Meat...Meds...Moisturizer...One Bite And They’re Off-Limits!

The unusually rainy weather lately gave me a flashback to a similar stretch about 20 years ago.

It might’ve been a coincidence, but we had the worst tick infestation I’ve ever seen before or since.

That reminded me of a conversation I had just last week. A new client mentioned she has alpha-gal syndrome--AGS for short.

I’ve only worked with one other person who had it. Most people haven’t even heard of AGS… but that may be about to change.

As many as 450,000 Americans were affected by AGS between 2010 and 2022.

What is Alpha-gal syndrome?

Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in the meat of mammals. When certain ticks bite a human, they can transfer alpha-gal into the bloodstream.

That can cause the immune system to overreact the next time the person consumes beef, pork, lamb, venison, goat, and rabbit, triggering symptoms like stomach pain, hives, or even anaphylaxis.

And it’s not just meat. Any product derived from a mammal—gelatin, dairy, lamb’s wool, lanolin, lard—can set off a reaction.

AGS was originally thought to come only from the lone star tick, but now we know that deer ticks can spread it, too.

Tick-borne illness is rising

Alpha-gal isn’t the only reason to take tick bites seriously.

Other illnesses spread by ticks are on the rise, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Powassan virus.

If you’re bitten, watch for flu-like symptoms--fever, night sweats, fatigue, and muscle or joint pain--for about a month, especially if you see that tell-tale bull’s-eye rash.

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever may show up as flat pink spots on your hands and feet.

• Powassan is rare but dangerous. In severe cases, it has a 10% fatality rate.—and unlike Lyme disease, it can be transmitted within 15 minutes of a tick attaching.

Early treatment is critical and could prevent long-term complications.

Got a tick on you? Snap a photo before removing it to help your doctor if symptoms show up later.

While it might be tempting to flush it down the toilet (ahem, speaking from experience) the only way to be sure that little bugger is dead is to seal it in a bag or container with alcohol.

They’ve been known to survive in water for days!

Practice Tick Prevention

• Clear tall grass, brush, and leaf litter from your yard or trail edges.

• Use wood chips or gravel as a barrier--at least three feet wide--between lawns and wooded areas, especially around patios or play equipment.

• Dress smart: long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, and EPA-approved repellents.

• Inspect thoroughly after outdoor activity. Nymph ticks can be as small as poppy seeds.

• Shower and wash clothes on high heat after being outside.

Ticks may be tiny, but the illnesses they carry can be life-altering.

Imagine checking every prescription for gelatin… quizzing your waiter about meat cross-contamination… giving away your favorite sweater because it's wool.....or having to ditch your favorite lotion because it contains lanolin.

Oh, and forget about adding collagen to your coffee.

One bite. That’s all it takes.

👉 Learn what it’s like to live with AGS here.