The Alpha-Gal Allergy Diet: What you can eat with a red meat allergy?
If Lyme disease wasn’t scary enough, there’s another dangerous risk tick bites carry: the risk of developing alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat.
As a registered dietitian, I am getting asked by more and more clients about what you can and cannot eat with a red meat allergy. That’s why I created this resource on the alpha-gal allergy diet to help. Read on to learn more about what alpha-gal syndrome is, who’s at risk, and what to eat if you have a red meat allergy.
This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own.
What is alpha-gal allergy?
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), also known as alpha-gal allergy, is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to red meat and other products made from mammals. It was only recently discovered and linked with tick bites in 2009 and has been growing in prevalence ever since as tick populations swell and their ranges expand.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome in the United States has risen from 12 in 2009 to over 34,000 in 2019.
AGS is caused by bites from certain types of ticks that carry alpha-gal in their saliva.
- The α-Gal syndrome is a complex allergic disease characterized by the development of specific IgE antibodies against the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal), an oligosaccharide present in cells and tissues of non-primate mammals.
- AGS occurs when the body’s immune system produces antibodies to alpha-gal after being bitten by a tick that carries the molecule.
- The time delay between eating meat products and getting an allergic reaction may be one reason AGS was not understood at first. Researchers think this is due to the alpha-gal molecules taking longer than other allergens to be digested and enter the bloodstream.
What are the symptoms of AGS?
AGS reactions occur upon the ingestion of alpha-gal in meat products and can include hives or an itchy rash, nausea or vomiting, heartburn or indigestion, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
AGS reactions can be different from person to person and can range from mild to severe or even life-threatening. Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction involving multiple organ systems, may need urgent medical care.
What ticks cause AGS?
Alpha-gal allergy is primarily associated with the bite of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) in the United States. However, other tick species have also been connected with the development of alpha-gal allergy in other countries.
The lone star tick is primarily found in eastern, southeastern, and central midwestern regions throughout the US.
The exact mechanism by which tick bites trigger the development of alpha-gal allergy is still being studied. It is important to note that not everyone who is bitten by ticks will develop alpha-gal allergy, and the risk factors for developing the allergy are still not fully understood.
How is alpha-gal allergy diagnosed?
Alpha-gal syndrome is relatively new and not always easy to diagnose.
Diagnosing alpha-gal allergy involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and specific medical tests. Here is a breakdown of the diagnostic process:
- Patient history:
- Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, including any allergic reactions you have experienced after eating red meat or other products containing alpha-gal.
- They may inquire about tick bites or exposure to areas where ticks are prevalent.
- Physical examination:
- Your healthcare provider may conduct a physical examination to assess any visible signs of allergic reactions or other related symptoms.
- Blood test:
- A blood test is a key diagnostic tool for alpha-gal allergy.
- The blood test measures the levels of specific antibodies called IgE antibodies to alpha-gal in your bloodstream.
- Elevated levels of IgE antibodies to alpha-gal can indicate an allergic reaction to alpha-gal.
- Skin test:
- In some cases, a skin test may be performed.
- During a skin test, small amounts of substances derived from red meat are pricked into the skin.
- If you are allergic to alpha-gal, you may develop a raised bump or hive at the test site on your skin.
It is important to note that the diagnosis of alpha-gal allergy should be made by a healthcare professional, such as an allergist or immunologist.
If you suspect you have alpha-gal allergy, it is recommended to avoid consuming red meat and other products containing alpha-gal until you have been properly diagnosed and advised by a healthcare provider.
What can you eat if you are living with an alpha-gal allergy?
If you have been diagnosed with AGS, you will need to avoid all mammalian meat and organs, including beef, pork, lamb, and venison.
For some people with AGS, reactions to milk and dairy products, gelatin, and/or carrageenan can occur and will need to be avoided.
If you are living with AGS, it is important to work with your healthcare provider and a registered dietitian to develop a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs and includes foods you enjoy while preventing the risk of an allergic reaction.
What foods do you need to avoid with AGS?
If you are living with alpha-gal allergy, it is important to avoid all mammalian meat and organs, including beef, bison, pork, lamb, mutton, venison, rabbit, and goat. This also includes any food that contains red meat extracts.
Some individuals with alpha-gal allergy must also avoid dairy products made from cow’s, sheep’s or goat’s milk. Here is a detailed list of foods and ingredients to avoid with an alpha-gal allergy:
- – Beef
- – Bison
- – Pork
- – Lamb
- – Mutton
- – Venison
- – Rabbit
- – Goat
- – Any food that contains red meat extracts
- – Dairy products made from cow’s, sheep’s or goat’s milk
- – Brown gravy made with beef broth
- – Gelatin made from byproducts of meat and leather industry
- – Certain vaccines
- – Gummy candies (unless vegan)
- – Some ice cream and yogurt
- – Gelatin desserts
- – Marshmallows[
- – Altoids brand mints
- – Gelatin capsules (vitamins, supplements, and RX meds in gelatin capsules)
- – Medications that contain pre-gelatinized starch
- – Lard (some refried beans contain lard)
- – Magnesium stearate in pills
- – Tic-tacs (some have pork derivatives in them)
- – Lanolin (sheep)
- – Leather (shoes, couches, coats)
- – Pets/animal contact/inhalation can trigger cough
It is important to work with a registered dietitian to develop a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs and helps you manage your alpha-gal allergy.
All fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, poultry, and seafood are appropriate for alpha-gal allergies.
Hidden ingredients to avoid with alpha-gal syndrome
When living with alpha-gal allergy, it is important to be aware of hidden ingredients that may contain alpha-gal or trigger an allergic reaction. Here are some common hidden ingredients to avoid with alpha-gal allergy:
- Sugary foods: Some sugar products, such as certain candies or sweets, may contain gelatin derived from mammalian sources.
- Gelatin: Gelatin is commonly derived from animal sources, including mammals. It is often used as a gelling agent in food products, such as desserts, marshmallows, gummy candies, and gelatin-based desserts.
- Whey & Casein: Whey and casein are proteins found in milk and dairy products. Some individuals with alpha-gal allergy may also react to dairy products made from cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk. This includes milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and other dairy-containing foods.
- Tallow & Lard: Tallow is a type of fat derived from animals, including mammals. Lard is specifically derived from pigs. These fats can be found in certain processed foods, such as baked goods, fried foods, and snacks.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D supplements may contain gelatin derived from mammalian sources. It is important to check the ingredients or consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the supplement is free from mammalian-derived ingredients.
It is crucial to carefully read food labels and ingredient lists to identify any potential sources of alpha-gal or hidden ingredients derived from mammals. Additionally, working with a registered dietitian can provide guidance and support in navigating food choices and identifying hidden ingredients to avoid with alpha-gal allergy.
Sample Meal Plan for Alpha-Gal Allergy Diet
If you are living with alpha-gal allergy, it may feel overwhelming to plan out your meals and snacks while avoiding potential allergens. Although this AGS meal plan is not customized to specific nutrient needs and is not meant to substitute medical advice, the below sample meal plan for alpha-gal syndrome may help you to visualize a variety of meals and snacks that will work for your needs.
Here is a sample one-day meal plan for someone living with alpha-gal allergy:
Breakfast
Oatmeal with almond milk, topped with fresh berries and chopped nuts
Whole-grain toast with avocado and tomato
Snack
Apple slices with almond butter
Lunch
Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, and balsamic vinaigrette
Quinoa and vegetable soup
Snack
Carrot sticks with hummus
Dinner
Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions)
Sweet potato fries
Dessert
Fresh fruit salad with coconut whipped cream
Note: It is important to work with a registered dietitian to develop a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs and helps you manage your alpha-gal allergy.
Is there a cure for alpha-gal syndrome?
Currently, there is no known cure for alpha-gal allergy. Alpha-gal syndrome is a chronic condition that does not go away on its own. However, the symptoms of alpha-gal allergy can be managed by avoiding foods and products that contain alpha-gal, such as mammalian meat and organs, as well as dairy products made from cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk.
Avoiding tick bites and taking precautions to prevent tick exposure can also help reduce the risk of developing allergic reactions.
In terms of treatment, antihistamines or other allergy medications may be used to manage symptoms if a reaction occurs. In some cases, immunotherapy may be considered as a potential treatment option.
Immunotherapy involves gradually exposing the individual to small amounts of the allergen to desensitize the immune system over time. However, the effectiveness of immunotherapy for alpha-gal allergy is still being studied and is not widely available and should always be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
It is important for individuals with alpha-gal allergy to work closely with their healthcare provider and allergist to develop a personalized management plan that includes avoiding trigger foods and products, carrying emergency medication (such as epinephrine) in case of severe reactions, and seeking medical attention if needed.
Ongoing research is being conducted to better understand alpha-gal allergy and explore potential treatment options in the future.
How can you prevent alpha-gal syndrome?
The best way to prevent AGS is to avoid tick bites, especially those from lone star ticks. To help prevent tick bites, try the following tips:
- Wear protective clothing: When spending time outdoors in areas where ticks are prevalent, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck your pants into your socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
- Use tick repellent: Apply an EPA-registered tick repellent to your skin and clothing before heading outdoors. Products containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin are effective at repelling ticks.
- Check for ticks: After spending time outdoors, check your clothing and body for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, and around the waistband.
- Remove ticks promptly: If you find a tick on your body, remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. After removing the tick, clean the bite site with soap and water.
- Dry clothes on high heat: Tumble your clothes in a clothes dryer on high for at least one hour before washing them to kill any ticks that may be present.
- Avoid tick habitats: Try to avoid areas where ticks are prevalent, such as dense woods and brushy areas. Stick to cleared paths and avoid sitting on logs, stumps, or the ground in bushy areas.
- Use tick repellent. Using a strong repellent along with the above tips can be your best defense against tick bites.
What are the best tick repellents to use?
The following tick repellents have been found to be effective:
- Ben’s 100 Tick & Insect Repellent: This is a powerful repellent that provides long-lasting protection against ticks and other insects. It contains 98.11% DEET, making it one of the most potent repellents available.
- Natrapel Picaridin Pump: This is a picaridin-based repellent that is just as effective as DEET but has a milder scent. It provides up to 12 hours of protection against ticks and other insects.
- Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent: This is a clothing and gear treatment that repels ticks and other insects. It contains permethrin, which is a synthetic insecticide that kills ticks on contact. It provides up to six weeks of protection.
- Yaya Organics Tick Repellent: This is a natural repellent that contains essential oils, such as peppermint, rosemary, and lemongrass. It is safe for use on children and pets and provides up to four hours of protection.
- OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent: This is a budget-friendly repellent that contains 25% DEET. It provides up to eight hours of protection against ticks and other insects.
- SITKA Equinox Guard System: This is a hunting clothing system that is treated with permethrin to repel ticks and other insects. It provides long-lasting protection and is designed for use in rugged outdoor environments.
- When choosing a tick repellent, it is important to consider the active ingredients, the duration of protection, and the application method. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and reapplication.
By taking these precautions, you can reduce your risk of tick bites and the potential development of alpha-gal allergy.
The bottom line on the alpha-gal allergy diet
AGS is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to red meat and other products made from mammals. If you think you may have AGS, talk to your healthcare provider and seek immediate emergency care if you are having a severe allergic reaction.
If you are living with AGS, it is important to work with your healthcare provider and a registered dietitian to develop a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs and meets your food preferences, lifestyle, and overall health goals.