All I can say is….this article is longggg overdue! I’m finally sharing my #1 tip to heal your gut and improve your health.
While my journey to living a healthier, happier life started ~15 years ago, I would be lying if I said that I’ve been in good health all of those years. In fact, quite the opposite. And it’s actually because of these health problems that I’ve stayed committed to learning as much as I can about nutrition, gut health and autoimmune disease. About a year ago, all of this research led me to MRT testing, which turned out to be the greatest thing I’ve ever done for my health. And now, without further ado, I am so excited to share more about MRT testing and my experience going through the program. In fact, I have so much to say on the topic, I’ve put together a three-part series.
In this first article I will explain what MRT testing is. In the second article I will deep dive into the program. Lately, in the third article, I will walk through my testing results and my experience with the program.
One last thing to note before we get started: if you search “MRT testing” online you will likely see the term “LEAP” pop up as well. LEAP, which stands for Lifestyle, Eating, And Performance, is the process of developing a personalized, elimination diet based on your MRT results to treat unwanted symptoms. MRT is the test. LEAP is the program to implement the results and start your journey to healing. However, I tend to use the two acronyms interchangeably, so bear with me!
You guys, this program literally changed my life. And I am so hopeful (and confident!) it can do the same for you. But first things first, let me define the test/program so you can decide if it’s right for you!
What is MRT Testing?
Flashback a year, if you are anything like me, you’ve probably never heard of MRT testing.
MRT, which stands for Mediator Release Test, is a blood test that specifically measures your white blood cells inflammatory reaction to 170 of the most common foods and chemicals. Specifically, this test measures the mediator release of cytokines, histamine, leukotrienes, etc. from white cells, which lead to diet-induced inflammatory reactions. Research on MRT has shown that MRT correlates with inflammation, and that diets based on MRT testing can lead to a significant reduction in inflammation, and inflammation induced symptoms.
In layman’s terms, MRT measures your body’s inflammatory response to common foods and chemicals. It has the power to identify which foods are causing inflammation in YOUR body. While there are certain foods that have been broadly labelled as “inflammatory” (processed sugar, alcohol, processed carbs, etc.), this test identifies the foods that are uniquely inflammatory to you.
So, you might be wondering….
How is MRT different from Other Food Allergy Tests?
Great question. The most common food sensitivity test currently on the market, offered by Everlywell and others, is IgG testing. IgG testing measures your body’s IgG antibody reactivity levels to a selection of foods, and claims that these foods may be causing your unwanted health problems. However, the downfall of IgG testing is that there is no substantiated evidence to support that a higher IgG reaction correlates with inflammation or other symptoms.
By no means am I trying to putdown IgG testing and tell people not to do it. I am simply speaking from my own experience. Personally, I have done IgG testing on three different occasions and have never experienced any positive health benefits. What’s the saying? Fool me twice, or in my case, three times, shame on me?
Conversely, I did MRT testing on a single occasion and feel better than ever as a result.
Who would Benefit from MRT Testing?
Ok, so now that you know what MRT testing is, you’re probably wondering if it’s right for you. This is where I get on my soapbox and preach about how inflammation is the root cause of disease and how eating the right foods for your body can heal you. But seriously, it is so freaking true!
This is such an incredibly interesting and exciting time in the medical world. Scientists have started to uncover the connection between chronic inflammation and disease. If you haven’t checked out my article on the Inflammation Spectrum, by Dr. Will Cole, I highly suggest you give it a read! In it, I discuss in more detail the link between inflammation and a whole host of diseases and health problems.
Are you suffering from depression, brain fog, acid reflux, allergies, joint pain or skin conditions? What about chronic headaches, anxiety, sinus pain, migraines or insomnia? Did you know that every single one of these conditions have been linked to chronic inflammation? And now there is a test that specifically measures how inflammatory certain foods/chemicals are to our bodies. Hallelujah!
I literally want to shout from the rooftops how powerful this information is! And if you are suffering from any of the above conditions, as well as so many others, then I firmly believe that MRT testing is right for you.
Ok I’m Hooked. How do I get Started?
Personally, I was recommended to a registered dietitian who is MRT certified. She ordered the lab test for me and coached me through the protocol. I imagine there are thousands of other providers who have the same certification and offer the same services. Having one-on-one sessions to talk through my results and compile my weekly program were instrumental in my success. If possible, I highly recommend you find someone who is MRT certified in your area who can do the same for you!
The other option is to visit the Oxford Biomedical Technologies website. They offer patient screening and a list of “Leap Mentors” to coach you through the program. I’m sure the coaching they offer is similar to the coaching I received. This is just a different avenue for finding a provider!
Parting Words
If you are struggling with unwanted health problems, I hear you. I am you! As unfair as it is, you could be eating the healthiest diet of all time, full of anti-inflammatory foods, and all the fermented good-bacteria-goodness, and still feel terrible. I feel your pain as I was in the same place as you a year ago! However, the truth is, if your body is sensitive to healthy foods, then your so called “healthy diet” is unfortunately hindering your health. That is why it’s so important to understand how different foods effect YOU. Having this information will help you feel your best and live your healthiest life!
Stay tuned for article #2 where we’ll deep-dive into the LEAP program.
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