Monday, February 24, 2014

Tick Bite Associated with Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA) – Alpha-Gal and Anaphylaxis

Meat Allergy May be Caused by Tick - Photo by James Lindsey at Ecology of Commanster
Those who suffer from food allergies are often well versed on the symptoms they usually experience. Some people with food allergies have immediate symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as swelling of the face, lips, and/or throat, shortness of breath, an itchy rash or hives, and/or a dangerous drop in blood pressure. In severe cases, death can result due to an anaphylactic allergic reaction to a food. Other people with food allergies tend to experience more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.

Allergic reactions, particularly anaphylactic reactions that can quickly become an emergency situation, typically occur rapidly, within minutes of exposure to an allergen. However, an allergy to meats such as beef, lamb, pork, or other mammals tends to occur approximately four hours after the person ingests the food, making it quite difficult to pinpoint the offending allergen. Many people with a mammalian meat allergy may experience these delayed allergic reactions and suffer for quite a while treating these mysterious allergic symptoms without a clear cause.

People identified as having a mammalian meat allergy (MMA) develop antibodies to alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose), a carbohydrate found in the meat of mammals. Some people have the antibodies but have not experienced allergic reactions. Persons with MMA may also experience allergic reactions to milk products, gelatin, whey-containing protein powder, and certain medications.

Recent studies indicate that some ticks have alpha-gal in their gastrointestinal tracts. People with mammalian meat allergy often report having had at least one tick bite, leading to the theory that this allergy is vector-borne. The larvae and nymph stages of the ticks may be difficult to identify, perhaps being confused with seed ticks or chiggers. Those who live in or travel to areas with higher numbers of these ticks, such as the southeastern United States, may be at increased risk for developing MMA. Those with MMA often report a memorable tick bite that may have taken longer than normal to heal.

More studies are needed to determine additional information regarding this unusual food allergy that may be increasing. The only treatment for MMA at this point is to avoid all mammalian meats and other products that cause symptoms, such as milk. Other non-mammalian meats, such as turkey, chicken, and fish, may be safe for people with MMA to consume without resulting symptoms unless they have additional allergies. Some people with MMA may have other allergies or sensitivities to additional foods, such as those who have celiac disease.

Immediately seek emergency care if you are experiencing life-threatening allergic symptoms. Check with your healthcare provider if you suspect that you may have a meat allergy to determine any necessary testing and a safe care plan that meets your individual needs. This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.

Additional Articles:

References:
  • "Alpha-Gal Basics" online article by Alpha-Gal Allergy Awareness web site accessed on 2/24/2014.
  • "Anaphylactic Reactions to Oligosaccharides in Red Meat: a Syndrome in Evolution," Clinical & Molecular Allergy, 2012, Vol. 10, Issue 1, p. 5-15.
  • Becker, Eve, "Ticked Off," Living Without August 2013 issue.
  • Hamsten, C. et al, "Identification of galactose-α-1,3-galactose in the gastrointestinal tract of the tick Ixodes ricinus; possible relationship with red meat allergy," Allergy, April 2013, Issue 4, p. 549-552.
  • "Ixodes ricinus" online fact sheet article last updated on 9/2009 accessed on 2/24/2014.
  • "Meat Allergy" online article by Allergist web site accessed on 2/24/2014.
  • "Rare Meat Allergy Caused by Tick Bites May be on the Rise" online article by NPR accessed on 2/24/2014.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

6 Practical Tips to Stay Fit While Snowed In

How to Keep Fit When You are Snowed In - Photo by Snowbear
Many areas of the country blaze right through the snow. They might have multiple feet of the white stuff but manage to keep a regular routine of work, school, and exercise workouts at the gym. However, not all areas of the country have the equipment and money required to maintain that normal schedule. People living in the southern states in particular often find that snow and ice storms equals treacherous driving conditions, often leading to canceled activities.

Snow days might provide one with some much needed rest. We often work countless hours to pay for a house and provide for a family that we rarely see. Do not underestimate the value of relaxing and spending time together. Snow days have the potential to make great memories.

However, becoming completely sedentary during snow days might make it very difficult to get back into a regular exercise routine! Many folks turn to the kitchen and create delicious feasts while marooned at home...much to the dismay of one's waistline.

Inexpensive Exercise Equipment - Good Backup Plan for Snow Days - Photo by earl53
Here are a few tips to stay on track with a fitness routine while snowed in. Consult with your healthcare professional before starting or changing a fitness routine to ensure that exercises are safe for your current health condition. Listen to your body and adjust your routine accordingly.
  1. Exercise outside if conditions are safe to do so – building a snowman, sledding, and having a snowball fight burn calories while having fun with others.
  2. Uncover the exercise equipment – if you are one who has a treadmill or elliptical machine that has become a horizontal filing cabinet and vertical clothes hanger, this would be a good time to clean it off and get your money's worth!
  3. Involve the family at home and/or friends on social media sites in generating ideas for a unique workout routine each day – you might discover that you love different types of exercises you would have never thought to try.
  4. Add music – the beat may encourage you to avoid slowing down and might help you to enjoy a longer workout...it is hard to stop dancing when you love the song!
  5. Incorporate resistance with equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, or a stability ball or try pushups, sit-ups, or a Pilates or yoga routine.
  6. Try exercise videos – be careful because some routines may be safer than others.
Exercise Options at Home - Photo by pippalou
Daily exercise offers many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Maintaining a safe fitness routine at home may benefit your own health and might encourage family members and friends to get involved as well.

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See Katrena's Fit Tips 4 Life blog for additional fitness-related articles.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

5 Fitness Plan Roadblocks and Practical Tips to Stay on Track

How to Stay on Track with Fitness Goals - Photo by tpascal
Many people resolve to get into shape after November and December splurges. A new year might spark an interest in a new healthier lifestyle. Ideas become reality, and the workouts begin. Great!

But then come icy roads, cancelled group exercise classes, broken machines in the weight room, and the list goes on. Fitness routines are often the first to retreat to the back burner when schedules begin to crunch and original plans go awry. These are the times made for one's backup fitness plan, a plan B.

I Can't Exercise Outside...Now What?

If outdoor conditions are unsafe, what indoor exercises are acceptable to you? Even small indoor areas are often suitable for workouts. Take, for example, this Power Walk video. Just be careful if choosing videos – some are much safer than others. Treadmills, exercise bikes, and other machines enable people to get a great cardiovascular workout in a small indoor space. Walking in an indoor track or mall can be a great option when outdoor workouts are not possible.

Oh No...Not an Injury!

If you have an injury, how might you safely modify your exercise routine? Water walking, swimming, and other water exercises may provide support to the joints and enable you to maintain a similar exercise routine in the water. Many people do not consider classes designed for seniors, yet many of these classes welcome adults of all ages and provide several modifications for people who have injuries.

My Exercise Partner Didn't Show Up

If you originally planned to work out with someone, what will you do if he or she cannot come? Do you have a backup plan that you can safely perform alone? Are other people available? Is a group exercise class a possibility? Do you have music to help pass the time?

But That Was My Favorite Exercise Class!

If a group exercise class is cancelled or a substitute is teaching, what are your plans? Many people take one look at a sub and run for the hills...or perhaps the car, ditching the workout completely. As an exercise instructor who has been teaching since 1999, I want to assure you that I would love to see people coming in and trying a new routine or a different instructor! And if the class is cancelled, move to plan B. Or plan C. Doing something new can challenge not only one's muscles but one's brain as well. If you truly enjoy an exercise class, plan to attend regularly – many great exercise classes are cancelled due to low numbers.

A Backup Plan for Success

Roadblocks are bound to appear from time to time that have the potential turn that healthy, active lifestyle back into a sedentary one. Being fully prepared with several backup plans can help ensure you stay on track and keep you moving toward your fitness goals.

Before starting or changing a fitness routine, check with one's healthcare provider regarding which exercises are safe for you.

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