Mike Parker: ‘Alpha-gal’ Syndrome a serious source of discomfort
Sometimes, I receive an email introducing me to an area of knowledge I did not know existed. One reader sent me information about “Alpha-gal” Syndrome (AGS). Of course, I am familiar with the term “Alpha Male,” so when I first started reading, I thought “Alpha-gal” was the female version of the “Alpha Male” term.
As I continued reading, I discovered how wrong I was. “Alpha-gal” is a serious medical condition that hampers the lives of those who suffer from it.
Before I start sharing information on this subject, please understand that I am not a doctor and am not trying to practice medicine. I share this information in the hope that someone who may be suffering from this condition may be able to get proper medical help.
According to a Yale University publication: “Alpha-gal syndrome is a recently identified condition characterized by an allergic reaction to the alpha-gal sugar molecule found in red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb. The reaction is triggered by the body’s immune system producing antibodies against the alpha-gal molecule, leading to symptoms ranging from mild to severe.”
According to the CDC, Alpha-gal (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) is a sugar molecule found in most mammals. Alpha-gal is not found in fish, reptiles, birds, or people, even though people are mammals. The Alpha-gal sugar molecule occurs in pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, and venison, and also in products made from mammals, including gelatin, cow’s milk, and milk products.
The CDC warns that Alpha-gal syndrome is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic condition. AGS is also called Alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick bite meat allergy. AGS does not result from an infection. AGS symptoms occur after people eat red meat or are exposed to other products containing Alpha-gal.
A CDC report shows that between 2010 and 2022, medical practitioners identified more than 110,000 suspected cases of AGS. However, since the CDC does not require practitioners to notify the CDC of cases of AGS, the real number of cases in the United States is unknown.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Alpha-gal syndrome may include hives, itching, or itchy, scaly skin. Other symptoms may be swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other body parts. Many people experience wheezing or shortness of breath. Stomach pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting are common symptoms.
The time delay between eating meat products and experiencing this allergic reaction may be one reason Alpha-gal syndrome was not understood initially. For example, a possible connection between a T-bone steak at dinner and hives at midnight is unclear. Researchers think they know the reason for the delayed reaction. The Alpha-gal molecules take longer than other allergens to be digested and enter the circulatory system.
My friend who introduced me to this condition shared how Alpha-gal affects her:
“I started getting hives and gastrointestinal issues in April 2023. It took until August to figure out the WHY. I initially thought it was a chicken allergy (Momma was allergic to chicken). Then it escalated to feeling sick when I ate beef – my go-to food that always helped me feel better when I was sick or running low.
“Then soy and eggs became problematic. I tried quail and turkey and reacted to those as well. (My allergist said research shows secondary allergies are likely to come up when your body is so overwhelmed with untreated inflammation and histamine).
“Finally, I was able to see an allergist in August who ran 5 allergen panels, including tick-borne diseases. A few days later, I was diagnosed with Alpha-gal. Since then, my sensitivity has escalated.
“Alpha-gal is such a challenge. On top of gluten, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, and preservative allergies that I’ve had for years, the addition of AGS has made eating a simple meal a struggle. Alpha-gal can also trigger other allergic reactions to things like poultry, citrus, and soy. The intensity of those reactions is almost as strong as that of the Alpha-gal. I even experienced reactions while helping cook the family meal at Thanksgiving (butter ‘fumes’ triggered an allergic reaction).
“I can’t use most soaps, hand sanitizer, lotions, makeup, shampoo and conditioner. And a label stating the product is vegan is not usually safe. Unless products are Certified Vegan, they most likely contain mammalian derivatives.”
My friend wanted me to share this information with my readers in case readers were experiencing symptoms but had no idea why they were suffering. We both hope these words may help anyone suffering from Alpha-gal to find relief.
Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
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