Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome and How to Treat It Naturally

Imagine enjoying some beef tacos, then 15 minutes or even several hours later suddenly having no energy, barely able to put one foot in front of the other, rapidly breaking out with hives, stomach cramps, or even difficulty breathing or passing out.

This was my experience; I had eaten some taco with tofu filling that had a little ground beef mixed in by mistake. Within 15 minutes after the meal, while on a digestive walk, I could barely make it back and asked to sit down in the gazebo some distance from the house because I could not go anymore. My friend said I fell asleep as soon as I sat down. She waited 30 minutes and finally woke me up. I then said, “Something is wrong, I need to go home.” This wasn’t just a one-time allergic reaction, instead, a condition called Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS); a food allergy triggered by a sugar molecule transmitted through the bite of a lone star tick. 

Marty had been diagnosed with Alpha-Gal a couple years prior. So, I was pretty sure what I was dealing with. I had noticed the small bits of beef in the tacos, but didn’t say anything. Upon arriving home, I immediately pulled out all the natural things I had to counteract the reaction. Within 15 minutes, the hives were already starting to go away. A week later I got a blood test confirming I indeed had Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is both a surprising and confusing diagnosis because the allergy is to mammalian meat and other mammalian products or derivatives – foods that many people have eaten without issue for years.

In this blog, we will explore what Alpha-Gal Syndrome is, how it’s treated, and how those affected can manage their symptoms and still live a full, healthy life.

What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Galactose molecule

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is an allergy to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (commonly known as alpha-gal), a sugar molecule found in most mammals—but not in humans. The lone star tick, found primarily in the southeastern United States (but is expanding its range), is the usual culprit. When it bites, it can transmit alpha-gal into the human bloodstream, sensitizing the immune system.

After this sensitization, eating foods like beef, pork, lamb, or even gelatin or dairy can trigger an immediate or delayed allergic reaction, typically 15 minutes to 6 hours after eating.

Signs and Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Symptoms vary in severity and can include:

• Hives or itchy rash

• Tiredness and fatigue

• Nausea or vomiting

• Stomach cramps and/or diarrhea

• Shortness of breath or wheezing

• Drop in blood pressure

• Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)

Unlike typical food allergies that cause immediate reactions, AGS reactions are often delayed, which can make diagnosis tricky.

Is There a Cure for Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

With the avoidance of all mammalian products, including all dairy and cheese, and avoidance of further tick bites, for one to several years, some people may see improvement and even resolution over time.

Treatment & Management Strategies

The cornerstone of AGS treatment is dietary management:

Strict Avoidance of Alpha-Gal Triggers 

Avoid mammalian meats (beef, lamb, goat, venison, etc.) and products derived from mammals, like lard, gelatin, and dairy products including cheese, butter and cream, etc.

Carefully read ingredient labels and ask questions when eating out.

Learn the animal and dairy derivatives (casein, whey, butter, lactalbumin, mono and/or diglycerides, protein concentrates, etc. I will make a list for my next blog post.)

Some people may also react to:

Certain medications (like cetuximab and some vaccines or supplements derived from mammalian sources).

Red seaweed, such as dulce, etc. may be problematic for some individuals.

Antihistamines and Emergency Medication

Antihistamines can help with mild reactions.

Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen) are critical for those at risk of severe reactions or anaphylaxis.

Avoid Tick Bites

Wear long sleeves and pants in tick-prone areas. I tuck my pant leg into my sock and wear tall boats.

Use tick repellents. There are some good natural ones as well as chemical ones. Use what works best for you.

Perform nightly tick checks after spending time outdoors.

Treat pets for ticks regularly.

Further tick bites can reinforce or worsen AGS, while avoiding them may allow the immune system to “reset” over time.

Retest for Alpha-Gal every 6–12 months to see if your numbers are going down and to help track changes in sensitivity. Some individuals experience a gradual improvement in tolerance, if they avoid new tick bites and completely avoid all mammalian products for at least 12 months. Some people need a little more time. For Marty it was almost four years and for me it was between one to two years.

Living Well with AGS

It may feel overwhelming at first, but many people with Alpha-Gal Syndrome find ways to adapt. With a growing awareness of the benefits and healing power of plant-based foods and more food producers and restaurants becoming sensitive to dietary needs, it is easier now for those who have food allergies and sensitivities. Also there is an endless world of edible plants that will not trigger any Alpha-Gal reactions, that will reduce inflammation and speed recovery. Give some a try!

Some Tips:

Learn to cook creatively with plant-based alternatives, or even fish or poultry (but these create inflammation which may prolong the healing process) and without mammalian products.

Join our Start a New YOU!® Online Community!

For help with your specific AGS situation schedule an appointment here.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is a relatively new and still-evolving diagnosis in the medical world. After about a year, if I was served something with a little milk or dairy it didn’t seem to bother me as much. After a couple years there was a dramatic improvement. And now even if I have something with a little diary several days in a row, it does not seem to bother me. How do I know this since I am plant-based? I gave it a good test at our family reunion last July. Marty nor I had any reaction to the foods, such as lasagna. 

While there’s no magic pill, effective management and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve quality of life. There is great hope, so take courage! With awareness, careful planning, and support, you can continue to thrive and enjoy life and may even get to the point where the new lifestyle without mammalian meat is better than with them! It certainly is better for your health!

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