trust in healthcare, and practical advice for patients and parents.Topics include:Why hula hooping helps break down barriers with patientsThe biggest challenges facing doctors today (insurance, government, influencers)How to verify information before you share itDr. Rubin's new book All About AllergiesNeed expert care? Visit Dr. Doug's clinic at GAIN — Global Allergy Immune Network: myimmunenetwork.comMore from Dr. Doug: drdougjones.com

Explore food allergy treatment options in Episode 25 (Part 2) of The Immune Edit Podcast! Dr. Doug Jones, with Dr. Farah Khan and Dr. Tom Chacko, discusses avoidance strategies, Xolair, oral immunotherapy (OIT), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and more. Learn pros, cons, and how to achieve food freedom while managing allergies effectively.Subscribe on Spotify for expert insights on immune health and wellness. Need personalized care? Visit Dr. Doug's clinic at GAIN—Global Allergy Immune Network. Discover more from Dr. Doug at drdougjones.com.Visit GAIN: myimmunenetwork.comMore from Dr. Doug: drdougjones.com

“Science” gets used to sell everything these days—tests, supplements, fear, certainty. But real science is simple at its core: it’s a method for asking questions and testing answers against evidence.In this episode, Dr. Doug Jones breaks down the scientific method (observation → hypothesis → testing → analysis → replication → revision) and gives you practical red flags for spotting pseudoscience quickly—especially the kind that hides behind technical jargon, emotional anecdotes, and distrust of doctors. He also shares a real example of how misinformation gets manufactured by stitching together unrelated studies to make bold claims that don’t hold up under real scrutiny.If you want a faster filter for what to trust—and how to avoid getting pulled into the “one thing” marketing machine—this episode is for you.Want more from Dr. Doug?• Clinical care (GAIN): myimmunenetwork.com• Speaking & education: drdougjones.com

The holidays can feel like a potluck hosted by people who swear the secret ingredient is love… when it’s really crushed walnuts. If you or your child has food allergies (or chronic illness), this season can magnify stress, fear, and the emotional load of managing the unknown.In this episode, Dr. Doug Jones shares practical, real-world strategies to help you navigate holiday meals and gatherings with more confidence and less guilt—without turning the season into a test of endurance. You’ll learn how to plan for rest, set boundaries that actually protect your health, reduce unknowns, stop carrying guilt that isn’t yours, create safe traditions, and tune out social media “certainty” that isn’t grounded in reality.Because boundaries aren’t being difficult. They’re medical equipment.Want more from Dr. Doug?• Clinical care (GAIN): myimmunenetwork.com• Speaking & education: drdougjones.com

Does your immune system feel like a smoke alarm that goes off at the slightest trigger—food, smells, stress, or temperature? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Doug Jones unpacks the real science behind mast cell overreactivity and why “one test, one supplement” solutions from social media almost always fail.Learn why mast cells are far more complex than just histamine, how triggers can include gut health, hormones, genetics, and your nervous system, and why a nuanced, individualized approach is key. If you’re tired of quick fixes and want to understand your body on a deeper level, this episode is for you.Want more from Dr. Doug?• Clinical care (GAIN): myimmunenetwork.com• Strategy sessions, speaking, and education: drdougjones.com

Holidays are supposed to feel cozy and joyful—but when food can literally hurt you or your child, they can feel stressful, awkward, and exhausting. In this episode, Dr. Doug Jones shares a practical, compassionate guide to navigating Thanksgiving and other food-centered holidays with real allergies.He walks through how to reach out to family early, offer solutions instead of just “I can’t,” set clear but kind boundaries, and handle comments like “Can’t you just pick the nuts off?” without drama or guilt. You’ll also hear simple plate strategies, language you can teach your kids, and ways to shift the focus from food to connection, memories, and joy.Want more from Dr. Doug?• Clinical care (GAIN): myimmunenetwork.com• Strategy sessions & speaking: drdougjones.com

Can you really be allergic to farm eggs but not store-bought? Are avocados a hidden allergy risk? And is sourdough bread safer for sensitive eaters? In this special episode, Dr. Doug Jones is joined by his wife, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Tricia Twelves, for a myth-busting conversation about food allergies and nutrition.They break down the facts about egg allergies (spoiler: farm or store, the risk is the same), explain the surprising connections between avocado, latex, and banana allergies, and reveal why even “healthy” sourdough can still trigger wheat allergies. You’ll also get bonus insights on women’s health, fibroids, and how science-based desensitization can help you enjoy your favorite foods again.Want more from Dr. Doug?• Clinical care (GAIN): myimmunenetwork.com• Strategy sessions & speaking: drdougjones.com