Have you ever struggled with persistent symptoms—fatigue, migraines, digestive discomfort, or joint pain—that seem to defy diagnosis? If so, you’re not alone. Many individuals suffer from chronic symptoms that go unrecognized or unresolved by conventional approaches. One often overlooked culprit is food sensitivities.

Unlike food allergies, which cause immediate and sometimes life-threatening reactions, or  food intolerances, which are non-immune related (like lactose intolerance), food sensitivities involve a delayed immune response—sometimes appearing up to 72 hours after eating. These reactions are mediated by IgG and IgA antibodies and can lead to a wide range of symptoms, often far removed from the digestive system. This includes headaches, brain fog, skin issues, mood disorders, asthma and even autoimmune flares and more.

Why Are Food Sensitivities So Hard to Spot?

Because symptoms appear hours or days later, identifying problematic foods can be incredibly challenging without targeted testing or structured elimination diets. Many people live for years—sometimes decades—thinking their symptoms are just “normal” for them. In my own clinical experience, I’ve seen significant improvement in conditions like asthma, GERD, rashes, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue simply by uncovering and removing trigger foods.

Take, for example, a patient of mine who, years ago, was on eight medications and seeing multiple specialists for asthma, GERD, and fibromyalgia. Through a strict elimination diet, we discovered her triggers: wheat, tomatoes, and red wine. After removing these foods, she was off seven of her eight medications and felt better than she had in years. Her asthma resolved, her digestive issues disappeared, and her pain diminished significantly. She even lost 20 pounds!

Testing Options: What Works and What Doesn’t

While elimination diets are highly effective, they are also time-consuming and difficult to maintain. Fortunately, several lab tests now help identify food sensitivities more efficiently:

• IgG4 testing looks at antibody exposure but doesn’t always correlate with symptoms.
• ALCAT testing (Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test) evaluates how your immune cells react to specific foods and chemicals. Unlike antibody-based tests, ALCAT measures cellular changes in leukocytes (white blood cells) and platelets, when exposed to various antigens. The test uses a technology called impedance-based flow cytometry, which assesses changes in size and volume of immune cells after exposure to foods. When reactive foods are introduced, immune cells may swell, shrink, or otherwise change—indicating an inflammatory response. The addition of platelet reactivity helps ALCAT assess broader immune activation and inflammation, particularly important in low-grade chronic responses. This type of testing can reveal food sensitivities even in the absence of measurable antibodies, providing valuable insights for individuals with unexplained symptoms.
• The FIT 176 test by KBMO Diagnostics, my preferred tool, looks at two different immune reactions—IgG 1-4 antibodies and complement (C3d)—to find foods that may actually be causing your symptoms. By checking both, it’s more accurate and less likely to flag foods that aren’t truly a problem. This means we can focus on the foods most likely to be affecting your health and leave the rest alone. It also includes a gut barrier panel that checks for markers like Candida, Zonulin, Occludin, and LPS—key indicators of leaky gut and gut permeability. To quote Dr. Alessio Fasano, who is a leading researcher on gut disorders and also discovered Zonulin, “All disease begins in the leaky gut.”

In fact, my practitioner ordered this test for me and I was surprised to learn that many of my most reactive foods were ones I ate regularly, including everyday foods like eggs, chicken, carrots, and whole wheat. Even though I didn’t feel acutely ill, I noticed my severe scalp itching has resolved, and occasional joint aches decreased significantly when I removed these foods from my diet.

Moving Forward: Personalized Care for True Healing

Understanding your unique immune responses to food can be a game-changer for your health. At MD Wellness Soulutions, I offer personalized consultations, testing options, and coaching to help you get to the root of your symptoms and reclaim your well-being. Every journey begins with a conversation—your “Inner-View” session, a focused 30-minute meeting designed to understand your goals and determine the best path forward.

Whether you’re ready to explore testing, try an elimination diet, or want support with symptoms that haven’t improved with traditional care, I invite you to reach out. Your body is always talking—it’s time we start listening. Contact me at MDWellnessSoulutions.com.