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Feb. 7, 2023
176: Living with a Meat Allergy
The number of confirmed cases of meat allergy — Alpha Gal Syndrome — has risen from only 12 in 2009 to 34,000 in 2019. Unlike other food allergies, alpha-gal symptoms can occur HOURS after eating meat, making the diagnosis a very tedious and long...
Heard on the Episode
Candice Matthis
(05:43) "And we can't go anywhere without saying diarrhea, so I might as well just say it."
(07:54) "I couldn't get off the couch by myself. I had a really severe anaphylactic is what they're believing now. At the time, I didn't know that it was anaphylaxis because my blood pressure bottomed out. I woke up to seeing double and the room spinning, my heart racing, feeling like my brain was shaking."
Debbie Nichols
(01:23) "Well so Alpha Gal in really concise terms is an allergy to meat, but it's so much more than that, honestly. What it is is it is an allergy that develops after the bite of the lone star tick that causes our bodies to become allergic to an alpha gal sugar. Right? And so what that means is that we cannot, ingest or topically apply any mammal or mammal byproduct, to ourselves."
(09:57) "Nobody ever suggested it was from a tick bite."
Key Topics Discussed
Social Impact of Food Allergies
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Overcoming stigma and misunderstandings.
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Importance of supportive relationships.
Managing Food Allergies
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Stories of dining out and anaphylactic incidents.
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Importance of thorough ingredient checks and food transparency.
Educational Efforts
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Strategies to increase awareness in the food service industry.
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Mentorship programs for newly diagnosed individuals.
Hidden Allergens
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Non-transparent food labeling issues.
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Common products with hidden animal-derived ingredients.
Inclusive Event Planning
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Importance of detailed dietary info collection.
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Ensuring safe and inclusive food service at events.
Key Takeaways
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Importance of Support Systems: Having understanding and supportive friends and family can significantly ease the challenges of managing food allergies.
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Education and Awareness: Raising awareness and educating others about the seriousness of food allergies can lead to better accommodations and understanding.
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Detailed Labeling: Clarity in food labeling is crucial to ensure the safety of individuals with allergies.
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Proactive Planning: Collecting and updating dietary information and pre-planning can prevent issues and ensure inclusive dining experiences.
Tips
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Start Early: Begin planning dietary accommodations well before the event.
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Clear Communication: Maintain open channels of communication about dietary needs with all involved parties.
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Accurate Labeling: Ensure clear and detailed food labeling to identify potential allergens.
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Support Networks: Build and rely on a trusted support network to manage food allergy challenges.
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Empowerment: Encourage individuals to advocate for their dietary needs confidently.
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Debbie Nichols
Co-Founder, Two Alpha Gals
Debbie Nichols developed a severe allergy to alpha-gal sugar after being bitten by a lone star tick. This condition, known as alpha-gal syndrome, causes her body to react adversely to any mammal products, be they food items, household products, or bath and beauty supplies. Even the slightest exposure can trigger a severe allergic reaction for Debbie, necessitating meticulous avoidance and caution in her everyday life. Despite the challenges, Debbie remains vigilant in managing her condition, focusing on awareness and prevention to maintain her well-being.
Candice Matthis
Co-Founder, Two Alpha Gals
In 2007, Candice Matthis's life took an unexpected turn when she was bitten by a tick, an event that would go on to significantly impact her health. Within a month, she began experiencing severe gastrointestinal issues, a problem she had never faced before. However, the condition known as Alpha-gal Syndrome, which was actually responsible for her symptoms, wasn't discovered until 2009, leaving her condition misdiagnosed for many years.
Throughout this period, Candice struggled with finding an accurate diagnosis; her mornings often began with debilitating GI distress. Her journey through varying symptoms and misdiagnoses stretched over more than a decade. It wasn’t until 2019—some twelve years after the initial bite—that she was conclusively diagnosed with Alpha-gal Syndrome. Prior to this, she was diagnosed with a wheat allergy, though she always suspected that her health issues might be tied to her diet, particularly her fondness for bacon at breakfast.
Candice's story is one of perseverance and resilience, navigating through years of medical uncertainty to finally understand the root of her health problems. Her experience sheds light on the challenges of diagnosing tick-borne illnesses and underscores the importance of medical advancements.