Managing lipedema can be particularly challenging because it doesn’t respond to diet and exercise like ordinary fat. However, recent advancements in understanding the role of inflammation in lipedema have opened new avenues for treatment. One such promising approach is the Mediator Release Test (MRT), which can help identify food sensitivities that may exacerbate inflammation. This blog post will explore how MRT can benefit people with lipedema by pinpointing foods and food chemicals that trigger inflammatory responses and how clinical nutrition can help manage these responses.
Lipedema is a connective tissue disease that results in the disproportionate increase in fat in the body, primarily in the lower body, and commonly extending to the arms. It is often mistaken for non-lipedema obesity, lymphedema, or other types of leg pain, but lipedema has distinct characteristics and symptoms. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and significant swelling. Though the exact cause of lipedema is unknown, it is believed to involve genetic components, as it tends to run in families. Hormonal factors may also play a role, as it mostly affects women and often begins or worsens during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Inflammation plays a crucial role in the progression or exacerbation of lipedema. The buildup of fat in lipedema is often accompanied by chronic inflammation, which is an immune system response that can worsen symptoms and lead to further complications. Managing inflammation is, therefore, a key component of lipedema treatment. Traditional approaches include compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and anti-inflammatory diets, but identifying the source of inflammation and addressing it directly is the most effective means of treatment.
Immune responses to food are common, but figuring out which specific foods trigger reactions can be challenging. Many people undergo allergy testing for true IgE-mediated allergic reactions, but the immune system’s complexity means that other types of immune reactions to foods are also possible. Understanding the difference between a food sensitivity and an allergy can be challenging based on symptoms alone. While allergies are triggered by IgE antibodies — specific proteins the immune system uses to recognize and react quickly to allergens — food sensitivities involve a delayed reaction that can worsen inflammation over time, making them more difficult to pinpoint.
The Mediator Release Test (MRT) offers a unique approach to identifying food sensitivities by directly measuring the inflammatory response. Unlike traditional food sensitivity tests that typically assess levels of specific antibodies like IgG, MRT analyzes functional changes in white blood cells. This method provides a more comprehensive view by capturing both antibody pathways, providing deeper insights into how various foods and chemicals affect the body’s inflammatory processes.
Specifically, MRT evaluates the response to 140 different foods and 30 food chemicals, enabling it to deliver a detailed assessment of which substances might be triggering an inflammatory response. This makes MRT a powerful tool in managing conditions like lipedema, where inflammation plays a significant role in symptom severity.
MRT works by exposing a blood sample to various food and chemical antigens and then measuring the volumetric changes in white blood cells. When these cells encounter a substance they perceive as a threat, they release chemical mediators as part of the immune system reactions, such as cytokines, histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which are responsible for the inflammatory response. By quantifying these changes, MRT can identify which foods and chemicals trigger inflammation in an individual.
[Sample MRT Results]
One of the primary benefits of MRT for people with lipedema is its ability to identify specific foods and food additives that trigger inflammation. Since lipedema is closely linked to chronic inflammation, knowing which foods exacerbate this condition can be a game-changer. By eliminating or reducing these inflammatory triggers, individuals can manage their symptoms more effectively. This personalized approach helps manage and alleviate the symptoms more effectively than generic dietary recommendations.
MRT results are typically presented in a format that categorizes foods according to their inflammatory potential (seen in example above). Healthcare providers and dieticians often recommend that patients start with foods that show low reactivity for the first ten days to help reduce inflammation. This personalized approach, based on an individual’s unique inflammatory responses, is important for effectively managing lipedema.
By identifying and eliminating foods that trigger inflammation, including food intolerances, individuals with lipedema can experience significant improvements in symptoms such as pain, swelling, and tenderness. This can lead to better mobility and overall quality of life. Additionally, reducing inflammation can also help prevent the exacerbation of lipedema.
MRT can complement other treatments for lipedema, such as compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, preparing your body for surgery, and post-surgery recovery. Medical nutrition therapy, which focuses on personalized dietary interventions, can also play a crucial role in managing lipedema by complementing these treatments. By reducing the overall inflammatory burden on the body, conservative treatments can become more effective. For example, less inflammation can lead to better lymphatic drainage and reduced swelling.
To begin MRT testing, consult with a healthcare provider knowledgeable about lipedema and MRT, including our experienced team at The Roxbury Institute. The test kit is then ordered and sent to your home, with a blood sample drawn at a lab or by your healthcare provider. Results are usually available within 5-7 business days and include a detailed report that your provider will review with you to determine the necessary dietary adjustments.
If you are a patient with us, or if you’re considering joining our community and are interested in scheduling an appointment for an MRT test, please call 520-719-1610 or click here to learn more about our Diagnostic & Preventative Center, led by Dr. Karen Herbst.
The Mediator Release Test (MRT) offers a promising approach for reducing the inflammation associated with lipedema by identifying and eliminating its dietary and chemical triggers. By providing a comprehensive assessment of inflammatory responses, MRT can help individuals with lipedema create personalized diet plans that reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. If you are struggling with lipedema and looking for ways to manage your condition more effectively, consider discussing MRT with your healthcare provider. By understanding and addressing the inflammatory triggers and food preferences unique to your body, you can take a proactive step towards better managing lipedema and enhancing your overall well-being.
Insurance generally does not cover the Mediator Release Test (MRT) or the blood draw required for it. The cost for these services can vary based on location and the chosen facility. For accurate pricing, it’s best to consult directly with local labs or your healthcare provider, who can provide detailed information on the expected costs.
Lipedema is a connective tissue disease that results in the disproportionate increase in fat in the body, primarily in both legs, and commonly extending to the arms and hips. It is often mistaken for simple obesity or other types of leg pain, but lipedema has distinct characteristics and symptoms. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and significant swelling. Unlike ordinary fat, lipedema does not respond to diet and exercise.
Inflammation plays a crucial role in the progression of lipedema. The condition is often accompanied by chronic inflammation, which can worsen symptoms and lead to further complications. Managing inflammation is a key component of lipedema treatment.
The Mediator Release Test (MRT) is a blood test that identifies food sensitivities by measuring the inflammatory response of white blood cells to various foods and chemicals. Unlike traditional tests that focus on specific antibodies, MRT captures both antibody and cell-mediated pathways, providing a comprehensive view of inflammatory triggers.
MRT works by exposing a blood sample to 140 different foods and 30 food chemicals, then measuring the volumetric changes in white blood cells. When these cells encounter a substance they perceive as a threat, they release chemical mediators responsible for the inflammatory response. By quantifying these changes, MRT identifies which foods and chemicals trigger inflammation.
MRT has been shown to have high accuracy, with a sensitivity of 94.5% and specificity of 91.8%. It is considered more comprehensive and reliable than other food sensitivity tests, such as IgG tests.
To begin MRT testing, consult with a healthcare provider knowledgeable about lipedema and MRT, or schedule an appointment with our experienced team at The Roxbury Institute. The test kit can be ordered and sent to your home, with a blood sample drawn at a lab or by your healthcare provider. Results are usually available within 5-7 business days and include a detailed report for dietary adjustments.
Yes, MRT results can change over time as your immune system and inflammatory responses evolve. It is recommended to periodically retest and adjust your diet accordingly.
MRT is a safe and non-invasive test. However, as with any dietary changes, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure nutritional balance and avoid potential deficiencies.
Yes, MRT can help identify food sensitivities that may contribute to chronic inflammation and other symptoms, such as ADHD, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, digestive issues, skin conditions, mental health, and more.
