Food Allergies
Description
Unlike food allergies, which cause immediate immune responses, food sensitivities and intolerances provoke delayed or subtle symptoms that can affect nearly every system in the body. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, and preservatives. These reactions are often driven by gut permeability, immune imbalance, or enzyme deficiencies (such as with lactose intolerance). In functional medicine, food sensitivities are a clue—not just to dietary triggers but to deeper issues like leaky gut, dysbiosis, candida, or immune dysregulation. Identifying and eliminating offending foods, then restoring gut integrity, is essential to reversing chronic symptoms and restoring tolerance.
Symptoms
Bloating or abdominal discomfort
Gas or irregular bowel movements
Fatigue or brain fog after meals
Skin issues (acne, eczema, hives)
Headaches or migraines
Joint pain
Sinus congestion
Mood swings or irritability
Weight fluctuations
Reflux or nausea
Labs & Testing Options
IgG or IgA food sensitivity panels
Elimination diet with reintroduction
Stool test for gut permeability and microbiome health
Zonulin and DAO levels
Organic acids test (yeast or histamine markers)
Celiac panel (for gluten reaction)
SIBO breath test (if reactive to fermentable foods)
Histamine intolerance assessment (e.g., methylation markers)
Treatment Options
Short-term elimination diet followed by reintroduction
Gut repair (L-glutamine, collagen, zinc carnosine, quercetin)
Anti-inflammatory or low-histamine diet
Digestive enzymes (especially for dairy, gluten, or fats)
Probiotics and prebiotics to support microbiome balance
Biofilm disruptors and antifungals (if candida is involved)
Stress support and nervous system regulation
Retesting or food rotation for long-term tolerance
Feel better by finding your food triggers—start with a simple elimination plan or food sensitivity test.