Recent studies show that 15–20% of adults experience food sensitivities or allergies, though only a small portion are true IgE-mediated allergies (the kind that cause anaphylaxis). The majority involve IgG-mediated food intolerances, which trigger delayed immune reactions that can lead to chronic inflammation and digestive discomfort.

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As a Functional Nutritional Therapist, I view identifying food sensitivities as a foundational step toward restoring health. Both clinical evidence and practitioner experience suggest that food sensitivities are increasingly common — driven by factors such as microbiome imbalances, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), impaired digestion (low stomach acid and enzymes), and chemical or pesticide exposure (notably glyphosate, which further disrupts gut integrity).

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Food allergies VS food sensitivities

Both food sensitivities and food allergies trigger immune reactions, but they differ greatly in timing, severity, and immune pathways.

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Food allergies activate the IgE immune response, causing an immediate and sometimes life-threatening reaction. Symptoms—such as hives, throat swelling, or anaphylaxis—occur within minutes of eating the offending food. Roughly 15 million Americans, including 1 in 13 children, have food allergies. The top culprits include eggs, milk, soy, peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat.

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Food sensitivities, on the other hand, involve a delayed IgG-mediated immune response, with symptoms appearing up to 72 hours later. These may include digestive issues, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, or skin flare-ups, making them harder to identify. Chronic exposure to reactive foods can fuel ongoing inflammation and immune dysfunction.

Identifying sensitivities—through targeted food sensitivity testing or a guided elimination diet—is key to calming inflammation, supporting gut repair, and improving overall health.

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What causes food sensitivities?                                                                           

Food sensitivities often stem from underlying imbalances rather than the foods themselves. One of the most common drivers is leaky gut syndrome (intestinal hyperpermeability), where the gut lining becomes too porous. This allows undigested food particles and toxins to slip into the bloodstream, triggering immune activation and antibody production.

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Other contributing factors include gut microbiome imbalances, chronic stress, and exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, food additives, and preservatives. Over time, these stressors can overwhelm the immune system, making it more likely to overreact to everyday foods.

 

Ready to find out more?

Vibrant America's peptide-level testing is a highly advanced and accurate way to test for food sensitivities. It takes a detailed approach by focusing on individual peptide fragments of proteins in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the body's reactivity to specific foods. This testing method is ideal for individuals who need to be 100% certain about their food sensitivities and the impact they have on their overall health. Learn more, here.

 

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