Alpha Gal Recipes - How to Cook for those with the Mammal Meat Allergy

Alpha-gal is a mammalian meat allergy caused by a tick bite that prevents people from eating red meats like beef, pork, and lamb. This condition requires following an Alpha Gal diet by excluding meats like beef, pork, lamb, and products made from them. With creativity, those with Alpha Gal can still enjoy delicious meals. This article provides tips and recipes for cooking for the Alpha Gal diet.

Overview of Alpha-Gal

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, a carbohydrate found in mammalian meats except fish and poultry. Symptoms include hives, itching, headache, and anaphylaxis. It is caused by tick bites and is estimated to impact 1 in 1000 people in the Southeastern U.S. Management involves avoiding trigger foods.

Alpha-Gal Diet Guidelines

To manage Alpha Gal, the following mammal products must be avoided:

• Red meat - beef, pork, lamb, goat, veal, rabbit
• Organ meats - liver, kidney, heart
• Gelatin from mammals
• Mammal fats like lard or tallow
• Dairy products

Safe foods include:

• Poultry
• Fish and shellfish
• Fruits and vegetables
• Grains
• Legumes

Helpful Substitutions and Tips

• Use poultry, fish, beans, or tofu instead of red meats
• Cook with oils rather than mammal fats like lard or tallow
• Choose gelatin made from fish
• Use coconut milk, nut milks, or rice milk in place of mammalian dairy
• Read ingredient labels carefully to spot hidden mammal products

Alpha Gal-Friendly Recipes

Poultry Chili

Replace traditional beef chili with extra lean ground turkey or chicken. Load up with beans, veggies, and spices.

Crispy Fish Tacos

Use beer-battered cod or tilapia in corn tortillas with cabbage slaw and chipotle crema.

Shrimp Stir Fry

Wok up a vibrant stir fry with shrimp, bok choy, peppers, and gluten-free tamari sauce over rice noodles.

Veggie Lasagna

Layer noodles, marinara, and roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.

Bean and Rice Enchiladas

Fill tortillas with spiced pinto beans, brown rice, and roasted veggies topped with salsa verde.

Conclusion

The Alpha Gal allergy requires avoiding all mammal meats and byproducts. But with planning and creativity, those with the condition can still enjoy nutritious and delicious meals. Focus on poultry, fish, veggies, legumes, and gluten-free grains for a varied, meat-free diet.

FAQs

Can Alpha Gal patients eat chicken?

Yes, poultry does not contain alpha-gal and is safe to eat.

What kind of milk can they have?

Nondairy milks like almond, coconut, oat, rice, or soy milk are recommended instead of mammalian dairy milk.

Is pork off limits?

Yes, pork is a mammalian meat and not allowed on the Alpha Gal diet.

Can they eat fish and seafood?

Yes, all fish and shellfish like shrimp are safe to eat.

Are eggs allowed?

Most people with Alpha Gal can tolerate eggs, but speak with your allergist.