Everything You Need to Thrive 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.
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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. Be sure you understand your dietary restrictions, make any needed tweaks, and work with your physician as directed.
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:
Correct Tests
- Labcorp: 650001
- Quest Diagnostics: 10554
- Viracor test: 30039
- Walk-in-Lab Test Code: 10554
Wrong Tests
- a-Galactosidase A Deficiency
- Alpha-galactosidase
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.
Life with alpha-gal comes with its challenges, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Get practical advice with a touch of humor to help you thrive with alpha-gal syndrome.
Avoiding alpha-gal allergy triggers doesn’t have to feel like navigating a minefield. Learn what foods, products, and sneaky ingredients can cause a reaction — and how to sidestep them with confidence.
While some people with alpha-gal can safely enjoy dairy, others need to avoid it entirely. From choosing plant-based milk to mastering dairy-free baking, these articles will help you navigate a dairy-free lifestyle with confidence.
Alpha-gal Recipes
One encounter with the wrong tick can turn your world upside down. Learn how to protect yourself, prevent tick bites, and stay safe while still enjoying the great outdoors.
Looking and feeling your best with alpha-gal is totally doable. Explore skincare, self-care, and health tips that keep you glowing, all without the hidden allergens.
What Fellow Alpha Gals are Saying
Sage alpha gal
Welcome! I’m Sage!
I’m a travel writer and photographer who was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome in the spring of 2021. I live in the suburbs of Kansas City, where I miss devouring the best BBQ on the planet (because KC, obviously)
At Sage Alpha Gal, I share what I’ve learned about living with this weird and frustrating tick-borne food allergy. From safe recipes to travel tips to real-life stories from other alpha gals, I want to help you feel more confident, know you’re not alone, and avoid figuring things out the hard way.
