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Food Sensitivities services offered in Portland, OR
Food sensitivities - reactions to foods that are not true IgE-mediated allergies - are among the most underrecognized drivers of chronic symptoms. Naturopathic physicians Rebecca Sand ND and Elizabeth Emrick ND at Open Wellness PDX identify and
address food sensitivities as part of a comprehensive approach to gut health, immune regulation, and inflammation. Call the Portland office, request a telehealth visit, or book online.
Food Sensitivities Q&A
What are food sensitivities?
Unlike true food allergies which involve an immediate IgE response, food sensitivities involve delayed immune reactions - typically IgG or IgA mediated - that can cause symptoms hours to days after exposure. This makes them notoriously difficult to identify without testing or a structured elimination protocol. Common symptoms driven by food sensitivities include bloating and digestive discomfort, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues including eczema and acne, joint pain, headaches, and mood changes.
Common food sensitivity triggers include gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, nightshades, and high-histamine foods - though any food can potentially drive a response in a sensitized individual.
What causes food sensitivities?
Food sensitivities are almost always secondary to intestinal permeability (leaky gut). When the gut lining is inflamed or damaged, incompletely digested food particles enter systemic circulation and trigger immune responses. Addressing food sensitivities effectively therefore requires healing the gut - not just avoiding trigger foods indefinitely. At Open Wellness PDX, treatment combines individualized elimination protocols, comprehensive gut assessment, gut healing, nutrient optimization, and immune support to address the root cause rather than simply manage triggers.
To get started, call 503-770-0670, request a telehealth visit, or book online.