25 min
Episode 1: Unravelling the mysteries of alpha-gal allergy Tick, Tick, Boom!
-
- Medicine
In this episode, I speak with Professor Sheryl van Nunen to unravel the mystery behind a startling association: a history of tick bites and the subsequent onset of often life-threatening allergic reactions to a sugar known as alpha-gal found in mammalian products such as beef, dairy, and pork. Professor van Nunen guides us through the early days of this novel allergy’s discovery and the impact this has had on the world. We’ll also explore how mammalian meat allergy is unique — it’s both preventable and potentially curable. How, you ask? By preventing tick bites and safely removing ticks if you do get bitten. With Professor van Nunen’s science-backed strategies, this can be easily achieved.
In this episode, I speak with Professor Sheryl van Nunen to unravel the mystery behind a startling association: a history of tick bites and the subsequent onset of often life-threatening allergic reactions to a sugar known as alpha-gal found in mammalian products such as beef, dairy, and pork. Professor van Nunen guides us through the early days of this novel allergy’s discovery and the impact this has had on the world. We’ll also explore how mammalian meat allergy is unique — it’s both preventable and potentially curable. How, you ask? By preventing tick bites and safely removing ticks if you do get bitten. With Professor van Nunen’s science-backed strategies, this can be easily achieved.
25 min