Understanding Alpha Gal Syndrome: A Brief Overview
Discover the hidden connections between co-infections and the onset of Alpha Gal Syndrome, and learn how multiple factors can influence this perplexing condition.
Alpha Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a type of food allergy to red meat and other products made from mammals. This condition is triggered by a complex sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which is found in most mammalian cells. People with AGS experience allergic reactions that can range from mild to severe, including symptoms like hives, stomach pain, and anaphylaxis.
The syndrome has a delayed onset, with symptoms typically appearing 3-6 hours after consuming alpha-gal-containing foods. This delay makes it challenging to diagnose and manage. Research has shown that AGS is linked to tick bites, which introduce alpha-gal into the bloodstream, triggering the immune system to react.
The Role of Tick Bites in Alpha Gal Syndrome
Tick bites, particularly from the Lone Star tick in the United States, are the primary cause of Alpha Gal Syndrome. When a tick bites a human, it transfers alpha-gal from its saliva into the person’s bloodstream. This exposure sensitizes the immune system, leading it to produce antibodies against alpha-gal.
Following sensitization, subsequent consumption of meat or other mammalian products containing alpha-gal can trigger an allergic reaction. The connection between tick bites and AGS underscores the importance of tick bite prevention and awareness, especially in regions where these ticks are prevalent.
How Co-Infections Can Influence Alpha Gal Syndrome
Co-infections can complicate the clinical picture of Alpha Gal Syndrome by modifying the immune response. When a person is bitten by a tick, they are often exposed to multiple pathogens simultaneously. These co-infections, such as Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses, can exacerbate the immune system’s reaction, potentially heightening the sensitivity to alpha-gal. The same is true if a person has mold colonization or is living in a home with mold. Often times a person can be so colonized with mold that it makes them that more sensitive to the alpha gal sugar, which is the final icing on the cake that makes the individual allergic to mammal meat.
The presence of multiple infections can lead to a more aggressive immune response, increasing the likelihood of severe allergic reactions like Mast cell activation and chronic inflammatory response syndrome. Additionally, co-infections can cause inflammation and stress within the body, which may further destabilize the immune system and aggravate AGS symptoms.
Common Co-Infections Associated with Alpha Gal Syndrome
Several co-infections are commonly associated with Alpha Gal Syndrome. These include Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi; ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia species; and babesiosis, caused by Babesia parasites. Each of these infections can be transmitted by the same ticks that carry alpha-gal. There are also several types of fungi from mold exposure that can infect the body.
Other co-infections include anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The simultaneous presence of these pathogens can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of AGS, as symptoms overlap and can mask each other, making it essential for healthcare providers to consider a comprehensive approach when evaluating patients with tick-borne illnesses.
Strategies for Managing Co-Infections and Alpha Gal Syndrome
Managing co-infections alongside Alpha Gal Syndrome requires a multifaceted approach. Early detection and treatment of tick-borne illnesses are crucial. This includes using antibiotics to treat bacterial co-infections and antiparasitic medications for parasitic infections. We also have the amazing SAAT treatment, which is ear acupuncture for alpha gal. It works by the insertion of one to a few needles in the ear that is tested by the Acupuncturist. SAAT has been shown to be highly effective to ‘turn off’ the alpha gal response. However, sometimes it may not remain off if there are other underlying infections that are not addressed. We often recommend doing a detox to cleanse the body of mold, parasites, bacteria, tick borne illnesses as well as doing the SAAT treatment. The SAAT treatment has been found to be the only effective remedy for treating alpha gal, using acupuncture.
Preventive strategies such as avoiding tick-prone areas, using tick repellents, and performing regular tick checks are also vital. For those already diagnosed with AGS, dietary modifications to avoid alpha-gal-containing foods are essential. Working closely with healthcare providers to monitor and manage co-infections can help mitigate the impact of these conditions on overall health. Once the alpha gal has been ‘turned off’ it is much easier for the body to deal with other co-infections and to calm the histamine and heightened immune response. Since this is often an overwhelmed liver that is having to process far too many toxins, the acupuncture for alpha gal is effective to alleviate one less allergen from the mix of potential co-infections.
If you are struggling with alpha gal, the SAAT acupuncture treatment is the answer. It works quickly and is painless. Next, its important to look at the body as a whole to see what other co-infections exist that triggered the alpha gal in the first place. Call our Acupuncturist at The Holistic Clinic to schedule your alpha gal treatment!
