Ticks: The bane of every Virginian’s existence. Most famously, the pesky lone star ticks—particularly fond of our humid climate, warming temps, and diverse flora and fauna—pose a danger to humans through the infamous Alpha-Gal syndrome.
Once bitten, some people develop a curious allergy to a sugar molecule found in most mammals, including beef, pork, lamb, and dairy—even some medicines are not safe for consumption. The allergic reaction can include hives; swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat; wheezing or shortness of breath; and stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. A diagnosis leads to a vastly restricted diet.
Thirty-seven percent of all Alpha-Gal diagnoses in the U.S. are concentrated in Central Virginia, so Centra Health, based in Lynchburg, launched a new Alpha-Gal cookbook and patient menu. A Cookbook & Guide for Alpha-Gal, developed by health system’s nutritionists, dietitians, and medical staff, is available for purchase at Centra gift shops.
Jonathan Martin, Centra’s associate director of nutrition services, knows Alpha-Gal from personal experience. Being diagnosed with the syndrome left him with many challenges. “As a food service director, I had many questions about how I could do my job—cooking and handling foods that could trigger an allergic reaction—and whether I could taste-test the dishes I was preparing,” Martin explains. He is a contributor to the cookbook, which features salads, soups, entrees, and desserts—all Alpha-Gal–safe. CentraHealth.com
Featured photo courtesy of Centra Health. This article originally appeared in the October 2025 issue.
