What is Alpha-Gal?
Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is a carbohydrate found in the cells of many mammals that humans eat, such as cows, sheep, and pigs. Alpha-gal may also be present in poultry that has been given natural flavorings containing beef and other mammal cells. Some people are allergic to alpha–gal because of their autoimmune reactions.
This allergy can cause mild discomfort when eating meat or a severe reaction that renders them unable to breath. There are many reactions to alpha-gal. Tick bites are the most common trigger for this allergy.
Treatment for Alpha-gal Syndrome involves avoiding foods that can cause allergic reactions. Always read the labels on any store-bought food. You should ensure that they do not contain red meat, or any meat-based ingredients such as:
- Beef.
- Pork.
- Lamb.
- Organ meats.
- Gelatins.
You should check the soup stock cubes and gravy packs, as well as any flavoring ingredients found in pre-packaged products. Ask your allergist or health care provider for a list of foods you should avoid. This includes meat extracts that are used in flavoring. It is easy to overlook some meat-based ingredients by their names.
Take extra care when eating out at restaurants or attending social events. Many people don’t realize how severe an allergic reaction to food can be. Many people don’t know about meat allergies. A serious reaction can occur even if there is only a small amount.
Don’t eat a food if you are concerned about it being allergic. You can do your best to reduce your risk. If guests are cooking on a communal surface, you might bring your own food.
You may require emergency care and a shot with epinephrine if you have severe allergic reactions. An epinephrine automatic-injector is a tool that many people who have allergies use. This device is a concealed needle and syringe that injects one dose of medication every time you press it against your thigh. Your doctor will likely prescribe an auto-injector of epinephrine if you have been diagnosed with alpha–gal syndrome.
Over time, symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome can diminish or disappear. This is particularly true if you stop getting tick bites from ticks carrying alpha-gal. If they get no more tick bites, some people can eat mammal foods again within 1 to 2 years.
Is there a treatment for alpha-gal?
Many foods and products contain alpha-gal; you will need to work with your patients to understand which products they need to avoid. Additionally, seeking the help of an internal medicine professional may also give you better insights to treatments your “regular” doctor may not know about or suggest.
How do you reverse alpha-gal?
Allergic reactions to alpha-gal can be treated with an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Stronger reactions provoked by alpha-gal might need to be addressed with epinephrine. But if you are looking for a longer lasting treatment, you may want to investigate the Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT).
How long does it take for alpha-gal to go away?
Some preliminary evidence suggests that an allergy to red meat from alpha-gal syndrome may go away within five years of being bitten.
What is SAAT treatment for alpha-gal?
Soliman Auricular Allergic Treatment (SAAT) is an easy technique that uses only one needle, and only one treatment for each sensitivity. This technique is the most effective in relieving alpha-gal allergy symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors of Alpha-gal allergies
Alpha-gal allergies aren’t something that people are born with. Although most people who have an allergy to alpha-gal develop it as adults, children can also get it. Alpha-gal allergies can be caused by bites from the star tick . Some research suggests that ticks are the true cause of this type of allergy.
Alpha-gal is found in ticks. Tick bites trigger your immune system’s response to alpha-gal. Your body keeps the antibodies it made to protect you against tick bites. When you eat alpha-gal-containing meat, these antibodies will be activated.
Living in an area where lone stars ticks are common increases your risk. The southeastern and eastern United States are home to the lone star tick.