Newly Diagnosed

AGS Basics

  • New to Alpha-Gal?
  • List of risky items: Milk, lactose, whey, magnesium stearate, gelatin, sugar, glycerin, Vitamin D3
  • It's more than "The Red Meat Allergy"
  • AGS often involves much more than just eliminating red meat. Candles, Plug-Ins, and Cleaning Products can contain animal-derived ingredients. Cooking can trigger alpha-gal reactions quickly and severely.
  • AG Safe Substitutions
  • Building your AG-Safe Toolkit
  • Get Started: Work with your provider. Does your protocol include over-the-counter and/or prescription medications? H1 and/or H2 blockers? Auto-injectors? Build a portable kit that can go with you wherever you are, and share its location.
  • Possible items: OTC medications, prescription medications, Two-auto-injector epinephrine pens, emergency contact list, Stick-It-To-The-Ticket pad, Tools to measure body metrics
  • Don't Forget: Become familiar with your toolkit and get comfortable with the idea of using it. Your support team is part of your toolkit? Mental healthcare is a tool! Set up strategies to tend to your mental health.
  • Don't forget: Consider purchasing an allergy bracelet to wear. If you are anaphylactic, always carry TWO auto-injector pens on your person. NOTE: Auto-injector pens can be heat sensitive. Don't leave them in your car!
  • For more information and exclusive tips, check out our Alpha-Gal 101 Resource Guide.

Learning the Ropes

Growing Your Confidence

  • Always Be Prepared
  • Be Prepared: AGS is the "anytime allergy." Have a plan in place and share it. Know: Where your toolkit is, how and when to use your Epi Pen, Your support system, How to speak your needs, What to do at the hospital, How to speak to Med Professionals
  • Who is your first responder?
  • Have an alpha-gal buddy that you can call when you are feeling off or may be experiencing a reaction. This will help decrease anxiety and create a calming space for you to navigate your next steps.
  • Self-Care Techniques
  • AGS can be stressful. Consider trying new techniques for reducing anxiety and fostering joy: Box Breathing, Tapping, Meditation/Prayer, Yoga, Taking a daily Walk, Talking with a supportive friend
  • Stress-Free Traveling
  • Pack AG Safe Options: Homemade chicken salad or veggie wraps, individual almond or peanut butter pouches, AG safe bars (88 acres, GoMacro), Pre-made protein shakes, plant-based protein cartons, hummus with veggies & chips, fresh fruit
  • Travel with ease: Pack a lunchbox with an icepack (easy to transport and allowed when flying). Travel with enough snacks and nutritious meal options. If possible, pack a cooler and map out grocery stores.
  • What does that label mean?
  • Certified Vegan Label, Certified by the Vegan Society Label
  • Certified Plant Based by Plant-Based Foods Association , PETA's Beauty without Bunnies Program
  • Many other labels have not been vetted by a third party and are not certified. Proceed with caution and always double check the ingredients on the front & back. Always rad the fine print and check the bold allergen list and "may contain" statement.
  • Now offering 2:1 AGS Lifestyle Coaching through our Food Allergy Mentorship Program

More Everyday Tips & Tricks

  • Shop Safe: Double check labels claiming vegan, dairy-free, plant-based. Unless "certified," these foods can still contain animal byproducts. Sneaky ingredients that can contain mammal include: sugar, glycerin, gelatin. Avoid carrageenan & agar agar
  • Grill Safe: Ask to have your food cooked first. Do not cook alpha-gal safe items directly next to mammal meats. When in doubt, use foil. If you are unsure of the foods cooked on the grill prior to use, wrap your safe items in foil. Beware of fumes!
  • Drink Safe: Not all alcoholic beverages, specifically wine & beer are safe. Milk protein, like casein, can be used in the fining process of wines. Lactose and Gelatin can be added to beer. There are no laws that require allergen statements on alcohol
  • Going to the Dentist: Use hydrogen peroxide in place of mouth rinse. Numbing gel can contain mammal-derived ingredients. Bring your own toothpaste instead of prophy polish. Request new water in the tank of the A-Dec machine. Double check numbing shot
  • Travel Safe: Pack your toolkit, a cooler with AG-safe options and snacks, and map out safe grocery stores ahead of time. Be your own travel agent: Use Google to search for safe restaurants (ethnic restaurants can offer great options).

Family & Friends

AGS Support

  • How to be an Alpha-Gal Ally
  • Tips for supporting those with AGS: Take time to listen, Offer to learn their emergency plan and the location of their toolkit. Never minimize reactions. Help create a safe space or offer to come to their house. Be open to trying new foods/restaurant
  • Always Check Ingredients
  • Alpha-Gal Safe Swaps
  • If your recipe calls for ground beef, try ground chicken, turkey, or tofu. Try oat milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk instead of milk or cream. Try plant-based butters made from cashews or olive oil. Emu is a safe and delicious substitute for mammal
  • Sneaky Sources
  • Be aware of ingredients which can be mammal-derived and are often found in food/alcohol, cosmetics/personal care, household products & medications/supplements
  • Milk/Lactose/Whey. Magnesium Stearate (or any stearate, stearic acid, glycol distearate, etc.). Gelatin. Sugar. Glycerin. Vitamin D3.

Healthcare Providers

AGS Management

  • What are the Symptoms of AGS?
  • Symptoms: Itching of the palms & soles, flushing, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramping/heartburn, hypotension, weak or rapid pulse, lightheadedness/dizziness, feeling faint, chest tightness, wheezing, cough, anaphylaxis, and more
  • The alpha-gal epitope has also been found in red algae. Red algae derivatives include carrageenan & agar agar and can cause reactions for some with AGS.
  • Test. Don't Guess
  • Ask your PCP or Allergist to do a simple blood test. The 2023 diagnosis code to alpha-Gal syndrome is ICD-10-CM Z91.014
  • Debbie and Candice speaking to a group