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

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.

He called me, and I found out that he had an allergic reaction due to pork, and he might be suffering from Alpha-gal syndrome.

After a few tests and examinations, it was confirmed that he was suffering from alpha-gal syndrome. He easily recovered with the natural treatment of Alpha-gal syndrome and found it to be very effective.

Alpha-gal syndrome is a food allergy that appears hours after eating red meat. This delay makes it confusing and stressful for patients.

At IAFA®, Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.) has guided many patients through this rare condition. He focuses on stabilizing digestion, calming immune overreactions, and removing the root imbalance causes.

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 that happens when you consume red meat. This condition begins with the bite of the Lone Star tick. The Lone Star tick commonly resides on most mammals and is found in their meat.

You can become allergic to red meats like beef, pork, and lamb.

The tick bite transfers a sugar molecule called alpha-gal to your body, and your body’s immune system initiates the allergic reaction in defense.

Simply, if you ever have a tick bite and your immunity is low, whenever you eat red meat, your body’s defense mechanism activates against the alpha-gal molecule found in the meat, and symptoms of allergy are visible.

Not only red meat, you can also be allergic to other products that come from mammals, like dairy and gelatin. 

Ayurvedic Reference of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

In Ayurveda, Alpha-Gal Syndrome is linked to Keeta Visha and Asatmyata.

#1. Keeta Visha (Insect Bite)

In Keeta Visha, Keeta means insect, and Visha means poison. So Keeta Visha refers to the toxins from an insect bite.

A Pitta-predominant insect bite’s symptoms can be redness, burning sensation, and blackish-red discoloration.

Ayurveda also describes a whole group of insects (Keeta) whose bite can give you an allergy. These are –

• Makshika (Bees)
• Kanabha (Beetles), and
• Vrischika (Scorpions)

#2. Asatmayta (Food Intolerance)

Asatmyata is the opposite of Satmyata, which means wholesome and nourishing foods.

Asatmyata means your body’s intolerance to certain foods. It often arises due to Viruddha Ahara, which means incompatible food combinations like milk with fish or milk with salty foods.

Viruddha Ahara disturbs your digestion and creates Ama (toxins) in your body, which leads to Asatmyata. When there’s Asatmyata, your immune system rejects certain foods, leading to allergic-like responses.

Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

1) What are the symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Major symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome are –

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

Alpha-Gal symptoms take longer to manifest than other food allergies. You can see the allergic reactions occurring after 3 to 6 hours of food intake.

Recent research shows that the delayed reaction is because alpha-gal molecules take longer to digest and enter the system late.

2) Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome – As per Ayurveda

The Alpha-gal syndrome patient may manifest the following symptoms as per Ayurveda–

• Redness, itching, burning sensation on the skin
• In some cases, you may get blackish-red discoloration on the itching site.
• Other symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastritis, loss of taste, and stomachache.

Causes of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

1) What are the causes of Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Tick bites on red meat are the main cause of Alpha-Gal Syndrome, with different types of ticks responsible in various regions around the world.

If you live in the United States, then Lone Star tick is the primary cause of Alpha-gal syndrome. In Australia, a different type called the Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is responsible.

Similarly, other ticks manifest Alpha-gal syndrome in parts of Europe, Asia, and South Africa.

2) Causes of Alpha-Gal Syndrome –  As Per Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, the prime cause of any disease is the imbalance in the tri-doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Vata imbalance usually makes you insensitive to certain food types like dairy products, red meat, and raw veggies.

Not everyone who eats red meat develops an allergy, it happens with you only if your tri-doshas are imbalanced.

In Alpha-gal Syndrome, some external factors, such as a tick bite (Keet visha), can exaggerate the condition where the doshas are already imbalanced. And your digestive system gets hypersensitive to red meat (Asatmyata). 

Diagnosis of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

You have to connect with a medical professional or doctor for a detailed personal history and some medical examinations. Then the doctor can confirm whether you are suffering from Alpha-gal syndrome or any other allergy.

• You can go for a blood test that can confirm the presence of alpha-gal antibodies in your blood. A blood examination is the most reliable and confirmatory test for the alpha-gal syndrome. 
• Your doctor or medical practitioner can perform a skin allergy test, in which a small amount of allergen is exposed to your skin, and if you are allergic, you may get a raised bump or hive at the site.

Natural Treatment of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Ayurveda follows a holistic approach in which you follow a multifaceted approach to mitigate the disease. Alpha-gal syndrome ayurvedic treatment includes –

1. Alpha-gal Home remedies
2. Herbal Remedies for Alpha-gal
3. Detoxification therapies
4. Diet and lifestyle modification

1. Alpha Gal Home Remedies

Alpha-gal syndrome is a serious problem that can be fatal if ignored. You must consult a doctor if you find similar symptoms we have discussed.

However, you can go through some easy home remedies for red meat allergy that may provide a temporary relief when the symptoms are mild, but a proper diagnosis and treatment of Alpha-gal syndrome is a must to do thing.

Alpha-gal home remedies are –

• Coconut oil – Using coconut oil on hives can give a soothing effect thanks to its antioxidants as well as antimicrobial properties.
• Aloe Vera gel – Aloe vera gel naturally hydrates the skin, and being rich in Vitamin E, aloe vera gel can reduce redness and itching.
• Cold Compress – Applying a cold compress can calm the irritation. Wrap an ice pack in a soft cloth or put a towel in chilled water, and place it on the affected area for 10–15 minutes. You can repeat if required.
• Turmeric for alpha-gal syndrome – Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin in turmeric possesses antiallergic properties that inhibit the histamine release and reduce rashes & other allergy symptoms. Consume turmeric milk or tea regularly, which may help you ease the Alpha-gal symptoms.
• Vitamin C – Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to protect immune cells from damage. Adding oranges, kiwis, broccoli, strawberries, or blueberries to your diet may help ease the symptoms.
• Ginger and Probiotics – If you are experiencing bloating, nausea, or digestive discomfort after having red meat, then consuming Ginger can be helpful. Because ginger has natural anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects, which can soothe your stomach. You can pair ginger with probiotic-rich foods (like dairy-free yogurt or fermented plant-based options) can restore gut health and improve digestion.

If these home remedies for alpha-gal treatment don’t improve your health, then contact IAFA for a complete natural treatment of Alpha-gal Syndrome discussed in the next section.

2.Herbal Supplements for Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Ayurveda is a science that not only cures your disease from the root but also guides you to stay healthy.

At IAFA, Dr. Sahil Gupta and his dedicated team are deeply committed to bring out the best possible natural remedies for alpha-gal syndrome through their extensive research.

IAFA offers exceptional herbal medicines to treat your disease, improve your quality of life, and offer the most reliable solutions to your challenging condition.

Let’s discuss important herbal mixtures crucial for Alpha-gal treatment –

#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. 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 one of the important herbs for Alpha-gal, known for its potent digestion-enhancing and metabolism-boosting properties.

Aahar Amrutham Rasa boosts the activities of anna-ras-udaka vaha strotas (Food, nutrients & water transport channels) 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

• Amalak
• Parushaka
• Karjura
• Sariva, and others

These herbs facilitate the absorption of vital nutrients and regulate healthy digestive fire to get rid of Ama (toxins). This tea is a rich source of Vitamin C present in Amalak, making it an excellent herbal supplement. 

Note – IAFA has maintained international quality standards. Our each formulation is thoroughly tested for heavy metal content, and meets strict global compliance guidelines. Our medicines are approved by multiple international certifications, including FDA, HACCP, GMP, USDA Organic, Halal, and many more.

3. Detoxification Therapies

Ayurvedic Science emphasizes implementing Panchkarma or detoxification therapies to maintain the dosha balance and remove the causative factors of diseases such as Alpha-gal Syndrome.

You can follow these purification methods under an expert Ayurvedic physician’s supervision.

• 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

4. Diet and Lifestyle Modification

#1. Apathaya (Foods to avoid in Alpha-gal syndrome)

• Avoid red meat products like pork and beef until the healing process is complete. 
• Avoid processed foods and items that have preservatives or have a long shelf life. 

#2. Pathaya (Alpha-gal diet plan)

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables, lentils, and beans.
• Consume seeds and dry fruits rich in antioxidants.
• Eat fruits rich in Vitamin C to ease the symptoms.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins.

#3. Lifestyle and yoga

• Stay active and perform Yoga regularly to balance doshas and physical fitness
• Do breathing exercises like Anulom-vilom and Bhramari for a calm mind.
• Meditate daily to uplift yourself

Conclusion

You can effectively manage Alpha-gal syndrome using Ayurveda. Start with home remedies, but if your symptoms persist, you can go for the Natural Treatment of Alpha-gal syndrome at IAFA.

You can book an appointment for an online consultation with our diligent team of doctors, headed by Dr Sahil Gupta. IAFA is one of the most trustworthy and committed institutions to making the world a better place through its original and holistic approach.

Dr. Gupta’s team provides effective treatment for all types of allergies using 100% natural and herbal products.

Frequently Asked Questions