The number of cases of Alpha-gal syndrome rose from 12 laboratory-confirmed cases in 2009 to more than 34,000 in 2019! While there seems to be no Alpha-gal cure or FDA-approved medications for it, it is best to try to avoid the allergen altogether.
Are you experience symptoms related to Alpha-gal syndrome? Have you had exposure to ticks? Your doctor can perform the necessary physical exam to find out if you might have the allergen in your system.
Leaving Alpha-gal syndrome untreated can be dangerous. But what are your options when it comes to Alpha-gal treatment? Keep reading to learn how to manage and treat this allergy.
What is Alpha-Gal?
Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule that’s found in most mammals. Meat products like beef, pork, lamb, venison, etc., and products that come from mammals like cow’s milk and other milk products contain this molecule.
It is not found in fish or poultry.
What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS)?
AGS is an allergic disorder. It’s a food allergy to red meat and other products that come from mammals. It is believed to be caused by a bite from a Lone Star tick.
When a tick bites a person, the alpha-gal sugar molecule from the tick goes into the person’s body. This triggers a reaction in some, but not all, people. When the immune system reacts, it later produces mild to severe allergic reactions to meat and other mammalian products.
Alpha-Gal Symptoms
When you think of food allergies, what types of reactions come to mind? Meat allergies illicit the same types of symptoms: hives, runny nose, and headache. How your body reacts might be very different from how someone else’s does.
Some other symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, congestion, asthma, sneezing, and the most dangerous, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that inhibits your body’s ability to breathe.
Acupuncture for Alpha-Gal
Acupuncture uses the body’s acupuncture points to treat pain and other things such as mental health and wellness. It can also be used for treating Alpha-gal.
The practitioner penetrates the skin with tiny, solid needles and activates them by gently moving them into position. For the treatment of Alpha-gal, the needles go into the acupuncture points of the ear. Many find relief from Alpha-gal symptoms using this technique.
What’s Your Choice for Alpha-Gal Treatment?
If you suspect that a Lone Star tick has bitten you, it’s best to speak to your doctor. He or she can conduct the tests necessary to identify this allergy and prevent a dangerous allergic reaction. You can then explore the right Alpha-gal treatment for you.
If you’d like to learn more about treating Alpha-gal with acupuncture, look no further than Acupuncture Works LLC. We specialize in treating Alpha-gal allergy and tick diseases. It is our mission to honor the gift of health. We provide all our patients with a detailed, natural approach to caring for their health. Contact us today.
