Welcome to Sage Alpha Gal

Smart Tips for Living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome

From the foods you eat to the health and beauty products you use, everything is different when you have an alpha-gal allergy. The tips, tricks, and tools at Sage Alpha Gal are created by a fellow “alpha gal” to help you live (and thrive) with alpha-gal syndrome. 

The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.

Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.

What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome is a food allergy to meat, dairy, and other products made from mammals like cows, pigs, and sheep. It is also known as alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick bite meat allergy. 

In the United States, alpha-gal syndrome is most commonly caused by a bite from the lone star tick. Easily identified by a white dot on its back (female) or white spots around the edge of its body (male), this little bloodsucker is carried by deer in the eastern and south-central regions of the US. In Europe, Australia, and Asia, the alpha gal molecule has been found in different species of ticks including the castor bean tick, kangaroo tick, and Asian longhorned tick.

When one of these nasty little buggers bites you, it injects a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into your body. In some people, this unfortunate incident results in an allergic reaction after consuming beef, pork, lamb, dairy, gelatin, collagen, or other mammalian products. An allergic reaction to alpha-gal can vary from annoyingly uncomfortable to life threatening.

Think You Might Have Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

If you suspect you have alpha-gal, request a test. A blood draw will easily confirm (or deny) your suspicions. Be sure your physician orders the right test – and not the similarly named tests for a different condition, Fabry disease – by sharing these lab codes:

New to Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome?

Being diagnosed with alpha-gal can be overwhelming. It’s not just a food allergy, it’s a lifestyle adjustment. Beyond being vigilant about the foods you eat, you may also need to be mindful of what you drink, the medications and supplements you take, and even the beauty products you use.

But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Sage Alpha Gal is full of smart tips that will help you navigate this new chapter of your life.

What Fellow Alpha Gals are Saying

Peggy M.
Peggy M.
East Quogue, NY
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"When searching for different to cook up, I frequently look back on the list of safe foods and recipes on the Sage Alpha Gal website."
Joanna K.
Joanna K.
Philadelphia, PA
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"After 8 months of symptoms and doctor visits yielding no answers, I researched on my own and requested tests. I was positive for alpha-gal. I still received no answers or support from healthcare. I found this website and felt relived to find helpful information. It’s difficult to just change your diet without guidance, and Sage provides wonderful recipes I can also share with my non alpha-gal family."
Laura S.,
Laura S.,
Beaufort County, SC
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"I feel the love and care Sage has for us all. I can tell my family cares, but not in the same, fully accepting way that Sage does. We are certainly not yet fully understood by the medical community, and I find them quite dismissive at present, but I trust they will be much better when they learn more about our condition."
Kim A.
Kim A.
Four Seasons, MO
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"The alpha gal food list helps me accept alpha gal and that I cannot eat the foods I used to and miss. I’m new to this and I’m still adjusting and learning my sensitivities. All in all, I appreciate any and all help I can find!"
Gretchen G.
Gretchen G.
Tacoma, WA
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"I recommend SageAlphaGal.com to anyone with an AGS diagnosis. The recipes are delicious, and I the information about reading food labels is super helpful when navigating AGS. I love the vegan Nutella!"
Melissa T.
Melissa T.
Mountain Home, AR
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"This site gives me more confidence in my abilities to manage this horrible illness. The recipes are amazing and make me feel as though I do not have to give up my favorite foods."
Steve S.
Steve S.
Fort Scott, KS
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"When the specialist in Kansas City diagnosed me with AGS last November I was totally floored. I was lost and had no idea what lay ahead. Thankfully, I found SageAlphaGal and realized I am not alone. Sage, your stories, experiences, and encouragement have been a Godsend! Thank you for everything. I don’t know where I’d be without you! Bless you."
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Cooking with Confidence

Navigating the dietary restrictions imposed by alpha-gal syndrome can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners, these mouthwatering recipes are as delicious as they are alpha-gal friendly.

Meet Sage Scott

Diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome in the spring of 2021, travel writer and photographer Sage Scott was likely bitten by a lone star tick at least a year or two earlier — probably while enjoying the great outdoors with her camera in tow.

She lives in the suburbs of Kansas City where she misses eating the best barbeque in the world and has learned to dress appropriately before heading out with her camera in tick country.

Thank you for sharing!