By O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, Saint Paul, MN
651 292 8072 | improveurhealth.com
SUMMARY
Many people think food allergies only mean hives and an EpiPen. In reality, immune reactions to foods and even low grade smoldering infections can quietly drive fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, skin issues, gut trouble, mood changes, and autoimmune flares. Functional medicine connects these dots and identifies upstream triggers so you can actually feel better, not just chase symptoms.
WHY THE CONNECTION GETS MISSED
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Symptoms can be delayed by 12 to 72 hours after a food.
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Multiple systems are involved including skin brain joints gut sinuses bladder and mood.
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Hidden infections for example strep colonization keep the immune system on high alert and lower tolerance to foods.
SYMPTOMS YOU MIGHT NOT REALIZE CAN BE FOOD OR IMMUNE DRIVEN
Skin and Airways
Eczema psoriasis hives flushing mystery rashes
Nasal congestion post nasal drip recurrent sinus pressure
Chronic throat clearing cough lump in throat
Brain and Mood
Brain fog word finding issues headaches or migraines
Anxiety irritability low mood sleep disruption
Joints and Muscles
Achy or stiff joints tendon pain rusty feeling on waking
Muscle tightness restless legs
Gut and Metabolism
Bloating constipation or diarrhea reflux nausea
IBS like pain food sits like a rock sugar cravings
Blood sugar swings afternoon energy crashes
Urinary and Female Health
Bladder urgency or frequency without infection
PMS or PMDD flares menstrual migraines perimenopause symptom spikes
Immune and Autoimmune
Flares in Hashimoto’s rheumatoid arthritis psoriasis IBD or other autoimmune conditions
Persistent low energy after an illness that never fully resolves
ALLERGIES VS SENSITIVITIES VS INTOLERANCES
IgE Allergy immediate Minutes to hours after exposure itching hives swelling wheeze anaphylaxis
Delayed Sensitivity IgG or cell mediated Hours to days gut skin brain joints and more
Intolerance non immune Difficulty digesting a component for example lactose FODMAPs histamine symptoms are often dose dependent
Histamine Intolerance or MCAS like patterns Flushing itching headaches congestion anxiety insomnia
Cross reactivity Proteins in pollen or latex can resemble foods for example birch pollen and apples triggering oral or systemic symptoms
THE AUTOIMMUNE LINK WHY FOOD AND INFECTIONS MATTER
Molecular mimicry Immune responses to microbes or foods resemble your tissues
Increased intestinal permeability leaky gut Larger fragments from food or microbes engage the immune system
Chronic immune activation Ongoing triggers keep inflammatory signaling high and can prime or worsen autoimmune activity
HIDDEN LOW GRADE INFECTIONS STREP AND FRIENDS
Streptococcal carriage in the throat sinuses or tonsils can be silent yet inflammatory contributing to sore throats sinus issues and systemic immune activation. In children post strep immune reactions can affect behavior and neurologic symptoms known as PANDAS or PANS. Adults may have recurrent throat or sinus flares and increased reactivity to foods.
Other suspects Chronic sinusitis with biofilms SIBO H pylori Candida overgrowth periodontal disease and viral reactivations such as EBV. Each can lower food tolerance thresholds.
HOW FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE FINDS ROOT CAUSES
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Detailed Timeline and Symptom Mapping
Identify what changed before symptoms began including infections stress medications travel and diet.
Use a food and symptom journal paying attention to the 12 to 72 hour window. -
Targeted Testing personalized
Allergy testing Skin prick or serum specific IgE for true allergies
Celiac and gluten workup tTG IgA and EMA with total IgA plus HLA DQ2 or 8 genetics when indicated
Sensitivities Elimination and reintroduction is the clinical gold standard. IgG IgG4 or MRT may be used selectively and confirmed clinically
Histamine or MCAS clues Total IgE tryptase with your MD and response to a low histamine trial
Gut assessment SIBO breath test and comprehensive stool analysis pathogens microbiome balance inflammation elastase calprotectin
Infection evaluation Throat culture or rapid strep when suspected ASO and anti DNase B titers for recent strep oral health and sinus history
Inflammation and nutrients hs CRP ferritin and iron panel B12 folate vitamin D zinc magnesium thyroid panel with antibodies when appropriate -
Context Check
Review medications such as PPIs NSAIDs and antibiotics hormones sleep stress environment and oral health since each can tilt immune balance.
TREATMENT ROADMAP CALM THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND REMOVE TRIGGERS
We use a customized 5R framework
Remove
Short supervised elimination diet commonly gluten dairy eggs soy corn nuts shellfish and consider low histamine if indicated followed by structured reintroduction to identify personal triggers
Treat infections Coordinate with your primary care clinician for antibiotics when needed for example confirmed strep. For sinus or gut biofilms and dysbiosis combine medical care with targeted botanicals and lifestyle support when appropriate
Replace
Support digestion based on testing and response, including stomach acid enzymes and bile support as indicated
Repair
Support gut lining with nutrients such as glutamine zinc carnosine omega 3s, and polyphenols tailored to your needs
Reinoculate
Use evidence-guided probiotics and prebiotic fibers matched to stool profile and symptoms; for example, use bifido-dominant support for constipation and be cautious with histamine-producing strains if sensitive
Rebalance
Optimize sleep stress resiliency. Vagus nerve support and breathwork, circadian rhythm, gentle movement, and blood sugar balance. These are nonnegotiables for immune stability
Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Support
Common starting points include curcumin, quercetin, vitamin D optimization, omega-3s, and magnesium. Personalize dosing check interactions and monitor outcomes.
OUR APPROACH
At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic we combine careful history-directed testing and a structured plan to remove triggers. treat hidden infections, restore gut immune balance, and support nervous system regulation. The goal is not a forever restricted diet. The goal is clarity, resilience, and a calmer immune system.
Schedule a consult 651 292 8072 | improveurhealth.com
