Food sensitivities are delayed or less obvious immune reactions to certain foods that can contribute to a wide range of digestive and systemic symptoms. Unlike immediate food allergies, sensitivities may develop over time and are often more difficult to identify, as symptoms can appear hours to days after exposure. In an integrative medicine model, food sensitivities are viewed not simply as isolated reactions, but as a reflection of underlying gut health imbalance, immune dysregulation, and inflammation.
Rather than focusing solely on food avoidance, an integrative approach combines conventional medical care with evidence-based complementary therapies to identify triggers and address root contributors. These may include intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), gut dysbiosis, chronic inflammation, stress, and environmental factors that influence immune reactivity.
Symptoms can vary widely and often affect multiple systems throughout the body.