An article in Allergic Living magazine focused on the Alpha-gal allergy – an allergic disease caused by the Lone Star tick bite. However, you may be surprised at how many people are living with this disease that affects everything they eat. Those with Alpha-gal can’t eat mammalian meat – beef, pork, lamb, rabbit, etc. Turns out best-selling author, John Grisham, suffers from this disease, according to the article.

Grisham who keeps meticulous notes, found out in 2012, after working with his allergist on his case of his skin feeling like it was on fire. His hives were actually a reaction to eating mammalian meat.

According to the article, Grisham has become an old pro at managing his meat-restricted diet with the help of his wife, Renee, who also has the disease. He has learned to savor healthy alternatives to beef and pork although he regularly gets red meat cravings.

He and Renee live near Charlottesville, Virginia, while beautiful and historic, is a favorite habitat to the Lone Star tick.

There is no treatment for red meat allergy beyond avoiding the consumption of red meat and in some cases, dairy and gelatin. There is a chance this allergy may resolve over time if the affected person prevents getting another tick bite. As research advances, there is hope a better treatment of red meat allergy will be found.

“With our mild winter, ticks are out, and ready to bite,” says OAAC Board-Certified Allergist Dr. Laura Chong. “Warmer weather means we are starting to spend more time outside. Be sure and take your tick prevention precautions for you and your pets that carry them inside your house.”