Most people have heard of the most common tick-borne illnesses like Lyme & Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  Many have heard of Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis & Tularemia.  But most doctors aren't even familiar with one of the most recently discovered tick-related illnesses called Alpha Gal Syndrome.   I know I hadn't learned of it until I moved to the South.   I feel fortunate to have done this interview with Board Certified Internist/Pediatrician Dr. Laura Diefendorf.   In this podcast episode you'll learn all about Alpha Gal including the answers to the following questions: *************** - What is alpha gal? - Why hadn’t I heard of it until I moved to the South? - How does one get alpha gal? - What actually is alpha-galactosidase? - What is the physical reaction that occurs? - Is it similar to an immediate allergic or anaphylactic reaction? - What are some symptoms of alpha gal allergy? - Why is alpha gal so difficult to diagnose? - How long does it usually take to come to a diagnosis? - How long ago was alpha gal discovered? - How long after ingesting mammalian meat does it take for the reaction to occur? - What kinds of food products can elicit the alpha gal reaction? - What type of test can help diagnose alpha gal syndrome? - Are there other diagnostic criteria? - What other factors can exacerbate a reaction? - What are the risks associated with repeat tick exposures? - What types of ticks carry the alpha gal carbohydrate complex? - What are some primary prevention strategies? - Is there treatment? - Does the reaction improve over time if there is no repeat exposure? - Can alpha gal patients ever eat mammalian meat again?  - What about dairy? - Can this condition be life threatening? - What other precautions need to be taken to prevent reaction? - Are children affected differently than adults? - Where can I find reliable information about such a new and rare disease? *************** Dr. Laura Diefendorf is double board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.  Her practice is Duke Primary Care in Henderson, NC https://www.dukehealth.org/find-doctors-physicians/laura-p-diefendorf-md *************** Thanks so much for listening! There's lots more on my website: www.drlexlifestylemedicine.com and.... If you love the music, check out: www.therealmichaelvm.com/music All my love & gratitude to: my guests: Dr.  Laura Diefendorf, my inspiration: my patients, my idea guy: Edward, my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia, my tech & equipment guy: Pop, my angel: Susie, my music & sound guy: Mike VM, my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue,  my creative director: Emily, my love, Michael. ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #alphagal #alphagala #alphagalactose #alphagalactoseallergy #alphagalactosidase #alphagalallergy #alphagalates #alphagalaxy #alphagaldiet #alphagaleats #alphagalencouragersnwa #alphagaljourney #alphagallergy #alphagallery  #alphagalley #alphagalliving  #alphagalrecipes #alphagalsafe #alphagalsucks #alphagalsupport #alphagalsyndrome