IBS sufferers – MRT and LEAP

I had not heard of MRT or LEAP. Did a Google search and found information and ads for many providers with many promises. The only real evaluation was a reprinted article from the Chicago Tribune. I couldn't figure out how to put the link on this forum. It is an interesting approach but personally I am skeptical, especially with potential costs involved.

Thank you for your response. I feel desperate.

Hello @cindychesler,

When dealing with food sensitivities and digestive disorders, "elimination diets" seem to be the gold standard for identifying foods that trigger undesirable symptoms. Low FODMAP, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Autoimmune Protocol, Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) Diet, etc. are just a few of such elimination diets.
– The LEAP Protocol is a food sensitivity elimination diet based on an individual’s results from the MRT test (Mediator Release Test) designed to help reduce inflammation in the body.
– The Mediator Release Test (MRT) is a food sensitivity test identifying foods and food chemicals/ additives that are causing food sensitivity reactions by adding more inflammation to the body.

Here are some articles that might interest you; unfortunately, it seems there is no solid evidence that these tests are better for identifying specific trigger foods.
– Food Sensitivity Testing: Evidence-Based Practice or Pricey Placebo? http://bit.ly/2Kc9G8O
– Testing for Food Reactions https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1177/0884533610362696

Food intolerances are sometimes caused by intestinal permeability or leaky gut. If you’d like more information about digestive disorders, I’d encourage you to visit the Gastroenterology & GI Surgery Page on Connect https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/
For instance, here’s a video about leaky gut:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/is-larazotide-acetate-the-answer-to-leaky-gut-1/
I’m also tagging @pjss48 @taya @srobison @sockwelljames @hgarm @ngarriso @trishanna @pearlbaby7 @jessicaferrante @IWantToBelieve; I hope they will join in to share their insights and experiences too.
@cindychesler, what are your thoughts about LEAP and MRT?

@cindychesler. As a long-time IBS sufferer, I'm not. aware of any for sure way of determining which foods are the culprits. Interestingly enough, I've gotten some relief for the first time in many, many years after going on a low carb, sugar-free diabetes diet. I haven't a clue why, nor do I recommend diabetes as a cure for IBS! Would be interested to know if these new-to-me testing and therapy programs have merit!

I have a new to me gastro doctor that has come from Boston to work I am in North Dakota. I have lymphocytic colitis that was diagnosed 2 yrs ago in Florida where I was living at the time. This new Dr told me to remove ALL sugars ....no fructose or similar words like that that are imitating sugar. He also said NO dairy...not a speck. I found that to help immensely with calming diarrhea that was a constant with my colitis. He has me on Potatoes & Rice 2x a day each....for my weight loss that comes from colitis....plus my regular diet minus dairy & any possible sugars. He said READ labels before buying any packaged foods. Hidden sugars are throughout so many things.

@susan30. Your response reminded me - diabetes diet says no white bread, pasta, rice. Instead, whole grain wheat should be used, which of course, I can't eat. I wonder about the wheat/gluten thing for me - I've given it all up. As you indicated, eliminating sugar in all it's forms is good. How about fruit?

My gastro dr said Fruit was ok.....I'm just trying to stop the constant diarrhea I've had due to lymphocytic colitis. Another gastro dr has me on steroid meds for a long while.....causing bone loss. Now diagnosed with osteoporosis ! I'm not going back on the steroid rx if I can possibly not do that. In the meantime been doing all I can to rebuild bone & hoping not to lose more.

There are several of us here who would be interested in any bone -building medication you may take. My doctor wants me on Prolia, but top side effects for all these meds is diarrhea, so since that's the form my IBS takes, I'm more than reluctant to take anything. I hope you're able to avoid steroid meds and that this diet works!

@susan30 nay I ask what you doing to improve bone density? I am scheduled for a bone density scan and am apprehensive about ny doctor possibly wanting to put me on one of the medications, which I hope to avoid. I do get a lot of exercise which I have heard helps but I am lactose intolerant.
Thanks.
JK

@trishanna Just curious, what do you do for bread? I suffer from IBS-C&D (both sides of the coin), and have been on the FODMAP diet for almost a year now, but a lot of gluten free ingredients trigger me. The only bread that does not seem to give me a problem, shockingly, is good ol' fashion no-nutrician white bread, as well as a special sourdough bread. So, I was just curious what you use for bread? What makes it very difficult for me is that I also have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction as well as IC (Interstitial Cystitis), so I'm also on an IC diet (low/no acid). So, if something is allowed for me on the FODMAP diet, it may not be safe for my bladder (IC). In fact, if anyone else suffers with all 3 conditions that I have, I would LOVE some support and ideas!! Sometimes I feel completely alone bc most people I talk to only have one condition or the other, but not both (the IBS and IC). Anyhow, sorry for rambling here . . . thanks for listening!