Have you ever wondered how food sensitivities might be affecting your health? The MRT Test (Mediator Release Test) could be the key to unlocking the foods that are causing chronic inflammation in your body—and more importantly, discovering the foods that don’t.
The above images offer an example of one person’s MRT test results.
A Certified LEAP therapist (commonly also a Registered Dietitian) can use this actionable information to create a personalized anti-inflammatory LEAP eating pattern, specifically for YOU, that leads to relief of severe symptoms (IBS, pain, fatigue, skin flares, headaches) within a matter of days to weeks…. Does that sound too good to be true?
Believe it or not… It’s possible. The MRT test is considered a “food sensitivity test” though of all the options on the market – this is the only one I’d recommend as a Registered Dietitian (and mother who has used it to help my son stop throwing up multiple times a month, snoring at the age of 8, calm his skin from frequent eczema flares, and offer relief from chronic sinusitis… among other random symptoms I didn’t know were food related). The MRT test guides us to create a LEAP protocol. LEAP stands for Lifestyle, Eating And Performance – because it is all connected.
Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities affect millions of people (estimated 20% of the US population) leading to chronic inflammation. And over 125 million Americans are living with chronic inflammation – that is approximately 36.5% of the population (1). Chronic inflammation can lead to a plethora of issues including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other ailments we watch our loved ones struggle with WAY too much.
Chronic inflammation from food reactions can also lead to:
- Digestive issues like IBS, GERD, intestinal hyperpermeability (aka Leaky gut), chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and other GI issues.
- Headaches
- Joint pain and even fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic sinus congestion and sinusitis
- Skin rashes (like eczema)
- Excess weight gain and fluctuation
- Brain fog, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, neck pain, increased ear infections
- And more. WAY more.
And while these issues are extremely prevalent, many are struggling to find the answers and root cause of their inflammation.
And RARELY do doctors or medical providers have the time and expertise to help their clients navigate an elimination diet or even point in the direction of food.
So without further ado… let me introduce… The MRT Test.
What is The MRT test?
The Mediator Release Test (MRT test) is a life changing tool that offers an individualized look into what foods are causing inflammation AND what foods don’t. Through this blood test, a Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT) can use this actionable data that pinpoints specific food triggers and create a personalized anti-inflammatory eating pattern. After following the pattern for only 2 weeks, symptoms resolve and the diet is liberalized. Eventually returning to a pretty typical diet (eating pattern).
The MRT test and working with a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and CLT, you can begin healing your gut and calm your immune system. This healing journey can transform your health for the long term by decreasing your inflammation and therefore your symptoms of chronic inflammation.
How does the MRT test work?
The MRT is a patented blood test that identifies non-allergic reactions of 176 commonly consumed foods (and food chemicals) by measuring the release of chemical mediators from a person’s white blood cells.
When the immune system reacts to a food or food chemical, it releases mediators (cytokines, interleukins, chemokines, histamines, prostaglandins, and more). These mediators are our bodies natural toxins and quite necessary when we need them to fight off an infection or attack a rogue cancer cell. But, when they are chronically floating around because you ate something that triggered this non-allergic response, it can cause chronic inflammation. And this inflammation presents differently in every body and can appear as a myriad of other symptoms.
The MRT test is a time sensitive test – meaning your blood sample must be pulled and tested within about 36 hours.
The MRT test can identify the level of mediator release activity by initially measuring the size of the immune blood cell before and after it has been exposed to the food/food chemical. The test is able to witness how much the immune cell changes in size as well as the thickness (viscosity) of the plasma.
Why Choose the MRT Test?
- Identifies the foods that cause inflammation AND those that don’t
- Offers actionable information to create the most personalized anti-inflammatory eating pattern – WAY beyond generic recommendations.
- Comprehensive testing of common foods AND food chemicals
- Reliability of 93.6% split sample reproducibility (no test is 100%)
- We get information that NO other test on the market can give.
What is the difference?
- The MRT test is quite different from any of the other “food sensitivity” tests out there such as:
- Genetic testing (23andMe) – this looks at genetic variants with regards to a person’s ancestry but does NOT take into account their current immunity or inflammatory response to a specific food.
- Other IgG tests (Everlywell) – this measures a specific antibody (IgG) when exposed to a food. IgG antibodies don’t always correlate with inflammation or symptoms and could be a sign of frequent consumption vs true inflammation.
- Microbiome/Stool tests (Viome): these analyze how a body digests and metabolizes foods and overall microbiome health. While these tests can be a nice tool in addition to the MRT test, it doesn’t show the root cause of inflammation.
Life changing Results
I am honored to have had the opportunity and pleasure to work with some extremely wonderful clients and most (I’d say “all” of them, but I’m not sure I’m allowed to say 100%) have made incredible progress with shifts that have changed their lives. And trajectory of their future.
Chronic Sinusitis, Throwing Up, Eczema
My son (8 years old at the time) suffered from throwing up multiple times a month, snoring at the age of 8, frequent eczema flares, chronic sinusitis, excessive ear wax, several bloody noses a month, and frequent bed-wetting. He now hasn’t thrown up in… I’m not sure when! And all of the other symptoms are mostly gone.
IBS – Diarrhea
J is a 70 year old woman – she hadn’t had a formed stool in over 2 years. After LEAP she is jogging again, traveling across the country and not worrying about where the bathrooms are.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A is a 40 year old woman with Rheumatoid arthritis. She was constantly in pain and wasn’t able to get it in control even after trying Keto, AIP diet, and had to start IV meds. After her LEAP program, she is enjoying less medication and more living.
Weight loss, Chronic Pain
W is a 40 year old man who came to me wanting to lose weight and be in less pain. After 3 weeks on his LEAP protocol, I saw a video of him playing football at his nephews birthday party! He had lost a significant amount of weight, NO urgency to go to the bathroom, and was waking up pain free.
Constipation
T is a 30 year old man who came to me after his wife was searching for help because of his extreme constipation. They had just completed a colonoscopy with no luck of finding answers. After a month on LEAP, he was pooping regularly and has more energy than he’s had in years.
Hair Loss and Skin Flares
JM is a 40 something woman who came to me with severe migraines (especially around her period), skin flares, joint pain and HAIR LOSS. She is a busy mother of 5 and at 4 months, she mentioned “I’m so grateful I’ve been taking care of my body because now I am better able to manage all of this stress”. Her hair is growing back and she is feeling more confident. She has had several cycles without any headaches, her digestion is better, skin is clear, and she goes to dance class multiple times a week without pain.
I could go on – but please visit this page to see more testimonials.
Personalized Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- I believe the most powerful part of this approach is how personalized it is. Your LEAP protocol and diet is completely tailored to you. We choose your phase 1 foods together and from there, I can create whatever you need. Some clients need a full meal plan while others just want ideas.
- I try to make it as easy as a paint by number!
- Importance of the elimination phase and the role of safe foods.
- Gradual reintroduction of foods and monitoring reactions.
- Adjusting the diet based on ongoing results and feedback.
Holistic Approach to Wellness
- Integrating the MRT test results with other wellness practices (sleep, exercise, stress management).
- Importance of a holistic approach for sustained health improvements.
- Tools and resources provided (e.g., meal planning software, follow-up sessions).
Let’s Wrap It All Up: The MRT Test and Your Journey to Health
The journey to better health often begins with understanding how your body reacts to the foods you eat. Through the MRT Test, you can gain powerful insights into your body’s unique inflammatory responses, allowing you to take control of your health with a personalized anti-inflammatory eating plan.
By working with a Certified LEAP Therapist, you’ll not only identify your triggers but also unlock the foods that nourish and heal. Whether you’re struggling with IBS, migraines, joint pain, or fatigue (or more) the MRT Test and LEAP program offer a path to relief—and more importantly, to a life free from chronic inflammation.
READY TO RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH?
If you’ve been day dreaming about feeling better… LIVING better – find yourself a Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT) to help guide you through the MRT and LEAP process. It can change your life too!
And if you’re ready to take the LEAP and start a personalized anti-inflammatory diet WITH ME, I invite you to explore how my LEAP program can guide you find relief from chronic inflammation, feel better, and live better.
Visit THIS PAGE to learn more about my services and see the Step-by-Step Process
FAQs about the MRT Test & LEAP Program
1. What is the MRT Test?
The Mediator Release Test (MRT) is a blood test that measures how your immune system reacts to 176 foods and food chemicals. It identifies both the foods that trigger inflammation and those that do not, allowing for the creation of a personalized anti-inflammatory eating plan.
2. How is the MRT Test different from other food sensitivity tests?
Unlike other tests, the MRT measures the release of chemical mediators (e.g., histamines, cytokines) from white blood cells in response to specific foods and chemicals, giving insight into non-allergic inflammatory reactions. This is different from IgG tests, which only detect antibody responses that may not correlate with inflammation.
3. What is the LEAP Program?
LEAP stands for Lifestyle, Eating, And Performance. It’s a protocol based on your MRT test results that helps you eliminate inflammatory foods and incorporate safe foods into your diet. The goal is to reduce symptoms of chronic inflammation and improve overall health.
4. Who can benefit from the MRT and LEAP Program?
One might argue, ANYONE! But especially those who are suffering from symptoms related to dietary inflammation, such as IBS, migraines, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, skin issues (eczema, rashes), sinus congestion, joint pain, and other digestive problems, can benefit from MRT and LEAP. It’s also helpful for individuals dealing with autoimmune conditions, mood disorders, and unexplained inflammation.
5. How long does it take to see results?
Many people start to notice symptom relief within 10-14 days of following their personalized LEAP protocol. The entire program is typically completed in 2-3 months, with gradual reintroduction of foods after the elimination phase.
6. What is the elimination phase?
The elimination phase involves eating only the “safe” foods identified by your MRT test (known as Phase 1 foods) for 10-14 days. This helps calm inflammation and allows your body to reset. Afterward, additional foods are slowly reintroduced while monitoring for symptoms.
7. Can I do the MRT test on my own, or do I need to work with a professional?
The MRT test should be done under the guidance of a Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT), who will interpret your results and create a tailored LEAP protocol for you. This ensures the test results are applied correctly, and your diet is optimized for your specific needs. The test is NOT what brings the progress and relief, it is what you do with the information and the changes you make.
8. How is the MRT test performed?
The MRT test is done through a simple blood draw with a phlebotomist. Your blood is then sent overnight to Oxford Laboratories to be analyzed, and results are typically available to the CLT within a few business days and delivered to the client within 7-10 days. The test is time-sensitive, so it needs to be done on a Monday through Friday.
9. How accurate is the MRT Test?
The MRT test has a 93.6% split-sample reproducibility, meaning it is one of the most reliable food sensitivity tests available. While no test is 100% accurate, the MRT provides highly actionable information that can help reduce inflammation and symptoms.
10. Is the MRT test covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans do not cover the MRT test or LEAP program, as they are considered functional or integrative medicine services. However, you may be able to use HSAs or FSAs to cover the costs. Always check with your provider first. Aspiring Sprouts, and Sara Morrison, is cash/self pay only at this time.
11. Can children take the MRT test?
Yes, the MRT test is safe and effective for children, especially those with conditions like eczema, digestive issues, chronic sinusitis, or behavioral concerns linked to food sensitivities. Many parents see significant improvements in their children’s health and well-being after following the LEAP protocol.
12. How do I know if I have food sensitivities?
Food sensitivities can cause a wide range of symptoms, including digestive discomfort (bloating, constipation, diarrhea), headaches, fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, mood swings, and sinus congestion. If you’re experiencing unexplained chronic symptoms, it’s worth considering food sensitivities as a potential cause.
13. What kinds of foods and food chemicals are tested?
The MRT test looks at 176 foods and chemicals, including common triggers like dairy, soy, nuts, shellfish, and certain food additives. It also tests for chemical sensitivities to things like preservatives and artificial ingredients that can cause inflammation. A full list of antigens tested can be found on the Oxford website HERE.
14. What happens after the elimination phase?
After the elimination phase, foods are gradually reintroduced in a controlled manner to monitor for any inflammatory reactions. This helps identify which foods you can safely add back into your diet and which you should avoid long-term. Food documentation is a KEY player in the program.
15. How does the MRT test help with chronic conditions like IBS, migraines, or arthritis?
Chronic inflammation is often a root cause of conditions like IBS, migraines, arthritis, and more. The MRT test identifies foods and chemicals that trigger inflammatory reactions in your body. By eliminating these triggers, many individuals experience significant symptom relief and improved quality of life in as quickly as a week.
16. What happens if my symptoms don’t improve?
If your symptoms don’t improve within the expected timeframe, your Certified LEAP Therapist will work closely with you to adjust the eating plan. Sometimes additional food sensitivities or lifestyle factors (e.g., stress, sleep) may need to be addressed. The LEAP protocol is a wonderful tool to peel back layers of symptoms so more questions can be answered.
