- Daisy Holstine, a mother of two from Arkansas, developed a severe allergy to meat, necessitating a vegan diet.
- She was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a potentially life-threatening condition believed to be caused by a lone star tick bite.
- AGS occurs when the alpha-gal sugar molecule from a tick triggers an immune system response, leading to allergic reactions to mammal products.
- Holstine experienced severe symptoms like swollen eyes and hives, which she eventually linked to meat consumption after an elimination diet suggested by AI.
- The allergy can develop months after a tick bite, and while there is no cure, symptoms are managed by avoiding animal products and further tick exposure.
IN FULL
Woman forced to become vegan after developing life-threatening allergy overnight