Alpha-gal, Mammalian Meat Allergy ICNM London 2018
Feb 17, 2024
Naturopathy: Food Allergies and Meat: Research and treatment considerations in patient recovery from chronic allergies
Naturopathic modalities such as herbal medicine, nutrition, diet and lifestyle could play a key role in the chronic treatment of the physical, emotional and mental impact of new and evolving allergies. The prevalence of known and unknown allergic conditions are increasing and new disease mechanisms are being discovered. The evolution in development of allergies are highlighted in the recent studies on acute and chronic immune reactions to alpha-gal (found in mammalian derived foods, food products and certain medicines). It is still uncertain why some patients’ immune systems are triggered into creating an IgA or IgE allergy reaction to certain foods with varying degrees of severity from mild itching to anaphylaxis.
In a holistic consultation, the Natural Health Practitioner is in a primary position to accurately identify and record the myriad of discordant symptoms that can occur in the individual presentations and therefore assist in the management of new allergies. Acute and chronic allergy reactions predominantly affect the immune system and mucous membranes of the integumentary, gastrointestinal, respiratory as well as the cardiovascular system. Chronic allergies can also lead to eating disorders, nutritional deficiencies, chronic fatigue, blood sugar imbalances, thyroid and adrenal imbalances, generalised anxiety disorder and recurrent or chronic infections. Patients can also experience anxiety and depression due to dietary and lifestyle management concerns with known and unknown food allergies. Individual symptoms depend on constitution, concomitant illness and repeat exposure.
Nutritional deficiencies include protein, iron, select B-vitamins, precursors to hormone synthesis with key considerations being bioflavonoid rich anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, systemic detoxifiers, tissue regenerators and targeted immune support. Digestive health and immune function is an area where Naturopathic nutritional medicine can offer major benefit. Evolving research on methylation may show possible mechanisms to understand the increasing severity of reactions in the individual. Herbal medicines can assist by modulating immunity, improving bronchodilation, strengthening the capilliaries, tonifying lymphatic circulation and symptomatic relief with demulcents and anti-inflammatories.
An individual’s reaction to specific allergies have been shown to increase or decrease in severity over time due to many influencing factors. It is postulated that Naturopathic management can assist in the recovery of chronic allergic conditions.
