When Rena Lampe suddenly developed eczema in November 2023, she was convinced it was brought on by her job. Rena is a physical education teacher whose office was in a locker room that was being renovated. She broke out in a rash on her legs, stomach, and back. Her coworker experienced similar symptoms, so environmental causes seemed like the most likely culprit.
Rena and her coworker went to different dermatologists who each determined the eczema was stress related and prescribed topical medications, including a steroid. The medications cleared up all of the symptoms that Rena’s coworker had, but not Rena’s. The topical steroid helped for a little bit, but then her eczema got worse. The rash continued to spread to her chest, hands, and wrists. Frustrated, Rena reached out to Holy Name’s Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Outreach Manager Debbie Bessen, who had previously worked with Rena’s husband to help him manage his blood sugar levels. Debbie recommended that Rena take a Mediator Release Test (MRT) to measure her body’s sensitivity to foods and chemicals.
The MRT is a unique tool to measure food sensitivities. It pinpoints the foods and chemicals that cause the cells to react and release mediators, which are powerful chemicals that negatively affect the body. These mediators are what actually causes the symptoms associated with food sensitivities. The most important information obtained through this test are the foods and chemicals that a person is not reactive to so that an immune-calming meal plan can be developed. Unlike most other food sensitivity tests the MRT test does not use antibody testing, which can sometimes be unreliable.
“I have been using the LEAP MRT test and accompanying meal plan with my clients for years,” Debbie said. “It helps my clients reduce symptoms caused by inflammation, which can present as gastrointestinal issues, joint pain, asthma symptoms, skin issues and more.”
The MRT test revealed that Rena had sensitivities to some foods she ate often, including bell peppers, bread, lemons, and dairy. Debbie advised Rena to start a 10-day meal plan that focused on healthy proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates like lentils. Rena has long maintained a healthy diet, but she was initially skeptical about her ability to make some of the changes. “I didn’t think I could give up the cream in my coffee,” she admitted, “but I did.”
After those 10 days, Rena expanded her diet again but refrained from the foods she learned she was sensitive to. Within two weeks, she was experiencing dramatic results: The rash cleared up and the itch went away. She also started to notice some other unexpected benefits: Her clothes fit better, she was no longer bloated, she slept better, and her joint pain had stopped. Exercise was already an important part of Rena’s routine, but after making the changes to her diet she noticed that she had more energy during her workouts, too.
“I have this wonderful new lease on life,” Rena said. “My skin looks really good and I feel fantastic.”
A few months into these dietary changes, Rena loves the way she feels and wants to share the knowledge. She says she’s already recommended Debbie to “at least 10 people” because her friends and family have noticed the positive change in her and want to know her secret.
“This is not a fad diet,” Rena said. “It’s life changing. I recommend this test to anyone who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
To schedule a consultation or for more information, please visit https://www.holyname.org/Nutrition, call 201-227-6040 or email nutrition@holyname.org.
