Do you ever feel like your body is trying to tell you something after you eat? Maybe certain meals leave you bloated, tired, or uncomfortable. Or perhaps you’ve noticed that some foods just don’t sit well with you, but you can’t figure out why. At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we understand how frustrating it can be to feel like your food is working against you instead of fueling your health.
Food allergies and sensitivities often go unnoticed, quietly affecting your well-being. Identifying and addressing these issues can be transformative—helping you reclaim your energy, comfort, and confidence in your body.
Signs Your Body Might Be Reacting to Food
Food reactions can manifest in subtle ways that are easy to overlook or misattribute to other causes. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained symptoms, food could be the underlying factor. Here are common signs to watch for:
- Digestive Issues: Abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, or nausea.
- Inflammation: Chronic swelling, joint discomfort, or stiffness.
- Fatigue: Feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep.
- Headaches: Recurring or unexplained migraines.
- Histamine Responses: Rashes, hives, throat irritation, or severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to explore how your body responds to certain foods. Even “healthy” foods can sometimes trigger unwanted reactions.
Allergies vs. Sensitivities: What’s the Difference?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “What’s the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?” Understanding this distinction is essential to finding the right solution.
Food Allergies
A true allergy triggers an immediate immune response, often releasing histamines into the bloodstream. Symptoms can range from mild itching or hives to more severe swelling and breathing difficulties. In some cases, allergies can be life-threatening, requiring emergency care.
Food Sensitivities
Unlike allergies, sensitivities cause delayed immune responses that are harder to detect. The body perceives certain foods as irritants, triggering inflammation hours—or even days—after consumption. This may lead to bloating, nausea, fatigue, or headaches.
While less severe than allergies, sensitivities can cause chronic inflammation, which contributes to long-term health issues if left unaddressed.
Struggling with Food Sensitivities? Get Tested
Why Food Sensitivities Matter
Chronic inflammation from food sensitivities doesn’t just make you uncomfortable—it can affect your entire body. Persistent inflammation has been linked to conditions such as joint pain, digestive disorders, migraines, and even skin problems.
The effects of sensitivities are cumulative, meaning repeated exposure to problematic foods can worsen symptoms over time. Identifying and eliminating these triggers can reduce inflammation, restore balance, and support overall vitality.
How We Can Help
At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we take a holistic, science-based approach to uncovering and addressing food allergies and sensitivities. Here’s how we help you find clarity and lasting relief:
Comprehensive Testing
We begin with advanced yet affordable lab testing to identify both food allergies and sensitivities. These insights help us understand how your body reacts to specific foods, so we can design an effective plan.
Customized Nutrition Plans
Using your test results, we create a nutrition plan that’s tailored to you—not a generic diet. You’ll learn which foods to avoid and which to embrace for improved energy, digestion, and well-being.
Targeted Care for Inflammation
Beyond dietary guidance, we offer therapies to reduce inflammation and physical discomfort caused by food reactions. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, pain, or digestive upset, we’ll help you address the root cause and restore balance.
Even if you feel generally healthy, testing can uncover hidden sensitivities that quietly undermine your wellness. Removing these triggers can lead to clearer skin, better digestion, and more consistent energy.
Real Stories, Real Results
We’ve helped countless patients identify food sensitivities and reclaim their quality of life.
“Dr. Ann has helped me move through digestive issues I’ve struggled with for years. After just six months of weekly appointments, my digestion improved drastically. When I took a short break from treatment, I immediately noticed a decline. Dr. Ann truly looks at the whole person, considering every aspect of health when creating a treatment plan. She’s an amazing practitioner and person!”
Take the First Step Toward Better Health
Imagine waking up every day feeling energized, comfortable, and in control of your health. That’s possible when you uncover and address hidden food triggers.
At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Through comprehensive testing and personalized care, we’ll help you discover which foods nourish your body—and which ones hold you back.
Book your appointment today or call us to start your journey toward lasting wellness.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?
Allergies trigger immediate immune reactions, while sensitivities cause delayed, inflammation-based responses like bloating or fatigue.
What are common symptoms of food sensitivities?
Symptoms include digestive issues, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and skin irritation.
How does Functional Medicine test for food allergies and sensitivities?
We use specialized lab testing, elimination diets, and gut health assessments to identify problematic foods.
Can food sensitivities cause digestive issues?
Yes, sensitivities can lead to bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and inflammation in the gut.
How long does it take to identify food triggers?
Elimination diets take 3–6 weeks, while lab tests can offer quicker results.
Can food sensitivities lead to chronic conditions?
Yes, chronic exposure to trigger foods can contribute to autoimmune diseases, migraines, and inflammatory conditions.
Are food allergies permanent?
Some allergies last a lifetime, but sensitivities often improve through gut healing and dietary changes.
Can gut health affect food sensitivities?
Absolutely. Poor gut health increases permeability, allowing food particles to trigger immune responses.
What foods commonly cause sensitivities?
Dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, nuts, and processed foods are common triggers.
How can I manage food sensitivities?
Work with a Functional Medicine provider to identify trigger foods, support gut healing, and create a customized nutrition plan.