What you eat has a profound impact on how you feel—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Your stomach, brain, and body are all intricately connected, and the foods you consume play a key role in your overall health and happiness. At Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness, we emphasize the importance of understanding your body’s unique needs, including identifying food sensitivities and making choices that fuel your health from the inside out.

Listening to Your Body: The Connection Between Food and Inflammation

Have you ever felt bloated, tired, or even mentally foggy after eating certain foods? That’s your body trying to tell you something. Food sensitivities can trigger an inflammatory response in your digestive system and throughout your body, leading to a variety of symptoms, including:

• Bloating and gas
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue and low energy
• Joint pain and muscle aches
• Trouble sleeping
• Headaches and migraines
• Skin issues, such as rashes or acne

What’s tricky about food sensitivities is that they’re highly individual. Foods that might be perfectly fine for someone else—even members of your own family—can cause inflammation and discomfort for you. For example, Dr. Sam Camarata grew up eating traditional Italian dishes like pasta and sauce. Through Food Inflammation Testing (FIT 176) with the Gut Barrier Panel from KBMO, he discovered that gluten was a high sensitivity for him. After eliminating gluten from his diet, Dr. Sam has experienced a dramatic improvement in his health, including reduced bloating, improved sleep, less fatigue, and even a clearer mind.

Understanding Food Inflammation Testing (FIT 176)

The FIT 176 test from KBMO is a comprehensive blood test that identifies 176 different foods, chemicals, and additives that could be causing inflammation in your body. It also includes a Gut Barrier Panel, which evaluates your gut health and helps pinpoint potential issues like leaky gut syndrome.

By identifying your unique sensitivities, this test provides invaluable insight into how your body reacts to certain foods. With this knowledge, you can make informed dietary changes that support better digestion, clearer thinking, and reduced inflammation.

The Role of Hormones and Neurotransmitters in Food and Mood

Your gut is often referred to as your "second brain" for good reason. It produces around 90% of the body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and digestion. The health of your gut directly impacts the production of serotonin and other hormones, which can affect how you feel mentally and emotionally.

When you eat inflammatory foods, your gut becomes compromised, leading to imbalances in these vital hormones and neurotransmitters. This can result in:

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Mood swings
• Trouble concentrating
• Poor sleep

By eliminating foods that cause inflammation, you’re not just improving your gut health—you’re supporting better hormone regulation, leading to a healthier and happier you.

Foods to Fuel Your Body, Brain, and Stomach

Fueling your body with nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods is essential for repair, regeneration, and optimal functioning. Here are some foods to include in your diet:

Brain-Boosting Foods

• Fatty fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health and reduce inflammation.
• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and arugula provide antioxidants that protect brain cells.
• Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries contain flavonoids that enhance memory and cognitive function.

Gut-Healing Foods

• Fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi provide probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome.
• Bone broth: Contains collagen and amino acids that help repair the gut lining.
• High-fiber foods: Beans, legumes, and whole vegetables promote gut motility and reduce inflammation.

Body-Nourishing Foods

• Lean proteins: Chicken, turkey, and lean meat proteins support muscle repair and hormone production.
• Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, and olive oil are anti-inflammatory and essential for cell health.
• Whole foods: Focus on minimally processed foods to provide your body with the nutrients it needs.

The Dangers of Sugars, Processed Foods, and Seed Oils

Refined sugars, processed foods, and inflammatory seed oils are among the worst culprits for promoting inflammation in the body. These foods can disrupt your gut microbiome, spike your blood sugar, and contribute to chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Eliminating or reducing these foods is key to feeling your best.

How Changing Your Diet Can Transform Your Life

Every day, your body’s cells undergo repair and regeneration. By providing your body with the right fuel, you can:

• Reduce inflammation and discomfort
• Improve mental clarity and focus
• Boost your energy levels
• Sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed
• Interact more positively with others and improve your overall quality of life

Dr. Sam’s personal journey with going gluten-free is a testament to the power of listening to your body and making dietary changes based on your specific needs. The FIT 176 test was a game-changer, and it can be for you too.

Take Control of Your Health Today

Your stomach, brain, and body are constantly communicating with you. If you’re experiencing discomfort, brain fog, or other symptoms, it’s time to take action. At Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness, we can help you get started with Food Inflammation Testing (FIT 176) and guide you on the path to feeling your best.

Location: 3237 Union St, North Chili, NY 14514
Phone: 585-617-4145
Schedule a Consultation: New Patient Scheduler Online Here!

Fuel your body with the right foods, and transform your health from the inside out. Let’s work together to help you feel happy, healthy, and energized!