Chris Brookes-Smith, 28, from Northamptonshire, UK, lived in constant fear due to a severe peanut allergy that once caused a near-fatal reaction after eating a curry.
+
Activities like dining out or traveling became stressful experiences. His family worried constantly until his mother discovered a clinical trial at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
+
The trial tested whether adults with serious peanut allergies could be desensitized. Starting with tiny amounts of peanut powder mixed with yogurt, Chris gradually built up tolerance over nine months. By the end, he could eat the equivalent of five peanuts without reaction.
+
The trial was medically supervised at all times, and you should absolutely NOT do this on your own if you are allergic.
+
Now Chris eats four peanuts every morning with breakfast to maintain his tolerance. Despite still disliking the flavor, he says knowing he can safely consume something that once caused a “nuclear meltdown” in his body has transformed his life.
+
“I’m no longer afraid of dying,” he commented.
—
h/t: BBC
Photos: Kings College London, Chris Brookes-Smith
•••