Diet can play an important part in both the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches. Migraines can be triggered by individual sensitivities to certain chemicals and preservatives in foods and beverages, and the headaches can also be brought on by thirst and hunger. Blood testing combined with an elimination diet can be a very effective way…
Category Archives: LEAP
Managing IBS, Migraines and Fibromyalgia with Diet
Believe it or not, the pain and discomfort that accompanies irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraines, fibromyalgia, and other inflammatory illnesses, is often triggered by food sensitivities. Individuals suffering from these conditions can often decrease the severity of, if not completely eliminate their symptoms by identifying and removing trigger foods. Unlike use of medication, the removal of trigger foods will often even alleviate related systemic ailments. For example, an IBS sufferer may find their depression cured as well. Food sensitivity is much more prevalent than food allergy but also more challenging to pin-point. It is most effectively determined by the Mediator Release Test (MRT) accompanied by Lifestyle, Eating And Performance (LEAP) therapy. (1,2)
The role of the Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT) is to help individuals with IBS, migraines, fibromyalgia, etc, is to determine which foods are triggering their symptoms. CLTs have advanced clinical training in food allergies, food sensitivities, and food intolerance. In addition, they each have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition, and many have an advanced degree (MS, PhD).(3) CLTs assist with the diet protocols, based on the MRT blood analysis. MRT tests an individual’s reaction to many foods and chemicals and provides a good starting point, for the CLT, in the development of an individualized dietary plan. Additional supporting research references are listed at http://nowleap.com/papers-by-medical-advisory-board/.
1. Ford D, Raj S, Batheja RK, et al. American Dietetic Association: Standards of practice and standards of professional performance for registered dietitians (competent, proficient, and expert) in integrative and functional medicine. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011;111(6):902-913.
2. Williams FH. Use of the LEAP mediator release test to identify non-IgE mediated immunological food reactions that trigger diarrhea predominant IBS symptoms results in marked improvement of symptoms through use of an elimination diet. Research presented at: American College of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting; November 2004; Orlando, Fla.
Optimized Nutrition - Alison Grewal, Registered Dietitian 