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Food Sensitivities and Chronic Inflammation: Frequently Asked Questions

Published September 1st, 2025 by Camarata Chiropractic

For many people, chronic pain, fatigue, or brain fog doesn’t have an obvious cause. You might go through countless medical tests, only to be told that everything looks “normal.” But what if the real issue isn’t disease — it’s hidden food sensitivities?

Food sensitivities can trigger low-grade, chronic inflammation that impacts your joints, gut, brain, and overall health. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions patients have about food sensitivities and their connection to chronic inflammation.

What is the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?

A food allergy creates an immediate and often severe immune response, such as swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. Food sensitivities are different. They cause a delayed immune reaction that may not appear for hours or even days. Instead of obvious symptoms, food sensitivities often create ongoing, low-level inflammation that can lead to pain, digestive issues, brain fog, or fatigue.

Can food sensitivities really cause joint pain and chronic inflammation?

Yes. When the immune system reacts to certain foods, it releases inflammatory chemicals that circulate throughout the body. This inflammation doesn’t stay in the gut — it can settle in the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Many people dealing with chronic joint pain, arthritis-like symptoms, or lingering injuries find significant relief when they identify and remove inflammatory foods.

How does leaky gut syndrome make food sensitivities worse?

Leaky gut occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes weakened, allowing food particles and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. Your immune system sees these particles as threats and responds with inflammation. The result is a cycle of inflammation damaging the gut lining further, leading to even more sensitivities. Healing the gut is essential to breaking this cycle.

Why don’t standard medical tests show food sensitivities?

Traditional blood work and allergy panels aren’t designed to detect delayed immune reactions. They measure for immediate allergic responses or look for disease markers. Food sensitivities require specialized testing, such as the KBMO Food Inflammation Test, which measures specific antibodies and inflammatory markers. These tests can reveal sensitivities that standard labs often miss.

What symptoms can food sensitivities cause besides digestive issues?

While digestive problems are common, food sensitivities can impact nearly every system of the body. Symptoms may include:

Chronic joint or muscle pain
Migraines and headaches
Fatigue and low energy
Brain fog or memory issues
Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
Skin conditions like eczema or rashes

Because these symptoms mimic other conditions, food sensitivities are often overlooked.

Can identifying food sensitivities really improve overall health?

Yes. For many patients, identifying and removing inflammatory foods is the key that unlocks true healing. By reducing inflammation at its source, people often see improvements in digestion, pain levels, energy, mood, sleep, and long-term recovery. Addressing food sensitivities allows the body to repair and function as it was designed to.

The Bottom Line

Food sensitivities may be the missing link for those struggling with chronic pain, inflammation, or unexplained health challenges. By uncovering your unique triggers, you give your body the chance to heal naturally — without masking symptoms or relying on endless medications.