The Lone Star tick is a nightmare for meat eaters

A bug bite may change what you eat for the rest of your life.

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Today's Ingredients There's pressure to eat less red meat these days, but thanks to the bite of ticks (and one species in particular), a growing number of people in the United States are being left with no choice in the matter. More on that below. Here are some stories you might have missed!   • Pineapples have an interesting enzyme you might benefit from eating   • Yoga could be your secret weapon against acid reflux   • The intriguing health benefits of black garlic Bon appétit, Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Healthline   Written by Tim Snaith September 12, 2023 • 3 min read Main Course The mysterious meat allergy spread by ticks One moment you're enjoying a juicy burger, hours later you're experiencing a severe allergic reaction to it. This bizarre delayed response is caused by alpha-gal syndrome, a rare red meat allergy that's predominantly transmitted by the Lone Star tick found in the Southeastern United States. Though, other kinds of ticks can spread it too. Alpha-gal syndrome is pretty unusual. Most allergic reactions are in response to proteins, but in this case, it involves the carbohydrate galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, which is found in all red meats. When a tick feeds on animals containing this carbohydrate, the molecule enters the tick's saliva. If the tick later bites a human, its saliva sensitizes the individual to alpha-gal and triggers an allergic response the next time they eat red meat. Reactions include hives, digestive issues, and potentially life threatening anaphylaxis. Remarkably, alpha-gal syndrome was unknown before 2002. Since being identified by researchers at the University of Virginia, cases have risen steadily, from only 24 in 2009 to as many as 450,000 by 2023, concentrated in areas where Lone Star ticks thrive. The syndrome has spread beyond the Southeastern United States to other regions, though prevalence outside America is still unclear. A blood test can detect alpha-gal antibodies. Once diagnosed, the only treatment is strict avoidance of all red meats. Poultry, fish, and nonmeat proteins are safe alternatives. 💡 The takeaway: Prevention starts with frequent tick checks after spending time outdoors.   • Remove any attached ticks promptly with tweezers.   • If its head is burrowed in, follow these tips.   • When hiking or camping, use insect repellent containing DEET and wear long sleeves and pants.   • Treat clothing, shoes, and camping gear with permethrin.   • Stay on trails and avoid high grass and brush. Together, these precautions can help reduce tick bites and lower your risk of developing this potentially life-changing food allergy. Great finds You're benched!       Flybird Weight Bench We tested and loved this weight bench from Flybird. It has a comfortable pad, seven back positions, and three seat positions — all at an affordable price. The weight bench also folds up nicely, which is great for small living spaces! We're not alone in our adoration: This bench is a favorite among experienced and beginner weightlifters alike (with over 15,000 five-star reviews!). Buy now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.       the takeout What we're digesting 🌶️ Why you should add paprika to more meals. There are some surprising ways this easily sprinkled spicy powder can help you stay well. 🐮 Is frozen yogurt really healthier than ice cream? Yes, it's lower in fat than traditional ice cream, but there might be added sugar to make it more appealing. 🍇 Dried fruit: Good or bad? It has a lot going for it — fiber, minerals, and vitamins — but what about all that sugar? 🦷 Have you heard about this xylitol health benefit? Best known for protecting teeth against decay, this low calorie sweetener can do so much more. Thank you for reading! We're back on Thursday with a warning about coconut oil. Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!   This edition was powered by 2 weeks of the Ionian diet.

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