I recently learned there is a condition where the bite of a tick can cause you to be allergic to eating red meat and dairy… possibly forever!
It’s called Alpha-Gal Syndrome, and it’s caused by the bite of the lone star tick. When you get bit by this tick, it can inject a sugar called alpha-gal, causing your body to create antibodies to it. Alpha-gal is found in most mammals, but not humans.
Some people’s bodies develop allergies to alpha-gal after being bitten, and this can make them allergic to eating red meat (including beef, pork, and lamb) and dairy products. For some, the allergies are mild, but for others they can be severe and life-threatening, including anaphylaxis.
It’s unclear whether this allergic reaction will fade with time, but for most people it appears to be at least fairly long-lasting.
I tell you, as someone who likes to eat beef and certain cheeses (in moderation, of course), getting Alpha-Gal Syndrome would be a real drag! Because 85% of people with Alpha-Gal recall getting bit by a tick, the key to prevent this from happening to you is to wear DEET-based insect repellant whenever you are in an area with ticks.
The lone star tick is mainly found in the Carolinas and Southeastern states but have been found as far north as Maine! Adult females have a characteristic white splotch on the center of their backs. If you see one of them, stay away!
If you find this interesting, then you must listen to my latest podcast with allergist and immunologist Dr. Zachary Rubin, called Tick Bites, Climate Change & Food Allergies: What Your Doctor Isn’t Explaining. It’s a fascinating discussion where you’ll learn a ton!
To listen on Apple devices, click HERE. To listen on Spotify, click HERE.
