Food Sensitivities – MRT TEST

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Many people unknowingly suffer from food sensitivities. Migraines, GERD, depression, Fibromyalgia, bloating, coughing, fatigue. Do you have any of these symptoms? Then the MRT test for food sensitivities could be for you!

What are food sensitivities?

There is a lot of confusion about food sensitivities, food allergies, and food intolerances, since many times these terms are used interchangeably. Allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances are all completely different from one another. Each is distinct in its cause, symptoms, and types of tests used to detect them. 

According to Oxford Biomedical Technologies, a food sensitivity is a complex non-allergic immune reaction. When a reactive food is consumed, white blood cells release mediators like cytokines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes.

These chemical mediators are proinflammatory and may cause pain; they are directly to blame for immune reaction in food sensitivity. This is not the same for physiology of an allergic reaction and allergy tests cannot detect a food intolerance or sensitivity.

What is a food allergy?

A true allergy is also caused by an immune reaction; they can affect multiple organs, even in miniscule amounts. It is caused by an immunoglobulin called IgE. Symptoms are typically fairly immediate and can vary from hives to vomiting or, in severe cases, it can be life-threatening anaphylaxis. Food sensitivities are generally less serious but are still uncomfortable and painful. Some causes of food sensitivity are absence of an enzyme needed for a food’s digestion, irritable bowel syndrome, a leaky gut, stress and other psychological factors, and autoimmune disease. 

What are food intolerances?

Food intolerances do not stem from immune response and are typically due to enzyme defects or absence of an enzyme needed for digestion. The most common example of intolerance is lactose intolerance, where the body does not produce lactase (enzyme needed to digest milk sugar – or lactose). This can be identified using a hydrogen breath test, or even just by using the LEAP diet. 

Could I have a food sensitivity? What are the symptoms?

Food sensitivities have a variety of symptoms associated with the immune response to a reactive food, but are often delayed, making it difficult to determine the source of the problem. Some signs that you may be struggling with a food sensitivity include

• Migraine or headaches
• Stomach ache
• Bloating 
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Irritable bowel
• Hives 
• Depression
• Fatigue
• And many more!

Many cases of sensitivity result in digestive issues and discomfort, but sensitivity and the immune system affects a number of organs and even mental state. It makes it difficult to truly pinpoint a sensitivity. 

What is the MRT Test?

MRT and LEAP are the gold standard for food sensitivity testing and anti-inflammatory eating. MRT stands for Mediator Release Test. MRT is a blood test that identifies and quantifies the type and amount of foods and food chemicals that cause pro-inflammatory and proalgesic (pain-causing) responses by the body’s immune system.

The test measures the quantity of the mediator released after exposure to different foods and food chemicals that are known to be common reactive foods. MRT tests for 170 food and food additive sensitivities in one blood test! MRT and client history are used to develop an individualized eating plan to decrease inflammatory response and improve health problems and symptoms. 

Who should get the Mediator Release Test (MRT TEST)?

Food sensitivities are extremely common, with an estimated 30-40% of the population affected. They can happen to anyone, but individuals with inflammatory or autoimmune disease are more likely to have these issues. MRT testing is most commonly used for clients with:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (most commonly IBS-D)
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Celiac Disease
• Lupus
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Hashimotos
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Bloating
• GERD

What is LEAP therapy?

After receiving the MRT results, I will create personalized diet therapy for each client based on their specific results. LEAP (Lifestyle Eating and Performance) Immunocalm diet is the individualized diet designed based on client history and MRT test results.

There are a few different phases in the LEAP Immunocalm Diet Protocol to eliminate and then properly reintroduce reactive foods into the diet. Phase 1 lasts two weeks and involves eating only the very lowest non-reactive food items shown on your MRT. Phase 2 is also two weeks and involves adding in other non-reactive foods that were not included in Phase 1.

Phase 3 involves adding untested food back into the diet and monitoring for symptoms. If a food is added back that causes a reaction, it will be easier to tell what the food is that is causing symptoms.

During the phases of the elimination and reintroduction, it is important for a registered dietitian/certified LEAP therapist to help create meal idea and recipes based on client’s MRT results, but also individual preference.

It may be difficult at first, but it would be a lot easier with the help of a professional to guide each step of the way. 

How can I get MRT Testing?

It’s easy! If you feel that food sensitivity testing could be beneficial for you, email me at Lara@LaraClevenger.com where we will discuss whether you would be a good candidate for this therapy.

Services are available virtually, so location is not an issue! If the MRT Test seems like a good fit for you, we’ll schedule a blood draw, get results, and make the best plan for you. 

View the options below to see which MRT food sensitivity testing option is right for you.

FOOD SENSITIVITY OPTIONS

MRT (Mediator Release Test) 

• MRT Results plus a packet going over results
• Meal ideas for Immunocalm protocol
• Investment: $695 

1 Month MRT Package

• 60-90 minute Nutrition Consult going over your MRT results.
• 30 minute follow up sessions on weeks 2, 3, and 4
• Mediator Release Test (MRT)
• Suggested Meal Ideas for Weeks 1-4
• Supplement Recommendations
• Investment: $850
• ***Superbill will be provided after each session so you may turn in to your insurance provider for possible re-imbursement

3 Month MRT Package

• 60-90 minute Nutrition Consult going over your MRT results.
• 30 minute follow ups on weeks 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
• Mediator Release Test (MRT)
• Suggested Meal Ideas for Weeks 1-12
• Supplement Recommendations
• Investment: $1350
• ***Superbill will be provided after each session so you may turn in to your insurance provider for possible re-imbursement

6 Months MRT Package

• 60-90 minute Nutrition Consult going over your MRT results.
• 30 minute follow ups on weeks 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26
• Mediator Release Test (MRT)
• Suggested Meal Ideas for Weeks 1-26
• Supplement Recommendations
• Investment: $1800
• ***Superbill will be provided after each session so you may turn in to your insurance provider for possible re-imbursement