Have you ever pondered the effects of alcohol on your blood pressure? While many know that excess alcohol does raise blood pressure, what about moderate or occasional consumption? Is there a safe threshold for alcohol intake concerning heart health? In this informative exploration, we delve into the latest research on how alcohol raises blood pressure and unveil strategies to mitigate risk factors.
Did You Know? Your genes influence how your body processes alcohol and your risk for being an alcohol dependent. You can use your ancestry test DNA data to learn everything from disease risk and drug sensitivities to nutritional requirements and fitness parameters. Learn more.
Yes, alcohol does affect blood pressure through various mechanisms. Let's explore these in detail:
The impact of alcohol on blood pressure is notable among heavy drinkers, typically resulting in an average increase of 5 to 10 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Importantly, the rise in systolic blood pressure (during heartbeats) is usually greater than in diastolic blood pressure (during rest between beats).
A comprehensive study involving 19,000 adults in the US, Korea, and Japan found a connection between alcohol consumption and higher blood pressure.
This groundbreaking research combined data from seven diverse international studies between 1997 and 2021. Crucially, none of the participants had been previously diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) or related conditions, ensuring a clean starting point.
The study found that even moderate alcohol consumption is linked to higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic pressure rose by 1.25 mm Hg with 12 grams of daily alcohol, increasing to 4.9 mm Hg at 48 grams. Diastolic pressure rose by 1.14 mm Hg at 12 grams and 3.1 mm Hg at 48 grams.
Importantly, this effect was more pronounced in males than females.
This research highlights that even a low level of alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure.
No health benefits were found with moderate consumption. This may heighten the possibility of experiencing cardiovascular events.
While these findings are significant, it's essential to consider certain limitations. The study relied on self-reported alcohol consumption, which can introduce recall bias.
Additionally, the research spanned five years, possibly not capturing longer-term effects accurately.
Determining how much alcohol is too much involves considering various factors, including individual tolerance, gender, and the pattern of drinking.
The instructions from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provide significant considerations.
Binge drinking: This is a pattern of alcohol consumption that elevates blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 percent or higher. This typically equates to:
Heavy alcohol use: Heavy alcohol consumption is defined as follows:
The American Heart Association (AHA) advises that if you consume alcohol, you should limit your intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for males and 1 for females when managing blood pressure.
It's important to understand what constitutes a standard drink:
Exceeding these limits can increase blood pressure.
Managing blood pressure involves lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
Here's a breakdown of key strategies to manage risk factors, including the impact of alcohol on blood pressure:
Do's:
Don't:
In addition to the above, consider these steps to reduce the risk of high blood pressure further:
Can Alcohol Consumption Lead To Hypothyroidism?
Alcohol does raise blood pressure, even with as little as one drink.
It affects through mechanisms like narrowing blood vessels, reducing water retention, increasing stress hormones, and altering baroreceptor sensitivity.
Heavy alcohol consumption can cause a noticeable increase in blood pressure, especially in the systolic reading during heartbeats.
Recent research indicates a relationship between alcohol and high blood pressure, even in people who have never had hypertension.
The study underlines that moderate alcohol consumption can lead to higher blood pressure levels, especially in males.
The American Heart Association advises limiting alcohol to no more than 2 drinks daily for males and 1 for females.
Alongside moderation, a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, and stress reduction are essential for blood pressure control.
Regular monitoring and managing related health conditions, such as diabetes and high cholesterol, are also vital to reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alcohol-and-blood-pressure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4038773/
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable companion for many, leading to a surge in the search for natural remedies that can aid in managing it. Enter adaptogenic mushrooms, renowned for their potential to balance, restore, and protect the body. While the idea of using mushrooms for health isn't new—ancient cultures have revered them for millennia—it's their modern promise of ushering in a stress-free life that's capturing attention. In this article, we delve deep into the world of adaptogenic mushrooms, exploring their potential and unveiling if they truly hold the key to a stress-free life.
Did You Know? Your ancestry test DNA data includes 700,000 markers, which can be used to learn about a very important stress gene called COMT which influences if you respond like a "warrior" or "worrier" to stress.
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An adaptogen is any plant substance or herb that may help your body cope with stress, anxiety, or fatigue.
When a person is stressed, the body’s Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis releases glucocorticoids as a response.
Cortisol is one of the significant glucocorticoid hormones released during stress, and this causes the flight-fight-freeze response during a stressful phase.
Consistently high levels of cortisol affect every organ in the body and increase the risk of the following:
Specific active ingredients in adaptogens act to bring down cortisol levels when they are high.
The main goal of adaptogens is to maintain a state called homeostasis in the body.
Homeostasis is a state where the living being's physical, chemical, and social conditions are optimally maintained.
In other words, the body and mind are stable and function as they are meant to, without disruptions or instabilities.
One of the most popular types of adaptogens is mushrooms.
Adaptogen mushrooms aren’t ‘magic mushrooms’ that affect the brain and cause psychedelic effects.
Inversely, adaptogen mushrooms work on the body and create resistance against the adverse effects of stress.
These mushrooms help balance homeostasis by affecting the functioning of the HPA axis and reducing the effects of stress hormones.
The following are a few varieties of adaptogenic mushrooms available.
Cordyceps is a type of mushroom that grows in high altitudes.
These fungi grow on insects' larvae, and more than 400 types of these fungi are identified.
Two of them are of significant interest - Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.
Cordyceps may have adaptogenic properties.
A 2014 study reported that consuming 600 mg of cordyceps/day for two weeks helped improve stress response and fatigue in high-altitude trainers.
Reishi is an adaptogenic mushroom known for its ability to improve the immune system and help handle stress.
A 2020 study on rodents reports that reishi may help treat stress-induced brain inflammation and prevent brain damage.
A 22013 study on rats reported that reishi mushrooms may have anxiolytic characteristics (the ability to reduce stress) and may help reduce stress-induced anxiety symptoms.
Lion’s mane, scientifically called Hericium erinaceus, is another type of mushroom known for its adaptogenic properties.
A 2018 study reports that Lion’s mane mushrooms produce antidepressant-like effects in rodents.
According to experts, these mushrooms help stabilize brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in rodents.
Stress and depression are the two leading causes of low BDNF levels.
Turkey tail, or Trametes versicolor, is a beautiful-looking mushroom with various colors.
Prolonged high cortisol levels may lead to an increased amount of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in the cells and lead to oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress causes DNA level damage to the cells and is one of the significant causes of cancers.
A 2017 study reports that the turkey tail mushroom may have up to 35 phenolic compounds, including flavonoids.
These phenolic compounds help combat oxidative stress in the cells and inflammation in the body.
No. all mushrooms aren’t adaptogenic. You will need to choose the right ones to get the adaptogenic benefits.
The following are some of the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms.
Is It Possible To Measure Stress?
While adaptogenic mushrooms are edible, the tolerance towards them varies with different individuals.
According to nutritional experts, cordyceps and reishi mushrooms are safer and can be tolerated by most people.
Some of the possible side effects of consuming cordyceps or reishi are:
Lion’s mane mushrooms are also safe when consumed in moderation.
Possible side effects include:
Turkey tail mushrooms may also cause gastric troubles, vomiting, and darker fingernails in a few.
Please consult your doctor if you are trying an adaptogenic mushroom or its supplement.
It is safer to start with a low dose and observe the changes in your body.
If fresh adaptogenic mushrooms are available, you can buy and use them while making your meals.
If not, adaptogenic mushroom powders are available in plenty.
Adaptogenic supplements are also available as capsules or pills on the market.
While choosing these supplements, look for the following features.
Please make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before you decide to try adaptogenic mushrooms.
While few human studies confirm the adaptogenic features of some mushrooms, this is a common ingredient trusted and used in many Asian traditional medicine practices.
Some mushrooms help the body cope with stress and fatigue when consumed right.
Please talk to your healthcare provider if you want to try them out.
Out of all the adaptogenic mushrooms, reishi mushrooms are more commonly used because they are better tolerant and may have holistic benefits to the body.
Adaptogenic mushrooms may lower blood pressure levels. They can also interact with blood pressure medications.
People on hypertension medications must consult their doctors and get approval before trying adaptogenic supplements.
These adaptogenic mushrooms may not be tolerated well by everyone. Some side effects of these mushrooms are gastrointestinal issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Consuming in excess may make these symptoms severe.
The following individuals aren’t recommended to use adaptogenic mushrooms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14714963/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855563/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-65812-5
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4174424/
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2022/concerned-future-inflation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6240259/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010034/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10538712.2016.1123790
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34375514/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24369991/
The next time you pick up a paper straw and sip your bubbling soda or some water, you may want to be aware of unintentionally ingesting minuscule portions of harmful synthetic chemicals into your body. Recent studies show that paper straws, once considered safer for both the environment and health, may have higher levels of the forever chemicals (poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)) than plastic straws. Keep reading to know more about PFAS and how to stay protected from PFAS toxicity.
The world has become more conscious of sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives over time.
More people worry about how their actions affect the environment and choose to pay premium prices on bio-degradable, organic, and reusable products that are biodegradable.
One such change we see everywhere is the preference for paper straws over plastic ones.
Paper is bio-degradable and disintegrates quickly when dumped in landfills.
Conversely, plastic takes 500 and 116 years, respectively, in land and marine environments to degrade.
Many countries like Australia, Brazil, the UK, and Canada have existing single-use plastic straw bans and encourage the use of paper straws in business places.
So, it definitely makes more sense to switch to paper straws.
Recent studies think otherwise, though.
Compared with bamboo, glass, steel, and plastic straws, paper ones had 90% of poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) content.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals harmful to living beings and the environment.
Paper straws are generally made of food-grade paper, adhesive, dyes, and liquid-resistant coatings.
Three-ply paper is immersed in an adhesive bath and sent into a wounder machine that winds them into thin cylindrical shapes.
Since paper absorbs water quickly and disintegrates, all paper straws are coated using polyethylene (PE) or acrylic resin.
These coating materials could be toxic, laden with chemicals, and unsafe for people and the environment.
Forever chemicals are named adeptly for their inability to disintegrate.
This group of chemicals doesn’t break down in the bodies of living beings or the environment. They aren’t affected by heat, water, or other chemical agents.
These chemicals have the potential to live forever in the world.
These are found in everyday products like clothes, cosmetics, hair products, plastic kitchenware, and toilet paper.
PFAS are forever chemicals.
Poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances are a group of over 15,000 synthetic chemicals used in various production stages of everyday-use products.
PFAS have strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make them harder to break down. Over time, PFAS can leak into water, soil, and air.
Two of the significant sources of PFAS are:
Taylor & Francis Group, a UK-based publishing company, released an analysis in August 2023.
This study compared the levels of PFAS in thirteen brands of straws available commonly in the country.
Paper straws have always been considered a more eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws.
These are also cheaper to produce, causing them to take over the straw production industry quickly.
However, when the levels of PFAS in different types of straws were analyzed, the researchers found that paper straws had the highest levels of toxic PFAS.
Analysts in Belgium tested 39 brands of straws available in Europe for the presence of PFAS.
Five categories of straws were included in the study - paper, glass, plastic, bamboo, and stainless steel.
The samples were obtained from regular places like supermarkets, fast-food chains, and shops.
All the samples went through two rounds of PFAS testing.
The researchers reported that 69% of all straws (27 out of 39 samples) tested positive for PFAS.
The primary type of PFAS found in these samples was PFOA.
PFOA has been banned globally since 2020.
The researchers also reported the presence of water-soluble PFAS like trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS) in the straws.
These water-soluble PFAS can quickly leach into the drinks from the straw and get ingested.
According to these experts, PFAS may make the straws more water-resistant.
However, this isn’t proven yet.
The contamination could also occur from the soil and water used to grow the plant or during manufacturing.
The kind of adhesive used could also contribute to PFAS exposure.
This study points to the fact that the levels of PFAS noticed were low.
Since people use straws only occasionally, the levels may not be enough to cause toxic damage immediately.
However, PFAS doesn’t break down in the body. Minimal levels of ingested PFAS can also lead to excess build-up over time.
There are two limitations to this study.
A similar study was published in 2021, analyzing the presence of PFAS in plant-based straws.
Five plastic, 29 paper, and nine other plant-based straws were analyzed.
The study reports that no PFAS were identified in the plastic straws. The paper and plant-based straws, however, tested positive for 21 kinds of PFAS.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were the major PFAS identified.
The following are some other sources of forever chemicals in everyday life.
According to experts, the average consumer may not be able to stay away from forever chemicals because they are everywhere completely.
However, here are some ways to stay protected.
According to this study, all types of straws except stainless steel pose the risk of having PFAS.
It is best to carry a few stainless steel straws and use them whenever needed. These straws can be reused multiple times and are safer than paper straws.
Another easier option would be to avoid straws altogether.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230825122044.htm
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b06635
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm
https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653521007074?via%3Dihub
https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/questions-and-answers-pfas-food
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230825122044.htm
https://nypost.com/2023/08/25/paper-straws-more-toxic-than-plastic-study/
Human genetics has fascinated scientists since time immemorial.
In recent years, understanding human genetics has led to the development of medications for many previously incurable diseases.
However, there is a particular facet of these studies that we need to consider.
Who participates in genetic studies, and who does not?
Could these biases affect the study results?
And most importantly, are our genes responsible for such a bias?
We answer all these questions here.
Genetic research analyzes human DNA to identify genes that can cause diseases.
Most health conditions have a genetic component.
They can be either entirely genetic or can be a mix of genetics, lifestyle, and environment.
There are around 25,000 genes that make up the human body.
Genes are made up of DNA.
The DNA has specific codes that determine how a gene works.
When this code is altered, the functioning of a gene changes.
Sometimes, this change can be in a single letter called Single Nucleotide Polymorphism or SNP for short.
Most SNPs don't cause any health issues.
However, the effects of a few or several SNPs put together can contribute to disease risk.
In genetic research studies, scientists aim to find out the exact genetic and environmental contribution to each disease.
Genetic studies can be of different types.
They can involve small or large groups of people or even individuals.
The following are some types of genetic studies.
Research involving families
This type of genetic study is also known as linkage analysis.
Common diseases like autism, Alzheimer's, and cancer affect many individuals worldwide.
1 out of every 110 children will develop autism, while 1 in 10 and 1 in 3 adults will develop Alzheimer's and cancer, respectively.
Often, these diseases run in families.
More than one individual in the family is usually affected by the disease.
When such families are involved in genetic research, scientists can discover the specific gene mutation responsible for the disease.
The region where this mutation is prevalent can also be more specifically identified.
It will better our understanding of these diseases and can assist in developing treatment options.
Research involving large groups of people
This type of genetic study is called association.
In this study, two groups of people are chosen for DNA testing.
One group usually has a disease, while the other group, called the control, does not
Scientists study the SNPs present in the participants.
Sometimes, one type of SNP is found more frequently in people suffering from certain diseases like Alzheimer's.
This variation can be identified in an association study.
This type of research requires the participation of many people.
Research involving candidate genes:
Candidate genes are located on specific DNA parts associated with certain diseases.
Researchers will examine these genes to determine how they contribute to a disease.
A groundbreaking study by Oxford’s Leverhulme Center for Demographic Science and Big Data Institute showed that people participating in genetic studies are more genetically likely to do so.
Currently, genetic studies are conducted using genetic databases containing information on a large population.
However, using this data can lead to what is called an ascertainment bias.
Ascertainment bias occurs when some people are more likely to be included in the study than others, resulting in the representation not reflecting the intended study population.
For example, imagine you are conducting a study on school students to find out the favorite hobbies of 6-12-year-olds. You go into the art class and ask the students there. You likely would have gotten answers like painting, drawing, etc. If you conclude that the favorite hobby of your target population is painting, your answer is clouded by ascertainment bias since those with painting as a hobby are overrepresented in your study population.
The researchers used the UK Biobank, one of the world's largest biomedical databases, to study the connection between genetics and participation bias in genetic studies.
They found that some people have certain gene changes that make them more likely to join these studies.
Professor Kong says this could lead to ascertainment bias since sometimes, only certain types of people join, which can make the study's results a bit off.
Therefore, the genetic data collected from studies might not represent the intended study population.
Genetic research is based on extensive data collection from many people.
However, if only some people participate and others don't, it can lead to inaccurate results.
The study further reported that the genetic trait influencing participation has a 36.6% correlation with the genetic factors underlying educational attainment.
This means there's a link, but participation isn't merely a result of traits like education or body mass index.
The genetic inclination to participate in studies can be inherited, potentially impacting individuals' participation in various studies throughout their lives.
This discovery underscores the need to consider such biases when designing and analyzing genetic research.
Genetic studies offer essential insight into the relationship between genetics and human health.
They help scientists understand how particular genes or specific mutations can cause diseases.
These studies are vital for developing effective medications against some commonly occurring diseases.
However, participation bias can affect the study results.
If only some people participate, the results might not represent the intended study population.
Surprisingly, these biases can run in families.
They can affect people's participation in different studies over their lifetime.
Thus, accounting for this bias is necessary for accurate results from genetic studies.
By accounting for these biases, the results of genetic studies might be complete.
Common diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's run in families.
They are caused by a genetic mutation that can be passed down through generations.
It is where genetic research steps in.
These studies help identify the gene mutations that cause these diseases.
Understanding the nature of these diseases can help develop treatments and medications.
However, a new study has shown that only some people participate in genetic studies.
Genes determine if a person will ever participate in genetic studies in their lifetime.
This phenomenon can give rise to participation bias.
This means the data collected will not represent the intended population and will show inaccurate results.
Understanding who participates in genetic research will help scientists consider such biases.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02309-x
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
The modern world keeps us perpetually busy, often sidelining our fitness goals. But imagine a world where exercise fits seamlessly into your schedule, like a snack between meetings. Introducing "Exercise Snacking," the efficient approach to fitness for those always in a rush. Read on to discover how these short bursts of activity might be the game-changer you've been looking for.
Did You Know? Your ancestry test DNA data includes 700,000 markers, which can be used to learn everything about fitness, from optimal workout for your body and ideal recovery period to ligament and tend strength and injury risk. Learn more.
If you thought exercise snacking was a form of snacking, you are not alone!
Exercise snacking is a method of structuring small, bite-sized bouts of workouts into your daily routine to help increase your health and fitness.
Think of it as snacking on exercise during the day by breaking your longer workouts into smaller portions.
The exercises performed as part of ‘snacking’ are safe to perform at home or work and do not require extensive warm-up, sports clothing, or equipment.
It is similar to the concept behind high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which is based on short bouts of intense movement followed by a short rest period.
However, with exercise snacking, the workout lasts around two minutes with a longer or more extended rest period.
A few simple examples are:
A lack of time is one of the most significant barriers people face in maintaining their exercise routine.
It is an excellent way to overcome this barrier and stay fit.
Though more research is required to understand how exercise snacking can benefit your health and fitness, here are a few potential ones:
You must remember that occasional exercise snacking does not significantly move the needle.
Just like a regular exercise routine, exercise snacking also requires consistency.
There is a lot of excitement around this type of workout, including its potential weight loss benefits.
Carrying extra weight around the middle of the body can increase your risk for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Losing this weight can improve these parameters and reduce complications like heart disease and stroke.
Starting on a 3x5 routine every day may help in weight loss.
(5 minutes of exercise 3 times a day)
While the 3x5 routine is popular, it is not a rule. You can exercise snack based on the amount of time you have:
If you have 1 to 5 minutes, here are some ways to grab your bite-sized exercise opportunity:
If you can find slightly more time, around 5 to 7 minutes a few times during the day, here are some exercises you can try:
Repeat this routine for 5 to 7 minutes
Repeat this routine for 5 to 7 minutes.
If you can squeeze in 10 minutes of exercise, here are some exercises to include:
Preliminary research around exercise snacking has shown that short bursts of exercises improve metabolic health, build endurance, and improve muscle health.
However, it is an adjunct to regular exercises to help you get your daily 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, especially if you are running on a tight or hectic schedule.
There is currently no proof that exercise snacking is better than regular exercise.
Everyone must get their daily dose of aerobic exercise or 150 minutes over the week to stay healthy and fit.
The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends seniors try to exercise up to 300 minutes per week.
This amounts to around 60 minutes of exercise daily, five days a week.
The CDC recommends seniors get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week or 30 minutes per day, five days a week.
Seniors who have been sedentary for a long must take exercise snacks one bite at a time.
Doing a small chore at home, cooking a meal, or anything that gets you to move is considered an exercise snack.
Rather than focusing on a full hour of workout, seniors can start small with exercise snacks of 5 to 10 minutes and get moving.
Seniors must always check with their physician before starting any new form of workout or exercise.
If you are wondering how to begin exercise snacking, here are five tips that may be useful:
Red meat is one of the staple food sources in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more Americans are getting allergic to red meat thanks to a particular species of tick bite. As many as 450,000 Americans could be affected by this syndrome. The lone star is a species of tick native to parts of the USA and Mexico. Being bitten by this tick may surprisingly make a person allergic to red and processed meat! Keep reading to learn more about this tick-induced red meat allergy and the possible treatments.
Did You Know? Your ancestry test DNA data includes 700,000 markers, which can be used to learn your risk for various seasonal, environmental, food, and drug allergies. Learn more.
Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule present in most mammals.
It is found in red meat (beef, venison, pork, lamb) and animal products like dairy, gelatin, and food cooked in animal fat.
This sugar molecule isn’t found in poultry or seafood.
The alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a life-threatening allergic reaction to red meat or other food products containing the alpha-gal molecule.
The lone star is a species of tick found prominently in the Southeastern and Eastern United States and parts of Mexico.
This species is also called the Northeastern water tick or the turkey tick.
The tick is identified by the single star-shaped mark on its back.
Lone star tick bites may cause various conditions, including the following:
CDC confirms that the tick bite may also lead to AGS.
In people with AGS, the IgE antibodies get triggered by the red meat's alpha-gal molecules and start reacting.
The body experiences anaphylaxis-like allergy symptoms, which can become life-threatening unless treated quickly.
Unusual Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of AGS are:
Genetics Of Food Intolerance and Food Allergy
The lone star tick is found in dense woodlands and, according to experts, are aggressive biters.
They can crawl quickly into the furs of pet animals, cattle, or deer.
These lone star ticks move fast and can also crawl from the foot level onto human skin.
The two most significant risk factors for lone star tick bite are living around woodlands or exposure to woods and having pets/cattle herds that get infected with lone star ticks.
Apart from these, the following factors may also affect the risks of developing AGS.
When ticks bite humans, alpha-gal molecules in their saliva get transferred to the bloodstream.
The body considers the alpha-gal molecules dangerous, and the immune system kicks into action.
The lymphocyte cells release anti-alpha-gal IgE cells in response.
Now, the person develops an antibody response to the alpha-gal molecules.
Red meat like beef, venison, lamb, and pork contains alpha-gal.
Some cuts of meat, especially the organs, contain very high levels of alpha-gal.
When a person whose body has alpha-gal antibodies consume red meat, there may be an allergic reaction triggered.
Understand the root cause of your allergies with a DNA-based report. Identify genetic risk factors & get personalized recommendations for relief and management.
One complication with red meat allergy is the low awareness about AGS in the United States.
CDC surveyed 1500 medical practitioners nationwide, and over 50% hadn’t heard of AGS.
Of those aware of the problem, one-third weren’t confident in treating patients.
Red meat allergy could become a public health problem, with lifetime effects in a few patients.
More than 90% of Americans consume meat.
The overall consumption of red and processed meat in the United States is about 73.6%.
In some people, antibodies may reduce over time, and they can start including red meat like before.
In others, this could be a long-long condition, preventing them from consuming red meat.
Acquired red meat allergy develops after a lone star tick bite.
It is scarce for someone to inherit red meat allergy. However, it isn’t entirely impossible.
According to studies, people with the B or AB blood type were five times less likely to develop AGS.
The alpha-gal molecules and the B antigen both have similar structures. As a result, the immune system may ignore the molecules and not trigger a reaction.
A simple blood work will help check the amount of alpha-gal antibodies in the body.
This is a clear indicator of red meat allergy.
In some cases, your doctor may request a skin test.
A small portion of the skin is pricked and exposed to substances extracted from red meat.
The lab technician then checks for allergic reactions.
In most cases, allergy medications are prescribed to handle rashes, hives, and swelling.
Doctors may offer a shot of epinephrine in more severe cases to handle the allergic breakouts.
If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, please visit your nearest Emergency Care immediately.
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For people who have recovered from red meat allergy, staying away from red and processed meat for a couple of years is essential.
It helps prevent future allergic triggers.
Other food products in the market may also contain traces of alpha-gal.
Please talk to your doctor and get a list of food sources to avoid.
These individuals can get their blood work done after 1-2 years to check the level of alpha-gal antibodies in the blood.
People who get a clear report may gradually start including smaller portions of red meat.
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/alpha-gal/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0727-emerging-tick-bites.html
https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-019-3413-z
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/alpha-gal/products.html
