Natural Treatment of Alpha-gal Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and More

Overview

My friend Peter went to a party last Saturday and had some strange symptoms in the morning. He had hives, redness, itching, and was feeling uncomfortable. When he went for consultation, his doctor found out that he had an allergic reaction due to pork and might be suffering from Alpha-gal syndrome. After a few tests and examinations, it was confirmed that he was suffering from alpha-gal syndrome. I came across this article regarding Natural Treatment of Alpha-gal syndrome and found it to be informative. This well-articulated article covers all the aspects about alpha-gal syndrome such as red meat allergy treatment and many more!

Do read this write-up till the end to understand the role of natural approaches in red meat allergy treatment.

What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome is a type of food allergy and it leads to allergic reactions on consumption of red meat and other products. This condition is believed to begin with the bite of the Lone Star tick. The bite results in the transfer of a sugar molecule known as alpha-gal into the body. In some sensitive people, this initiates an allergic reaction from the body’s immune system. People become allergic to red meats like beef, pork, and lamb. The syndrome also makes the individuals allergic to other products that come from mammals like dairy, and gelatins.

Ayurvedic Reference of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Ayurveda explains diseases like alpha-gal syndrome implementing the concept of keeta visha and asatmayta. Ayurveda mentions the symptoms of Pitta predominant insect bite as redness, burning sensation, and blackish-red discoloration at the site of the bite. In Ayurveda, there is an explanation about various insects that bite humans and result in allergic responses. They are mentioned under group Keeta and include various insects like Makshika, Kanabha, Vrischika, etc.

The alpha-gal syndrome is precipitated due to tick bites and then the individual shows an allergic response to red meat like beef or pork, the above condition can also be related to Asatmayta (Is opposite of satmaya which means the food items that provide nourishment and pleasure to the body) in which the body reacts negatively to certain food items.

Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

The symptoms take longer to manifest in this syndrome in comparison to other food allergies. The allergic reaction after consumption of red meats like pork, lamb, organ meats, beef, gelatins, and even dairy products occurs around 3 to 6 hours after the consumption. According to researchers, the delayed reaction is due to the fact that alpha-gal molecules take longer to digest and enter the system quite late. The following are the symptoms of Alpha-gal syndrome:

Hive, itchy, or scaly skin
Inflammation of the lips, throat, tongue, or other areas
Wheezing and difficulty in breathing
Stomach ache, loose motions, and vomiting

Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome – As Per Ayurveda

The disease may manifest the following symptoms as per Ayurveda:

Skin symptoms are redness, itching, burning sensation, and blackish-red discoloration.
Other symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastritis, loss of taste, and stomach ache.

Causes of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome is manifested after the bite from Lone Star Tick Bites in the United States. Furthermore, it is also believed that bites from other types of ticks can also make the person allergic to red meats. These other ticks produce symptoms of Alpha-gal syndrome in parts of Europe, Australia, Asia, South and Central America and South Africa.

Causes of Alpha-Gal Syndrome- As Per Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda the prime cause of any disease is the imbalance in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). As these elemental energies are deranged there is an increased likelihood of getting different allergies or diseases. In this case, some external factors such as a tick bite can vitiate the doshas and as a result there is an hypersensitive reaction of the body to red meat.

Diagnosis of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

The diagnosis of the condition can be performed by taking a detailed personal history and some medical examinations.

A blood examination can confirm the presence of alpha-gal antibodies in the blood and this is the most reliable and confirmatory test for the alpha-gal syndrome.
A skin test can also be performed in which a small amount of allergen is exposed to the skin and if the person is allergic then he/she may get a raised bump or hive at the site

Natural Treatment of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Ayurveda follows a holistic approach in which the causative factors of the disease are mitigated using a multifaceted approach that includes:

Herbal Remedies
Detoxification therapies
Diet and lifestyle modification

Herbal Supplements for Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Ayurveda is a treasure of knowledge to cure diseases and to remain healthy. At IAFA Dr. Sahil Gupta and his dedicated team are conducting thorough research to bring out the best possible herbal combinations to treat any type of allergy including Alpha-gal syndrome. IAFA has outstanding medicines to treat this condition, elevate the quality of life, and offer the most reliable and effective solutions to this challenging condition. Explore our latest range of products to treat alpha-gal syndrome which includes:

1. Aahar Amrutham Gulika

Aahar Amrutham Gulika is a unique herbal blend to get relief from allergic reactions that occur due to faulty digestion of food. IAFA has maintained international quality standards and the medicine is thoroughly tested for heavy metal content ensuring compliance with international guidelines. The medicine is infused with herbs such as Aegle marmelos, hedychium spicatum amongst others to boost digestion and metabolic processes.

2. Aahar Amrutham Rasa

Aahar Amrutham Rasa is known for its potent digestion-enhancing and metabolism-boosting properties. The disease helps to maintain the activities of anna-ras-udaka vaha strotas for healthy metabolic functions. The medicine is a 100% natural, pure vegetarian product without any potent allergens like wheat, gluten, dairy, or soy.

3. Aahar Amrutham Chai

Aahar Amritham Chai is a unique combination of 6 herbs including parushaka, karjura, sariva, and others to facilitate the absorption of vital nutrients and regulate healthy digestive fire to get rid of toxins such as Ama. This tea is also a strong antioxidant as it is a rich source of Vitamin C present in Amalaki which makes it an excellent herbal supplement.

Detoxification Therapies

Ayurvedic Science emphasizes implementing Panchkarma or detoxification therapies to maintain the doshas balance and remove the causative factors of diseases such as Alpha-gal Syndrome. These purification methods can be followed under guidance from an expert Ayurvedic Physician and they are:

Vaman or emesis
Virechan or Purgation
Nasya or Nasal Administration of herbal medicines
Basti or enema
Swedan or Sweating therapy
Gandusha and Kavala (Oral Rinse and Gargling)
Abhyanga or therapeutic massage with medicated oils

Diet and Lifestyle Modification

Avoid red meat products like pork and beef till the healing process is complete.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, lentils, beans, seeds, and dry fruits.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins.
Stay active and perform Yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation to uplift physical and mental well-being.
Avoid processed foods and items that have preservatives or have a long shelf life.

Conclusion

Alpha-gal syndrome can be effectively managed using Ayurveda. Natural Treatment of Alpha-gal syndrome includes carefully crafted herbal formulas, detoxification therapies, and diet and lifestyle modifications.