
Food Allergies
Uncover the foods silently sabotaging your health. Dr. Marshall identifies hidden food reactions, heals the gut, and helps restore tolerance—so you can eat with confidence again.
Food Allergies & Sensitivities
Heal the Gut, Calm the Immune System – Dr. Brenda Marshall, MD
Food should nourish—not inflame. But for many people, seemingly healthy foods can quietly trigger immune responses that lead to digestive distress, brain fog, skin issues, fatigue, and more.
Dr. Brenda Marshall helps patients identify and treat food-related sensitivities at the root—using advanced testing and gut-healing strategies to support long-term relief and resilience.
What’s the Difference Between Allergy and Sensitivity?
- Food Allergies are immediate immune responses (typically IgE mediated) that can cause rashes, swelling, or even anaphylaxis.
- Food Sensitivities are delayed immune responses (often IgG, IgA, or T-cell mediated) that can cause subtle but chronic symptoms—sometimes days after eating the food.
Many people suffer from sensitivities without realizing it, especially when symptoms are vague or intermittent.
Symptoms of Food Sensitivities May Include:
- Bloating, gas, or constipation
- IBS or irregular bowel movements
- Fatigue or "crash" after meals
- Brain fog or mood swings
- Sinus congestion or post-nasal drip
- Joint pain or muscle aches
- Acne, eczema, or rosacea
- Headaches or migraines
- Autoimmune flares
How Dr. Marshall Treats Food Sensitivities
Rather than just eliminating foods indefinitely, Dr. Marshall focuses on identifying why your body is reacting—whether it's leaky gut, immune overactivation, enzyme deficiencies, or hidden infections.
Her personalized plan may include:
- Targeted food sensitivity testing (IgG, IgA, or lymphocyte activation tests)
- Elimination and reintroduction diets for clear symptom tracking
- Digestive enzyme or hydrochloric acid support
- Gut healing protocols (e.g., L-glutamine, probiotics, anti-inflammatories)
- Immune modulation to reduce reactivity and restore tolerance
“Food sensitivities aren’t just about restriction—they’re about understanding. Once we calm the gut and immune system, many foods can be reintroduced safely over time.” – Dr. Brenda Marshall

🌿 The Hidden Role of Environmental Triggers
Food sensitivities don’t always start with the food itself. Toxins from our environment—like mold, heavy metals, pesticides, or chemical exposures—can overwhelm the body’s detox systems and prime the immune system to overreact.
When detox pathways are sluggish, your body is more likely to react to otherwise harmless foods.
Dr. Marshall addresses this through:
- Detox support using nutrients like glutathione, NAC, and binders
- Liver and lymphatic support to clear inflammatory byproducts
- Reducing toxic exposures in your home, diet, and body care
- Restoring gut-liver axis function for proper immune regulation
Food reactions are often a red flag that your immune system is overwhelmed. By clearing the toxic load, we can reduce food reactivity and support full-body healing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know if I have a food sensitivity vs. an allergy?
A: Food sensitivities often show up as delayed symptoms—like bloating, fatigue, or skin issues—while allergies cause more immediate reactions like swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing. Dr. Marshall tests for both to ensure no trigger is missed.
Q: What kind of testing do you offer for food sensitivities?
A: Depending on your needs, Dr. Marshall may use IgG/IgA panels, elimination diets, or lymphocyte response testing (such as MRT or ALCAT). These help pinpoint subtle reactions that conventional allergy tests often miss.
Q: Will I have to eliminate many foods permanently?
A: Not usually. Dr. Marshall’s goal is to reduce inflammation and repair gut integrity so many foods can eventually be reintroduced. Long-term restriction is rarely necessary with the right healing plan.
Q: Can food sensitivities cause autoimmune flare-ups or brain fog?
A: Yes. Chronic exposure to trigger foods can overstimulate the immune system and increase inflammation, often worsening autoimmune conditions and neurological symptoms. Identifying these foods can be a game-changer.
Q: How long does it take to feel better after removing sensitive foods?
A: Some patients feel improvement within days; for others, full relief may take several weeks as the immune system calms and gut health is restored.
Conditions Dr. Marshall Helps You Overcome
With over 30 years of experience in integrative and functional medicine, Dr. Brenda Marshall offers highly personalized care for the real conditions her patients face—from hormone imbalances and digestive distress to fatigue, anxiety, and environmental toxicity. Her science-based protocols are designed to uncover and treat the root cause—not just the symptoms—so you can reclaim your energy, balance, and long-term wellness.