Counting Possibilities, Not Restrictions

Editor’s Note

The following article was originally submitted in early June 2026, during the height of tick season, with the intention of introducing alpha-gal to Herbal Legacy readers through the author’s
personal experience.  It was submitted prior to our recently published article on alpha-gal, but publication was delayed and its original seasonal context has since changed.

While the context has changed, the effects and challenges of living with alpha-gal extend well beyond tick season.  The author’s personal experience offers
a distinct perspective that complements our recent discussion of the subject and may provide encouragement and insight to those navigating the restrictions that can accompany the condition.

If you haven’t heard of alpha-galactose allergy, I’m sure you will soon.  With so many news stories and discussions centering around ticks and
tick-borne diseases, “alpha-gal syndrome” (short for the alpha-galactose allergy caused by tick bites) is becoming a common term in 2026.

I grew up in northern Wisconsin.  Being bitten by ticks was just a normal part of the summer season.  No one worried about tick-borne diseases.  Just get the tick off and go about your business.
 As a child, I do not recall anyone getting sick from tick bites.  However by the time I was in high school and college, there was talk about Lyme disease and even crippling arthritis associated with some tick-borne infections.

Fast forward to 2019, I was bit by a tick and developed a large bulls-eye rash.  I began experiencing
symptoms that I had never had before.

Quickly, I found that I could no longer tolerate products containing mammal derivatives.  The change was not limited to food.  I discovered that even gelatin capsules enveloping wholesome herbs were a problem.  Eventually, an integrative ENT familiar with tick-related issues tested me for
alpha-galactose allergy.   The test came back positive.

While reactions vary from person to person, alpha-gal syndrome can be serious and may even lead to anaphylaxis when mammal-derived ingredients are unknowingly consumed or otherwise introduced into the body.  Because these ingredients can appear in more than food—including
supplements, pharmaceuticals and other medical products, some of which are injected—awareness becomes an important part of living safely.

Eating in restaurants became nearly impossible.  Foods that one might have thought were vegan often contained hidden ingredients.  Label scrutiny became a necessity.  Yet packaged foods did
not always make mammal derivatives easy to identify and restaurants rarely shared full ingredient lists.  Homemade food became the safest and healthiest choice.

For many people, an alpha-gal diagnosis can feel overwhelming when focusing on what they can no longer have.  It is easy to concentrate on what has been lost. 
 However, rather than counting restrictions, try counting possibilities.  There remains an abundance of nourishing foods that can support excellent health.  Thankfully, I had a strong foundation from Dr. Christopher’s Mucusless Diet and had been eating nearly-vegan for many years.  An alpha-gal diagnosis can become an opportunity to focus more intentionally on foods that build overall health beyond the allergy.

Focusing on the positive, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole (non-gluten) grains provide tremendous nourishment.  Fresh vegan eating can be tasty & healthy. There are ways to prep the ingredients so it does not take hours to make each meal.  By letting food be the primary medicine, it is amazing to notice how healthy someone can become
just by improving the diet.

This experience brought me back to the wisdom of Dr. Christopher.  He taught the importance of cleansing and nourishing the body through wholesome foods.  When food is eaten in its wholesome state, nature provides superior nutrition.  

Herbalists may encounter more people living with alpha-gal syndrome in the years ahead.  Along with helping them navigate ingredients, offering encouragement is equally important.  Many individuals will be discouraged and focused on what they can no longer eat. We can help them see their opportunity to build health – by letting food be their medicine.

Alpha-gal syndrome presents challenges, but it also provides possibilities. With knowledge, planning and an appreciation for wholesome foods, people can more than exist, they can become ‘A Healthier You.’

Kellie (Kalili) Haszard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned her Master’s of Herbology through the School of Natural Healing.  She is currently completing advanced studies in iridology through Dr. Pesek’s International Institute of Iridology. Her passion is helping individuals and families improve their health through wholesome foods, herbal & natural healing education and personal responsibility. 
Through her writing, teaching, organizing Plant & Seed Exchanges and supporting organic gardening and local food security efforts, she encourages others to discover how simple, time-tested principles can lead to lasting wellness.