Australia - Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA)

Interesting Video from Australia - Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA) ... 
Also known as Alpha Gal Allergy in the United States

See Video:  http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4570488.htm

The parts I found interesting:

(1)  Allergy sufferers may have had low grade MMA for a while before the severe allergy started.  This low-grade MMA may have previously been chalked up to occasional intestinal distress.

(2)  The allergy may not be just to the Alpha Gal saccharide (that comes from the mammal), but a combination of the Alpha Gal from the mammal bitten by the tick before you and a binding protein from the tick itself.  The combination of both the saccharide and the protein (as a bound agent) may cause the severe onset of auto-immune response in some humans.

(3)  After onset of severe MMA (or Alpha Gal Allergy), a future tick or chigger bite (producing just the tick protein) can cause an immediate and severe allergic reaction - causing anaphylactic shock without the typical delay of reaction from MMA or Alpha Gal Allergy.   Basically, you are now allergic to both the Alpha Gal saccharide (with delayed reaction) AND you are allergic to the tick protein with an immediate reaction.

(4)  The method of removing ticks can be crucial for avoiding immediate and severe tick bite reactions.  Adult Ticks should be frozen off (using a product like wart freezing agents), then removed.  Nymph Ticks should be treated and killed with a permethrin cream (used for lice and scabies), then scraped off.  The key is that ticks should never be squeezed by fingers or tweezers in the removal process.

Thanksgiving Treat

OMG! - just did a pre-Thanksgiving Taste Test ....

From Whole Foods ...

Hail Merry (brand) Sweet Potato Tarts - 6 pack
(Gluten and Dairy Free)
Found in the refrigeration aisle near canned biscuits

Topped with So Delicious CocoWhip
(Dairy Free)
Found in the freezer area near other "Cool Whips"

To die for ... a little hint of salt and nuts.  One word ... "Yum!"

PS - Hail Merry had other small dessert options .... and I can't wait to try them!

French Toast - Alpha Gal Style

Cinnamon Raisin French Toast

(Gluten Free / Dairy Free)

Ingredients:

4 slices - Udi's Cinnamon Raisin Bread (Gluten and Dairy Free)

2 Large Eggs

1 Tablespoon - Sugar

1/4 Cup - Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

1 Tablespoon Dairy Free Margarine (I use Earth Balance)

Directions:

Beat Eggs, Almond Milk and Sugar

Soak Bread for 15-30 seconds in Egg / Milk / Sugar mixture

Melt Margarine in Frying Pan at Medium to Medium/High until sizzling (but not burning)

Fry Bread Slices (both sides) until golden brown

Serve with syrup, powdered sugar or other favorite toppings like fruit compote and dairy free coconut-based whipped cream.

Enjoy!

Football Season - Time for some Chili !!!

Quick / Easy (and Alpha Gal Friendly) Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 2-3 Pounds of (raw) Meat - Chicken Breasts or Ground Turkey
• Chili Seasoning Kit - I like Carroll Shelby's Original Texas Brand
• 2, 15 oz cans of stewed tomatoes - chopped up or shredded with your hands
• 2, 8 oz cans of tomato sauce (plain - no flavorings)
• 2, 8 oz cans of water (using the tomato sauce cans)
• 1, 15 oz can of Light Red Kidney Beans - drained
• 1, 15 oz can of Dark Red Kidney Beans - drained

Brown the meat and drain fat.

Here's an idea to make your chili more flavorful .... grill chicken breasts on a charcoal grill - do not cook to "well done" since it will be cooking longer in the chili pot.  Chop or shred the chicken to sizes that will work well with spoons, and add to your stock pot.  

Note:  I have a separate grill that I use for my allergies.  See previous blog on grill related cross contact causing an Alpha Gal Allergy reaction.

Add Chili Mix ingredients except for the "Masa" (Flour)

For the Carroll Shelby's Chili Kit - I typically use about half the salt packet, and about 2/3's the packet of cayenne pepper.  Suit yourself on taste.  I definitely use the entire (large) packet of the Chili Seasoning.

Add:  Chopped/Shredded Stewed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce and Water

Cook on low (or medium low) for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally

Add Light and Dark Kidney Beans, lower temp to simmer.  Simmer for about 30-45 minutes until the kidney bean casing becomes firm but not popped open.

Add about 1 tablespoon of flour ("Masa") - simmer for another 5 minutes.

Top off with tortilla chips (gluten free) or Saltine Crackers.

Sorry - no cheese or sour cream toppings!  I know, this is hard to give up.