For those who follow my blog and videos, you know that nutrition plays the biggest part in how the body functions and how you feel. Many people change their diet not only to feel better but also to create a healthier self.
There is a new lab test that I use with my patients known as the Mediator Release Test or MRT. The MRT is changing the rules of the game when looking at food sensitivities. Traditional tests such as antibody tests to foods are still helpful, however, the MRT looks at the white blood cell’s overall reaction to foods.
How the Immune Systems Works
When we are exposed to a foreign invader such as bacteria, virus and yes, food, our immune system reacts – this reaction is called inflammation. We’ve all heard of inflammation, and we’ve been conditioned to think it is bad. In reality, a small amount of inflammation is a good thing for us. It keeps our bodies safe from these foreign invaders and helps with the repair. However, excessive inflammation can cause long-standing health issues. This is where MRT steps up to do its magic.
How MRT Works
MRT mixes foods with your white blood cells then allows time for the cells to react. Now imagine you have a jar filled with water and add a balloon filled with water and you were able to squeeze the water out of the balloon. The total amount of water won’t change but the difference of the water inside and outside of the balloon does. This is exactly how MRT works when your white blood cells react to something (food) they release their “guts”, known as “cell-derived mediators”. MRT records this process. Therefore, if the white blood cells squeeze out more then it’s assumed that inflammation will be greater. This makes changes in diet easier and more accurate. See sample MRT report and this animated video.
Traditional food sensitivity tests measure specific food antibodies. Some people who have long-standing illnesses may have trouble producing antibodies so test results may be inaccurate. The MRT measures the amount of reaction caused by foods. This is important because you can take the MRT information and make effective changes in your diet, therefore, your health. In addition, when we avoid the foods causing the problems for a while (usually 6-12 months), our immune systems are given a “break” to the inflammatory reaction. This break, or recess, allows the immune system to re-set its reaction to the normal healthy way. It is best to use this test over a period of time to see if the immune system reaction actually improves during the period of dietary changes and/or food avoidance.
I’m finding that applying the guidelines from the results of the MRT test have been even more powerful when planning dietary changes for patients, bringing them back to their true health status.
The Top 10 Most Common Health Issues Often Caused by Food Sensitivities:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS or IBD)
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Celiac Disease
- A migraine
- Fibromyalgia
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ADD/ADHD
- Eczema
Have you had experience with food sensitivity tests?
Please share your story in the comments.