The Surprising Allergy That Can Make You Sick From Eating Red Meat
Red meat allergy, also known as alpha-gal syndrome, is a rare and unusual allergic reaction.
Unlike most food allergies, which are caused by proteins, this allergy is caused by a sugar molecule called galactose-α-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal for short.
This molecule is found in the meat of mammals such as cows, pigs, and lambs. People with this allergy can have serious reactions after eating foods like beef, pork, or even products made from these animals.
Most people are surprised to learn that you don’t just develop red meat allergy from eating meat. Instead, it often starts with a tick bite. In the United States, the Lone Star tick is the main culprit.
When this tick bites a person, it can inject alpha-gal into their body. This triggers the immune system to start making antibodies against alpha-gal.
Later, when the person eats red meat, their body reacts to the alpha-gal in the food, which can cause allergy symptoms.
Red meat allergy is different from other food allergies because symptoms usually appear several hours after eating meat.
Most food allergies cause reactions within minutes, but alpha-gal syndrome can take 3 to 8 hours to show up.
Symptoms can include hives, itching, stomach pain, diarrhea, trouble breathing, and in severe cases, a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Some people might also react to other products made from mammals, like gelatin or dairy.
If someone thinks they might have red meat allergy, it’s important to see a doctor. The doctor will ask about symptoms and may order a blood test to look for antibodies to alpha-gal.
Sometimes, doctors may also recommend a skin test. Because the symptoms can be delayed, it can be hard to figure out the cause without medical help.
Living with alpha-gal syndrome means making some changes. People with this allergy need to avoid red meat and sometimes other foods or products made from mammals.
Reading food labels carefully is important. Some people may also need to avoid certain medicines or vaccines that are made with animal products.
Doctors often recommend carrying an epinephrine auto-injector in case of a serious reaction.
Red meat allergy is becoming more common as ticks spread to new areas. It’s important for people to know about this allergy, especially if they spend time outdoors where ticks live.
Preventing tick bites by wearing long sleeves, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being outside can help lower the risk.
Alpha-gal syndrome can affect many parts of a person’s life, from what they eat to how they spend time outdoors.
It can be scary to develop an allergy to foods you once enjoyed, but with the right information and support, people can manage this condition and stay healthy.
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