What Foods To Avoid With Alpha Gal Allergy

When To See A Doctor

See your primary care doctor or a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies if you experience food allergy symptoms after eating even several hours after eating. Don’t rule out red meat as a possible cause of your reaction, especially if you live or spend time outdoors in the southeastern United States or in other parts of the world where alpha-gal syndrome is known to occur.

Seek emergency medical treatment if you develop signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling and inability to swallow
• Full-body redness and warmth

Consider Working With A Dietitian

Some people have difficulty adjusting to an AGS diet, especially if they are highly reactive, have dietary restrictions, or travel for work. If you struggle to adjust to your new diet, consider working with a dietitian or nutritionist.

• A dietitian is certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• A nutritionist is not always certified.
• Ask your allergist or primary care physician to refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist.
• If possible, find one with an understanding of AGS.

Examples Of Mammalian Meats Organs And Tissues

Chitterlings

Chitterlings are made from pork intestines.

Liver

Even turkey and chicken sausages often have casings made from mammalian intestines.

Beef

Lamb and mutton are from sheep.

Hamburgers

Beef, lamb, pork, and other mammalian burgers

Pork

Pork might be called the other white meat, but pigs are mammals.

Blood

Foods from many cuisines contain blood, such as this blood sausage from Portugal.

Venison

Beef jerky, buffalo jerky, biltong, and other kinds of dried mammalian meat

Pork rinds

Pork rinds are made from pig skin.

Ponmo

Ponmo is made from cow skin.

Pork bacon

Mammalian bones and bone marrow

All other mammalian meat

Learn about other mammals that people eat, such as goats, rabbits, squirrels, and kangaroos here.

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What Can I Do To Prevent Ags

Preventing tick bites is important in preventing tickborne disease and may reduce your chances of developing AGS.

Before you go outdoors

• Avoid grassy, brushy, and wooded areas, where ticks may be found.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency -registered insect repellent on skin.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin 0.5% or buy pre-treated items.

After you come indoors

• Take steps to prevent ticks on your pets and in your yard.

Helpful Tips When Starting An Alpha Gal Free Diet

When following an alpha-gal diet, it is important to keep in mind that less obvious sources of alpha-gal may be hiding in certain processed foods. This makes them unsafe for those with AGS to consume. The Fig app has a barcode scanner and is a great way to spot these hidden ingredients.

When eating out at restaurants, its important to clearly communicate your dietary restrictions to your server. Explain that you cannot eat red meat, dairy, or foods derived from red meat like animal fats and gelatin. Those with severe AGS should also ask about cross-contamination. This is to reduce the risk of food coming into contact with mammalian meat or byproducts. Unlike many protein allergens that are denatured by heat, alpha-gal is heat stable under normal cooking temperatures.

When attending social gatherings, take extra precaution and inquire about the ingredients in foods. Additionally, ask how the food was prepared. If you are unsure if a food is safe for you to consume, it is best to avoid risking a severe allergic reaction. Consider bringing a safe food or dish that you know you can eat. Alternatively, have a snack or meal before you go.

Read Also: Can You Develop Food Allergy Later Life

Deep Clean Your Kitchen

Check out Darcie Clements tips for deep cleaning your kitchen in her Alpha-gal Syndrome blogspot. She suggests paying particular attention to:

• Kitchenware with visible ghosts or residues
• Wooden and heavily scratched cooking equipment
• Cast iron pans, which need to be stripped and re-seasoned
• Keep in mind that fat residue in pans, ovens, and grills previously used to cook mammalian meat may become aerosolized when heated, and the aerosols may be deposited on your food.
• Unlike proteins, Alpha-gal is heat stable and not broken down by normal cooking temperatures.

Tips for deep cleaning your kitchen:

• Use vegan cleaning supplies, when possible. Popular vegan cleaning products brands include:

Some Unexpected Sources Of Lard

Gravy and sauces

Gravy and sauces are often made with lard, as are biscuits.

Refried beans

Refried beans are often made with pork lard, as are many other Mexican dishes.

Tortillas

Tortillas are often made with pork lard, and tortilla chips are often fried in it.

Pies and other pastries

Pies and pastries often have lard added to their doughs.

Corn muffin mixes

Corn muffin mixes, like Jiffy, can contain lard.

Vegetables

Vegetables may be flavored with lard, especially in the southern U.S.

Baked beans

Baked beans are often made with lard or pork belly.

Fried chicken, fish, etc.

Beef tallow or lard may be added to fry oil used to fry chicken and other foods.

French fries

As with chicken, beef tallow can be added to the fry oil used to make French fries.

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes often have lard added to them, especially in the southern U.S.

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While It Sounds Totally Made Up Pork

Speaking of wacky syndromes: Pork-Cat Syndrome is a rare allergic reaction to a protein thatâs found in both cat dander and pork.22 This is actually a type of cross-reactivity, which is when the body’s immune system identifies the proteins in one substance and the proteins in another as being similar.23 When the person contacts either one, the immune system may create allergy-like symptoms.

Symptoms of Pork-Cat Syndrome vary from hives to anaphylaxis, which means some symptoms overlap with Alpha-Gal Syndrome.22 Plus, since both conditions may involve reactions to pork, misdiagnoses of these conditions are possible. If you think you have either of these pork-related problems, ask your healthcare provider for a component blood test to home in on your pork peculiarities.

How To Make A Turkey Burger Taste More Like A Hamburger

Rebecca:

I finely chop up some mushrooms and cook them with the ground turkey and it tastes really good. All of my little kids eat it up too. The mushrooms give the meat moisture and a beefy flavor. I also discovered that the cheaper turkey is more tender since it has dark and white meat. If I use ground turkey made from only white meat, it is pretty tough.

Astrid Smith:

Add mushroom powder and soy sauce but we just use ground emu

Add Worcestershire sauce, a tablespoon of duck fat, and powdered mushrooms, a teaspoon garlic powder, a teaspoon onion powder. You cant hardly tell the difference

Crystal J. Norton:

Add Worcestershire sauce and McCormick hamburger seasoning.

Crystal Payne:

Mix half ground chicken and half ground turkey then add a cap of liquid smoke for each lbs. Boom, tastes like burgers!

Annie Katarina:

Dehydrated mushroom powder adds great flavour.

Kim Nellis Bivins:

I like Mushroom & Company Umami from Trader Joes.

Liz Palmer:

I find that adding onions and mushrooms sautéed in margarine or plant-based butter to my ground turkey gives it a heartier taste. I also sometimes add a few drops of liquid smoke.

Debbie Jones:

Blend up onions, carrots and celery and brown it with the ground meat. Helps with the texture and taste.

Grinding your own chicken or turkey helps with texture! I buy chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs usually. Cut them down into strips that will fit into your grinder. Package in freezer quart bags FLAT. They thaw better that way.

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Across The Globe Bites From Several Types Of Ticks Can Lead To Alpha

Initially, this syndrome was linked to the Lone Star Tick, which is found mostly in the southeastern United States.2 However, Alpha-Gal Syndrome has now been reported on all continents except Antarctica, and at least eight tick species are confirmed or suspected culprits associated with the condition.5

Additionally, at least some tick species have extended beyond their typical home turf. That is, as hosts such as deer move into different territories, so do ticks that hitch a ride on them. So thanks to different patterns of land use, climate change, and increasing deer populations, ticks like the Lone Star Tick have spread. For example, the Lone Star Tick was previously rare in Michigan, but itâs now the third most common tick in the state.4 Plus, a 2022 article in the Toronto Star revealed that the tick is expanding into Canada due to rising temperatures.13

Also note that many tick bites go unnoticed, particularly from âseedâ ticks. Although these baby ticks are the size of a poppyseed, they can still transmit alpha-Gal.4 Recent reports also suggest that bites from chiggers, which are microscopic arachnids that can be found worldwide, may also lead to Alpha-Gal Syndrome.3,6,14

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is transmitted via multiple tick species and has been reported on all continents except Antarctica.5,11

Learn About Anaphylaxis And Epinephrine Autoinjectors

The overwhelming majority of people with AGS need to carry epinephrine autoinjectors

• Up to 60% of patients with AGS have anaphylactic reactions .
• Alpha-gal allergy reactions are highly variable. This variability is a hallmark of AGS.
• Cofactors profoundly influence alpha-gal allergy reactions .
• New tick bites can make you more reactive, and about half the time, people dont notice that they were bitten by a tick.
• For all these reasons, even if you have had mild reactions in the past, you could have a more serious one in the future.

Epinephrine Autoinjectors

• This article, All About Epinephrine: What It Does in a Reaction, How Long It Lasts, When It Gets Hot or Cold will answer many of your questions about the use of epinephrine autoinjectors.
• This video presentation about anaphylaxis and the use of epinephrine autoinjectors, featuring prominent allergist Jonathan Spergel, is packed full of information. Everyone who has anaphylactic reactions should watch it. You will feel well-informed and more confident about taking control of your reactions if you do. Click here.
• Take this short course about Recognizing and Responding to Anaphylaxis and ask your loved ones to take it, too.

NEW PROTOCOLS FOR USE OF EPINEPHRINE AUTOINJECTORS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CLICKHERE

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What To Expect From Your Doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• When did you begin noticing symptoms?
• What type of meat and how much did you eat before symptoms appeared?
• After eating red meat, how long did it take symptoms to appear?
• Are you currently spending time or have you in the past spent time outdoors in tick-infested areas?
• Have you been bitten by a tick in the past? How many times? What did these ticks look like?
• Did you take any over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines, and if so, did they help?
• Does your reaction seem to be triggered only by red meat or by other foods as well?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

How Do I Know If I’m Allergic*

Skin-prick tests with extracts of pork or beef have been unreliable in diagnosing alpha-Gal syndrome. While intradermal skin tests for several food allergens may be useful, few clinics perform such testing. Thus, most allergists rely on a blood test for IgE to identify alpha-Gal.4

Together with your symptom history, specific IgE blood testing can help determine if you are sensitized to a particular allergen. If you are diagnosed with an allergy, your healthcare provider will work with you to create a management plan.

*These products may not be approved for clinical use in your country. Please work with your healthcare provider to understand availability.

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How Is Ags Diagnosed

AGS is diagnosed through a detailed patient history, physical examination, and a blood test that looks for immunoglobulin-E antibodies specific to alpha-gal in a patients serum. Tests for alpha-gal sIgE antibodies are available at several large commercial laboratories and some academic institutions. Skin tests documenting reaction to certain alpha-gal-containing products may also be used to support a diagnosis of AGS. Both clinical signs and testing are needed to make an AGS diagnosis.

Is It A Lifelong Allergy

While there is not option to treat this allergy with immunotherapy, it may go away if the patient avoids red meat. Our physicians can monitor the IgE blood test levels and help patients determine if it is possible to reintroduce red meat safely. However, many patients live with this allergy for years.

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Exercise Alcohol Recent Tick Bites And Nonsteroidal Anti

For patients with Alpha-Gal Syndrome, there are several co-factors that may further increase the risk for a reaction or the severity of symptoms upon exposure to alpha-Gal. These risk factors include atopy , alcohol consumption, exercise, age, and use of medications.20 Other factors that may increase risk include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which include aspirin , ibuprofen , naproxen , and celecoxib .11 The sources of this information failed to provide further details about how, exactly, these aspects affect risk. But this is just one of many areas of this strange syndrome that need further research.

Similarly, while a single tick bite can kick off this syndrome, additional bites can increase a personâs sensitivity to alpha-Gal.6 Thankfully, the opposite is true. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may lessen or even disappear over time if sensitized individuals donât receive additional bites from ticks carrying alpha-Gal.21

What Is Alpha Gal Syndrome

Alpha gal syndrome is a condition where the body has developed a mild to severe reaction to red meat products . The cause is usually from lone star tick bites, though other ticks have been reported to transfer this disease.

The galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose is a sugar molecule that is found in every mammal EXCEPT humans, apes, and old world monkeys. It also is not found in poultry, reptiles, and seafood.

The allergy happens when this alpha-gal molecule gets into your bloodstream and your own immune system thinks that it is under attack. Think of your immune system like an overactive security alarm! The immune response is what triggers the allergic symptoms. The best treatment is to avoid red meat and all mammalian products.

The good news is that alpha-gal syndrome is easy to treat and in some cases, can even be reversed.

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What Should I Do If I Think I Have Ags

• AGS should be treated and managed by an allergist or other healthcare provider.
• Many foods and products contain alpha-gal you will need to work with your healthcare provider to understand which products you need to avoid. Not all patients with AGS have reactions to every ingredient containing alpha-gal.
• Most healthcare providers recommend patients with AGS stop eating mammalian meat .
• Depending on your sensitivity and the severity of your allergic reaction, your healthcare provider may also suggest you avoid other foods and ingredients which may contain alpha-gal .
• Although very rare, some people with severe AGS may react to ingredients in certain vaccines or medications. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking a new medication or receiving a vaccine.
• Patients with AGS should avoid tick bites. New tick bites may reactivate allergic reactions to alpha-gal.

Anaphylaxis Is A Medical Emergency

If you’re with someone you suspect is in anaphylaxis, it’s important you act quickly.

You should:

• Use an EpiPen on the person if they have one.
• If possible, have the person lie down and raise their legs.
• If the person is having problems breathing, sit them up to help them breathe.
• If the person is pregnant, have them lie down on their left-hand side.
• If possible and a second EpiPen is available, give a second shot after five minutes if symptoms do not get better.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Alpha

As with other food allergies, signs or symptoms of an allergy to alpha-gal may include:

• Hives and itching
• Swelling of your lips, face or eyelids
• Shortness of breath, cough or wheezing
• Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting

The most severe reaction, anaphylaxis, can present as a combination of several of these symptoms, may include low blood pressure, and is potentially fatal.Because these symptoms are delayed, you may only wake up with them in the middle of the night after an evening meal.

Online Sources Of Red Meat Substitutes

Amaroo Hills Emu Farm

Emu and ostrich steaks, ground emu, breakfast and Italian sausage, emu pastrami and more. Tastes just like the red meat you love!

Fossil Farms

Fossil farms sells ostrich, emu, guinea fowl, pheasants, quail, and squab, etc.

D’Artagnan

Not all DArtagnan products are not alpha-gal-friendly, but many people with alpha-gal syndrome like DArtagnan duck bacon. Sometimes it is available in supermarkets, but it can also be ordered online.

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Create An Emergency Kit

Seek your physicians advice about the contents of your personalized emergency kit. You might want to include:

A bag to keep the kit in

• Many people like to keep their kit in a brightly colored, well-labeled bag or backpack that will be hard to overlook in an emergency.
• Add a tag to your bag indicating that you keep your epinephrine autoinjector in it.

Medications

• However many epinephrine autoinjectors that your doctor thinks you should keep with you, in a bright, insulated bag, like this one
• Whichever antihistamines, inhalers, steroids, and other medications your doctor recommends you keep with you

Mask, if needed

Dont forget about ticks!

• If you expect to be in an area with ticks, include a magnifying glass, something to remove ticks with. If you choose to send any ticks you remove to a lab to be identified and/or tested for tick-borne disease-causing pathogens, then also something to store the removed ticks in like tape and a plastic bag.

More ideas

• In the video My Alpha Gal Emergency Kit, a person with AGS explains what they keep in their emergency kit and why.

Keep your emergency kit with you at all times! Due to the delayed nature of alpha-gal reactions, you dont know when you might need it.