Body & Soul Acupuncture ACCEPTING MEDICAL INSURANCE:  BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD

Alpha-Gal

 

Alpha Gal is a sugar (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) found in most mammals except humans, apes, and monkeys. Alpha-Gal can be found in many mammal products including medications, cosmetics, vaccines, gelatin, and milk products.

Although it was initially presumed that only the Lone Star tick transmitted Alpha-Gal, it is now evident that other ticks can also transmit the allergy. This is in consideration of the fact that Alpha-Gal exists in Australia and Europe where the lone star tick has not been found. Alpha Gal is transmitted to Lone Star ticks after biting animals including cows and sheep. Ticks will then carry the Alph-Gal sugar molecule and inject it into humans. This may trigger the appearance of a condition known as the Alpha-Gal syndrome.

Affected people may have mild to severe allergic reactions upon eating red meat (beef, lamb, pork, venison, and rabbits). Allergic reactions also occur upon exposure to products from mammals such as cosmetics, medications, vaccines, gelatin, and milk products. Cetuximab, a cancer drug, contains Alpha-Gal. More serious reactions can develop in people suffering from repeated tick bites. Symptoms do not necessarily develop after each exposure and naturally, symptoms vary from one individual to another. Alpha-Gal allergies appear to affect individuals of all ages. Alpha-Gal is spreading across the United States at a rapid rate. The East Coast from Long Island to Florida is a hotbed of Alpha-Gal Activity.

Symptoms:
Include hives, itching, eczema, dizziness, fainting, breathing difficulties, and a drop in blood pressure. Other symptoms include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other body parts. A runny nose, sneezing, and headaches are also common. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting are common. While reactions to the majority of food allergies are seen almost immediately following food ingestion, Alpha-Gal can be delayed up to 12 hours following the consumption of red meat. This is because Alpha-Gal molecules take longer to be digested and absorbed compared to other allergens.

In extreme cases, patients may develop Alpha-Gal anaphylactic shock. This is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention and treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) injector such as EpiPen. Signs of anaphylaxis include; a drop in blood pressure, swelling of the mouth and the throat, airway constriction, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Patients diagnosed with Alpha-Gal will have to avoid eating red meat, dairy, and other products that contain Alpha-Gal. Medical treatment of allergic reactions is mainly symptomatic. Antihistamines and steroids are frequently recommended. EpiPen and other measures are needed for Alpha-Gal anaphylactic shock.

How We Can Help:
SAAT, a very unique therapy, introduced and patented by Dr. Nader Soliman has proved to be the Gold Standard of all known approaches. This technique is the ONLY modality that provides permanent relief from Alpha-Gal symptoms.

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