The Alpha-Gal Syndrome + Red Meat Connection
Imagine enjoying a lovely afternoon outside, sun shining, grill fired up, and the food ready to go on it. You enjoy a juicy steak grilled to perfection and have an amazing time. An hour later, though, you’re breaking out in hives and feeling like you got hit by a truck. What happened?
Meet Alpha-Gal Syndrome, the sneaky meat allergy that's making headlines and surprising omnivores everywhere. While not as widely recognized as some health issues, Alpha-Gal Syndrome warrants our attention as it continues to gain notoriety.
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What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
Alpha-Gal Syndrome is a delayed allergic reaction to a sugar molecule (called alpha-galactose, which is where the syndrome gets its name) found in meat. Evidence shows it is caused by lone star tick bites (1) and can trigger an array of symptoms.
Unlike a typical food allergy that triggers an immediate response, Alpha-Gal Syndrome can take 3-8 hours to strike (2), which makes it difficult for you to pinpoint the culprit. Many of my patients have been through the wringer with conventional diagnostics, only to be left with more questions than answers. That’s particularly true for those with Alpha-Gal Syndrome.
Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome
The common symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome include (3,4)
- Hives
- Itching
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Swelling
- Flushing
- Difficulty breathing
Much like Lyme disease, Alpha-Gal Syndrome can mimic various other medical conditions, from food allergies and autoimmune disorders to psychiatric issues. In fact, one study showed that people are more likely to discover this syndrome online, through personal connections, or even on the radio, rather than by visiting the emergency room for their anaphylaxis! (5)
Since the reactions vary from person to person and some have only mild symptoms, it’s essential to get the proper testing and diagnosis.
How To Diagnose Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Getting a diagnosis of Alpha-Gal Syndrome involves a comprehensive review of history to ensure an accurate evaluation is completed. There are also blood tests to determine whether you have it, which is what I typically recommend. But it can’t just be a regular allergy panel, either, like a skin prick test. (6) It needs to be an Alpha-Gal-specific IgE component test.
I use two conventional tests accepted by the CDC that will help determine your IgE to galactose-alpha 1 levels, and I may also screen clients with these labs:
- Beef IgE
- Pork IgE
- Lamb IgE
The blood work will tell us if further testing is needed, allowing us to begin building a roadmap to start your healing.
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The Functional Medicine Approach To Alpha-Gal Syndrome
In functional medicine, we don't just look at the symptoms; we dig deep to understand the 'why' and the 'how' of your health issues.
Here are some ways we may be able to help you take control of Alpha-Gal Syndrome:
Comprehensive History Taking
The journey begins with your story. I want to know every detail – from your dietary habits to your environmental exposures, like that camping trip you took last summer. All these pieces form a bigger picture that helps identify potential triggers and underlying imbalances.
Advanced Testing
While traditional allergy testing can confirm the presence of Alpha-Gal Syndrome, functional medicine goes further, using advanced diagnostics to explore gut health, the immune system, and potential tick-borne co-infections that may exacerbate the condition.
Personalized Nutrition
Diet is a cornerstone of managing Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Beyond simply avoiding red meat, we delve into a tailored nutrition plan that supports immune regulation and reduces inflammation. We’ll figure out which foods are serving you, and which aren’t, and make sure you have a plan to keep giving your body more of what it needs.
Healing The Gut
Creating a thriving microbiome is key to healing. With 70% of your immune system lying in your GI tract, it’s a key component to health. The idea is to create a safe environment in your microbiome so that the body isn’t having to fight off an Alpha Gal Syndrome reaction, plus manage a myriad of other infections that may also be present.
READ MORE: How To Heal Your Gut: A Complete Functional Medicine Guide To Restoring Microbiome Health
Supportive Supplements
Targeted supplementation can be invaluable. Whether it's Omega-3 fatty acids to combat inflammation or probiotics to restore gut microbiome balance, each supplement regimen is personalized to support your body's unique healing process.
Reduce Histamine Reaction
Effective allergy management is a cornerstone component. Understanding cross-reactivity with other allergens is essential for safety. Some functional medicine practitioners may suggest conventional routes like antihistamine or epinephrine to stop an acute allergic reaction. You could also try a natural antihistamine like stinging nettle, Vitamin C, quercetin, bromelain, and ginger to reduce the histamine load in the body.
Lifestyle Modifications
Managing Alpha-Gal Syndrome extends beyond diet. Stress, sleep, and exercise all play critical roles in immune function. We'll work together to craft a lifestyle that supports your well-being and reduces the burden on your immune system.
No, there is no cure for Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Instead, treatment must focus on increasing the body’s immune system, which takes a multi-faceted approach.
The most common symptoms include hives, itching, redness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, faintness, and difficulty breathing.
Acupuncture may be able to help symptoms of Alpha-Gal. One study showed extremely promising results, with 96% of participating study subjects finding a complete remission of their allergy. (7)
A re-exposure to a tick bite can exacerbate symptoms, according to studies (8). Treatment for Alpha-Gal Syndrome must, therefore, focus on prevention and the measures you can take to ensure your symptoms won’t be worsened by another tick bite.
Having Alpha-Gal Syndrome does not have to mean you will never eat meat again. By understanding the ins and outs of this syndrome, taking preventive measures, and working to support your body, you can see a decrease of your symptoms occur over time. (9) That means there is absolutely a possibility you can eat red meat again, even if right now, your symptoms are too severe to enjoy these foods.
Consider Your Bioindividuality
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to Alpha-Gal Syndrome. It’s all about nurturing your immune system back to health with a personalized approach. When given the right tools, your body can heal. Alpha-Gal Syndrome isn’t just an allergy, but a sign from your body that it needs some support. If you’re curious about whether we can help, schedule your telehealth consultation today.
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References:
- Young, I., Prematunge, C., Pussegoda, K., Corrin, T., & Waddell, L. (2021). Tick exposures and alpha-gal syndrome: a systematic review of the evidence. Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 12(3), 101674.
- Commins, S. P. (2020). Diagnosis & management of alpha-gal syndrome: lessons from 2,500 patients. Expert review of clinical immunology, 16(7), 667-677.
- Commins, S. P., James, H. R., Stevens, W., Pochan, S. L., Land, M. H., King, C., ... & Platts-Mills, T. A. (2014). Delayed clinical and ex vivo response to mammalian meat in patients with IgE to galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 134(1), 108-115.
- van Nunen, S. (2014). Galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose, mammalian meat and anaphylaxis: a world-wide phenomenon?. Current Treatment Options in Allergy, 1, 262-277.
- Platts-Mills, T. A., Li, R. C., Keshavarz, B., Smith, A. R., & Wilson, J. M. (2020). Diagnosis and management of patients with the α-gal syndrome. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 8(1), 15-23.
- Vaz-Rodrigues, R., Mazuecos, L., & de la Fuente, J. (2022). Current and future strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of the alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). Journal of asthma and allergy, 957-970.
- Bernal, M., Huecker, M., Shreffler, J., Mittel, O., Mittel, J., & Soliman, N. (2021). Successful treatment for alpha gal mammal product allergy using auricular acupuncture: a case series. Medical Acupuncture, 33(5), 343-348.
- Kim, M., Straesser, M. D., Keshavarz, B., Workman, L., McGowan, E. C., Platts-Mills, T. A., & Wilson, J. M. (2020). IgE to galactose-α-1, 3-galactose wanes over time in patients who avoid tick bites. The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice, 8(1), 364.
- Saretta, F., Giovannini, M., Mori, F., Arasi, S., Liotti, L., Pecoraro, L., ... & Novembre, E. (2021). Alpha-gal syndrome in children: peculiarities of a “Tick-Borne” allergic disease. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 9, 801753.
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BY DR. WILL COLE
Dr. Will Cole, DNM, IFMCP, DC is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is also the host of the popular The Art of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian, Gut Feelings, and The Inflammation Spectrum.
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