Helpful Resources for People with Alpha-Gal Allergy

While my primary care physician was familiar with alpha-gal syndrome and didn’t hesitate to order an alpha-gal syndrome blood test upon my request, she didn’t have much advice to give me when the test results were positive. I was told to avoid mammalian meat, but I already knew that about the alpha-gal allergy. 

Primary care physicians tend to be generalists who know a bit about a whole lot of medical conditions. But they aren’t typically experts in any specific area, especially a relatively new food allergy caused by the lone star tick that’s largely isolated to the Eastern United States.

And so I learned many lessons the hard way. For example, I didn’t know to check my vitamin supplements for gelatin. So it took a while to identify my vitamin c chewable and my vitamin d supplement as the cause of an allergic reaction. And I had no idea that some winemakers use gelatin in the clarification process causing me to feel extra crummy any time I enjoyed a glass of my one-time favorite weekday wine.

These are the resources I wish I’d known about in March 2021, when I first began navigating the vegan + eggs + poultry + fish diet that was forced on me by a lone star tick bite.

The Alpha-Gal Information website is a great resource for people with alpha-gal allergy

Alpha-Gal Information (AGI)

The Alpha-Gal Information site is maintained by a group of people with alpha-gal syndrome dedicated to raising awareness and providing information about alpha-gal. This website offers a helpful checklist for the newly diagnosed and a list of alpha-gal physician experts to help you find an alpha-gal specialist near you. If you’ve been living with alpha-gal for a while, check out their alpha-gal syndrome research page on Facebook to keep up with the latest medical news.

The CDC website includes information about alpha-gal syndrome
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Fact Sheet

The CDC’s tick center includes high-level information about alpha-gal syndrome including a fact sheet for healthcare providers. The information is pretty basic compared to what’s available at AGI, but it’s a great resource to share with your primary care physician if he or she isn’t familiar with alpha-gal.

Mayo Clinic Website

The Mayo Clinic is a highly-respected medical center in Rochester, Minnesota. Not only is their alpha-gal syndrome information more detailed than the CDC fact sheet, but alpha gals can create a medical profile and request an appointment online.

AAAAI Red Meat Allergy Information Screen Image

AAAAI Website

As one might expect from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), the alpha-gal red meat allergy appears in their conditions library where you can learn more about its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Alpha Gal Support Group on Facebook Screen Image

Alpha Gal Support Group

With nearly 15,000 participants, this members-only Facebook group offers a safe place for alpha gals to discuss the good, bad, and ugly that goes with the alpha-gal allergy. Get nearly real-time responses from fellow alpha gals from around the world about everything from alpha-gal friendly ingredients to alpha-gal medical experts near you.

Alpha Gal Kitchen Facebook Group

The Alpha-Gal Kitchen

Whether you dine out or cook at home, every meal is a new adventure when you live with a food allergy. This public Facebook group is a great resource for people living with alpha-gal to share their alpha-gal friendly recipes and experiences without reservations.

Other Helpful Resources for People Living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Have a favorite alpha-gal resource not listed here? Drop me an email at hello@sagescott.com and share your tip!

Thank you for sharing!

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