Alpha-gal (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) is a sugar molecule found in most mammals but not in humans or other primates. Lone star ticks and some other ticks carry alpha-gal in their saliva; when they bite, they can inject alpha-gal into your bloodstream. In some people, the immune system responds by making IgE antibodies against alpha-gal, “sensitizing” the body so future exposures trigger allergy.
How it changes your immune response:
Once sensitized, your immune system is primed so that: When you eat mammal meat (beef, pork, lamb, venison, etc.), dairy, gelatin, or other products containing alpha-gal, IgE antibodies bind to that sugar. This binding activates mast cells and basophils, which release histamine and other mediators throughout the body, causing allergy symptoms that can range from mild hives to full anaphylaxis. Unlike classic food allergies, symptoms commonly start 2–6 hours after eating, so the immune response is delayed instead of immediate. This immune reprogramming is the core “change” alpha-gal causes—your body starts recognizing a previously harmless sugar as dangerous.
A newer protocol of Auricular Acupuncture treatment is now available that offers additional benefits including improvements in overall health. The new treatment is called Neurological Auricular Acupuncture Treatment, or NAAT. The NAAT treatment relies on neurological and physiological processes within the body to improve function and balance systems. The intent of NAAT in treating Alpha Gal Syndrome is to reverse the action that occurred after the tick bite that made you have allergic reactions to meat. We want to flip the switch back to normal. NAAT is based on decades of advanced Medical Acupuncture treatment clinical experience.
