Republic, Mo. Couple Addresses Food Allergies With Alpha-Gal Safe Bakery as Cases Rise in

Living with Alpha-Gal: A Biscuit, a Bakery, and a Fight for Food Freedom

Alec Hagan remembers vividly the day he learned he had Alpha-Gal syndrome (AGS). Relief mixed with grief washed over him. At last, answers for a year of unexplained illness, but also the gut-punch realization of a new life consumed by food restrictions.

“It’s been pretty challenging accepting this new way of life. I think the hardest part is there’s no convenience to it,” Alec says, owner of Sensitively Sweet Bakery in Springfield. “There’s no stopping at a fast food restaurant. We don’t eat out anymore.”

AGS, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to alpha-gal, a sugar found in most mammals, turned Alec’s world upside down. Gone are the days of juicy burgers and crispy bacon. His diet now revolves around meticulous ingredient checks and carefully planned meals.

“I was diagnosed about a year ago. I was sick probably almost a year prior to that with no answers as to exactly what was wrong, so it took a little bit of time to diagnose it,” Alec explains.

The syndrome is typically spread through tick bites. Once the alpha-gal enters the system, it triggers a delayed immune reaction, causing symptoms ranging from hives and itching to, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Alec’s diagnosis led him and his wife, Katrina, on a mission to make delicious food accessible to everyone, especially those navigating food allergies. They opened Sensitively Sweet Bakery, offering sweet treats and savory favorites free from common allergens, including dairy and nuts.

“It just takes a lot of time out of your day to plan what you’re going to eat,” Alec says. “When you do happen to have a reaction, it might put you down for several days.”

Finding alternatives has become a way of life. Alec says, “I cut out anything mammal, including dairy, but I also watch a lot of food like sugar,” he adds, highlighting the domino effect AGS can have on dietary choices.

While the journey hasn’t been easy, Alec finds comfort in knowing there’s hope. Dr. Minh-Thu Le, an allergy and immunology specialist, emphasizes the potential for outrunning the syndrome:

“Avoid the actual mammalian meat itself – that’s your beef, your pork, your bacon, your steaks, your hamburgers, things like that,” says Dr. Le, explaining the importance of avoidance until the allergy subsides.
“Once you outgrow it, your levels will go down, and you can eat it again.”

AGS impacts everyone differently. For some, it’s a mild inconvenience, while others, like Alec, experience more severe symptoms. Dr. Le emphasizes the importance of working closely with an allergist to develop a personalized management plan

A Sweet Solution

Sensitively Sweet, born from a personal need, has blossomed into a community hub for those navigating dietary restrictions.

“We offer food allergy options for everyone, especially since our world was flipped upside down by AGS,” Katrina says.

Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they bite into a donut or cupcake they haven’t been able to enjoy in years fuels their passion.

“Baking brings me joy, and I love sharing that joy with others, but it’s especially rewarding to help people who thought they couldn’t enjoy these treats anymore,” Katrina adds, the warmth of her passion radiating through her words.

While Alec navigates his own “new normal,” he’s found solace in sharing his story and offering support to others facing AGS.

For more information on Alpha-gal syndrome and a map

of known diagnosed cases, visit here.

What dietary ‍modifications are necessary for individuals living ‌with Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

## Living with Alpha-Gal: A Biscuit, a⁢ Bakery, and a Fight for Food Freedom

**Interviewer:** ​Welcome⁢ to the show, Alec. ​Thanks for joining ‌us today.

**Alec:** Thanks for having me.

**Interviewer:** ​Your story is‍ truly ​inspiring. Can you tell us a bit about your ⁤journey‍ with ‍Alpha-Gal syndrome, or⁤ AGS as it’s⁢ often called?

**Alec:** Sure. About a year ago, I was finally diagnosed with AGS after experiencing‍ a year of frustrating ⁢unexplained symptoms. It​ was a relief to finally know what was wrong, but also tough to accept the huge change in my diet.

**Interviewer:** What exactly does AGS mean ​for your daily life?

**Alec:** It means I can’t eat⁤ any red meat or mammal products ⁤anymore. That includes dairy, which is⁤ really tough. I have to be​ incredibly ‍careful about reading labels and planning my meals. It’s definitely not⁤ convenient. Going out ​to ⁤eat is out of the ⁤question.

⁤ **Interviewer:** ‌What sparked the idea for Sensitively Sweet Bakery?

**Alec:** My wife Katrina and I wanted to create a place where everyone could⁣ enjoy delicious food, regardless of dietary‍ restrictions. AGS⁣ really‌ opened our eyes to how ⁢difficult it can be to find safe and tasty options.

**Interviewer:** You ‍mentioned AGS is often triggered by tick bites. Can you elaborate on ‌that?

**Alec:** Yes, AGS is typically ⁤caused by a tick ⁤bite, specifically a Lone Star tick. According to the CDC [[1(https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome/about/index.html)],[1] ‍the tick’s‍ saliva introduces alpha-gal, a⁢ sugar molecule⁤ found in most mammals, into our system. This triggers an​ allergic reaction that can‍ range from mild hives to⁣ a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic⁤ reaction called​ anaphylaxis.

**Interviewer:** ‍What ⁢would you say to others who are newly diagnosed with AGS?

**Alec:** It’s ​definitely a big adjustment, but it’s manageable. Joining⁤ online support groups and connecting with‌ others who understand ‌your challenges‍ can be ​incredibly helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for⁤ help, and remember that delicious food⁤ is still possible – just think outside the bacon and burger!

**Interviewer:** Alec, thank you so​ much for sharing your ⁢story.