Understanding Food Reactions, Gut Health, and the Power of Anti-Inflammatory Eating
Could the Food You Eat Be the Reason You Don’t Feel Your Best? with Dr. Tracy Tranchitella, ND
Most of us have experienced an upset stomach, headache, or skin flare-up and brushed it off as random. But what if those nagging symptoms were your body trying to tell you something — like, hey, that food’s not working for me?
At Sunrise Functional Medicine, Dr. Tracy Tranchitella works with patients every day to uncover the hidden connections between the foods we eat and how we feel — and for many, the answer lies in understanding food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities.
It’s Not Always Just an Allergy
When people hear “food reaction,” they often think of dramatic allergic responses — hives, swelling, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis. And yes, true food allergies involve the immune system going into high alert over proteins in foods like peanuts, shellfish, eggs, or dairy. Symptoms often show up within minutes.
But here’s where it gets more complicated — not all food-related issues are true allergies. Some are intolerances or sensitivities, and they tend to fly under the radar, causing long-term discomfort that’s harder to pinpoint.
What’s the Difference?
Food Allergies
Involve the immune system and cause immediate, often obvious reactions.
Food Intolerances
Usually stem from digestive issues, like when your body lacks the enzymes to break down certain foods. A classic example? Lactose intolerance — when dairy leaves you feeling bloated, achy, or worse.
Food Sensitivities
These are the sneaky ones. You might not notice anything right away, but over time, eating trigger foods can stir up inflammation, digestive issues, fatigue, headaches, or even mood swings. Gluten sensitivity is one common culprit.
The frustrating part? Food sensitivities can be tough to detect — but left unchecked, they can quietly contribute to bigger health concerns like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraines, or even anxiety and depression.
The Functional Medicine Difference
This is where Dr. Tranchitella’s expertise comes in. Instead of chasing symptoms or offering one-size-fits-all advice, she takes a deeper look at the root cause. Using functional medicine principles, she helps patients:
Identify hidden food triggers through personalized testing and elimination diets
Support gut health to reduce inflammation and improve digestion
Develop a sustainable, nutrient-rich diet that works for their unique body
“Many people don’t realize how much their daily discomfort — fatigue, bloating, joint pain — may be tied to what they’re eating,” says Dr. Tranchitella. “Once we uncover those connections, they often feel empowered to make changes that truly improve their quality of life.”
The Power of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
The goal isn’t just to remove problematic foods — it’s also about adding in the right ones to nourish your gut, calm inflammation, and support your immune system.
Research shows that diets rich in whole, minimally processed foods can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Dr. Tranchitella often encourages patients to start simple:
Eat the rainbow — Colorful fruits and veggies are packed with protective phytonutrients
Choose whole grains — Fiber supports gut health and feeds beneficial bacteria
Incorporate healthy fats — Think olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocado
Spice it up — Herbs like turmeric, black pepper, and saffron aren’t just flavorful — they’re powerful anti-inflammatories too
It doesn’t have to feel restrictive. In fact, many patients discover new favorite meals and ingredients through this process.
It’s Not About a Quick Fix — It’s About Long-Term Wellness
Food reactions and chronic inflammation don’t resolve overnight. But with the right guidance, support, and a little patience, your body can heal.
If you’ve been dealing with unexplained symptoms or just feel like something’s “off,” consider a functional medicine approach with Dr. Tranchitella. Together, you can uncover how your diet and gut health may be playing a role — and create a personalized plan to help you feel your best.
About Dr. Tracy Tranchitella, ND
Dr. Tranchitella believes that health starts with the gut — but it doesn’t stop there. As a Naturopathic Doctor with years of experience in functional medicine, she takes the time to look at the whole picture: digestion, blood sugar, inflammation, hormones, and lifestyle. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based testing, individualized care, and a belief that healing is about more than prescriptions — it’s about empowering people to take back their health, naturally.
Whether you’re struggling with Metabolic Syndrome, digestive issues, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances, Dr. Tranchitella’s goal is to help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface — and give you the tools to feel better, stronger, and more balanced in your everyday life.
Want help unraveling the root causes of your health challenges? Connect with Dr. Tranchitella at Sunrise Functional Medicine and discover a personalized path toward better health. Call us at (951) 461-4800 to get started.