ALPHA-GAL Syndrome

by Rebecca Steiner, Naturopathic Medical Assistant and Certified Health Coach

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to beef and other mammals including; lamb, pork and bison. Alpha-gal syndrome causes many troubling symptoms, including; potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis, itching, hives, severe stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, arthritis, and chronic fatigue. 

Alpha-gal syndrome is often missed or misdiagnosed due to its uniqueness from other allergies. Unlike other food allergies, symptoms don’t appear right away, but happen hours after the allergen has been ingested, making it much less likely for someone to make the connection between their symptoms and the offending food. Scientists suspect the reason for this delayed response is that animal fat digests at a slower rate than other foods, like peanuts for example, and so it takes longer for the allergic response to occur. Many patients report attacks that wake them up in the middle of the night or early in the morning, hours after eating. 

What makes alpha-gal allergy even more mysterious is that symptoms vary from person to person, and even from day to day. While someone may develop a severe “allergic” reaction that includes anaphylaxis, hives, itching, and maybe even a trip to the Emergency Room, another could only experience abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. In addition, someone may have a severe life-threatening reaction from one exposure to meat, and no reaction the next time. 

Alpha-gal syndrome includes some, or all of the following symptoms:

  • Anaphylaxis

  • Hives

  • Flushing

  • Stuffiness

  • Itching (especially palms of hands and soles of feet)

  • Swollen tongue, lips or eyelids 

  • Difficulty Breathing, coughing, wheezing, sneezing

  • Drop in blood pressure

  • Weak Pulse

  • Racing Heartrate

  • Anxiety

  • Dizziness

  • Fainting

  • Vertigo

  • Itchy ears

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Diarrhea 

  • Constipation

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Edema

  • Arthritis 

  • Joint Pain

  • Rash

  • Psoriasis 

  • Fatigue

  • Gynecological Symptoms 

  • Worse reaction/ Hangover from alcohol 

Alpha-gal is short for galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, an oligosaccharide sugar molecule that is not present in humans or great apes, but is found in all other mammals. 

Alpha-gal allergy is believed to be acquired from a tick bite. 

Research is still underway, but it is theorized that alpha-gal is transmitted from the saliva of a tick that feeds on mammals like deer. When the tick later attaches to a human it transmits the alpha-gal sugar from the animal into the bloodstream of the human host. Some people develop an IgE response when their immune system tries to defend against this foreign molecule. From that point on, meat consumption results in an allergic reaction. Sensitive people may also react to the alpha-gal molecule in dairy, medications, skincare, beauty products, vaccines, and supplements that contain mammalian byproducts. It is even possible to have an allergic reaction to inhalation of fumes from cooking meat, or from cross contamination of utensils and cookware. In addition, some people develop an allergic reaction to the common food additive carrageen, which has a similar chemical structure to alpha-gal. 

Unfortunately, most people who develop AGS suffer for years before receiving a proper diagnosis. On average it takes 7 years for someone to be diagnosed. Often medical practitioners are not aware of the condition, or believe it is a problem limited to the south eastern United States. 

While AGS is most prevalent in the south eastern regions of the United States, cases have been reported all over the US, and in parts of Europe, Australia and Asia. While it was previously thought that alpha-gal could only be transmitted from the bite of the Lone Star tick (which inhabits the South eastern United States) data now suggests that other ticks may transmit alpha-gal as well. For example, researchers have determined that the European Ixodes tick carries the alpha-gal molecule. Additionally, it is now believed that the Lone Star tick is more widely distributed across the country than previously thought. Scientists also predict that while the Lone Star tick prefers warmer climates, due to ongoing climate change, their distribution will only increase over time. 

Alpha-gal syndrome can be detected with a simple blood test, and a thorough clinical evaluation. Some people may falsely test negative, which is why it is so important to work with a skilled and knowledgeable practitioner. 

There is currently no cure for alpha-gal syndrome, although some people do lose their diagnosis over time. The only solution is to completely avoid all mammal products. Easier said than done given that food and drug manufacturers are not required to include this information on labels. It can also be difficult to tell from a list of ingredients if a product contains alpha-gal because it could be hiding behind confusing names. A few of the many common mammal-derived ingredients found in everything from foods, to over the counter and prescription medications includes: gelatin, glycerin, lactose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid and natural flavorings.

If you have AGS, a Certified Health Coach, like myself, can help you navigate the challenging dietary and lifestyle changes that will be necessary to avoid a potentially life-threatening exposure. Working together we can create a plan that works for you. If you think you may have alpha-gal syndrome please reach out to our clinic for more information and helpful resources.

Healing with the AMPCoil

by Rebecca Steiner, Naturopathic Medical Assistant and Certified Health Coach 

Every cell in our body carries with it an electromagnetic charge, or electromagnetic frequency. There is an optimum frequency at which our cells must vibrate in order to maintain prime function and performance- or vibrational homeostasis. Our cells also exchange these electromagnetic charges with one another. Our bodies are ultimately powered by all of these electromagnetic exchanges that occur in, and between cells. When cells are damaged through chronic insults, from things like; infections, heavy metals, Lyme disease, environmental toxins etc., their vibrational frequency becomes impaired. As a result, the cells do not function optimally and every organ of the body is negatively affected.  

AmpCoil or PEMF therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) promotes whole-being wellness and harmony, as it basically “retunes” the body by outputting electromagnetic frequencies that are generated through a modified tesla, or bioresonance coil, to restore the optimal vibrational frequency of the damaged cells. 

The bioresonance coil, or AmpCoil is placed on the body while the patient relaxes in a chair. A tablet that contains a software program prompts the coil to pulsate in a unique pattern at the desired vibrational frequencies for healing. A “voice print” (a recording of your voice with the tablet) allows the software program to tailor the electromagnetic frequencies to address your individual health deficits and needs and works to harmonize your physical, mental and emotional well-being. These specified frequencies pulse through the coil, into your body, and around your cells to improve blood flow, oxygen, nutrient transportation, and detoxification, while simultaneously neutralizing foreign invaders, like microbes and viruses. 

Ampcoil therapy is a natural, safe, gentle and effective treatment for many chronic conditions including:

·      Lyme Disease and Associated Infections 

·      Heavy Metal, Mold, or Environmental toxicity

·      Thyroid Imbalance

·      Autism

·      Digestive Issues

·      Fibromyalgia

·      Sleep Disorders

·      Arthritis

·      Autoimmune Disease

·      Hormonal Imbalance

·      Anxiety, Depression

·      Parasites

·      Candida

·      Viruses

For many chronic illnesses, using the Ampcoil for three months can produce significant effects, reducing illness and symptoms and restoring general well-being. 

If you are interested in improving your health and wellness with PEMF therapy, contact our clinic. We offer weekly sessions and can also guide you through personalized treatment programs. Packages are also available.

Visit https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov to explore the proven effects of PEMFs and their applications.

 

 

Tick Bites: Prevention and Treatment

By Rebecca Steiner, Naturopathic Medical Assistant and Certified Health Coach

Tick Bite Prevention

The best medicine is prevention. To prevent a tick bite:

  • Avoid tall grassy areas

  • Avoid logs and wood piles

  • Avoid leaf litter

  • Do regular tick checks of yourself and your pets

  • Wear protective clothing

  • On hikes, walk in the middle of the trail 

  • Use essential oils of lemon and eucalyptus  

More Details: 

  • To prevent a tick bite, especially during the warmer months, it is best to avoid tick habitats, such as grassy areas, leaf litter, logs and wood piles. 

  • If you do engage in outdoor activities where you might be exposed, protect yourself by wearing light colored clothing, long sleeved shirts and pants and tucking your pant legs into your socks. 

  • It may also be helpful to rub essential oils of lemon and eucalyptus into the skin as a natural tick repellent. 

  • Finally, do a thorough tick check during and after your activities. Scan your whole body, check your scalp and behind your ears. 

  • Don’t forget to check your pets! When you return home, take a shower and wash your hair. 

Tick Removal:

If you are bitten by a tick, there are specific steps you can take to minimize the risk of the transmission of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections:

  • Purchase pointy tweezers or a “Tick Key”

The only safe way to remove a tick is with a “Tick Key” (which can be purchased online) or with pointy-tipped tweezers. Do not use standard household tweezers with blunt edges. Purchase one of these tick removal tools to have on hand, in your home, and to carry on hikes, camping, and other outdoor activities. 

If you are bitten, remove the tick by placing your tweezers (or tick key) as close to the skin as possible and around the head of the tick. Pull firmly, slowly, steadily and directly up. Try to avoid breaking the tick. 

Never attempt to remove a tick with matches, nail polish remover, or other substances. Do not twist or squeeze the tick.  

Once you have removed the tick, disinfect the area of the bite with soap and warm water and wash your hands.  

Tick Testing:

Contrary to popular belief, a tick does not have to be attached to the skin for an extended period of time to transmit infection to a human host. Once the tick has attached, there is a risk of infection. 

  • Have your tick tested through Tick Report

Place the tick in a ziplock bag along with a moist cotton ball, tissue, or green leaf. DO NOT freeze the tick. It is recommended to put the ziplock bag inside a second ziplock bag as ticks have been known to escape. 

Send your tick to the laboratory for testing.  

Go online to order your test and receive shipping instructions: https://www.tickreport.com   

You must order the “Comprehensive Package,” which tests for more of the infections ticks carry in our area.  The cost of testing the tick is $200. 

See a Doctor:

  • Contact our clinic immediately for a “Tick Check” appointment

After a tick bite it is essential to be seen by a Lyme literate doctor as soon as possible, as you will need to be evaluated. Prophylactic treatment or testing will be administered, if needed. Do not wait for the results of your tick report. You do not have to have a Bull’s Eye rash to have contracted a tick-borne illness from a tick bite. By seeing a doctor you are preventing the dissemination of infection and avoiding the risk of long-term, chronic illness. 

Mycoplasma: More Than Just Walking Pneumonia

By Sangita Pedro, ND

Jesse, a 36 year old man, came to me complaining of extreme fatigue, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and insomnia. These symptoms had been present for over five years. He had previously been diagnosed with Babesia and high levels of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. He was treated for these two infections by multiple doctors over a five-year period with no improvement in his symptoms.

The most recent treatment included Mepron (a malaria drug used to treat Babesia) and Valtrex (prescription antiviral medication) daily for six months. The treatment was stopped because his liver was showing signs of inflammation. Blood tests at this point showed a decrease in Babesia and an increase in EBV antibodies and all of his symptoms were worse.  

As you can imagine, Jesse was more than frustrated and ready to give up. I suggested we test for Mycoplasma, a common Lyme co-infection and the stealthiest of stealth microbes. The test came back positive which proved to be the key to a protocol that ultimately gave him his life back.

Stealth microbes are organisms that have developed mechanisms to hide from the hosts’ immune system thereby avoiding detection and death. Mycoplasma does this in two ways: by being very tiny and by lacking a cell wall.

Mycoplasma are the smallest microbes known (at least for now). 4,000 Mycoplasma can fit inside a single red blood cell; 10-15 typical bacteria would fit inside that same red blood cell. Most of their very tiny space is used to carry host genetic information. There is no space left to manufacture nutrients, making Mycoplasma a very small but very effective parasite.

Because they cannot make nutrients themselves, they must scavenge fatty acids, proteins, and carbohydrates from their host in order to survive. This is why people infected with mycoplasma become depleted and fatigued..

Their lack of a cell wall allows them to change form quickly (better for hiding) and squeeze into places that are off limits to other microbes such as red and white blood cells and brain tissue. It also makes them resistant to antibiotics especially in chronic, systemic infections.  

In chronic infections, Mycoplasma are not free-floating in the blood (where the antibiotics are). They live in tissues, hidden from the main blood supply of the host, and protected from the potentially lethal antibiotics.

Mycoplasma can be contracted through air droplets (as in cases of walking pneumonia), tick bites, sexual contact and contaminated food. Each species of Mycoplasma has a preference for certain parts of the body, but they are not picky. All species have the potential to infect all areas of the body if given the opportunity.

Mycoplasma is common in the environment, so most of us have been exposed at some point in our lives. This is not a problem for a healthy immune system. The body creates antibodies to it and effectively eliminates it in 1-3 months.

In some cases, small amounts of Mycoplasma remain behind but don’t cause symptoms until the immune system is weakened. That weakening can be caused by chronic stress, poor diet, toxic exposure and/or infection with other stealth pathogens like Lyme and its various co-infections.

A weakened immune system allows Mycoplasma to begin to multiply and create inflammation which can cause a variety of symptoms in nearly every area of the body. Some common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, brain fog, diarrhea, constipation, weakness, joint and muscle pain, insomnia, and anxiety.

Because Mycoplasma can also be transmitted through a tick bite, there may be no history of respiratory problems. And because ticks can be as small as the head of a pin, most people have no memory of a tick bite.

How someone originally became infected with Mycoplasma is less important that their current symptom picture which tells you where the microbes are living and what needs to be treated.

Because Mycoplasma is a parasite, good nutrition is the foundation of every treatment plan with a diet high in protein and fatty acids and low in carbohydrates. Decreasing inflammation, protecting and healing affected tissues, and improving immune function are essential to eradicating Mycoplasma from the body. This can be accomplished with herbs, vitamins, homeopathy, and IV therapy. 

Mycoplasma, being so small and stealthy, can take longer to treat than other stealth microbes but, in the end, the reward is not only a reversal of symptoms but a stronger, healthier immune system that is resistant to future infections.

 

Low Dose Immunotherapy and Low Dose Allergy Therapy for Chronic Conditions

By Rebecca Steiner, Naturopathic Medical Assistant and Health Coach

Low dose immunotherapy (LDI) and low dose allergy (LDA) therapy is done through a small injection given just under the skin. The treatment is effective for many immune-related conditions, such as food, environmental and chemical allergies and sensitivities; autoimmune diseases; and chronic infections such as Lyme disease, viruses and other tick-borne illnesses. 

In many persistent conditions, unpleasant symptoms are the result of chronic inflammation triggered by an overactive immune system. Basically, the immune system is constantly launching an attack on what it sees as a foreign threat within the body. Certain foods, bacteria, even our own cells can trigger an overreactive or inappropriate immune response of this kind. LDI and LDA therapy work by modulating the immune system, teaching it to respond appropriately. Very low and safe doses of the problematic antigen are introduced into the body, thereby “retraining” the immune system response. Over time, the immune system becomes “desensitized,” and immunological balance and harmony is restored.

LDI and LDA are safe, easy and fairly inexpensive treatment options. For most patients LDI and LDA will initially need to be administered every seven weeks. Over time, as symptoms resolve, the intervals between injections will get longer.  Eventually injections may no longer be needed, or only needed once or twice a year. 

LDI and LDA are very effective in many people for the following conditions:

·      Food allergies

·      Seasonal allergies

·      Chemical sensitivities

·      Viruses (HHV-6, EBV, Chlamydia pneumonia, Mycoplasma, Herpes and Shingles)

·      Herpes outbreak

·      Lyme disease, bartonella, babesia and other associated tick-borne co-infections

·      PANS/PANDAS

·      Autoimmune diseases

·      Arthritis

·      Eczema

·      Alopecia

·      Chronic fatigue

·      Fibromyalgia

If you would like more information or think you might be a good candidate for this therapy, please let us know!