Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) Treatment & Support

The Alpha-Gal Center at Root & Branch Functional Medicine provides education, personalized evaluations, functional medicine care, and Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) for individuals living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS). Our goal is to help identify factors that may influence your symptoms, reduce reactions, and support long-term health through a personalized, whole-person approach.

What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is an allergic condition that develops after exposure to alpha-gal, a sugar molecule found in most mammals.

For many people, sensitization occurs following bites from the Lone Star tick. After becoming sensitized, eating beef, pork, lamb, venison, or other mammalian products may trigger delayed allergic reactions, often occurring 3–6 hours after exposure.

Symptoms and trigger sensitivity vary widely from person to person and may change over time.

How Alpha-Gal Syndrome Develops

Although every person's experience is unique, Alpha-Gal Syndrome commonly follows this sequence:

Lone Star Tick Bite

Exposure to alpha-gal through certain tick bites may trigger an immune response.

Immune Sensitization

The immune system develops antibodies to alpha-gal.

Delayed Allergic Reactions

After consuming mammalian products, symptoms may develop several hours later rather than immediately.

Common Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Symptoms can affect multiple body systems and range from mild to severe.

    • Nausea

    • Abdominal pain

    • Diarrhea

    • Digestive distress

    • Hives

    • Itching

    • Flushing

    • Swelling

    • Brain fog

    • Fatigue

    • Anxiety

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Shortness of breath

    • Throat discomfort

    • Difficulty breathing

Our Functional Medicine Approach to Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome often involves more than simply avoiding certain foods.

Our approach focuses on helping you better understand your health while addressing factors that may influence symptoms and overall wellbeing.

Your personalized care plan may include:

  • Functional medicine evaluation

  • Nutrition and dietary guidance

  • Gut health support

  • Immune system support

  • Lifestyle recommendations

  • Environmental health assessment

  • SAAT when appropriate

  • Long-term wellness planning

Soliman Auricular
Allergy Treatment (SAAT)

Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT)

Root & Branch is one of the few clinics in the region offering Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT).

SAAT is a specialized auricular acupuncture technique developed by Dr. Nader Soliman. It is increasingly used as part of an individualized approach for people living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

When appropriate, SAAT may be incorporated alongside functional medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies to provide comprehensive care.

Learn More About SAAT

Advanced Testing & Assessment

Testing recommendations are individualized based on your symptoms, health history, and clinical evaluation.

Depending on your needs, recommendations may include:

  • Helps evaluate immune sensitization to alpha-gal.

  • When clinically appropriate, testing may help assess other tick-borne infections that could be relevant to your health.

  • Evaluates markers that may provide additional insight into immune function.

  • May include microbiome evaluation, digestive health assessment, and gastrointestinal function testing.

  • May be recommended when clinically appropriate as part of a comprehensive evaluation.

    Testing is recommended only when it provides meaningful information to guide your care.

Our Care Process

Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation

We review your health history, symptoms, dietary patterns, and goals.

Step 2: Personalized Assessment

Advanced testing may be recommended to better understand factors influencing your health.

Step 3: Individualized Treatment Plan

Your plan may include dietary guidance, functional medicine recommendations, SAAT when appropriate, supplementation, and lifestyle strategies.

Step 4: Ongoing Support

We continue monitoring your progress and adjust your care plan as your health evolves.

Why Choose Root & Branch for Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Our approach combines:

  • Functional medicine

  • Advanced testing

  • Personalized nutrition

  • Lifestyle medicine

  • SAAT

  • Whole-person care

Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, we work to understand the factors that may be influencing your health and help you build a sustainable path toward long-term wellness.

In-Person & Telehealth Appointments

SAAT treatments are provided in our West Jefferson, North Carolina office.

Functional medicine consultations are also available through telehealth for eligible patients throughout North Carolina.

You Don't Have to Navigate
Alpha-Gal Syndrome Alone.

Receiving an Alpha-Gal Syndrome diagnosis can feel overwhelming.

Many people struggle to understand changing symptoms, dietary restrictions, and how to move forward with confidence.

Our goal is to provide education, compassionate support, and personalized care so you can better understand your condition and build a path toward improved health and quality of life.

Get in Touch

FAQ

  • Alpha-Gal Syndrome is an allergic condition that develops after sensitization to alpha-gal, a sugar molecule found in most mammals. For many people, this occurs following certain tick bites.

  • Many individuals react to beef, pork, lamb, venison, and other mammalian products, although triggers vary between individuals.

  • Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) is a specialized auricular acupuncture technique that may be incorporated into an individualized care plan for people living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

  • Testing recommendations are personalized based on your health history, symptoms, and clinical evaluation.

  • Yes. Many patients seek ongoing support after diagnosis to help manage symptoms, optimize overall health, and develop a personalized long-term care plan.