Understanding Food Sensitivities
flourish naturopathic
Find Clarity and Feel Better
If you suspect that certain foods might be affecting your digestion, energy, skin or other symptoms, you’re not alone. Many people come to our Victoria, B.C, naturopathic clinic feeling frustrated and confused about which foods truly support their health.
Your body has a story to tell, and sometimes food can be part of it. We help you explore the connection in a safe and structured way — so you can feel confident about what’s right for your body.
Food Allergy vs. Food Sensitivity
There's an important difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity:
True Food Allergies
True food allergies (like peanut or shellfish allergies) involve an IgE antibody reaction and can cause immediate, sometimes dangerous responses such as swelling, hives, or anaphylaxis. These should be diagnosed by a medical allergist.
Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities are different. They don’t cause immediate, life-threatening reactions — but they can still have a powerful impact on how you feel. Sensitivities often lead to delayed or subtle symptoms like bloating, fatigue, skin issues, joint pain, or brain fog.
There isn’t a single perfect test that captures every food sensitivity, but through a careful health history, examination, and targeted lab testing, we can uncover the connections between your symptoms and your diet.
Our Naturopathic Approach
We don’t believe in restrictive eating for the sake of it. Our goal is to help you enjoy food again — not fear it.
Once we identify your potential triggers, we’ll look at the bigger picture:
The health of your digestive system and microbiome
Your immune and nervous system balance
Patterns of inflammation or stress that may be amplifying symptoms
With this full picture, we’ll create a personalized healing plan that supports your digestion, reduces sensitivities, and helps you feel confident about what’s on your plate.
Over time, this approach can help you reintroduce foods successfully, enjoy a more varied diet, and maintain long-term gut health.
Common Symptoms Linked to Food Sensitivities
You may benefit from naturopathic care if you experience:
Bloating, gas, or irregular digestion
Fatigue or brain fog after meals
Headaches or sinus congestion
Skin issues like eczema or acne
Joint pain or inflammation
Mood changes or irritability
Ready to Learn What Your Body’s Been Telling You?
If you’re tired of guessing what foods work for you — and ready for clear answers — we can help. Book a consultation at Flourish in Victoria, BC, and start building a healthier, more confident relationship with food.