When I was diagnosed with Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS), the first thing I worried about was my kitchen. Other people in my household were still eating mammal products, and I had no idea how sensitive I might be to cross-contact. I have had experience working in restaurants and bakeries, so I decided to clean my kitchen the same way I cleaned the commercial kitchens.
I bought a commercial-style quaternary ammonium sanitizer and sanitizer test strips from Amazon that are similar to the products many restaurants use on food-contact surfaces. (Links below.) The label stated that the sanitizer was safe for food surfaces when properly diluted and allowed to air dry. I thoroughly washed everything in my kitchen, and then I mixed the sanitizer as directed (2.3 oz per gallon of water) and sanitized my pots and pans, cutting boards, utensils, sinks, counters, cabinet doors and handles, appliances, and just about everything else in my kitchen. I let everything air dry like they do in the restaurants.
There is not enough scientific research available right now to guarantee that sanitizers completely eliminate the alpha-gal sugar molecule from surfaces. But people in AGS Facebook groups often talk about the importance of restaurants thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing their equipment before preparing āsafeā food. Many people with AGS feel more comfortable eating deli meat sliced on a freshly cleaned slicer or ordering food from restaurants willing to sanitize surfaces, change gloves, and use clean utensils. Because of that, it seemed reasonable to me that sanitizing my own kitchen could help reduce possible exposure.
As time went on, I also realized I was reacting to my pets. That was one of the most difficult and heartbreaking parts of this journey for me. Eventually, for the sake of my health, I made the painful decision to re-home them. Afterward, I wanted to remove as much pet hair and dander from my environment as possible.
I thoroughly cleaned my home using a Rainbow vacuum system, which is reportedly used in NASA clean room environments because of its filtration system. Then my daughter bought a BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner and used the sanitizer solution in the machine to deep clean my furniture, rugs, and even the interior of my car. She also wiped down all of the surfaces in the car with the sanitizer solution.
I cannot say with certainty that sanitizing completely removes all traces of the alpha-gal molecule. There simply is not enough research available yet to prove that. But I can say that taking these extra precautions seems to have helped me personally. Creating a cleaner environment and reducing possible cross-contact gave me a greater sense of safety and control at a time when I felt overwhelmed and, honestly, fearful.
For anyone navigating AGS, itās important to realize that every personās triggers and sensitivities can be different. Some people may not react to environmental exposure at all, while others seem extremely sensitive to residue, airborne particles, pet exposure, or cross-contact. Personally, I am extremely contact reactive. If someone in the house has a steak and I touch the plate it was on before it has been washed and sanitized, I may be bedridden for up to a week. I have the same reaction to touching pet hair – even just a few strands.
Because of these serious reactions, I had to do some experimenting and do whatever I could to make my environment safer. Including eliminating all mammal food products from my home. Thankfully, since the risk to exposure has been reduced, I am having fewer reactions. I still keep sanitizer on hand – just in case – but I donāt have to sanitize everything on a daily basis anymore.
If you have Alpha-gal Syndrome, or if you know someone who does, I hope this information is helpful to you. As always, this article reflects personal experience and information available online at the time of writing. It is not medical advice, and there is currently no guarantee that sanitizing products completely eliminates alpha-gal from surfaces or environments. The links in this article are to the products that I purchased, but there are others available online, and there may be a local restaurant supply store in your town that is open to the public.
Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts or experiences with me.
Stay safe,
Cynthia
Please read the directions on the back. It is very important to mix this as directed. A little goes a long way!
