Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
SAAT is one of
the only treatments available found to be effective in treating Alpha-Gal Syndrome
​Alpha-Gal Syndrome
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Alpha-Gal Syndrome(AGS) is a rare condition that develops and manifests as various allergic reactions in humans after being bitten by the lone star tick. It is also called alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick-bite meat allergy. Alpha-gal(alpha-galactose-α-1,3-galactose) is a sugar molecule found in most mammals, though not in humans, fish, birds, or reptiles. The lone star tick carries the alpha-gal sugar molecule and passes it to humans when they are bitten by this tick. AGS is a relatively rare condition, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 200,000 people. Anyone who has the alpha-gal sugar introduced into their system can develop allergic reactions to meat or meat products that also have the alpha-gal sugar molecule. Consuming even a small amount of any four-legged mammal, including more widely consumed cow, pig, deer, and lamb, as well as those less frequently consumed, can set off a reaction. Products made from these animals in their manufacturing can also set off a reaction in a person with Alpha-Gal Syndrome. This includes foods that are ingested, medications taken orally, topically, or intravenously, products that are placed on or in the body and hair, and fumes that are inhaled. Some of these products are known to have mammals in them, and there are many that are not commonly thought of as possible AGS allergens, including milk products, gelatin capsules, glycerin, food thickeners, medications such as heparin, surgical implants, cosmetics, hair care products, some paper products, leather, and some fabrics, and even inhaling fumes in a restaurant from meat cooking in the kitchen. A neighbor's wonderful-smelling afternoon BBQ wafting into an Alpha-Gal Syndrome patient's yard can set off a reaction. Allergic reactions can run from mild stomach upset, with variations of urticaria or hives, to more severe reactions, including uncontrollable diarrhea, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms can initially be more on the mild side and progress the longer a person has Alpha-Gal Syndrome. The number of foods they react to can increase, even having reactions to foods that are not mammal-related. Often, people with Alpha-Gal Syndrome develop Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. SAAT has been effective in treating people with AGS, some of whom can resume eating mammal products without further reactions.
"I 've suffered with Alpha-Gal
for 3 years, and after SAAT,
I feel like I have my life back!
My breathing improved, my blood
pressure is lower, and I feel normal
again! I have not had a reaction since the needles were placed"
Ken M.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
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Mast Cell Activation Syndrome(MCAS) is a condition that develops in which a person experiences repeated episodes of the symptoms of anaphylaxis – allergic symptoms that can include hives, swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and severe diarrhea. All humans have mast cells, and in a person with MCAS, the mast cells become overactive and highly reactive, triggering the release of high amounts of histamines into their system. High levels of mast cell mediators(including histamines) are released during these episodes, leading to anaphylaxis-like reactions. Allergens, weather changes, stress, emotions, and environmental toxins and conditions can trigger these episodes. Often, a person with MCAS becomes more easily triggered the longer they have the Syndrome and seemingly becomes "allergic" to more and more, tolerating fewer foods and environmental conditions. It is important to note that many triggers are not actual allergies but the overactive mast cells that keep their bodies in an almost constant state of reaction. Their lifestyles and food choices can become very limited. Many diagnosed with MCAS develop additional symptoms, including headaches, migraines, and auto-immune-type symptoms. Medications, including antihistamines, aspirin, and steroids, play a role in managing and reducing the severity of the reactions, though they are not a cure for those living with MCAS. SAAT has been helpful in reducing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome reactions and in helping improve tolerance to more foods and environmental conditions.
