Food Allergies & Sensitivities • Suntree, Melbourne, Florida

Food Allergies & Food Sensitivities

Root-cause evaluation, targeted testing, and a personalized plan to help you feel better.

Food reactions can be confusing—especially when symptoms overlap. At the Center for Antiaging Aesthetic and Rejuvenation Medicine PLLC, triple board-certified physician Yale (Yoel) R. Smith, MD uses a thorough clinical approach to help identify possible food allergies and sensitivities, then tailors a plan to your needs.

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Allergies vs. sensitivities—why the distinction matters

A true food allergy involves the immune system and can be severe. Food intolerance/sensitivity often involves non-immune mechanisms and typically causes digestive or other discomfort, but it can still significantly affect quality of life. Sources: NIAID (NIH), Mayo Clinic

  • NIAID notes food allergy affects nearly 11% of adults in the U.S. Source: NIAID (NIH)
  • The FDA lists the major food allergens as the “Big 9”: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. Source: FDA
  • Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency; prompt treatment with epinephrine is standard of care. Sources: NIAID guidelines (patient summary), AAAAI/ACAAI 2023 practice parameter

What are food allergies?

Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts abnormally to a food protein. Reactions can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can lead to anaphylaxis (a life-threatening emergency).

Common food allergens (the “Big 9”)

  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Wheat
  • Soybeans
  • Fish
  • Crustacean shellfish
  • Sesame
Source: U.S. FDA major allergens list.

Food sensitivity vs. allergy

Symptoms can overlap, but the mechanism differs. With food allergy, the immune system is involved. With intolerance/sensitivity, symptoms may be driven by digestion or other non-immune pathways.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, NIAID (NIH).

Symptoms of food allergies

Food allergy symptoms can include skin, GI, respiratory, and cardiovascular symptoms. Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) can restrict breathing and cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.

Possible allergy symptoms

  • Hives or itching
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Tongue or throat swelling
  • Weak pulse, dizziness
  • Paleness or bluish skin
Source: Mayo Clinic.

Anaphylaxis is an emergency

If you have a diagnosed life-threatening food allergy, your clinician may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector and advise you to keep it accessible at all times.

Emergency note: If you suspect anaphylaxis (trouble breathing, throat swelling, fainting, severe symptoms), call 911 immediately.
Sources: NIAID food allergy guidelines (patient summary), AAAAI/ACAAI anaphylaxis practice parameter.

Symptoms of food sensitivities

Food sensitivities can produce uncomfortable symptoms and may be mistaken for allergies. Evaluation can help clarify patterns, triggers, and next steps.

Common sensitivity symptoms

  • Abdominal pain or upset stomach
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Gas and bloating
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
Symptoms overlap across conditions; a clinician can help rule out other causes. (See overview: Mayo Clinic.)

How are food allergies and sensitivities treated?

Dr. Smith begins with a comprehensive evaluation and may recommend functional medicine testing when clinically appropriate. Your plan may include identifying trigger foods, structured nutrition strategies, and targeted support to help improve gut function and overall health.

Important: If you have a confirmed severe food allergy, follow your clinician’s emergency plan and carry epinephrine if prescribed. Sources: NIAID guidelines, AAAAI/ACAAI 2023 practice parameter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers with references to trusted medical sources.

Food allergy involves the immune system and can be severe or life-threatening. Food sensitivity/intolerance often involves non-immune mechanisms (frequently digestive) and may cause discomfort but typically does not cause anaphylaxis. Sources: NIAID (NIH), Mayo Clinic
In the U.S., the FDA lists the major food allergens as milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. Source: FDA
NIAID notes that food allergy affects nearly 11% of adults in the United States. Source: NIAID (NIH)
Symptoms such as trouble breathing, throat swelling, fainting/dizziness, or widespread hives with other body-system involvement can indicate anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency. Sources: NIAID guidelines (patient summary), AAAAI/ACAAI 2023 practice parameter
Management often includes identifying and avoiding trigger foods, reading labels carefully, and following an emergency plan if you have severe allergy. If epinephrine is prescribed, guidelines emphasize prompt treatment for anaphylaxis. Sources: NIAID guidelines, FDA major allergens

Request an Appointment

Use the form below for non-urgent requests. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, call 911.

What to expect

We’ll review your symptoms, history, and suspected triggers, and discuss testing options and a personalized plan.

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