The “Double-Diet” Dilemma:

What are Alpha Gal & Histamine Intolerance?

You’ve heard of food allergies. But have you ever heard of an allergy that hates… leftovers? Or a red meat allergy… from a tick bite?

Welcome to our world. This is the “double-diet” dilemma my husband lives with every day: Alpha-Gal syndrome (AG) and Histamine Intolerance (HI).

In short, Alpha-Gal (AG) means my husband is allergic to all mammal products. This came from a single tick bite. Specifically the Lone Star tick. 

It’s not just beef and pork. It’s dairy, gelatin, food fillers and even many medications.

And when I say “allergic,” I don’t just mean an upset stomach. I mean it’s a life-threatening, anaphylactic allergy. Accidental exposure could mean a trip to the emergency room, or worse. This isn’t just an intolerance; it’s something we have to manage with extreme care, 24/7.

What makes this even more complicated is that the reaction isn’t just from eating it. A severe reaction can also be triggered by physical contact or even inhaling the fumes from cooking—like from sizzling bacon or a grilling burger. This is why we can’t just “cook separately” in a small space.

And then there’s Histamine Intolerance (HI). This means his body can’t process histamine… which is in everything.

Aged foods, cured meats (like bacon, even if it’s turkey), tomatoes, spinach, avocados, citrus… the list is HUGE!

Here’s the clash: AG says, “Eat lots of chicken and fish!” HI says, “Only if it’s perfectly fresh. The second it becomes a ‘leftover,’ histamine builds up and makes him sick.” RV life says, “Just grill and eat leftovers! It’s easier!”

This means nothing is fast. We can’t grab a pre-made meal. We can’t rely on leftovers.

Every single meal for my husband has to be cooked from scratch, every single time. It’s hours of work, and it’s why our kitchen isn’t a convenience—it’s our command center.

This is the puzzle we’re solving every single day. It’s exhausting, but we’re finding a way.

Are you also managing a complex diet, too? What’s the most confusing part about it for you? Leave a comment.