Tick Season Is Here: What You Should Know About Alpha-Gal Syndrome

As the weather warms in Missouri, many of us are excited to spend more time outdoors—hiking, gardening, hunting, and enjoying nature. Unfortunately, spring and summer also mark the beginning of tick season, and experts warn that ticks are emerging earlier than usual in the Midwest due to warmer temperatures and wet conditions.

Ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can transmit several illnesses, including Lyme disease and Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a condition that has become increasingly common in Missouri and surrounding states.

The good news is that awareness and prevention can go a long way in protecting your health.

What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a food allergy triggered by certain tick bites—most commonly the lone star tick, which is widespread in Missouri.

When the tick bites, it introduces a sugar molecule called alpha-gal (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) into the bloodstream. Because humans do not naturally produce this molecule, the immune system may recognize it as a threat and develop antibodies against it.

Later, when someone eats foods that contain alpha-gal—such as beef, pork, lamb, or other mammal-derived products—the immune system can trigger an allergic reaction.

This condition is often referred to as the “red meat allergy.”

Why Alpha-Gal Can Be Difficult to Recognize

Unlike many food allergies that cause immediate symptoms, alpha-gal reactions are often delayed. Symptoms may appear 3–6 hours after eating, which makes the connection to food difficult for many people to identify.

Common symptoms include:

• Hives or itching

• Stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea

• Swelling of the lips, face, or throat

• Shortness of breath

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Because symptoms can be delayed or inconsistent, many people go months or even years without realizing the cause of their reactions.

Why Missouri Is Seeing More Cases

Missouri is considered a hotspot for alpha-gal syndrome, largely because the lone star tick is common throughout the state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified over 110,000 suspected cases in the United States between 2010 and 2022, and experts believe many cases remain undiagnosed.

As awareness grows, more providers are beginning to test patients who experience unexplained allergic reactions, digestive symptoms, or issues after eating red meat.

Prevention Is Key — But Don’t Avoid the Outdoors

At Thrive Functional Health, we believe time outdoors is essential for physical and mental health. Fresh air, sunshine, and movement are powerful tools for wellness.

Instead of avoiding nature, take simple precautions:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when in wooded areas

• Use tick repellents

• Perform a full body tick check after outdoor activities

• Shower soon after spending time in tall grass or woods

• Remove ticks promptly if found

The CDC emphasizes that preventing tick bites is the best protection against alpha-gal syndrome and other tick-borne illnesses. 

How Functional Medicine Can Help With Alpha-Gal

Currently, there is no single cure for alpha-gal syndrome. The standard recommendation is avoiding foods and products that trigger symptoms.

However, many people with alpha-gal also experience inflammation, gut dysfunction, and heightened histamine responses that worsen their symptoms.

A functional medicine approach focuses on supporting the body by:

• Reducing systemic inflammation

• Supporting gut health and the microbiome

• Addressing nutrient deficiencies

• Supporting healthy immune balance

• Helping regulate histamine responses

By improving these underlying systems, many individuals experience better symptom control and improved quality of life.

When Should You Consider Alpha-Gal Testing?

You may want to consider testing if you experience:

• Reactions after eating red meat or dairy

• Unexplained hives or allergic reactions

• Digestive symptoms after meat consumption

• Delayed allergic symptoms hours after meals

• A history of tick bites

Alpha-gal can be detected through a simple blood test measuring alpha-gal IgE antibodies, which helps confirm the diagnosis.

Take the Next Step

If you suspect you may have alpha-gal syndrome or are struggling with unexplained allergic reactions, digestive symptoms, or inflammation, testing may provide valuable answers.

At Thrive Functional Health, we work with patients to uncover the root cause of their symptoms and support the body through personalized functional medicine strategies.

If you would like to learn more or explore alpha-gal testing, we invite you to schedule a Free Health Consultation.

Schedule Your Free Health Consultation

You can also learn more about alpha-gal in our previous article:https://www.thrivecfh.com/post/alpha-gal-syndrome-separating-facts-from-myths

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be made through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional familiar with your updated medical history.