Allergy season is more than a few weeks of sneezing. It can be hard to tell what’s “just allergies,” what might be an infection, and when it’s time to seek more than over-the-counter relief. What’s actually happening in your immune system when symptoms flare? And why can they feel so intense? We spoke with Zachary E. Rubin, MD, author of All About Allergies, about how allergy evaluations work, how to identify your triggers, and how to use OTC treatments effectively. Plus, when it’s time to see an allergist. You don’t have to suffer – listen in to this episode for expert guidance on finding real, lasting relief.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Zachary E. Rubin, MD

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/allergies/when-allergy-season" data-testid="linkable-text">Allergy season</a> is more than a few weeks of sneezing. It can be hard to tell what&rsquo;s &ldquo;just <a href="https://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-symptoms" data-testid="linkable-text">allergies</a>,&rdquo; what might be an infection, and when it&rsquo;s time to seek more than over-the-counter relief. What&rsquo;s actually happening in your immune system when symptoms flare? And why can they feel so intense? We spoke with <a href="https://www.oakbrookallergists.com/our-team/zachary-e-rubin-md/" data-testid="linkable-text">Zachary E. Rubin, MD</a>, author of <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790561/all-about-allergies-by-zachary-rubin-md/" data-testid="linkable-text">All About Allergies,</a> about how allergy evaluations work, how to identify your triggers, and how to use <a href="https://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-medications" data-testid="linkable-text">OTC treatments effectively</a>. Plus, when it&rsquo;s time to see an allergist. You don&rsquo;t have to suffer &ndash; listen in to this episode for expert guidance on finding real, lasting relief.
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Zachary E. Rubin, MD</li>
</ul>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

Health Discovered

From Triggers to Treatment: A Smarter Way to Manage Allergies

Protein is everywhere these days – from protein pasta to protein cereal – but do these foods actually deliver the benefits they promise? And how much protein do we really need? We spoke with Marily Oppezzo, PhD, MS, RDN, an instructor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center and head of the nutrition pillar at Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, about how much protein the average adult needs for overall health and muscle maintenance, whether high-protein diets offer meaningful benefits, and how protein needs change with age and activity level. She also explains the differences between animal and plant proteins and what the latest research says about protein and long-term health.

Credits 
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Marily Oppezzo, PhD, MS, RDN

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/benefits-protein">Protein</a> is everywhere these days &ndash; from protein pasta to protein cereal &ndash; but do these foods actually deliver the benefits they promise? And <a href="https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/protein">how much</a> protein do we really need? We spoke with <a href="https://med.stanford.edu/prevention/people/faculty_academic/Oppezzo.html">Marily Oppezzo, PhD, MS, RDN</a>, an instructor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center and head of the nutrition pillar at Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, about how much protein the average adult needs for overall health and muscle maintenance, whether high-protein diets offer meaningful benefits, and how protein needs change with age and activity level. She also explains the differences between animal and plant proteins and what the latest research says about protein and long-term health.
Credits&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Marily Oppezzo, PhD, MS, RDN</li>
</ul>

How Much Protein Do We Actually Need? A Dietitian Explains

For millions of people, walking into a doctor's office can be incredibly difficult. If you've experienced physical abuse, sexual assault, or medical trauma, the exam room may feel like one of the most vulnerable and triggering places to be. The fear of being harmed, dismissed, misunderstood, or not believed can be powerful enough to keep you from seeking care. But avoiding appointments can lead to missed screenings, undiagnosed conditions, and health problems that worsen over time. We spoke with Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS, nationally recognized health advocate and founder of Clinicians Who Care, about practical, empowering ways to advocate for yourself during medical visits. Learn why you're always allowed to ask questions before an exam, request that your provider explain each step, pause or stop an exam at any time, and seek a second opinion. Plus, discover how preparing a few notes before your appointment can help you become an active partner in your care.

This episode includes discussion of medical trauma and sexual assault. Some listeners may find this content difficult or triggering. Please take care while listening, and consider reaching out for support if needed.

Credits 
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS

For millions of people, walking into a doctor's office can be incredibly difficult. If you've experienced physical abuse, <a href="https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/sexual-abuse-and-assault">sexual assault</a>, or medical trauma, the exam room may feel like one of the most vulnerable and triggering places to be. The fear of being harmed, dismissed, misunderstood, or not believed can be powerful enough to keep you from seeking care. But avoiding appointments can lead to missed screenings, undiagnosed conditions, and health problems that worsen over time. We spoke with <a href="https://doctorbayo.com/">Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS</a>, nationally recognized health advocate and founder of <a href="https://doctorbayo.com/clinicians-who-care/">Clinicians Who Care</a>, about practical, empowering ways to advocate for yourself during medical visits. Learn why you're always allowed to ask questions before an exam, request that your provider explain each step, pause or stop an exam at any time, and seek a second opinion. Plus, discover how preparing a few notes before your appointment can help you become an active partner in your care. This episode includes discussion of medical trauma and sexual assault. Some listeners may find this content difficult or triggering. Please take care while listening, and consider reaching out for support if needed.
Credits&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS</li>
</ul>

Advocating for Yourself During Medical Exams and Accessing Trauma Informed Care

While we often hear about triggers in everyday conversation, what does it really mean to be "triggered"? Why do certain people or situations spark such intense emotional reactions? And what's actually happening in your brain and body in those moments? We sat down again with Lia Love Avellino, LCSW, modern love therapist and community organizer, to unpack what triggers are, why they happen, and how to reframe them with curiosity instead of judgment. She shares practical techniques to regulate your nervous system, shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What's happening for me right now?," and strengthen your relationships through deeper self-awareness and genuine human connection. Learn how to respond with intention – even when every instinct tells you to react.

Credits 
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Lia Love Avellino, LCSW

While we often hear about <a href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-are-ptsd-triggers" data-testid="linkable-text">triggers</a> in everyday conversation, what does it really mean to be "triggered"? Why do certain people or situations spark such intense emotional reactions? And what's actually happening in your brain and body in those moments? We sat down again with <a href="https://www.lialoveavellino.com/" data-testid="linkable-text">Lia Love Avellino, LCSW</a>, modern love therapist and community organizer, to unpack what triggers are, why they happen, and how to reframe them with curiosity instead of judgment. She shares practical techniques to <a href="https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-how-to-quiet-mind" data-testid="linkable-text">regulate your nervous system</a>, shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What's happening for me right now?," and strengthen your relationships through deeper self-awareness and genuine human connection. Learn how to respond with intention &ndash; even when every instinct tells you to react.
Credits&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Lia Love Avellino, LCSW</li>
</ul>

From Triggers to Treatment: A Smarter Way to Manage Allergies

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