Alpha-Gay Allergy • A Lone Star Tick Bite Can Make You Allergic To Meat

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The name Alpha-Gal may sound very much like a power villian in a cartoon but that's the nickname for galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose, which is a sugar molecule which is responsible for individual's developing allergic reaction to mamalian meat for example red meat, and this molecule is disseminated mostly via the saliva of the lone star tick. Although recent research statistics shows that the Lone Star tick bite do not only constitute of alpha-gal allergies, they are estimated to be responsible for a little more than 80 percent of cases yet known. The lone star tick isnt quite seen everywhere but mostly commom in the east coast. The molecue which is passed into the blood stream of a human via the lone star tick, then makes its way through the gastrointestinal tract and immediately creates an allergy in the body immune system. The moment an allergy has been created in the body's immune system, the body begins to generate Alpha-Gal antibodies, thereby making the body to begin a fight against the Alpha-Gal sugar molecules.

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Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Allergy
The symptoms of an alpha-gal allergy usually starts about three (3) to six (6) hours after an individual takes in meat or a meat product, although it could also occur between between two (2) to ten (10) hours after, it even has the tendency to wake a person up in the middle of the night or while asleep in the day. This delay in the apperance of the symptoms of the alpha-gal allergy could make it difficult to connect a stomach upset with this particular allergy as the case is different with other food allergies which occur soon after eating the food. This delay stems from the gact that the substance causing the allergy which is the alpha gal has to be released from the meat during the process of digestion.

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The very prevalent symptoms of the alpha-gal allergy are in most cases very austere and stringent and it replicates the same symptoms of anaphylaxis in up to sixty percent (60%) of cases, which can be life-threatening.
Some of the symptoms that may be experienced include but are not limited to the following:

• Stuffy or running nose
• Feeling of nausea
• Vomiting
• Developing hives on the skin
• Shortness of breath
• Sneezing
• Developing a rash on the skin
• Itching
• Fainting
• Swelling of the tongue
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Asthma
• Delayed stomach pain

and the very life threathening anaphylaxis

Treatment, Management and Prevention of Alpha-Gay Allergy

Unfortunately, unlike some other food allergies, there is no desensitisation or allergen immuno-therapy available for the alpha-gay allergy cause by the lone star tick bite at present. However, the same moment an individual is diagnosed of alpha-gay allergy, the best treatment available is for such person to know and avoid the trigger. In this case, any meat should be avoided.

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A person diagnosed with an alpha-gal allergy would have to change their diet and be careful especially when they eat out. The likes of poultry, eggs and seafoods are the only acceptable protein choices for people with alpha-gal allergies. While people can also tolerate dairy products, however a dietitian with much experience in alpha-gay allergy would be in the best be able to help you design a balanced diet that keeps you safe. It is especially of great significance to seek an expert advice if you happen to have either gelatine or dairy allergy.

The best way you can protect yourself from the alpha-gay allergy is by avoiding being bitten by a tick.

iam @gidionline and i have been living with the alpha-gay allergy for seven (7) years.

Thanks for reading.