The Allergy Solution: Unlock the Surprising, Hidden Truth About Why You Are Sick and How to Get Well

by Jonathan Galland, Jonathan Galland J.D.

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER An epidemic of allergies is spreading around the world. One billion people suffer from allergic diseases such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, and food allergies. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. In this groundbreaking book, award-winning doctor Leo Galland, M.D., reveals the shocking rise of hidden allergies that lead to weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, depression, joint pain, headaches, ADHD, digestive problems, and much more. Astonishing new research shows how each of these is linked to the immune imbalance that is at the root of allergy. A brilliant clinician, Dr. Galland has unlocked the power of this breakthrough science to help thousands of patients who have struggled with mysterious symptoms answer the “Doctor, what’s wrong with me?” Here, he is joined by his son, Jonathan Galland, J.D., a passionate health writer and environmental advocate, in exposing the truth that just as the earth’s environment is out of balance, our bodies are out of balance. The modern world, with pollution, unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and excessive exposure to antibiotics, is fueling the rise in allergies. The Allergy Solution takes an in-depth look at how we can balance immunity through nutrition and lifestyle to reverse allergies without drugs. It offers an easy nutritional program, starting with a Three-Day Power Wash designed to “clear the tracks,” to help us take back control. Do you suffer from asthma, eczema, or sinusitis? Are you sick of pain, fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, depression, anxiety, or wondering what is behind your mysterious symptoms? Let Dr. Galland’s clinical experience and unique insights into cutting-edge science guide you back to health.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Food, Self Help, Medicine, Cookbooks, Medical

323 pages, Hardcover

First published February 23, 2016

About the author

Jonathan Galland, J.D., a leader in integrated health education, is a health writer for the Huffington Post and MindBodyGreen. He is the Coauthor of The Allergy Solution: Unlock the Surprising, Hidden Truth about Why You Are Sick and How to Get Well. Jonathan created the recipes and meal plans for The Fat Resistance Diet, featured in Fitness, Woman’s World, on The Dr. Oz Show, and in The Washington Post. He has appeared on Martha Stewart Living Radio and given dozens of radio interviews. In addition to his degree in Law, he holds a degree in Asian Studies, speaks Chinese, Japanese and Italian and brings an international understanding of the worldwide nature of health and environmental and issues. To help educate the public on the impact of allergies in their lives, Jonathan co-wrote the script for the upcoming public TV special on The Allergy Solution. Join the movement to save your health and protect nature on facebook.com/jonathangallandjd and twitter @JonathanGalland

Reviews

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Since I am always trying to find better solutions for my reoccurring allergy and asthma issues, I was immediately interested in The Allergy Solution and did a little research by reading a couple of articles about the book and an excerpt, and since it all made a lot of sense, I downloaded the book on Kindle along with a bonus interview and food/recipe guide. I skimmed through the first few chapters and having a relatively quiet weekend planned, decided to do the three-day food reset included in the book before going back and reading it in detail. (Maybe not the best plan but how I operate!) ;-)

First, a little background on the Three-Day Power Wash since that's what I started with. The power wash consists of nourishing yourself with three components over three days: an Immune Balance Smoothie, an Immune Balance Soup and organic oolong tea (which studies have shown to offer anti-allergic benefits). You have the smoothie for breakfast and an afternoon snack, the soup for lunch or dinner and four cups of the tea throughout the day. (You can also add an extra glass of smoothie or bowl of soup if you get hungry, however, I am on day two and have been satisfied without any extras as the smoothie has an avocado and chia seeds and is quite satiating.)

I know cleanses or detoxes are not everyone's thing but I think they are a great way to reset the body. Dr. Galland says to think of it "like mediation, a program to access the inner stillness and wisdom of the body" and to "cut through the noise of everyday life and the usual eating patterns to get to a quieter place where you can listen to your body." He refers to the power wash as "clearing the tracks" to cleanse the body by reducing the common allergenic foods to help identify and ultimately eliminate your problem foods. Although I began attempting to do something similar on my own earlier this year by spending the first few months eliminating wheat/gluten, dairy and processed sugar, I started to drift off track and wanted to refocus and get back to finding a possible food solution for the allergy issues that trigger my asthma. Although my asthma is not severe (no emergency room visits), it is chronic and I go through periods after a cold or allergy flair up where it is defined as acute asthma and where it is definitely not under control, so I am trying to take it more seriously and crack the code.

The recipe for the Immune Balance Soup and other components of the three-day plan are in the book, along with steps for a two-week re-entry phase to add back in foods and test reactions, and the Immune Balance Diet, an ongoing eating plan. I would have liked a little more detail/direction for the Three-Day Power Wash. For example, the smoothie seemed like it should be divided into two servings as with everything included (fruit, greens, a whole avocado, chia seeds, green tea, optional banana), it makes two fairly large glasses and is extremely filling. It doesn't spell that out, but does say the smoothie becomes more creamy if allowed to chill (chia seeds) so I made the recipe in the morning and divided it into two servings, drinking one glass for breakfast and saving the other for my afternoon snack. Was that right or wrong? I don't know but I never felt hungry or too full which the book said was where I should be. The soup information said to enjoy a large mug or bowl, so I took that as a serving of 1 1/2 to 2 cups depending on my mood/hunger level. Also, I jumped into the Three Day Power Wash before reading beyond it (my bad!) and in further reading, there are several warnings for people with asthma not to do the two weeks of re-entry food testing (due to the complications of asthma as an allergy disorder, the many types of asthma, and the potential severity of allergic reactions) which was a bit disappointing as I was fired up. I do understand the reasons behind it and there is good information in a later chapter on asthma about diet and the balance of nutrition and environmental factors. I will be exploring some of the suggestions in detail, along with trying the Immune Balance Diet, looking into some supplements and making a bigger push for ensuring I am regularly getting higher intake of antioxidant rich foods. I have no known food allergies after being tested a couple of years ago, but I feel that what I eat definitely plays a role in my breathing and my lungs and overall health. I had an appointment with my doctor on Friday and I asked her about the power wash, trying some of the supplements and other advice in the book and she had no issues and wants to hear about my results in a few months. So even though I did things a bit backwards by not reading more of the book before diving in, I am not sorry I made the effort to clear the tracks for a few days and it's a good jump-start (or re-jump-start I suppose).

Although focused heavily on food and nutrition, the book addresses other non-food lifestyle aspects of allergy solutions too. The chapter on Cracking the Code with the Allergy Solution Checklist of Symptoms, Rate Your Symptoms, and Search for Triggers tools are very valuable, gave me a lot to think about, and I am continuing to go through those sections and exercises in detail. I like the clear way the authors explain the science and data researched, the reasons behind the nutrition connection, and the importance of lifestyle changes. Although the book advises repeatedly to get/keep your doctor involved in solutions, it gives encouragement and ownership of health to the individual where I feel it is best suited. With a quick initial read and more work to do, I am finding The Allergy Solution a valuable resource for me and I would recommend that anyone with ongoing allergies and symptoms that are negatively impacting their health and wellbeing look into this book.

My complete review and further details and pictures of the Immune Balance Soup can be found on my blog Kahakai Kitchen: http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/20...

[Grace*dnfing books since 2022* · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking for a book on allergies that was anthropological and biological in nature. This book had more of a practical bent, but that wasn't why I gave up on it. I gave it up because it was just so badly written.

Most writers who have an above average education level also correspondingly have an above average pompousity level, and this was true in this case in particular. But it's fine to be pompous if the narrative is still relatively readable. It is not, however, very readable when the author makes the following mistakes:

(1) Refer to his book by title multiple times in the span of a few paragraphs, and increasingly as the book progresses.
(2) Refer to medical and clinical expertise multiple times. Surely, the examples (of clinical experience) should be enough for readers to extrapolate the strength of the author's credentials.
(3) Refer to what the author will tell you later on in the book but is not going to tell you right now. Multiple times within one section of a chapter.
(4) Refer to collaborating with his son, who's also incidentally a J.D. (which has no bearing on the medical and scientific credentials of this book), on this book.
(5) Refer to his practical approach which works "extremely well" and is "extremely delicious." Multiple times. But without telling you what it is. It's apparently also later in the book, which he will tell you about later.
(6) Have unnecessary filler, such as taking you through his daily commute from his NYC apartment building to his medical office, before introducing you to his patient's case file.
(7) Probably more but I gave up.

Just...really, really bad writing. Avoid.

[Barbara (The Bibliophage) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard Dr. Galland speak in several health-related online summits, so I was excited to read this book. It didn't disappoint! Because of my career and my own health concerns, I've read many books on similar topics—how to solve the mystery of why people get sick and struggle to get well. And yet, I learned many new things from this book.

It's also worth saying that Dr. Galland backs up his methodologies with both scientific research (duly footnoted) and his own clinical experiences.

I like the focus on not only changing toxic habits for our own health, but for the health of the planet. I also appreciated the detailed and specific protocol of the diet-related recommendations. Often dietary suggestions are too broad and don't make it clear how to implement them, but not in this case. I will be recommending this book to friends and clients!

Thanks to NetGalley and Hay House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Trish Bachman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough and scientific look at what causes allergies and how to manage them. Easy to read and understand with helpful tips.

[Margaret I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a life long sufferer of allergies , I thought this book might provide some helpful suggestions. I
was surprised to find that it offer some useful suggestions that have helped me. A long time ago I
went to an allergy doctor and took allergy shots. They didn't seem to help me any, but cost a lot of
money so I stopped. What I like most about the Allergy Solution is that it offers very affordable solutions to allergies.

[Ana Rute Primo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que incrível! Um livro que já conta com cerca de 10 anos desde a sua publicação e com tanta informação inestimável. Toda a gente devia lê-lo e procurar saber mais sobre os tópicos nele abordados. Afinal, trata-se na nossa saúde.

[Abby Wheelwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much great information, and so many studies! I love that it's written by real doctors, and uses sound evidence, based on double blind, placebo controlled studies, and clinical trials.

Main points
You have a lot of control over your health
Allergies can be reversed
Asthma can be caused by allergies
Many symptoms are caused by hidden allergies
We need to keep our inner and outer environments in balance
Minimizing exposure to toxins, and eating whole foods, and sometimes supplements, can remove allergy symptoms.
Probiotics are helpful
Many medications make allergies worse

He includes set protocols for returning to health
Explains why antibacterial soap is only for surgery
Offers alternative cleaning products
Tells exactly which nutrients, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, probiotics and prebiotics, oils whole foods help the body become less reactive.
He says to always work with a doctor trained to help, but to show them this book and the research if they're not on board.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Goes much deeper than just antihistamines and steroids. If you are at your wit’s end, as I am, you might consider reading this. So much of it just makes sense. Thanks Dr. Galland!!

[Jerome Cartagena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr Galland covers a fairly conventional approach of treating allergies through avoidance. The most novel aspect of the book is his systematic process of helping you triage and identify possible allergens that your body has sensitivity to. He places a reliance on having you listen to your body's "inner wisdom", and I think we can all learn a lot from this idea. This is the reason why he dedicates a good portion of the book to encouraging you to implement careful and deliberate efforts to observe your body's reactions to your environment and to food.

I do find it interesting that he seems to have arrived at a strong "thesis" (that allergies cause problems) and seem to apply that idea to Everything. But because of this, I feel it is important to remember the saying, "when all you have is a hammer, then everything looks like a nail" in order not to fall prey to being too one-dimensional in solving an obviously complex problem.

[Kathy Gerend-Meinking · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the best work on allergies I've seen. It delves into causes of illness, including air pollution, climate change, longer pollen seasons, toxic chemicals in personal care and household products, dust, fast and processed foods, antibiotics, and a body's unbalanced internal ecology of microbes.

I was disappointed, though, that it doesn't address the toxicity of U.S. water. Of course, drinking and bathing water needs to be purified with chemicals like chlorine, which is regulated by the EPA. However, the EPA does not regulate usage of the halide bromine, which displaces iodine and leads to hypothyroidism and other diseases. Much of the Western World considers bromine a dangerous chemical; the EU banned it in 1990 and Canada in 1994. Still in America, it's used with impugnity as a water purifier. Another allergy solution would be for the U.S. to follow suit.

[Vasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bad: nothing in specific.

The good: a comprehensive and informative manual on dealing with allergies, both on the macro level (environment) and the micro level (diet, activities, daily exposure to certain substances). Well-rounded and very informative overall.

[✩ lauren ✩ · Rating 5 out of 5]

another non-fiction, who am i? but anyway i'm still emo over the fact that i'm allergic to dogs :(

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of interesting information on how allergies can be the root cause of many other issues. I will be trying several of the very practical tips from the book to see if any of my various medical conditions improve, especially subtle things like digestive discomfort. Easy things to try include drinking oolong tea and alkaline water, and supplementing with probiotics and zinc.

I did find the book somewhat hard to read at times because the writing itself is not great. But I do really appreciate the presentation of how many health issues are interrelated and can be greatly improved by proper nutrition. This is something I have had several doctors completely dismiss and this book makes me feel vindicated.

[Richard Peat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent read covering the full range of symptoms people usually associate with allergies, but also highlighting how some apparently unrelated symptoms can be associated with allergies as well.

The book is very much pitched at a non-medically qualified consumer level, but has an extensive references section for anybody wanting more detail.

The book also offers suggestions for potential treatments, but always recommending taking the book along to your doctor.

The author provides a variety of examples from his case files showing the effects of allergies and how they were ultimately treated.

If you're an allergy sufferer, or even if you have some symptoms that seem to not be able to be treated this is well worth a read.

[Dennis Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took quite a while for me to complete this book, but it was worth it. It is full of useful information in taking back your health. I must confess, that I purchased a number of copies to giveaway as gifts to a few friends who are very health-conscious. Personally, I have found myself referring to this book a number of times for a better understanding of the material presented. One thing is certain after reading this book, it is ultimately up to us to take an active role in our own well-being. Pills and drugs aren't always the solution to every health issue that we may face in life.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tips for allergy sufferers

This book is very detailed, it provides a scientifically researched way from allergies to a healthier life. However, the advices in this book is complex and takes a long time, this is no short term solution and requires a lot of effort. Also, most of the tips need the backing of a doctor for each specific case. In summary, the advice is to heat a whole food, mainly plant based diet and exercise.

[Shanna Klutts · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this had some relevant to me and my health journey info, it was poorly written and cobbled together. It felt very much like an info-mercial and then switched from that into heavy medical jargon that if you were not aware of the terms because you don’t have the condition would read like a complete foreign language. There were good, solid bits of medical advice, however I don’t recommend reading the whole book. Skimming to what you need is recommended, and then go discuss it with your dr.

[Denis Romanovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent book about allergies of a practitioner doctor. Some not too shallow explanations on source of the disease and ways to treat. A very good point on cascade reactions through the body. Lots of experimental proofs.

Well, it's not a solution for all the cases in the end, but still some good advice on how to correct lifestyle to manage allergies better.

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great information, but got tired of the author telling us readers to bring this book to our doctors office in order to educate them. Respectfully, my doctor would laugh in my face. This is why we seek out extra information like in the book.

[Alicia Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information! I can't wait to see if my allergies improve.

[Denae · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have any allergies, you may want to start by looking at your diet. This book will walk you through the process... good luck!

[Jesus Garcia Plascencia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Al inicio se siente como mera propanganda para el peograma que recomienda llevar, pero si llega a tener datos interesantes

[Kara Rowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Karen Cockerill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting book. I loved mixture or research, case studies and practical tips to refining your allergies. I started the power wash midway through the book - I was that inspired. If you have an unexplained disease, asthma, sinus issues, gut issues or simply can't lose weight despite health eating and exercise then this book is for you.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice, science based approach to medicine-free, or limited medication allergy treatment.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for review through NetGalley and am so glad I did. I've suffered from allergies my entire life, and this book explained more than I've learned anywhere else. In fact, some issues I've had are likely to be allergy-related and I hadn't realized.

The author does mention a wide range of issues that can be caused by allergies, everything from the common itchy eyes and runny nose to certain skin conditions and migraines. However, as he describes the science behind allergic reactions and provides some case studies to illustrate patient experiences, his comments made sense. The book is heavily supported with reference to the scientific literature and a number of studies are cited for each major point, as well as many minor ones.

The book discusses what allergies are and how the body produces allergic reactions. It goes into different types of reactions and the interaction between oral and skin exposures and how they can lead to different responses. The reasons why we see allergies more now than in the past are discussed. Then the author talks about the different ways we can go about reducing our exposure to allergens, identifying what hidden allergens (particularly food-related) we may be reacting to, and how to strengthen the body's immune system. He also goes into asthma and the role allergies play in stimulating asthma as well as diet and lifestyle approaches to reducing or eliminating asthma attacks.

I really liked that the author focuses on lifestyle and strengthening the body rather than taking medication. He does include an elimination diet with a plan to bring in different foods over a couple of weeks. He also discusses dietary means to strengthen the immune response through antioxidants.

What I missed were some of the details. For instance, in the elimination diet you bring back wheat, but not yeasted breads. However, he doesn't have you bring in yeast at any specific point, despite mentioning that some people are allergic to it. He encourages the reader to stop using sugar (in all its forms) due to its influence on blood sugar, Candida/yeast, and inflammation. But, he doesn't tie it in specifically to allergy, just to skin reactions and other symptoms. Also, he states that people should not start the diet to identify food allergies if they have an allergy to nickle until they have dealt with that allergy. However, he doesn't tell you how to address the nickle allergy (which I assume is through avoidance and a low-nickle diet) so you can take that next step.

Overall, I found I learned a lot of material that was of use to me in explaining my own symptoms as well as symptoms of others I know. Any issues I have can easily be addressed by discussing them with an allergist.

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Allergy Solution: Unlock the Surprising, Hidden Truth about Why You are Sick and How to Get Well by Leo Galland and Jonathan Galland

353 Pages
Publisher: Hay House, Hay House Inc.
Release Date: May 10, 2016

Nonfiction, Health, Body, Mind, Spirit, Immunity, Diet, Healing

The book is divided into the following chapters.

Chapter 1: The Many Faces of Allergy
Chapter 2: How Did We Get So Sick?
Chapter 3: You’re Overreacting: Immunity out of Balance
Chapter 4: Cracking the Code: Unmasking Hidden Allergies
Chapter 5: Mission Detoxable
Chapter 6: The Three-Day Power Wash
Chapter 7: The Re-entry Food Challenge
Chapter 8: The Immune Balance Diet
Chapter 9: Are Allergies Making You Fat?
Chapter 10: Mind-Body Healing
Chapter 11: More Than Just a Runny Nose: Nasal and Sinus Allergies
Chapter 12: Every Breath You Take: Asthma
Chapter 13: The Super Allergy-Fighting Antioxidant
Chapter 14: What Happens in Your Gut Doesn’t Stay in Your Gut

This book is an overall look at allergies and their causes. The author has an easy-to-understand writing style. I was aware of much of this information because I have been dealing with allergies and food reactions for almost twenty years. I found the section about acid reducing medications very interesting since I have dealt with GERD for years. If you have allergies or want to improve your health, this would be a great read.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t really know how to rate a “diet” or health book, because I’ve never really read one before - and it’s more of an experience than just a read. The book is helpful, although sometimes I wish there had been more detail, except that it’s plenty long already. The writing itself is like a three-star situation. But the actual content and the whole diet/protocol deserves five stars, because it’s really, really helping me with allergy issues I have had my whole life. I’m modifying it a bit (good luck drinking that immune smoothie without modifying it. Dear god, hot tea in a smoothie is just..no). He makes many connections that I hadn’t ever made about the root causes of allergy and factors that influence it. Galland suggests supplements, lifestyle changes and other tips that have been helpful so far for me. I like that he describes the scientific studies he gets his info from and also cites experience from his practice. I am just so grateful to see a doctor addressing allergies from a whole body perspective. Get it and try it if you have allergies!

[Heidi | Paper Safari Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a sufferer of allergies both food and nature this book was an eye opener, particularly the part about the sulfite allergy. I have a severe sulfite allergy and to read that others have this and that it contributes to asthma (which I have) and other ailments really gave me pause and I will be discussing with my doctor about his treatments (I have a holistic doctor who won't think this is weird at all)

While Dr. Gallands experiences, case studies and methods may not resinate with everyone, those who are at the end of their rope or not enamored with western medicine may want to run out and pick this up, it might not only be an eye opener but also a life saver.

[Andrea Bolaños · Rating 2 out of 5]

No se que opinar de este libro, primero que nada tiene temas demasiado generales y puedes llegar a ser tedioso y muy difícil de entender, no te da una solución específica te da diferentes temas para la solución de alegrías y varias enfermedades pero realmente es demasiado difícil auto diagnosticarse algo con lo que te da el libro, sin embargo toca uno que otro tema interesante pero no lo recomiendo en general