Page 52 - Spring2020

Both the with the dramatic expansion of the childhood culture, although murine rather than bovine or

measles- vaccine schedule as well as the more gradual but porcine.)
steady expansion of vaccine recommendations
Both the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
mumps- for adults. Second, gelatin, according to a recent vaccine and the MMR-plus-varicella (MMRV)
rubella (MMR) review, “is the vaccine component responsible vaccine contain significant amounts of gelatin.
vaccine and for most allergic reactions to vaccine, for both Discussing the allergy potential of the MMR,
IgE and non IgE mediated reactions,” even in a review article points out that “the vast major-
the MMR- individuals without a gelatin allergy. Third, ity of allergic reactions to MMR is observed in
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plus-varicella Japan has produced a wealth of documentation patients without egg allergy” and deduces that
(MMRV) about the connection between gelatin-contain- “it is probable that the real triggers are other
ing vaccines and anaphylactic reactions, in vaccine’s [sic] components, such as gelatin.”
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vaccine particular. One Japanese study traced “a strong A blog about “living with alpha-gal” confirms
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contain causal relationship between gelatin-containing this scenario, describing what happened to the
significant DTaP [diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis] vac- alpha-gal-diagnosed writer following an MMR
cination, anti-gelatin IgE production, and risk booster shot for college:
amounts of of anaphylaxis following subsequent immuni-
gelatin. zation with live viral vaccines which contain a I was given a leaflet prior to the vaccine
larger amount of gelatin.” Finally, well before that said “if you’ve ever had an allergic
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alpha-gal came along, studies had linked bovine reaction to any product containing gela-
serum albumin (BSA) to meat allergies, 33,34 and tin, do not take this vaccine.”. . . I knew
BSA is widely used in the cell cultures that about alpha gal and gelatin and began the
produce vaccines. (Recall that the cetuximab (absurd-sounding) explanation to the nurse
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drug that prompts alpha-gal-type anaphylaxis that wanted to administer it. I refused the
is likewise made in a non-primate mammalian vaccine and checked with my doctor and

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ALPHA-GAL?

Clinicians who see alpha-gal patients generally tell them simply to stay away from the offending foods and cross
their fingers that they will become one of the rare individuals who eventually outgrows the condition. If that seems like
a dismal prognosis, one can explore natural health websites and discussion boards to find and experiment with other
suggestions. For food allergies in general, three natural remedies include fermented foods and acidophilus to balance
the gut bacteria; daily apple cider vinegar (diluted in water) to restore pH levels (unless you are prone to histamine
reactions); and food-grade hydrogen peroxide diluted in distilled water. For alpha-gal specifically, people have shared
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the following testimonials online:
KOMBUCHA: In a People’s Pharmacy post, someone with alpha-gal wrote: “About two years ago, I started making
and drinking my own kombucha tea. About a year into this regimen, I accidentally ate a sausage ball. . . at a reception.
Nothing happened. I experimented with small amounts of other meats and was able to eat it with no reaction. On a
trip out West last winter, I wasn’t able to continue my kombucha regimen (3x/week), and when I ate beef, I broke out
in hives four or five hours later. Back home after resuming the kombucha, I was able to eat meat again. I realize that this
is anecdotal evidence, but I wonder if there’s a way that kombucha could acidify my system in a way that would allow
easier digestion or affect the tick bite antibodies?” 40
AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE: Some acupuncture clinics offer a form of ear acupunture called Soliman Auricular
Allergy Treatment (SAAT), which is said to help “reset” the immune response to the alpha-gal carbohydrate. The process
involves the insertion of tiny needles in the ear (one per allergen), which are left for three weeks (covered by medical
adhesive tape).

OXYGEN AND OTHER APPROACHES: A health coach and wellness therapist reported tackling her alpha-gal through
“herbal therapy, nutritional/mineral medicine, natural cellular therapies, massage therapy, chiropractic, and biofeedback.
. . . I began to consider oxygen because of the research into nutritional anemia. . . . [The chiropractor] suggested I try
a new therapy, Hyperbaric. I decided that was an answer to prayer and began the therapy the following week. I have
gone every day for almost 40 sessions (5 days a week). I have had some amazing, noticeable changes in my body, sleep,
energy, and hormones.” 51

52 Wise Traditions SPRING 2020