Nourished with Dr. Anikó

46. Food Allergies vs Sensitivities, The Truth About Elimination Diets, Eczema & Allergy Testing with Dr. Gary Soffer

Dr. Anikó Season 1 Episode 46

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0:00 | 59:29

In this episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó Gréger sits down with integrative allergist and pediatric specialist Dr. Gary Soffer to break down one of the most confusing topics in wellness today: food allergies, sensitivities, and elimination diets.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are caused by food or if eliminating certain foods is actually helping or harming your health, this conversation brings clarity.

Together, they explore the critical differences between food allergies and sensitivities, why most at-home food testing falls short, and the real risks of unnecessary elimination diets, especially for children.

This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating food-related symptoms, raising children, or trying to make informed decisions about their health.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

 02:00 The connection between food systems, soil health, and human health
 04:00 Why allergy testing and elimination diets are trending (and misunderstood)
 09:00 Why most allergy testing without clinical history is unreliable
 12:00 The truth about IgG testing and at-home food sensitivity tests
 14:00 Why elimination diets can backfire (especially in children)
 17:00 The hidden risks, food fear, disordered eating, and nutrient loss
 22:00 What an elimination diet actually is (and when it’s appropriate)
 25:00 The surprising link between food exposure and developing allergies
 28:00 Why removing foods too early can increase allergy risk
 31:00 How food sourcing (not just the food itself) impacts symptoms
 37:00 Eczema explained, skin barrier vs inflammation
 46:00 Integrative medicine as a lens, not just a treatment plan

About Dr. Gary Soffer:

Gary Soffer, MD, FAAP specializes in Pediatric Allergy/Immunology and Integrative Medicine. He completed a degree in Human Development at Cornell University and received his medical degree at Tel Aviv University in Israel. Following this he completed training in pediatrics, allergy and immunology at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed a second fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.

He is nationally recognized for his work on the cross section of Integrative Medicine and Allergy/Immunology. He has interests in food allergies, eczema, asthma, and environmental allergies . He currently sees patients for pediatric allergy/immunology in Norwalk and Greenwich and integrative oncology at Smilow Cancer Hospital.

He has had the privilege of practicing medicine from the Bronx to the Himalayas. In his free time he loves spending time with his wife and children.

Yale School of Medicine: https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/gary-soffer/


Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

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Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.