Exploring Food Sensitivities: The Mediator Release Test (MRT)
Food sensitivities can cause far more health problems than an upset stomach. From brain fog to joint pain to migraines, the inflammation caused by food sensitivities can cause wide-spread health issues. The best way to get to the root of complex, unexplainable symptoms is to start with a food sensitivities test to determine which foods your body does and doesn’t tolerate. These tests eliminate a lot of the guesswork that can come with monitoring your reactions through a food diary. We’ve found that no test can match the specificity and depth of the Mediator Release Test (MRT).
In this post, we’ll explore:
What is the Mediator Release Test?
What makes the MRT different from other food sensitivity tests?
How does the MRT work?
How can the MRT help me?
Taking the MRT
Do you ever feel sluggish or achy after eating certain foods? The Mediator Release Test (MRT) can be a game-changer in identifying these sensitivities and setting you on the path to feeling your best.
What is the MRT?
Oxford Biomedical Technologies' patented Mediator Release Test (MRT) is a food sensitivity panel that gives insight into inflammation-provoking foods and chemicals and helps identify the best foods for you to consume, translating your individual test results into targeted therapy.
“Not only does MRT give insight into inflammation-provoking foods and food chemicals, but more importantly MRT identifies your patient’s BEST foods – the foods that form the basis of their LEAP Eating Plan,” says Oxford Biomedical Technologies.
The MRT Difference
Other food sensitivity tests measure the levels of IgG antibodies present in a sample. However, IgG antibodies will only be present for foods eaten in the 4 weeks leading up to the test. Studies have shown that the presence of IgG is likely a normal response of the immune system to food exposure, thus measuring IgG is not a reliable diagnostic tool.
In other words, elevated IgG levels do NOT necessarily mean that the body is having a negative response to a food or chemical. Elevated levels simply mean that the body has been “exposed” to a given food.
The MRT is different, in that it introduces antigens of foods and chemicals to your blood and monitors the reaction of your white blood cells, rather than examining the antibodies that are already present in the sample. This means that the food does not need to be in your diet in order to be detected as reactive.
How does the MRT work?
Inflammatory foods trigger various white blood cells (immune cells) to release inflammatory compounds, or “mediators of inflammation,” such as cytokines and histamines. These white blood cells shrink when they release mediators, causing a change in the ratio of liquid (plasma) to solid cells in the sample. The MRT measures the volumetric changes in circulating white cells after introducing potentially antigenic molecules that are uniquely found in certain foods. This analysis reflects the reactivity of over 170 foods and chemicals on a scale from non-reactive to reactive.
Benefits of the MRT
Uncovers hidden sensitivities: The MRT can identify sensitivities you might not even know you have, explaining those aches, pains, or digestive issues that pop up after certain meals.
Targets inflammation: By identifying inflammatory triggers, the MRT can help address chronic conditions linked to inflammation, such as irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and fibromyalgia.
Personalized approach: The MRT results pave the way for a personalized elimination diet plan. This allows you to remove reactive foods while incorporating those that promote well-being.
Chemical sensitivities: The MRT tests for chemical sensitivities in addition to common food sensitivities. You’ll learn your sensitivities to common chemicals like Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, and synthetic dyes in many food products. See a full list of the MRT profile.
How Can You Take the Mediator Release Test?
With numerous convenient locations for blood draws, getting tested is easy. You can either order the test online via the Oxford Biomedical Technologies website or work with a functional medicine practitioner and receive additional support and guidance.
The testing process only takes a few minutes, and the results are usually ready within a week. After receiving your results, a practitioner can assist you in understanding them and creating a personalized elimination diet plan to effectively incorporate these dietary modifications.
If you’re unsure about the specific food sensitivities you may have, book a discovery call with Wholistic Renewal to order the MRT and receive a custom plan that heals your gut through a holistic, root-cause approach.
Fed up with unanswered questions about your health?
At Wholistic Renewal, we dig deep to uncover the root causes of your concerns. Our programs combine comprehensive functional lab testing with personalized protocols and dedicated support from a nutritional practitioner. Through one-on-one guidance and education, you can finally find the answers you've been searching for and renew your health.
*The information provided above is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related questions or concerns you may have. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.
