Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy caused by tick bites. When certain ticks bite humans, they can trigger our body to react against a sugar (alpha-gal) found in red meat and other mammal products.
Later, if you eat beef, pork, mutton, lamb, goat, or even dairy, your body may think it’s under attack and cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms usually appear 3–8 hours after eating (often at night):
• Itchy skin, hives, swelling
• Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
• Shortness of breath, chest tightness
• Dizziness or, in rare cases, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Diagnosis
• Blood test for alpha-gal allergy (IgE test – available in some labs).
• Careful history of delayed reactions after eating meat.
• Past tick bites or outdoor exposure.
Many patients in India are first told it’s “gastritis” or “food poisoning.” Be alert and ask your doctor about AGS if you notice delayed night-time reactions after eating red meat.
Diet & Lifestyle
❌ Don’ts (Foods to Avoid):
• Red meat: beef, pork, mutton, lamb, goat
• Dairy: milk, paneer, cheese, ghee (varies person to person)
• Gelatin (in some sweets, capsules, vaccines)
• Animal fats like lard or tallow
• Some vaccines/medicines with animal ingredients (ask your doctor)
✅ Do’s (Safer Choices):
• Plant proteins: dals, beans, soy, nuts
• Poultry: chicken, eggs
• Fish and seafood (check tolerance first)
• Plant-based dairy: soy milk, almond milk, oat milk
• Indian vegetarian food: vegetables, fruits, millets, rice, rotis, pulses
Preventing Tick Bites
• Wear full clothing outdoors; tuck pants into socks.
• Use tick repellents (DEET/picaridin).
• Shower after being outdoors.
• Check body folds (knees, armpits, scalp, waist).
• Keep pets tick-free with vet advice.
Emergency Readiness
• Carry doctor-prescribed emergency medicines (antihistamines; epinephrine if available).
• Wear a medical alert bracelet: “Alpha-gal Allergy.”
• Inform doctors before any vaccine, injection, or surgery.
Living with AGS can feel challenging at first, but it is manageable. India’s vegetarian food culture makes adapting much easier. With the right diet, tick protection, and emergency preparedness, you can live a normal, healthy life.
✅ Quick Recap
• AGS = allergy to mammal products caused by tick bites.
• Symptoms appear hours after eating.
• Main treatment = avoid red meat and mammal products.
• Prevention = protect against tick bites.
• Management = carry medicines, eat safe foods, and inform doctors.