Allergic

A revealing study, Allergics explores the history of allergies, the pharmaceutical industry, and scientific research that suggests our lifestyle and environmental interventions may be making us sick.

Our own body can kill us.

Yes, immune system cells, in an attempt to protect us, can push our bodies beyond their limits in a matter of seconds. But why does this happen to some people and not others? And why has it become increasingly common?

In seeking these answers, medical anthropologist Theresa MacPhail dove headfirst into the history of allergies and their evolution, curiously linked to our own.

Using straightforward language, "Allergics" explains the science behind our immune system's reactions and the difference between allergies and intolerances. It also addresses social and economic issues by speaking with people who suffer from severe reactions and experts.

Through real-life examples and well-founded research, Allergy Advocates unravels the pharmaceutical industry's operations and how it profits – and profits greatly – from this terrible reality: 30% to 40% of the world's population is diagnosed with some type of allergy — and this number is expected to increase.