Many people suffer from food sensitivities without realizing it. Symptoms such as migraines, GERD, depression, fibromyalgia, bloating, chronic cough, and persistent fatigue can all be linked to reactive foods. If you experience any of these issues, the MRT test for food sensitivities may help identify triggers and guide treatment.
What are food sensitivities?
There is frequent confusion between food sensitivities, food allergies, and food intolerances because the terms are often used interchangeably. In reality, each represents a different process with distinct causes, symptoms, and diagnostic methods.
According to Oxford Biomedical Technologies, a food sensitivity is a complex, non-allergic immune reaction. When a reactive food is consumed, certain white blood cells release chemical mediators—such as cytokines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes—which produce inflammation and pain. These mediators drive the immune response in food sensitivity, a mechanism that differs from classic allergic reactions. Standard allergy tests do not detect food sensitivities or intolerances.
What is a food allergy?
A true food allergy also involves the immune system but is mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). Allergic reactions can affect multiple organs and can occur with very small amounts of the allergen. Symptoms typically appear quickly and range from hives and vomiting to, in severe cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Food sensitivities tend to be less acute but can still cause significant discomfort and chronic symptoms. Causes of food sensitivity can include enzyme deficiencies, irritable bowel syndrome, increased intestinal permeability, psychological stress, and autoimmune conditions.
What are food intolerances?
Food intolerances are generally non-immune responses and are most often related to enzyme deficiencies or the inability to digest specific components of food. A common example is lactose intolerance, where the body lacks lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose. Intolerances can be identified through tests like the hydrogen breath test or managed through dietary approaches such as the LEAP protocol.
Could I have a food sensitivity? What are the symptoms?
Food sensitivities can cause a wide range of symptoms, often delayed after eating the trigger food, which makes them difficult to identify. Common inflammatory and immune-related symptoms include:
- Migraine or recurrent headaches
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Chronic cough
- Runny nose or sinus symptoms
- Irritable bowel symptoms
- Hives
- Depression or mood changes
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint or muscle pain
While many sensitivities present with digestive symptoms, immune-driven reactions can affect multiple systems including mood and energy, making it challenging to pinpoint the offending food.
What is the MRT Test?
The MRT blood test, paired with the LEAP protocol, is considered a gold standard for identifying food sensitivities and guiding anti-inflammatory eating. MRT stands for Mediator Release Test. The MRT measures how much inflammatory and pain-related mediator is released from immune cells after exposure to a wide range of foods and food chemicals. In a single blood test, MRT evaluates 170 foods and additives to detect pro-inflammatory and proalgesic responses.
Results from the MRT, combined with your health history, are used to create a personalized eating plan aimed at reducing inflammation and improving symptoms. Staying on the LEAP program during the early healing phase helps minimize adverse reactions while the gut and immune system recover.
Who should get the Mediator Release Test (MRT)?
Food sensitivities are common—estimated to affect 30–40% of people—and can occur in anyone. They are more likely in individuals with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. MRT testing is often recommended for people experiencing:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (especially IBS-D)
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Arthritis
- Celiac disease
- Lupus
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Metabolic syndrome
- Bloating
- GERD
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain
What is LEAP therapy?
LEAP (Lifestyle Eating and Performance) is a structured elimination and reintroduction diet guided by MRT results and clinical history. After testing, you receive a tailored diet plan that lists safe and reactive foods, specific additives, and food-chemical sensitivities. You’ll also receive a small card that color-codes your reactive and non-reactive foods for easy reference.
The LEAP Immunocalm protocol follows phased reintroduction to identify triggers safely. Phase 1 (two weeks) focuses on the lowest-reactive foods identified by MRT. Phase 2 (two weeks) expands the diet to additional non-reactive items. Phase 3 introduces previously untested foods and monitors for reactions. If a reintroduced food triggers symptoms, it is removed and retested after a period of time.
During the initial months, limiting eating out and preparing meals at home helps ensure compliance and reduces the risk of accidental exposure to reactive foods.
How can I get MRT Testing?
If you think food sensitivity testing could help, select one of the available testing packages. After purchase, contact Lara via email to arrange the blood draw and schedule your initial consultation. Results typically return in 2–3 weeks. Services are offered virtually, so testing is accessible regardless of location.
Review the options below to determine which MRT food sensitivity testing package best fits your needs.
FOOD SENSITIVITY OPTIONS
MRT (Mediator Release Test)
- MRT results plus a packet explaining results and the LEAP protocol
- No sessions with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist included
- Investment: $695
1 Month MRT Package
- 30–60 minute nutrition consult to review MRT results
- Three 15–30 minute follow-up sessions in weeks 2, 3, and 4
- Mediator Release Test (MRT)
- Suggested meal ideas for weeks 1–4
- Supplement recommendations
- Investment: $850
3 Month MRT Package
- 30–60 minute nutrition consult to review MRT results
- Seven 15-minute follow-up sessions
- Mediator Release Test (MRT)
- Suggested meal ideas for weeks 1–12
- Supplement recommendations
- Investment: $1,350
6 Months MRT Package
- 30–60 minute nutrition consult to review MRT results
- Fourteen 15-minute follow-up sessions
- Mediator Release Test (MRT)
- Suggested meal ideas for weeks 1–26
- Supplement recommendations
- Investment: $1,800