You Should Stop Eating Meat If This Happens To You

Meat is inviting. The smell of hamburgers grilling on the open flame out back can be mouthwatering. The roasted turkey placed at the center of the Thanksgiving table is tradition. And even that package of beef jerky you keep in your car as an emergency snack can taste like it was sent from the heavens above when you skip lunch. Yes, meat is everywhere. But if you've started noticing you're feeling a little off every time you tuck into a Sunday evening roast, it might be time to consider whether you might have a meat allergy.

According to the American College of Allergies, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), meat allergies are real but rare, though the number of people diagnosed is increasing as recognition of this condition spreads. Common symptoms to look out for are stuffy nose, sudden skin rash, or feeling nauseated shortly after consuming meat. As stated by Verywell Health, there are additional symptoms to look out for which include: rapid heart rate, stomach cramps, teary eyes, and diarrhea. In more serious cases, an allergy to meat can lead to an asthma attack or life-threatening anaphylaxis. Depending on how severe your allergy is, symptoms can develop nearly instantly, or may take a few hours to reveal themselves post meatball sub.

As rare as this allergy is, it can unfortunately develop at any time of your life. Verywell Health states that you may be at an increased risk due to your blood type, past infections, tick bites, or if you have a coexisting food allergy. If you suspect you might be allergic to meat, the ACAAI recommends you visit an allergist to get the right diagnosis. It may also be smart to start keeping a food diary with a list of your symptoms, as the allergist will likely ask you more detailed questions about your diet. In addition, they might also request a blood test and/or a skin test to look for food-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

We know that meat can be delicious and hard to resist, and it's certainly readily available to purchase in most grocery and convenient stores throughout the U.S. But if you do suspect you have a meat allergy, perhaps skip the turkey leg and take an extra helping of delicious sides until you get a chance to find the source of your symptoms.