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Dried fruit, frozen fruit... an AB returns ... another AB arrives ... and FAR more... :-)March 19th, 2001 , by admin
Hi Heidi, Recently there was a post in which you were extolling the virtues of dried wild blueberries. Do frozen berries have the same drawbacks as pre-frozen fish? I am highly allergic to mold and try to stay away from dried fruits for that reason. And of course it is quite expensive to buy as many fresh organic blueberries as I eat! I get wild frozen blueberries and raspberries (both organic) from Trader Joe's and they are delicious. And what about frozen veggies? I mostly eat fresh but every now and then I use frozen. I've got more questions but I can't think of them now, so I'm posting this and will send the others later. Thank you! JoanV
Joan, if you can't risk the dried fruit, then frozen is OK. That's if you can't find a fresh source. If you choose certified organic fruits and veg IN SEASON as much as possible, and fill in with frozen the rest of the time, you'll be getting more than plenty for your needs. :-)
I have returned to the BTD after a few years off to sort through some now-resolved soy and other food sensitivities, and have a few questions... As an AB+ [secretor status as yet unknown], I know that whole milk is an Avoid - does that include my favorite whole milk yogurt [since yogurt is a Beneficial]? One of my health care providers suggested I start using some digestive enzymes, which have really helped with regularity and other digestive issues [which I previously didn't even realize were issues]. However, I realized that the formula contains pancreatin, which the company confirmed comes from beef and pork. I was raised macrobiotic, so beef and pork tends to make me sqeamish anyways, but they're also both Avoids. Am I correct in assuming that provides another reason to look for another brand of enzymes? I really like the results, so I don't want to stop with the enzymes altogether... Thanks for your help, I really enjoy reading your column! Sarah
Yogurt is listed separately from whole milk, and it's either beneficial or neutral depending on your secretor status. Pancreatic and other pork-based enzymes are intended to be taken for a few weeks only, since the point is to stimulate your body to produce its own enzymes in response to the protein foods you eat. And for that short period of time, no, there's no impact on "compliance" in terms of the pork. These are refined elements of pork secreta, and they're quite effective when used therapeutically for the proper complaints. Hope this helps -- and welcome back, Sarah! :-)
Hi, again. On the other side of protein deficiency, I'm wondering if there can such a thing as TOO MUCH protein for Os. I seem to crave meat (e.g., half pound hamburger steaks). I've been eating quite a bit of protein lately (and maybe not enough vegetables), and I've been experiencing some painful backache that makes me think of kidneys. Could I be overdoing it? I keep having nightmares about all those low-protein diet guys who say that high[protein and high-cholesterol diets can ruin a person's health. As always, thanks for being you. Shay
:-) Maybe not enough vegetables? ;-) In this as in all things, add up all your daily intake, by food group, and see if they balance out according to Live Right's guidelines. If you're way over the mark, and this isn't just a matter of a few days, I'd try to scale it back a bit. A few ounces per day isn't worrisome. The lack of veggies IS, though! :-)
It's common for formerly veg-Os to require more meat at the beginning than recommended generally. We all might need a touch more now and again, depending on stress levels and physical work, and occasionally we need less.
Shay, it's difficult and wearing to carry around conflict within oneself -- try to figure out for once and all which plan is the best-researched and most successful. Commit to it, and trust it. You'll have much less stress that way, and less nightmares for sure! :-) thanks for writing, dear! :-D
I purchased the eatright for your type book, as well as went through Dr. D'adamo's Toronto clinic (The Wellness Istitute) etc... I have been following my type "O" diet for about ten months. After doing more research, I now have questions as to why the book does not address the important issue of Alkaline foods that are best for my type "O" blood. Many of the "beneficial" foods listed for me are actually "Acid Ash" forming in the system which is not good, while many of the foods I am to "Avoid" are actually "Alakaline Ash" forming and GOOD to keep my system alkaline. It is my belief that my system needs to be alkaline and acid balanced in order to be optimum. Now there is confusion surrounding my list of foods , and I look to you to clear this up for me, or do I have to return to the clinic. Please shed some light on this topic, Many thanks, Ken.
Hi, Ken! Peter's food lists already handle that concern. They're designed for YOUR optimal balance, so that you don't have to figure it all yourself. In other words, designed for type O, A, B, or AB. All different. Does the information you're reading take these factors into account?
Do take a look around this site, and at the FAQ page (linked at the top of the main page) for more info. Thanks for your note! :-)
Dear Heidi, Thank you! Your recommendation for quercetin was right on the money--two days after I started on the quercetin I felt MUCH better. I do have a question about your response - you said, "If tolerated, I'd start taking quercetin throughout the day." What do you mean by "if tolerated?" What would be symptoms of not tolerating quercetin? I thought that I'd read that you wrote other times that you cannot take too much quercetin.
One more question...I'm having difficulty with the "breakfast like a king, dinner like a pauper" theory -- I cannot seem to be able to face anything more than toast or cereal and a little fruit in the a.m. The one time I tried your recipe of ground beef with egg and tomatoes, I had diarrhea all morning (not to put too fine a point on it!). I can't even think about leftover steak or fish in the a.m.
I know I'm eating way too much from the grains for my O self.
The other side to this issue, if I even could face "dinner" at breakfast, is the time involved in making the food in the a.m., although I'm sure I could just re-heat leftovers. Getting two pre-schoolers and myself up and ready doesn't leave a lot of time for cooking a hot meal! Do you have any ideas, suggestions, theories? I know that I'm doing myself a disservice in this area, but don't seem to be able to get past this. Thanks for the great help that you've been in the past! You're the best! Fondly, Ruth
Hi, Ruth! Glad the quercetin helped quickly! :-) The reason I mentioned toleration is that every once in a while (maybe twice in the past year), someone will say he can't take Q for whatever reason. I've never gotten to the bottom of that issue, but to be on the safe side, I simply say, "if you can tolerate it." That, by the way, goes for every supp I mention -- of course, don't take it if you CAN't tolerate it! ;-)
If you're eating quite a bit of grains, your system will encourage you to continue getting that quick sugar treat. Your appetite will be pointed in that direction. Eating a bit too late at night will also make you unwilling to face a big breakfast in the morning. So, try skipping dinner tonight, and going to bed hungry. I'm not kidding! It won't hurt you. When you arise, just heat up a small portion of the dinner you didn't eat the night before. And so on. Leave lunch as it is, but have your protein breakfast and lighter supper, no later than two hours before sleeping. I do hope this helps, dear! ;-)
Hi Heidi,as a Type O what can I do about extremely PAINFUL periods. I have had some success with self hypnosis, but have only started learning how to do this. Thanks!!! Chantelle
Hey there, Chantelle! Complete avoidance of wheat, corn, dairy and coffee did it for me, along with at-least-mild exercise every day, and strenuous exercise twice per week. A good calcium supp like Phytocal-O really makes a difference. I used to have so much pain I would black out. So, I have confidence that this will work for you. Let me know more about how long you've been having this difficulty, and what your diet & exercise regimens have been, how long, etc. I'll try to help further. :-)
Dear Heidi I am a 24 year old AB + (sec stat unknown). I have been following the BTD diet for almost a year now - that is, as much as I can as I have been vegetarian for the past 12 years and vegan for over 7 years (I had made the decision to eliminate all dairy after having had on going sinus infections, with antibiotic treatment nearly all my life and since eliminating the dairy, I hardly even suffer from colds).
So my question is really what your thoughts are on an AB being vegan, I know that Dr D does not encourage strict vegetarianism in any of the diets and even the As and ABs are encouraged to consume fish and poultry. I would really like you to give me an honest answer, am I wasting my time, just trying to stick to all the vegan Beneficials and Neutrals and eliminating all Avoids?
Also due to my restrictions, is it ok for me to increase my weekly bean portions, as they are my only source of protein? My daily diet is mainly based on fruits and vegetables and usually consists of: Breakfast – oats with fresh fruit, raisins, nuts, ground flaxseeds and soymilk and a soy latte, Lunch – big salad with tofu or nuts, seaweed, sprouts… Dinner – huge plate of sautéed kale/collards with either lentils, tempeh or tofu with either sweet potato or squash or amaranth, quinoa or millet, my snacks are usually freshly squeezed all green juice, almonds, dried fuit…… I am generally in good health and have no need to loose weight (5,7 at 96-98 lbs.).
The only concern I have is that I am beginning to think I might have some minor thyroid issues, after reading some of the questions on your site I did the basal temp test and my first three readings came out (97.3,97.4,97.2) I am going to take the test again for a few more days. I think I might have some of the symptoms of hypothyroid, as I am always cold, especially after I eat lunch (when I also get very tired), I have very rough/dry/bumpy skin on my thighs (especially after the winter) and lead a very stressful lifestyle, which often leads to stomach aches, especially after I eat if I haven't managed to get lunch until 3pm. My periods are also quite irregular in times of stress (sometimes every two weeks, then not for 6/7 weeks).
I know that it would do me a lot of good to do more exercise, especially for stress and circulation issues, I just don't have enough time in the day to take a 1.5 hour yoga class, I'm doing the best I can with my 15 mins of the 5 Tibetan rights first thing in the morning and I know it at least stretches me out for the day. I would really appreciate any of your suggestions. Thanks a lot. Martynka
Martynka, welcome to this little knot on the Web. I'm very pleased to hear from you!
Because you do have some worrying symptoms, including being underweight for your height, I'm concerned that (for example) the daily coffee and high quantities of soy foods may be items worthy of close examination and review in your diet. Thyroid dysfunction can easily appear when the body is lacking its preferred protein sources, and the supplements (or, if it progresses, the pharmaceuticals) which would help you are all animal-based and would be refused. You are young to be experiencing these difficulties already. So try these tips, OK?
If you are determined to remain vegan no matter what happens (and I will understand if you do), here's what I suggest in order to make that choice work in the best possible way:
(1) Get your secretor status (order the Saliva Secretor Test here in the Store);
(2) Get a copy of Live Right 4 Your Type and eat ONLY the Beneficials & Neutrals for your ABO, Rhesus and Secretor status.
(3) Within those foods, (a) be sure to get at least 100 grams of protein 4 your type per day, and (b) vary your food sources widely -- try to use EVERY different vegetable, fruit, bean, nut, seed, fat and grain in a month's time. I want you to have as many different sources of the various microelements as possible, and to avoid triggering problems from too much reliance on a few beans or grains.
You're certainly far better off avoiding the harmful foods! Not a waste of time at all -- in fact, I believe this is the very best way for you to optimize your health as a vegan!
Best wishes, dear, and please write again with any questions or problems. I will do my best to help! :-D
For O nonsecreter Suzanna who wrote in about colds and sinus infection after giving up grains and sugars for four weeks. When I gave up all sugars in January 1986 I had cold and flu-like symptoms for six weeks. I reckon that it was a detox period. Going off the sugar was more like a cold or flu than going off all grains and starches which I did ten weeks ago. Going off all grains and starches my metabolism tanked for several weeks. I took me two months to feel really healthy again. You might consider that you are going through detoxification. But I also had to deal with a systemic case of candida which was related to the chronic sinus infection caused by candida/fungus. After herbs and many alternatives I got a referral from a colleague, who was so desperate with sinus infections that he was ready for surgery. He found a doctor in New York City who treats sinus infections with a suspension of anti-fungal medicine in saline nasal spray. If anyone is interested in getting the information about the doctor, or the medicine compounded by a local pharmacy in New York City for this doctor, please let me know. Once having used the medicine for a short while, I now can keep many chronic conditions ,like sinus infections and hay fever,under control with the BTD. Karen
Hello, Karen! Do you mean a nasal Diflucan or something similar? I'm willing to hear more, but I have grave doubts about "controlling" a condition through periodic use of such things. Could you tell me more? Thanks very much, dear!! :-)
Hi Heidi, Yeah, I did hear from Sarah. I was referring to Suzanna who wrote in a couple of days ago and wrote, "I thought I saw a letter from someone who was interested in communicating with other "nonnies"--I'd be interested in learning how others cope with this. Suzanna" She is the B nonnie who was feeling bewildered and struggling with the changes after just finding out. I remember that feeling well. So just extending a warm welcome since she expressed an interest.
Here is a tidbit for the A and AB folk - don't eat peanuts when you are sick. See below. It is from the dadamo.com: Immunity Knowledge Base IX The lectin in peanut (peanut agglutinin (PNA)), on the other hand, will bind to NK cells if they are exposed to neuraminidase (an enzyme produced by influenza virus, pathogenic bacteria, etc.) (on a positive note: the activity of neuraminidase is blocked by the common elderberry). However, in the absence of neuraminidase, peanut lectin has no influence on NK cell function. The long and short of this for you type A and AB individuals is; do not eat peanuts or peanut butter when you have a cold, flu, or other viral or bacterial infection. Frydecka I, Slesak B, Benczur M, Harlozinska-Szmyrka A. Heterogeneity of human natural killer cells with respect to lectin-binding ability. J Natl Cancer Inst 1987 Jun;78(6):1145-8 [Published erratum appears in J Natl Cancer Inst 1987 Jul;79(1):197]
Wish this was helpful for the O nonnie who wrote in today who keeps getting sick. My mom who wrote in, Karen - O secretor, felt sick for a few weeks too when she gave up all grains/starches. May also be part of the detoxing process. Thanks ever so much Heidi. Nina
Allo, Nina! Glad Sarah made it, and I forwarded Suzanna's info to you as well. And many thanks for the peanut & grain tidbits!! Lovely! :-)
Hiya ^Heidi^. This is a note for Judith who was worried about a sweet/acrid smell coming from her body. This could be the classic "pear drops" smell (do you have pear drops in the US?) associated with type 2 diabetes. It has a vaguely acetone-like aroma but a bit sweet too. If this could be Judith's smell she should get her blood sugar levels checked. Sarah
Yep, I'm awaiting her "report," which I think will give us more info to go on with. I don't recall seeing pear drops here, but the acetone odor is a sign of trouble. Thanks for writing, Sarah, and we'll see what Judith finds out. :-)
Feet! Tinnitus! Ashwaghanda, 40-30-30 and Lewis vs. Saliva results !March 18th, 2001 , by admin
Hi, its Cindi, Okay, today when i got dressed, my feet were fine, almost 3 whole weeks of not cringing with each step, after 6 weeks of hell.
Any how I ended up working almost nine hours and when i noticed my feet were not feeling right, I had clocked out finally, I sat down and took off my shoes and socks. OMG on top of my toes on one foot looked like some sap had dripped off of a big tree a few times on my toe and just stuck there. Huge shiney, hard strange blisters, and tones of smaller ones on the rest of that foot (toe tops only) and the small ones on the other foot too. Well there was not a chance of putting shoes back on so i knocked on my boss's door and made her look at it, she just said, "its blisters", she had to know that her feeble attempt to minimize the situation, was a failure before she ever said the words, my other boss got grossed out and I put my socks on, which felt like burning sand paper now, and left. to make a long story short, I ended up in the ER, dragged there by my doctor happy friend, and the blisters where dripping non stop all over the place. as soon as they emptied, they reformed in minutes and then started drip drip dripping. Poison oak would seem like a vacation compared to this mess.
Anyway since this condition majically appeared between morning and night, I was convinced that there must be the same kind of majic medicine to make it go away in the same amount of time, or less......... I was reaching, i know, but those damn doctors never really give any definite answers and just want to prescribe tons of drugs, so he prescibed "Prednisone 20mg for ten days" I refused to take any at the hospital because I needed to find out what the doctor couldnt tell me about it in non medical school language. So i looked it up and it is a Steriod and i wasnt happy with all the facts, so I turn to the only place i can trust, ON The Diet of course to see what majic is available for me.
I cant miss work like this, it set me back 600 bucks last month and my boss, she is a Monster about sick days. the doctoro wanted me to stay off work for ten days, but i got him down to 3. I would be homeless if i missed ten days and jobless. Any Majic, or anything for me? thanks Cindi 0+ nonnie
Aw, blast it anyway!! I'm so sorry this nasty thing has cropped up again, Cindi. :-(
Alas! I have no majic to offer, other than the Epsom salt / vinegar routine I posted for you earlier -- and Heallix taken internally and used as a wash for the area. Thing is, yes: there may be an opportunistic infection in the skin of your feet, but the underlying issue seems to be an autoimmune "hyper-immunity" reaction.
Our minds often tell us things about our personal situation using the language of our bodies. Ever had a friend whose recurrent hemorrhoids disappeared after firing a difficult employee? How about a woman whose chronic back pain went away when she divorced an abusive husband? Or heart trouble that resolved only after a year in psychotherapy? I've come across stories like these for years, and while I am here to help folks help themselves in following the BTD plans, I also feel prompted now and again to talk about how mental and emotional factors can express themselves through the medium of ailments.
Anyone may find themselves repeating certain phrases to themselves, such as "I don't have the heart to continue living like this," or "if I just hold back a little longer," or "that guy is SUCH a pain in the a$$!" ;-) Or -- "I hate this job, I JUST CAN'T STAND IT" -- while working on one's feet all day, every day. These constant messages we send ourselves are more potent than we think.
I'm just offering these ideas for your further consideration. I realize you don't see any other job options for you right now -- like you're stuck in that one, with that unsympathetic boss. Sticky? Stuck? "Tree pitch on your feet?" :-) well, that's how my mind works in recalcitrant problems like the one you're having. Maybe this will ring a bell for you -- I hope so! I want you to be the VIBRANT, HEALTHY CINDI you really are!!
Steve Shapiro (type O) has posted a great deal about his autoimmune disease at www.er4yt.org. I don't believe he will answer individuals' questions on their ailments, but I would pop over to that site and read about what he went through with pemphigus (he's now officially 'cured' of that "incurable disease"). He, too, was prescribed prednisone. It took a long time to get off it, and he did it by using the straight O diet strictly, and by making sure all his foods were fresh and unadulterated with chemicals, hormones, etc.
I would seriously consider putting the money together to order some Catechol (available in the Store here), and Cortiguard, too. I know this is a stretch for you, but we need some way of at least approximating the stress-relieving effects of type O strenuous exercise while your feet heal. I honestly believe it is the stress factor more than anything else that has opened the 'talking port' (in this case, your feet) for your body's message to come roaring through.
Bless you, Cindi, and please let me know what you think of all this. It doesn't have to be for publication if you'd rather not -- just let 'er rip. Take good care, and post a note when you can! :-)
Hello, Heidi : Just to share information for Carl who has tinnitus. Homeopathic medicine - Aconite, or berbal Gingko leaves (check blood type first). One of my friend use two (pcs) double point white crystal (natural point), one above the left ear and above on the right while her mother was sitting. The tinnitus has gone and did not occur for several years. I will mail again if she has further info on this. Take care! lily
Many thanks, lily! I'm going to heave a sigh of relief and a Hallelujah when we've got Carl's pesky tinnitus banished for good!! :-D Carl! Whaddya say? :->
This is Shelley again responding to Arlene regarding the nickel allergy. I think you've hit the nail on the head, Arlene! I didn't wear braces as a teenager, but guess what? I had braces on from age 37-38 to correct a cross-bite.
Now I'm 39 and I have this huge nickel allergy. I was never sensitive to jewelry as a teenager or in my twenties, but that's probably because I didn't have braces like most kids. It never dawned on me that this could be how I became sensitzed. But, you're absolutely correct!
I really don't mind not being able to wear jewelry, but avoiding foods that contain nickel is a real bummer. Also, I ordered some healix a few days ago. I'll be taking it before and after having my fillings removed. My doctor did some tests on me and he says that I don't have heavy metal toxicity, maybe I should have some more tests done. I'll ask Dr. Bron during my phone appointment with him next week.
I was thinking that I might try that "chelopesto" recipe. Heidi do you think it would work just as well without the pumpkin seeds? I can't tolerate nuts right now. Thanks again, Arlene. Hopefully my body will adjust and I'll be back to "new" in no time. One can only hope! Shelley
Ah, marvelous!! Arlene, you did good! :-D
The pesto recipe is fine without the nuts -- if you can tolerate pine nuts ("pignoli"), go ahead and use them instead, but the oil, garlic & cilantro will do splendidly all by themselves. I'm eagerly awaiting your next update, dear! Best Wishes!! :-D
Heidi I read Dr. D'Adamos response to a question regarding Withania ( Winter Cherry ) but I do not know if it is good for type O? Can you help me on that? Also have you any info is Schisandra is good for Type O? THanks. How can I pull up previous colums? Ruth
Hey there, Ruth ~~ If you look down at the end of that Ask Dr. D. response, you'll see where he states:
So, if you're considering using Raja's Cup, all the ingredients are fine for you -- but if you want to take withania separately, Catechol (or Cortiguard) would be a better choice. :-)
Schisandra is recommended only for type B in the Encyclopedia. Let me know what you want to use it for, and I'll make some recommendations on what would accomplish those goals for a type O.
To pull up previous columns, go to the bottom of any column page and hit the 'list previous columns' button. They'll appear in chronological order of most recent appearance (many of the Ask Dr. D. columns are re-posts, so the order does not indicate the first time it appeared, only the most recent time). The list is arranged with the newest column entry at the top. :-)
don't worry about the L-Glutamine confusion for type (A)! Big hug! I hav an apology to offer also... About touting the 40-30-30 diet & suggesting that it should be practiced by us with the blood type tenets. After seeing www.hps-online.com/troph10.htm ; I had an epihany! That 40-30-30 diet STINKS!! It worked for a short time, but after 2 years of personal evidence ( farts , cramps, bloating, pale skin, weight-gain, hyper defecation, should I go on?) I now say don't buy the 40-30-30 fat burning nutrition books , tapes or any of their other crap, stick with this BTD system! visit www.403030.com & give it to THEM!!
Im type (A+),MM,Secretor. I live in EL Cajon, California (san diego county). My mom is type(B+). She won't consume her phytocal B pills(bless her heart). she says the pills are too big. I don't want them to go to waste. may I eat those phytocal B pills? will they harm me? If I can't eat em' I will give them to another (. Is there a ( who lives in EL Cajon? brian
Hi, Brian ~~ Glad you're finding your way through the diet plan quagmire! :-)
If your Mom is uncomfortable swallowing the capsules, she can just empty them into some juice -- shake well, and serve! :-) As a type A, the type B supplements would not be good for you.
By the way, I didn't print the mailing address you offered, because this is such a public place to post it, and I'd just rather not take the responsibility for anyone abusing that information. hope you understand? Take good care, dear! :-)
Heidi, I just thought I would let you know in case you are interested that I discovered herbaladvisor.com has a good price on NOW brand Vegetable Gylcerine. They sell the 16 oz bottle for $4.84 and their shipping rates seem reasonable too. I just placed my first order with them today so I can't make any other comments about their service. Here is the link to the Vegetable Glycerine page: http://www.herbaladvisor.com/shop/xq/asp/ptid.33116/pid.30875/qx/productDetail.htm Don
That's a good price -- thanks for the note, Don! Anyone seeking sources of various veg gly products, just go to the bottom of this page and enter the search term 'glycerine' -- you'll see all the columns where it was discussed, and plenty of sites & resources for finding it in your area. :-D
Hi Heidi, I wanted to respond to Abby's question about lipomas. I don't know what causes them. I just wonder if it is hereditary. My type O family and I have lots of freckles and moles along with fatty cysts. I had a lipoma develop in my early forties. It was on the back of my leg about 3/4 of an inch across. It was noticeable enough that I had it removed. The incision mark is less noticeable, so I am pleased. Hope this helps. I also want to thank you for your column. I just love it. I look forward to my daily serving of "On The Diet".
I've been on the BTD for 3 years. I took the saliva secretor test about 10 months ago and learned I was a non-secretor. I attended the conference in Arizona and obtained a blood test to find out my MN status. The results came back MN, LeA-, LeB+, secretor status positive. I was quite surprised, called the lab, and they said they would repeat the test. The second results were the same. I called NAP to ask them about the contradiction and they suggested I stay with the results of the saliva test.
Can LeA-, LeB+ sometimes be a non-secretor? I'm wondering if I should repeat the saliva test. Also, I wanted to ask you about avocados for non-secretors. LR4YT says it is beneficial, the Live Right correction says "until further elaboration, this avoid status should be observed by group O non-secretors" and the Typebase 3 list it as beneficial for non-secretor. What's a nonnie to do...that's if I am one? Thanks again, Pat
Hey there, Pat! The first thing I'd do is another saliva test. If you still type out as a nonsecretor with that second result, you are a nonsecretor for the purposes of this diet. Here's why:
I may be a secretor according to the Lewis test -- but if my digestive secretions do not contain my ABO antigen, well, the food I eat is not going to meet with a "secretor's" digestive environment, and I should be eating as a nonsecretor.
That is the #1 reason why the saliva test result should prevail over the Lewis test result (if they don't concur) in matters of choosing foods. It's possible to have a 'secretor' Lewis result, and yet not actually secrete enough free ABO antigen in the digestive fluids to trigger a 'secretor' saliva result. In every such case, the nonsecretor diet is the way to go.
About the avocado oil question -- the text you saw in the Updates Page, "Avocado Oil: is Neutral for type A. Note: since avocado can be problematic for the other blood groups, they should consider this item a Tier I Avoid, no different from avocado. Until further elaboration, this Avoid status should be observed by group O nonsecretors as well" refers to the status of the oil for all blood groups except As -- not the status of avocado. Avocado's status is still as listed in TYPEbase 3, e.g. "avoid" for O secretors and "beneficial" for O nonnies.
Thanks for your Q's, Pat -- very good ones, and I appreciate your taking the time to write! :-D
More on Constipation, Chelation, my horrific boo-boo, and issues of all kinds!:-DMarch 17th, 2001 , by admin
Hello Heidi, I'm a type B, my wife's a type A. Your note about L-Glutamine was a bit of a shocker because we both use 'Whey-to-Go' protein powder by Solgar. L-Glutamine is an added ingredient so I'm guessing that we should not to be using it. What are your thoughts? Thanks so much for your continued help. David.
:-} So sorry for the shock, David! If it set you back a step, imagine how gobsmacked *I* was. I learned that status back in 19-bloody-98, right from the horse's mouth. Not normally the kind of thing that slips my mind, although plenty of other things do, and.... oh blast it, I'm disgusted! :-( And very sorry you spent good money on my advice, which turned out to be a stinker. :-(
{bleah!!} Now: No, y'all should go back to the HFS and find a whey product without the glutamine -- or a rice or egg protein powder instead. Or do as I always suggest: use nut butter, hard-boiled egg, and nutritional yeast for the job. A dab of blackstrap molasses wouldn't come amiss either, and all these are very good for both of you!
thanks for still reading & writing here, David -- you're a good sport, and I won't forget it! :-}
Hi Heidi, Before I started this diet I went to a dermatologist because I have these little bumps on my face under my eyes. He started with the "as we grow older spill"(I'm only 36yrs) and said there was nothing he could do about it. I'm a type O-(no idea about my secretor status) but I was wondering if anyone knew what causes this and how to treat it.
I'm asking because the BTD has changed my whole family. My daughter(7yrs) A+, who has had constipation problems and allergies is in great shape since we took out the dairy. My other daughter (3yrs) A+ has become a genius (proud mom) since I quit providing all those avoids. My husband (A+) has stopped snoring and everyone is sleeping better. For myself, I have been totally off allergy meds and life is just so much better. Anyway, thanks again for all your help. Tina
Oh, Lord-a-mercy, that report went straight to my heart, Tina!! I'm just endlessly pleased you and your family are reaping the rewards of these diets!! :-D
Those tiny little bumps are oddball fat/toxin deposits. Stick closely to the plain old O diet, and they should go away. My mom had them, and I used to have them, too. I can't tell you when they went away because it was one of those tiny "BTD side effects" that quietly slipped in, and all without my noticing it. I'm sure they were gone within a year of starting the 'straight BTD O' diet.
I'm sure yours will disappear, too. Have a lovely one, Tina, and thanks so much for the inspiring report! :-D
Hi Heidi!! Warm, loving greetings from sunny Southern California :-) Carl wrote in that drinking a daily cup of green tea helped to slim down. I cannot have caffeine so I was wondering if decaf green tea would have the same effect? Thanks! Dianne in L.A.
Hi, Dianne! Green tea's caffeine content is negligible; theine is the primary caff-like substance in it. If you drink "decaf"-anything, you are still getting some caffeine (or theine), since the process does not remove all of it. Kind of like the 'no-beer' products -- they do contain scant amounts of alcohol.
So, you could either see if a good green tea (honestly, my personal favorite is Mr. Itaru's stuff sold here -- there's nothing like it) will accomplish your goals, or try a de-theine'd variety for a month or so. Three cups per day. Let me know how it goes for you, OK? :-D
On constipation: I use cascara sagrada once or twice a month to "jump start" my system - better than dynamite. It's not on the Typebase, but the HFS suggested it. (Of course I only have this problem when I am not 100% compliant - otherwise ground flax seed 3-4 times per week works marvelously.) Amber
Ah! Thanks for that, Amber. Cascara sagrada is still an 'unknown,' so anyone who'd like to try it out should proceed with caution. Much appreciated! :-D
Hi Heidi! I'm impressed with the quick response to my questions from yesterday. Thanks so much. Now for today's query: I'm bumming a little today because I just looked up beer in the Typebase and discovered that I should avoid it, being an O. The BTD book that I bought has it listed as neutral. How does a food that I thought was neutral become something to avoid? Does this happen often? (BTW - I only have a couple of beers during the weekend; I'd hate to switch to red wine.) Eva
Hey there, Eva! Well, food values have gone through one major change since BTD was published in 1996. It's all due to new research and newly-developed techniques for food testing -- and by the way, it is highly unlikely that the food lists will change at all from now on, except for additions! :-) Just scroll to the bottom of this page and choose any of the links which deal with this event. Check out the Updates Page linked at the bottom of the Library section on the main page (www.dadamo.com) -- a great deal of useful info is right there. Thanks for your note, dear!! :-D
I've seen the recipe for chelation pesto on your site in O and B versions. Would you, could you, print a version that is optimised for A secretors? I am researching mercury free dentists in the UK & whether I can afford to get my fillings replaced in order to decrease my toxic load (I have 2ndary breast cancer). But in the meantime this pesto sounds an interesting idea to get some degree of chelation. Sarah
Dear Sarah!! How are you doing, sweet?
The "chelopesto" for type O is perfect for type A secretors. Pumpkin seeds, olive oil, garlic and cilantro. Sea salt to taste. And you can add basil, pine nuts, and any benefical fresh herb to taste, & just whiz 'em up. Also, order some Heallix, since one of the results newly discovered for it is chelation of heavy metals. I am beginning to wonder if Leo somehow arranged for a blood draw from God, and is titrating the sample as "heallix." :-D If so, I wish he'd whisper same in my ear, but if I were he I'd keep mum about it -- guess we've all lived in the contemporary world long enough to know why one might want to zip the lip now & again, eh?
If anyone has further ideas for Sarah, please post away!! Take good care, dear! :-D
Hi Heidi, I am writing regarding my own nickel allergy and maybe this could help Shelley figure out something about hers. I wore braces made out of nickel 30 years ago. I had very crooked stubborn teeth and ended up with braces for about 3 years. As my immune system started to falter in my late 30's early 40's i started to notice my skin would get very irritated if i wore nickel jewelry. In fact nickel based earrings blistered my ear lobe so badly that i had to let them heal for 6 months and eventually get another hole made in another spot on the ear. I can only wear gold posts now.
I never associated my braces and my nickel allergy until i got CFS and read every book i could get my hands on. I had all my mercury fillings removed 3 years ago and my nickel allergy is slightly better. I do not seem to get a skin reaction as quickly as i did prior to amalgam removal. By removing the amalgams i must have given my immune system a little more strength to deal with nickel.
There are a lot of books written regarding metal toxicity, maybe Shelley can find one and maybe give her clues to how she came in contact with nickel during her life course. It could be something in the air or water or surroundings she grew up in, or something her mother encountered while she was in utero with her.
The Japanese did a lot of studies on metal removal and they found that cilantro did an excellent job chelating heavy metals from the human body. Maybe Shelley can juice cilantro and help her body get some of the nickel out and maybe that will subside some of her reaction. Heidi your column is great and i love to read it everday. You and the other readers have helped me many times and i hope this might be helpful to Shelley. -- Arlene (AB+)
Arlene, thank you kindly for writing about your experience, I truly appreciate it! I'm sure Shelley is reading this, and will use it. Thanks again, my dear! :-D
Heidi, this is for Carl with tinnitus. Research I have done for my book shows that risk factors for tinnitus include: hearing loss from excessive noise,earwax buildup, some medications, misalignment of the jaw, cardiovascular disease, some types of tumors, malfunctioning thyroid and trauma to the head or neck. One of these may be a factor for him - at least something else to explore. Kim
You're wonderful for posting this, Kim! Carl, whaddya think?
thanks so much!!!! :-D
Bonjour Heidi, Just wanted to thank you and Maia for her recent post with thoughts on my lipoma problem. I'll mention it to my doctor when I see him next on July 24. Interestingly, I am zinc defficient, though the doc has me taking 30mg of zinc (in an ampoule form that I mix into a bottle of mineral water each day). I just got back the lab reports and zinc is still low. So, don't know yet what the doctor will do about it....maybe I have a problem with assimilation...
My hair and skin are actually rather nice (lucky moi), so that sign is not present - however, maybe my poops float! Also, they are pretty loose normally, but I eat LOTS of figs during the long fig season around here, and take Triphala when they are not in season - either of which may cause the loose stools.
As to omega 3's and 6's, I eat 2 heaping tablespoons ground flax seeds in water daily (can't get flax oil in France), plus I eat alot of almond butter, sometimes walnuts and pumkin seeds, and use plenty of olive oil and walnut oil, and a little butter now and then. I don't have the pain associated with gallbladder trouble, so assume it is okay.
I quit all seafood due to the mercury toxicity issue. I could add lecithin if Heidi thinks it would be wise. The doc had me do some strange blood test which checks out all organs (so they say), plus any early signs of cancer or other problems. I saw the test results, but they are Greek to me, so will see what the doc says on that, too. Anyhoooooo, thanks again for the ideas, and I'll let you know what the doctor says. a bientot, Abby
We're workin' it out, girl! Lecithin is a fine thing for all types, so feel free to add it. And I'm curious about those test results.... could you post something (for publication or not, as you see fit) on the specifications and the values associated with them on your results?
By the way, most gallbladder trouble is asymptomatic. No pain at all. So do consider a flush twice per year, just as 'healthy maintenance.'
Love to ya, dear -- hang in there, you're going to OVERCOME!!! :-D
Thanks so much for a very informative page. It helps a lot when there are questions about the blood type diet. I am sure that this question must have been asked before, but I have not been able to find any info. I am type O and I am a coffee-holic but I find rooibos tea a good alternative. Can type O's drink it? I don't like the reccomended teas for type O's. Thanks so much Emmie
Hello, Emmie! Just go to the bottom of this column page, and enter the word rooibos. All your answers are there! Best wishes, dear! :-D
Hi Heidi, Constipation is not a subject we freely talk about...except for here!! On today's postings (July 10, 2003) a couple of the readers where expressing there concerns with constipation. I would like to share with you and the readers my story and what has helped me.
I have suffered with constipation for many, many, many, years, actually since I was a little girl, the older I got the worse the constipation was...believe it or not...I would have a bowel movement once every 7 to 14 days...you could only imagine how gross I felt and how full of toxins I was!!!. In my teen years I came to discover that I had reactions to the following foods: wheat, dairy, peanuts (I loved peanut butter, as kids we would eat it by the Tablespoon) corn, sugars...all these foods did not like me! Guess what...they are all AVOIDS for O's.
As I avoided these foods I was started to notice that I was feeling better, but I knew that I could be feeling a lot better, so off to the bookstore I went ...I came to discover BTD...what a blessing!! As I read the book everything made sense and started to come together, but I didn't stop there.
For the past 1 1/2 years I have been treated by a Doctor of Chinese Medicine...miracles still do happen, they have happened to me! To my amazement I now have 1 or 2 bowel movements per day!!! yes you read that right!! How thrilled I am everyday!
I may suggest to all that it is so important to take care of our livers...Julia Chang from http://www.sensiblehealth.com is very knowledgeable in this subject. I believe everyone would benefit greatly from reading her website and doing a few liver cleanses...you would all be surprised on how great you feel and you know what...no more constipation, but please remember to follow and be compliant to the blood type diet. On rare occasions when I do cheat I react so quickly to the "avoid" foods. that ...trust me I really pay for it big time. That makes me not want to cheat anymore.
I must say that I'm still having problems with my legs swelling...I know that as I continue to be strict on my O + nonnie diet as well with cleansing my liver and kidneys, I will beat this problem successfully. I feel that each and everyday I am getting closer to having those great legs I once had ....not too long ago! I hope that I have been able to help some readers by sharing my experience. Thank you once again for all your help Heidi...I greatly appreciate it! Rose from Toronto, Canada
Thanks for that, I was wondering how those legs are coming along, Rose!!
Julia's site is a must for everyone. When you find someone like her, who is so devoted to helping people HELP THEMSELVES, it's like finding a pile of food, water and jewels in the desert.
Thanks, Rose -- now don't be a stranger, OK? Let us know how this is going, for Heaven's sake!! :-D
Hello Heidi, It's (Cindi) 0+ Nonnie. See, i typed that in regular font, not all in CAPS, adjusting I guess. Well, my confusion seems to be figuring out exactly what I need to eat, lets say weekly, I have tried to use the books and list the recommended portions and frequencies, but I make it way too complicated I think. I need some guidance in a simple form, if there is such a thing.
I still am trying to lose weight, even though since I changed to the 4 your type plan, other miraculous changes have occurred in my daily living which are so cool, if i never lose a pound, I will always stick with this way of life.
But, since in the last 4 months, the excitement of "pooping" at least once a day (instead of 2 or 3 times per week max for over 20 years) well, lets face it, excitement like this cant be shared with too many others on a daily basis, and I think I resembled the guy in the Cheerios commercial who says "I lowered my Cholesteral" to everyone he passes, only we wouldnt want to see a commercial with "Guess what?, I pooped today and everyday for a week!" Just not that interesting to most....
Now my kids appreciate my happiness, and all that, but I am ready for bigger and better things to get me all pumped up and to feel like i am making progress. I swim now, 4-5 times a week and I eat no more oatmeal or spelt flour since the nonnie thing came my way. I eat beef, onions, watermelon, a couple poached eggs twice a week, salad with jalepenos, onions and romaine and some canned salmon or chicken in it. No more cheese of any kind, lots of grapes and watermelon, grapefruit once in a while, spinach, garlic, and thats about it. I use only olive oil and no more vinegar, I try to eat early, but sometimes have to do it mid day, so I try to have an egg or fruit in the morning and after work, 1pm, i eat the protein meal, then a snack of pumpkin seeds or watermelon in the evening, and I still am not feeling like I am even toning up little own losing an ounce.
I tried bladderwrack for two months, not since ive gotten the nonnie sentence, maybe, that would help? Please give me what ever you can............ Cindi 0+ nonnie
LOL! Great poop report, Cindi!! I wish more people would write in with their successes in that area -- it's a keen indicator of what's going on in the body, so stop your grinnin', folks!! :-D
Two things come to mind right away: it looks like your veg quantity is very low, although the fruit is plenty high enough. Fiber might be the key -- water-filled fiber like that in lightly steamed crucifers (broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, chards, etc.). I would certainly add bladderwrack, along with seaweeds of all kinds. How's the water intake? 1/2 ounce for each pound of weight, with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of gray sea salt?
Odd -- I never found that swimming was a weight-loss aid. Always had to get out and run, or do aerobics, or get very active in sports or ballet, something very strenuous and 'on land' for it to reduce (this was years before the BTD, however).
Let me know about those little points -- and how much you weigh now & your height (if you haven't posted it yet). Thanks, Cindi -- we'll get it solved, never you worry!! :-D
[bah, I'd nearly finished a detailed submission when the internet explorere quit due to "error type 2" whatever that is!!] Heidi, this is not really for the column but use it if you think it would be of use, and otherwise pass it to Yelena or not as you think best in the knowledge of her circumstances.
Yelena should ask her oncologist for a more detailed account of why anaemia matters to her treatment. This is how it was explained to me: chemotherapy very often causes anaemia, because it interferes with the replication of fast-breeding cells, like cancer cells, but also like bone marrow, where our blood cells are made. So if a person is very anaemic, either because of their illness or because of their treatment, it can be dangerous to give them more chemo. This is not because the chemo won't work, but because it risks reducing the haemoglobin levels so low the body can't get any oxygen to its tissues.
The standard treatment in the UK is blood transfusion. In the US they sometimes give a drug called erythropoetin, that stimulates the marrow to make more red cells. I never went very anaemic, but did lose my white cells & had to inject myself with the equivalent drug for white cells (which are centrifuged out of transfusion blood for disease-transmission reasons). Would you mind also directing Yelena to a great resource for people with cancer, ECAP, the website of Bernie Siegel MD, a great inspirational thinker for people with cancer. The address is: http://www.ecap-online.org/home.htm and they have a message board too. Sarah
Thanks, and blessings, Sarah. I hope Yelena will read your post, and I sincerely hope anyone reading this will fare far better with all the very kind, knowledgeable people who lend a hand to help. Best wishes, and please keep writing!! :-D
A New heidi, HOORAH! (AB!) Protein powders ~ Wild Yam 4 All Types? ~ Veg Gly? and more!March 16th, 2001 , by admin
Heidi(great name by the way), My mom and three aunts were diagnosed with breast cancer within the last 2 months. I have been reading in my book BTD that people with high risks of breast cancer should consider putting eatable snails in thier diets? is there a supplement out there that would give the same effect, or are the snails highly reccomended? I am type AB+ -- Heidi
Hello there, Heidi -- welcome!! We need more ABs AND more Heidi's here!!
Snails are very highly recommended for type As -- there is also a supplement called "Helix Plus" in the store which contains the same substance and should definitely be taken daily by any A with breast cancer. "TFA" is the other one to consider, along with following the blood type diet strictly. What are their types, by the way? let me know a bit more, and I'll do whatever I can to help!
Thanks for coming by, and please write again! :-D
Is there any protein powder/supplement out there that is NOT based on whey, cassein, or legume-avoid proteins and is compatible with blood type O? It would be so nice to have a powder I could blend in with my highly-beneficial fruit smoothies, then call it a meal! Jan
Hi, Jan! Either soy (for secretors only), rice, or egg protein powder (for secretors or nonsecretors) would be fine for you. I do suggest using fresh organic eggs, hard boiled, in a smoothie instead of the manufactured powders, though. Whole foods do nicer things in the body! A scoop of brewer's yeast, a tablespoon or two of almond or walnut butter, a hard boiled egg, and you have a high-protein shake you can make from all organic ingredients. :-D
Is protein powder considered an acceptable source of protein? I often have a chocolate protein shake in the late afternoon.
Since I'm a type "O", is it OK if I just eat a bit of protein if I'm hungry or must I have some carbs with it? I'm asking because I'm familiar with "The Zone" and I'm trying to figure out which lifestyle is best for me. Thanks! Eva D.
Greetings, Eva ~~ As I just said to Jan, above, certain kinds of protein powder are fine for Os, but whole-food protein sources for shakes are better. ;-) Remember to read, read, read those labels on any products you buy, and watch out for corn sweeteners and artificial vitamins & colors, etc. in those pre-made shakes, OK?
The O diet, like all the others, is based primarily on vegetables, so we take every opportunity to include veg in our meals. However, the issue of what you eat together or apart is up to you. People vary in this respect. Try everything from classic food separation (protein only with veg and/or fat, grain only with veg and/or fat, fruit eaten alone) to 40-30-30, and see what does best for you.
The blood type diet will accomplish marvels, and I'm so happy you found us! Let me know if any questions arise as you go along! A warm welcome!! ~:-D
Aloha Heidi, The information you have been sharing in the last few weeks has been tremendous. Thank you much. I just wanted to give a report since it's been awhile. I have switched to green tea in the morning with veg.gl. for sweetener and for those guys that want to lose their spare tire there's the answer. My wife and I have noticed that my spare tire has pretty much gone away and I was already at my ideal weight of 150lbs. at 5'7". It's been at least a month doing this and wow! This stuff works, thanks Heidi. I still have Tinitus though, but who cares with a waist like mine, hah! I haven't totally quit coffee yet, but I am down to one cup a day and alot of days no coffee. I do feel better on less. Have a great day, Carl R.
OH, thank you, Carl -- and great news!! I was wondering what was happening with you two out there in Hawaii! It's fascinating how these diets re-shape the body, even when you're not expecting it. I mean, who'd think green tea would do such a thing... weird and wonderful. ;-)
Hey, folks - anyone have any further tips or experience on the tinnitus for Carl? I know you're so handsome now, Carl, that it doesn't bother you any more, but it's still bothering ME. ;-D There ARE people out there with excellent advice for you, I'm sure, so Let's Hear From Them. Please? :->
enjoy the 'new you,' and best wishes to Julie!! :-D
Hi, this is Shelley again regarding the post left from Patricia on 7/8 regarding my nickel allergy. I had been suffering from unexplainable hives, mostly on my torso and arms, off & on for about a year. In March my skin began blistering, especially around my eyes and then the sudden allergic reaction & intolerance to any foods that contained even small amounts of nickel began. I've actually recently realized that I seem to be sensitive to all metals touching my skin (surgical stainless steel and gold included.
The medical tests that I've had do not show metal toxicity in my body and I haven't had any fillings put in my teeth since my early twenties (I'm 39 now). I have an appointment to have some of them removed next month and the rest removed at a later date.
Regarding the good bacteria missing from my gut (it was just one of the three, the other two were fine); I don't take any laxatives or prescription medicines of any kind, except for the ocassional use of Allerga (antihistamine). I feel wonderful as long as I eat a very, very strict diet. Though my diet is not varied at this time and doesn't include many of my highly beneficial foods for Blood Type A.
I have a phone consultation with Dr. Bron scheduled for next week. Thanks for your input Patricia, I appreciate it. Any and all suggestions are welcome from anyone out there regarding this. I'm hangin' in there! -- Shelley
Thanks for posting again, Shelley -- I, too, want to encourage anyone with a clue about this pesky problem to write in!! I'm very glad that at least you can control it through your diet, but we all want the darned thing resolved. You're a champ, just hang in and I'm sure Doc Bron will be a great help!! And again, anyone out there who has a bit of help to offer, please do!! :-}
Hello! Yes, it's me again. You are too tempting a wealth of information for me not to write to you... I just read your recommendation of two books by Willa Shaffer (Wild Yam: Birth Control Without Fear and Midwifery & Herbs) to an 0+ secretor. Is the information in those books appropriate for all blood types, only the O's, or which other blood types?
Also, I wrote you on Saturday and asked your advice about two recurring problems: warts and toenail fungus. As you have not replied (and you ALWAYS reply and do it quickly, much thanks to you for that :-) it is appreciated) I am wondering if I asked the wrong person (Should it have been submitted to either Dr. D. or Doc Bron?)or if you are still working on an answer or if you are too busy-I realize I am not the only person who writes in with questions and some culling must be done... Thanks! Eagle (formerly LM)
Hail, Eagle! :-) Yes, Willa Shaffer's wild yam protocol worked for almost every last woman who stuck to it -- with only that rare exception, the woman who wryly explained that she'd get pregnant just from her husband "hanging his pants on the bedpost." :-D A 'fertile turtle,' you might say.
Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is a vine plant, with short, slender tubers quite unlike the firewood-sized white tubers popular as food among African, Caribbean and Latin American folks -- and listed in Peter's books as "YAM," an avoid for type As. Here is a detailed web page with pictures and descriptions.
Oh, and I'm so sorry I haven't yet gotten to that question -- the reason is purely that I'm a wee bit backlogged at the moment, but in a few days I'll be caught up again. Your warts & fungus Qs merit a bit more time in research, but rest assured I'll give them a good beating, never worry! So I stuck this more recent question in here so that I could let you know you've not been forgotten!! Best wishes, high-flying soul!! :-D
Hello, Heidi - I continue to learn so much from your daily column, so thanks again for all you do! I need to get back with you later on about my problem fingernails with vertical ridges, but that will require a lengthy submission.
In the meantime I have a question re your response to Elaine in connection with coconut oil and vegetable glycerine. The TYPEbase on this web site gives the following info. on coconut oil: "Food Item: Coconut Oil Category: Oil Links:NUTRIbase Has A Link - A AVOID: Flocculates serum or precipitates serum proteins. B AVOID: Flocculates serum or precipitates serum proteins. AB AVOID: Enhances effect of other food toxins. O AVOID: Non-secretors: NEUTRAL "
Does this mean that vegetable glycerine is only suitable for O non-secretors, or is there some process by which the veg gly is derived from coconut oil that makes it OK for everyone? Thanks again for the mountain of messages you tackle each day - we need your compassion and insight! Becky
You're a sweetie, Becky --- thanks! ;-} Veg gly is OK for all types -- it does not react adversely in any type, and it is especially good for nonsecretors of all ABO persuasions. ;-) It's just glycerol, it doesn't have the fat structure of palm oil, coconut oil, etc. that would be troublesome for most types, and it contains no lectins or cholesterol, anything like that. It's just glycerol. It actively promotes proper fat and carbohydrate energy conversion.
Hope this clears it up, dear, and I look forward to your fingernail report! Been wondering about that!! Take care.... :-D
constipation!!! Fats, Hair Loss, Roux, Metabolic Protocol for A, CLA, ... and more! :-)March 15th, 2001 , by admin
Dear Heidi, Thank you for caring. The flax seed in water or in my morning shake did not work, also more water, fruit and veggie. I even put a 1/2 cup prunes in my morning shake. I guess I have to use dynamite LOL. I even put in 1 tablespoon of flax and olive oil in my shake. I want to get off laxatives, but at this point I have to use them. I have started taken Triphala, but have seen no change.
Where am I on the BTD, 6 mos. once in awhile I have ice cream and still working on wheat, but I am doing better. I do see a diffrents in my bloating an gas problem. I am 0+ and 68 yrs old. Thanking you in advance for all your help. Joan
Hello there, Joan!
Laxatives change the functioning of the intestinal tract. They're sort of an "addiction for the colon." Once you've used them for a long time, it takes time for your natural peristalsis (the rhythmic motions that move the stool along) to take over again. So, the best thing to do is to quit the laxatives altogether and put up with the discomfort until the body starts doing its job again. Give it time!
Plenty of dark green leafy veg (at least two big servings, say a large bunch of kale, chard or collards daily). Are you juicing carrots, celery, beets and greens? Excellent for the lower digestive tract. As is wheat grass or barley grass, juiced (mix with a milder juice like carrot -- green juices are STRONG). If you do this for a week and you're still constipated, take a magnesium supplement - 200 mg per day, and increase it until you have runny stools, then back off just until the stools are firm.
Were you grinding the flax, or using the whole seed? I suggest the former, and soaking in some water to make a 'gel,' then down the hatch. ;-)
And do take DEFLECT-O at the high dosage (listed on the bottle) with a full glass of water, between meals (this is just to get things moving, and clear off some of the wheat damage and dairy-build-up). I also suggest using the probiotic, POLYFLORA-O, daily, to help your system get back to normal functioning. Regular exercise will help enormously in that regard, too.
I promise we won't need the dynamite! :-D Keep up what you're doing, Joan -- you're making great progress, even though it seems slow right now! Take care, and write again soon!! :-D
Heidi, this is Yelena again. Yesterday I was told that I have very low hemoglobin - only 8.5 (should be 17-18). I was recommended to take iron supplements, but they cause constipation. And I have a lot of trouble with constipation even without iron supplements. So what to do? Maybe there is some other way to get more iron? (I already take magnesium (200 mg x 2), Flora, Phitocal, Potassium Citrate, and most of the stomach cancer protocol supplements).
A little background: currently I had two chemotherapies through the port (abdominal). I feel much worse from them. I am going to have intravenous chemotherapy done in a few weeks as well as radiation therapy. For the therapies to be useful I need to a) improve my hemoglobin, and b) need to solve my constipation problem. If these two problems are not solved, there is no point in having the therapies, I think. Yelena
Hey, it's good to hear from you! Have you tried Floradix? It's made by the "Flora" company, and is the best iron supplement I know of -- it gets the iron where it's needed without constipating you. See if you can get hold of it locally.
I'd suggest the juices I just noted to Joan, above, for the constipation, which you can intersperse with the following two: (1) A small hunk of ginger root, 1 beet, 1/2 apple and 4 carrots -- (2) handful of parsley, 4 carrots, 1 clove garlic and 2 stalks of celery.
I'm thinking of you, Yelena -- Please keep us abreast of how you're faring!
Heidi, thanks for being so prompt with answering all my questions. You asked what my tryglicerides are. They are 33....which is ridiculously LOW....Can't figure out how. I've always had very low tryglicerides. Not really sure what tryglicerides do. Yes, I use flax oil but not every day....The ground seeds often make me feel bloated but in small quantities I guess I could try them again.
A fatty acid profile blood test showed me very low in the omega 6's. Even eating nuts and seeds, my omega 3s were sky high and the 6's were low. I had been taking fish oil all winter. Is it okay to use Udo's oil as a supplement to get omega 6s? Evening Primrose oil, borage oil and black currant seed oils, I know are omega 6 oils but they all give me headahes. Udo's oil doesn't. And it contains flax oil, but in balance with all the 6's.
I've used up one small bottle so far and think I'm sleeping better since I started it. I tend towards low blood pressure and wondered if ginko or hawthorne could lower it further? I will get the red rice yeast and try it for lowering my cholesterol. Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate all your great advice. Maddy
Wow, lower trigs than mine! Woo!! :-D
Well, girl, I'm confused, too. Heck, if Udo's oil works for you, that's great!! The thing I'm scratching my head over is that it's a balance of 3s & 6s, so I can't figger out how come straight 6-sources don't increase your 6 levels, but a balanced blend does. hmmmm! Use it with my blessings!! ;-)
Gingko & hawthorn are fine for you -- hawthorn can lower blood pressure, but it also strengthens the heart and improves circulation (gingko does similar things as well).
By the way, how's the yoga going, sweetie? And do make sure you're including your full complement of A2 protein daily, OK? best wishes, dear! :-D
Heidi, I know what you mean about having a "major house-cleaning chore" cleaning up fallen hair. My hair is about 10" below my waist, and it has been falling lately. I'm confused as to what I should do about it. I have been checking my morning temperature for the last 3 days, and here's what I've had so far (in order)---98.2, 97.2, and 97.4. Any advice would be truly appreciated.
Also, when making a roux for my gumbo in winter, would it be better to use barley flour (an avoid) or wheat flour (a big avoid). Those are the only 2 flours that work right. Thank you, dear, for your precious time! MD (O+)
Hey there, MD! Keep checking the thyroid temp over a two-week period, then use the average of the 14 readings, just to be sure. Hair loss can be caused by stress, hormone imbalance, B-vitamin deficiency and a host of trace mineral lacks. I can't tell from here which ROOT cause is at work, since one "thing" off can unbalance others. Eating avoids certainly can factor into the problem, but I'd start with having a daily cup of homemade bone broth (roasted bones of meat or fowl, or raw bones of non-fatty fish, simmered for at least 6 hours in water, with chopped non-cruciferous veg (carrots, onions, celery), seaweed, and a good big pinch of sea salt added -- strain & store). Stir in a heaping tablespoon of nutritional yeast, a few pieces of dulse, a dash of cayenne, and cumin, garlic powder, any other spices you'd like, to taste. A teaspoonful of flax oil floated on the top right before you drink it can help, too. See if that potion does the trick -- and keep me posted on that axillary temperature in a bit.
Oh -- for that gumbo roux, use kamut pastry flour (Shiloh Farms). It cooks up beautifully. I think it's the type O wheat-lover's dream! :-D Be well, dear!! :-D
Hallo Heidi Thanks again for your great column. Love to read it! I hate adding to your workload, but I would really appreciate it if you could let me know what the metabolic enhancement protocol is for A's. I am A+ (South African) and suspect that I am a secretor. Still have to do the test!! I lost 18.5 kg so far and are 100% compliant. I do include some neutral veggies and fruits however. Why I am asking is because the Encyclopedia is not available here and I am standing still on the scale now for more than a month!!!!! I still need to lose about 10 kg at least. PLEASE tell me how I can help my metabolism along as I know that I have a slow metabolism.
Thanks for your help - you are great! PS (I do use Fucus Vasicolosis in a liquid form - it was mentioned in LR4YT under the A diet program as a lectin blocker. Also bear in mind that I cannot order any supps from your site because you need a credit card for such transactions.). EURIKA
Hallo, Eurika! Here you go:
METABOLIC ENHANCEMENT PROTOCOL for type A
(Use this protocol for 4 weeks)
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), 100 mg: 102 capsules, twice daily
-- NOTE: Do not use Gotu kola leaf if you are pregnant.
Triphala - a combination of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Beleric Myrobalan (Terminalia belerica), and Chebulic Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula), 500 mg: 1 capsule, twice daily
-- NOTE: See THIS column if you have trouble finding "triphala." There is a link to follow for further information, in the word "Here" in that column.
L-Tyrosine, 250 mg: 1-2 capsules, twice daily.
Deflect-A, 2 capsules with meals
Green tea: 1-3 cups daily
Eurika, you can order from the www.stacktheme.com distributor nearest you, or from the U.S. store here, and arrange to send a money order to them in whatever currency they require. I certainly hope that there will be a South African division of NAP set up at some time, since we have so many BTD'ers down there!!
Warmest wishes, best of luck getting that weight loss going again (you've done BEAUTIFULLY so far!) and ... don't forget the yoga! ~:-D
Hi again Heidi. Been a while! I've noticed something about working the diet, and was wondering if it was common. I started the diet completely cold turkey for type A. After just the first week of eating meticulously non-dairy, I was delighted that my sinuses were clear, no post nasal drip at all. I found a whole new world of fragrance in the garden and among my kitchen spices, in the coffee and tea stores, and in the bath shops. I'd thought I had a sensitive palatte before, but now, wow!
But after about a month, I found my mucus membranes SO dry that my eyes weren't tearing normally. I'd blink, and feel the insides of my eyelids grinding across my corneas. I'd wake up in the morning with my eyes shut, feeling for the eyedrops I started keeping right on my dresser, not even trying to open them without added lubrication.
After getting disgusted with experimenting with different brands of eye drops and contact wetter solutions, I decided to reintroduce some neutral dairy. I've been eating organic plain yogurt or small amounts of goat cheese about three times a week, and I can blink without discomfort now, and it hasn't seemed to affect my weight badly or send me into a craving spiral. I feel like a petri dish, one big chemical reaction. Amazing when you really get in tune with your body and your food, how completely clear it is that the old saw "you are what you eat" is true wisdom.
Bright eyed and bushy tailed, Morrisa
Congratulations, my dear!! You're finding your own way, with the BTD as your guide. That's my fervent wish for everyone!! HOORAH! ;-)
It's possible you'd have good results from some sheep's milk or goat's milk yogurt, maybe twice or only once per week. Just a thought. ;-) You may have been low in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), so using yogurt from grass-fed critters' milk can give a much higher dose of it in a smaller package.
Good work, and keep shining, Morrisa!! :-D
This not a question in the sense that I would expect an answer. I would have liked to ask Dr. D'Adamo: Have you ever thought of involving a dentist in your research? A hunter could only survive with good teeth. My father must have been a type o, as he loved his beef and lived until 96 with full possesson of his mental faculties (save the last few days when he was unconscious). At 75 he still had 27 good teeth. I am a type 0, born to a mother who lost her last teeth between 60 and 63, and at 66 I still have 25 usable teeth. Secretor status must have a bearing on the development of dental deposit, mustn't it? Best regards, and good luck to you Inez
Hello, Inez! In fact, secretor status does affect dental health. Nonsecretors tend to have more cavities, and more bacteria in the mouth generally since they do not secrete their ABO antigen as a "first line of defense" there. Type O nonsecretors have one 'beneficial' which is an 'avoid' for O secretors: avocado. Why? Because it removes pellicle, making plaque harder to form. :-) Nice comments! Thanks!! :-D
hi, this is the second time l wrote. l turn on my computer. the first thing is your column. it is awesome! thanks for this wonderful column. l get so much knowledge from it. l tell everybody about it.
l was reading er4yt and it said "type O's have an extreme sensitivity to coconut and coconut-containing products". l was reading the bottle of "now" vegetable glycerine and it said "all natural product derived from vegetable oils,predominately coconut oil". l tht that was a good sweetner for us, and l took your advice to use it for cravings. what's the scoop? l am sure there's an answer to this dilemma.
l started going to a naturapath. she is a classical homeopathic. she gave me hawthorne,bladderwrack, athen sativa, which is a nervine. and a homeopathic remedy to help healing the whole body. l am 55 and had a stroke 8yrs ago due to stress . l am using up dr d's bladderwrack. they really smell bad to me.
l am at a point that l dont like pills.l have taken alot of supplements in my lifetime. so for me its is good taking dropper forms. l just used the muti. from dr. d's. do you know of any multi. l can take from the health food stores. l cant seem to find one without vit.e. l live in phoenix, az. And do you know of a calcium from the health food store besides dr, d's. l am o'. l decided to order the secretor test. right now l am following the small book for o's.
waiting patiently for your answer. thanks, elaine
Hey, Elaine -- it's been a long time since you've written! Don't be a stranger, OK? I was wondering how you were doing.
Even though vegetable glycerine is often made from coconut oil (or palm oil, etc.), its chemical structure is entirely different from its source. It is safe for everyone. ;-)
I'm laughing because bladderwrack smells bad to everyone! :-D That's why it's best in a pill form. It's a stinky old thing, but it does wonders!
I can't recommend a HFS multivitamin -- none of them are formulated correctly by blood type -- but the Bone Builder supplement would be a good calcium supp for you, or the microcrystalline calcium hydroxyapatite form -- or calcium citrate.
Thanks for your kind compliments... and for keeping in touch, Elaine -- I'm very glad you have such a good homeopathist taking care of you! :-D
Notes, Reports, and Suggestions for Lipoma! :-)March 14th, 2001 , by admin
Dear Heidi, For future reference, those of us in the UK can receive vitamins and supplements from the US without paying import taxes. All the sender needs to do it put "vitamins and supplements" on the box. So folks can order from Vitamin Shoppe and from Heallix. Yes, you pay shipping but it's worth it. Kind regards, Karen
Good news!! Much appreciated, I'm sure! :-D
Hi Heidi - thank you so much for providing this wonderful service! I'm responding in regard to Shelley with the nickel allergy. Shelley if this began in March of 2003 what changed in your life at that time or just before that tim?. Nickel is part of the compostion of silver fillings. Did you by chance have any silver fillings put in or removed? Also, nickel and or laxatives herbal or otherwise can affect the bacteria in our gut. I hope you can very soon discover the cause. Patricia
Great questions -- hope Shelley puts in a response! Thanks, Patricia!
Dear Heidi, I promised to report back about my metabolism after giving up all grains and starches. Have been following the metabolism protocol from the Encyclopedia and my metabolism has soared after four weeks on it. I can do three times as much cardio-vascular time at the gym! In addition, my seasonal hay fever just isn't there anymore. I would typically be taking medication for it by now and I'm now medicine free and have only added Quercetin Plus to my supplement routine. Karen ( 0 Negative, secretor)
EXCELLENT NEWS!! SO glad to hear it, Karen! :-D
Hi Heidi! Isn't anyone writing in about lipomas? Wasn't going to send this in, because it isn't something I have any proof of, just following logic -- lipomas are fatty cysts, and if it were me, I'd check into my fat metabolism. That would include ability to digest fat, and also the nutrients that move fatty acids etc around in the body.
The things that have helped me with fat metabolism are correcting mineral deficiencies, especially zinc (*lots* of minerals affect fat metabolism, I'd get on a good multimineral supplement or do the juice or broth thing, & take zinc lozenges if deficient in zinc which is very common -- see earlier column for what Heidi says on zinc amounts.)
And, make sure not to be fatty acid deficient in either the omega 3's or omega 6's (see http://udoerasmus.com/articles/udo/fthftk3.htm for explanation -- there is an optimal ratio, but his balanced oils have avoids). I'd bet that BTD has balanced the fatty acids in the diet if you follow the portions, but I don't like fish and that's a main source of omega 3's. So taking flax oil is important for the omega 3's. (If all you use is olive oil, I understand that has very good things for health in it, but not much of the omega 3's & 6's -- so you could be fatty acid deficient, because the body can't make the 3's & 6's.)
And, check into gallbladder health. And, make sure you're not B vitamin complex deficient, or choline/inositol deficient. The last two are found soy lecithin (other kinds of lecithin are available if can't eat soy). Choline & inositol are important for the liver to make bile, and deficiency results in a liver collecting fat/cholesterol and affects bile production, which affects fat digestion (and liver function/overall health).
I've been taking 1-2 tablespoons a day of soy lecithin, in a smoothie or liquid. I finally got my fat metabolism right recently, and my skin & hair changed within a few weeks, got a lot softer. Dry skin/dull hair is a sign of fat metabolism problems, and also sometimes your poop may float. There are probably other nutrients that affect fat digestion, but these are all I know of.
Anyway, like I said, no proof this has to do with lipomas, but if you have both lipomas & poor fat metabolism, worth checking.
Heidi, how do people put paragraph breaks into their submissions? I give you big globs of text! Thanks! Take care! maia
Hey there, maia! :-) I'm glad you popped in to fill the deficiency (so to speak!).
Oh, there's no way to insert paragraph breaks in your submissions. I just split up the paragraphs myself. :-)
Thanks again!! :-D
Just a note to Kim M. and Jasper from today's column: some people will not change their diets for ANY reason. Good luck to you in trying using Heidi's wise suggestions, but after a while, it may become damaging to YOUR health going through the stress of it all...
My husband is a B-, and he won't even consider NOT eating chicken or tomatos or popcorn or ham. And if we found out that he was a non-secretor and was asked to give up potatos! Forget that!!! He has high cholesterol and high triglicerides but would rather take Lipitor than change his diet or even try red yeast rice. I just cook my own O beneficials and cook him whatever he wants. Believe me, I've tried all reasoning with him.
His grandparents on both sides of the family lived very long lives, so I can only hope his good genes will save him. My family on both sides have had cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis.....so I am very vigilant on my own diet and try not to stress out over my stubborn but much loved and very loving husband! And Heidi, how lucky you are with your A man...did you have to work at convincing him?? Bye, Abby
Good advice, Abby! The best you can do is walk the walk. If others would like to come along, that's great -- but if they'd rather not, that choice is theirs to make. :-}
Bryan was open to the idea, having discovered for himself that certain foods set his stomach aflame. He happens to be someone who enjoys exploring systematic paradigms -- like the BTD. It was actually a relief to him to see it work, since it made so much sense to him on paper. :-) Best wishes, hon! You never know when someone may make a surprise 180-degree turn, so don't be shocked if your husband comes round when you least expect it.... :-)
Dear Heidi, How are you? In reference to statistics on "Secretor Status" among the U.S. population, are these figures correct??: (1)Secretor-80%, (2) Non-secretor-15%, (3)"Double Lewis Negative"-5%. Also, it is mentioned that the gene for "secretor" is dominant while the gene for "non-secretor" is recessive. Is the gene for "Double Lewis Negative" dominant or recessive? Please advise on these 2 questions. Thank you. Marshal in Wichita KS
That's my understanding, Marshal! As to the Lewis genes, I'll have to look further into that and let you know -- thanks for your note!! :-)
NOTE: L-glutamine is ONLY for Os and ABs! {sheesh!} Newbies, Old Hands, Phenylalanine and Microhydrin ! :-)March 13th, 2001 , by admin
In several columns, I have suggested the supplement L-Glutamine to a type A or B. This morning, leafing through some old research material, I was reminded that L-Glutamine raises cortisol levels in types A and B, and for that reason should be used ONLY BY TYPES O AND AB. HeLLOOO!! :-(
Duhhh. I'm very sorry to have flubbed this, folks. This issue was NOT news to me, it was something I knew, and just plain plumb had a brain-blank on it. ACCKKKK! I hate it when I do something like this. MEA MAXIMA CULPA!!
So: the columns of October 12, 2002, and January 28, March 24 & July 3 of 2003 have been marked to correct my slip-up.
Dear Heidi, just a quick note to say thanks so much for your reply. You are a tremendous support to me. Really appreciate it. Josie ...
Oh, you're very welcome, sweetie! My pleasure! And I hope you forgive me for my massive goof with the l-glutamine... the rest was reliable, honest!! ~
I have been reading your fine works: Blood Type O, Food, Beverages and Supplement Lists (BTO-FBSL) book, after reading Eat Right 4 Your Type (BTD), and enjoyed them both, and am trying to slowly change my eating habits to see what good things happen to me. However, two of my favorite foods seem to have fallen between the cracks of your proof readers: I find strawberries listed as Neutral in the BTO-FBSL book, but in Avoid in the ER4YT book. I find pinto beans listed as Avoid in the BTO-FBSL book, but in Highly Beneficial in the ER4YT book. Where would wheat berry fit in with type O, and with type A pos? Which book should I go by? Or which category does each of these foods fall into? I will keep reading, and keep comparing. Thank you in advance for your answer to these questions. Sincerely, Gary
Hello, Gary! Sorry to say, it's not a proofreading issue ;-) -- certain values have been changed due to new research. The answers to your questions are at the bottom of this column page. Look down there, and begin reading at "Found Contradictions?"
Thanks for writing, and welcome to our little corner here! :-)
My 31 year old daughter (Type O+) gave birth to her first baby (girl) one week ago. The baby is Type A+. The mother intends to give the baby only breast milk for 6 months and then gradually add solids. She will breast feed until the baby weans herself. QUESTION: Should the nursing mother eat only beneficial and neutral foods according to her own (O+) blood type, or should she eat only beneficial and neutral foods according to the baby's blood type (A+)? Gloria
Hi there, Gloria! Your daughter should follow the diet according to her own blood type. A great resource for new moms is the Eat Right 4 Your Baby book. Nice present for her! Take a peek at it, and let me know what you think. ;-)
Thanks for writing ~~ and Blessings on your new grandchild! :-D
Hi Heidi, I've missed the bulletin board we both used to contribute to a few years ago. I recently retired from my job at the University of Toronto (I got too old - they said I had to quit!), so I'm being lazy in the heat, but getting ideas for things to do when it stops being hot ;-}
I have a question that I hope you can answer for me. It's regarding the Blood Type Encyclopaedia. I actually have two questions in one, related but not the same! It is: To use the protocols, does one follow one after another in order, or use them all at the same time? I can't find this info in the book (perhaps my eyes are getting as old as the rest of me?). And then, to complicate the question, I have several areas that probably need to be addressed at the same time, for which I'd like to consider using the protocols (aging, gall bladder and fungus infection). Should I simply choose one at a time and follow the protocols (together or separately?), or can I follow the three areas at the same time without doing any great harm? I hope you are continuing to be as well as ever. janet
Janet, how wonderful to hear from you! I've missed you!! :-} Silly U of T, what will they do without you? Hrmph!! Well, I'm sure you're set to embark on a whole new adventure. ;->
The protocols can be used together, but if you have several issues you want to address, it becomes a practical matter of how many supps you can coordinate during the day between eating, drinking water, and... sleeping. ;-D Some of the disease conditions refer to three, four or five protocols. However, different conditions' protocols sometimes overlap, which makes it a bit easier to follow them concurrently. Among the ones you mention, there is very little overlap (only "Immune-Enhancing" between 'aging' and 'fungal disease') so I'd suggest start with the fungus protocols, repeating as needed until that problem is cleared up -- then moving to gallbladder, then to the aging protocols.
There's no harm in following them all at once, and some people prefer to do so -- but it's just as effective to use them one after another, and saves you the trouble of juggling 16 supps for weeks at a time. :-) Thanks SO much for writing, dear ~~ let me know how the protocols work for you! :-D
I find you're blood type diet very interesting, and i would like to know further information on how you have concluded to this opinion. I'm only a school student so my knowledge is rather limited, but i still would like to understand how blood cells define what kind of food your organism can digest better.I have learnt that blood cells carry O2 and CO2,so do they perform a different job too? but blood cells only live for a limited amount of time,( which i believe to be 100 days)how can they have such a long term effect? i've always believed that whatever problem a person might have is due to his genes.So amongst other things,aren't you're genes that basically determine what kind of food your body will digest more effectively? I thought that the cause of the antigens on our blood cells were to help recognise different or the same blood cells. I look forward to hearing your answers. Thank you for your time. Chrissie
Greetings, Chrissie! Thank you for your interest!
Briefly, the structure of the diet is not so much based upon blood cell reactions, but rather on reactivity of foods with ABO material located throughout the digestive tract -- as well as ABO-mediated levels of digestive secretions, hormone production, and neurotransmitter preponderances. Rhesus type, ABO subtype, and secretor status also come into play.
For in-depth reading, go back to the www.dadamo.com main page, scroll down to the bottom, and follow the links in the "Science" section. And I highly recommend the book Live Right 4 Your Type to pull it all together for you!
Thanks for writing! I look forward to hearing your thoughts!! :-)
Heidi - Quick question. In Dr. D's recipe for the hair rinse (O Son with Crohn's Disease - sic) is the glycerine ingredient the same as our beloved vegie glycerine?? Thanks - Linda
Yep! All-purpose little ingredient, that veg gly is! ~:-D
Hi Heidi, You are such a godsend to me and my whole family. My mom is now going and reading through old OTD columns. She raves about Heallix everyday. It has made her so regular (O secretor) for the first time in her life. Leo said that was one he hadn't heard before. :-)
My question is about whey powder. We have been talking about what protein powders people buy and like on our nonnie list and whey protein powder has come up. I noticed that all of the whey protein brands, even if there list of ingredients is fairly small, do contain (probably naturally occurring?) phenylalanine. Dr. D says this about phenylalanine and Type A (p. 209 of LR4YT), "...inactivates the fat-busting enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (already quite low in Type As) and should be minimized or avoided completely." The one that I bought has 469 mg of phenylalanine per serving. I know Doc Bron has recommended it to 2 A nonnies that went to him. Do you think it is a problem for us A nonnies? Thanks very much, Nina
LOL, that's one I hadn't heard before either! HOO-rah!! ;-) It's a pleasure to hear your mom's doing so well, and she writes in regularly, too (boosting her right into my "favorite people" list, of course! ;-D)
I think it's important to get the phenylalanine issue sorted, and I suggest contacting Doc Bron & running that info by him. He has the background and experience to give a definitive answer, so he'd be the one to ask. Best wishes, Nina, and thank you so much for your many kindnesses! :-D
Good morning Heidi, As a life-long allergy, IBS and candida sufferer I am loads better and virtually medicine free (O negative secretor who eats no sweeteners, grains or starches). Even better, I've been on the Metabolic Enhancement Protocol (page 489 ER4BT Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia) for four weeks and have more energy.
I am writing to ask you about something to improve my muscle recovery from working out. It's called Microhydrin. What do you think of Microhydrin for a 58 year old blood type O- who has learned to love exercise? Thanks for your wonderful resources and support. Karen
Hi, Karen -- Microhydrin is a "proprietary blend" product, so the ingredient list may not be complete or entirely descriptive of the contents. They do say it contains silica hydride (silica, potassium carbonate, magnesium sulfate), rice flour, mannitol and magnesium stearate, none of which are of particular note in terms of ABO reactivity -- but that's about all we have to go on. If you decide to try it, please let me know how it works for you! :-)
Thyroid, Throid, and some further Sun Spot action ! ;-)March 12th, 2001 , by admin
Dear Heidi, I am 61 year old, female, A+ Secretor and having been taking synthroid for about 16 years, long before I knew about the BTD. I read about how to switch from synthroid to armour yesterday. But I'm not sure why this is important. Can you please tell me why armour is better than synthroid? Or point me in a direction where I can learn about this. Many, many thanks. Kathy
Hi, Kathy! Natural (multiple) thyroid hormones in a product such as Armour tend to do the job better -- and offer a better chance of your own thyroid "starting up" again so that you can look forward to getting off the product altogether.
Here is a very short page on the issues involved. If you use "switch from synthroid to armour" as an exact phrase in a web search engine (I use www.alltheweb.com/advanced), you will find thousands of discussions and reports on thyroid hormone replacement. I hope this helps! ;-D and... read on!
Heidi, I've been meaning to send this tidbit for awhile now, but relevent from today's Armour/Synthroid question. I recently found out that Armour thyroid contains corn (dextrose I think). Since I take them sublingually, I do notice they are very sweet. Due to corn being a no-no for O's, and the possibility that I am gluten intorerant, I will be switching to Nature-Throid. It also is natural pork thyroid, but is bound with something like cellulose. According to Women's International Pharmacy, it is just as good a product as Armour. (You can Google search it - don't remember the website) Bye, Abby
Thanks, Abby -- This is indeed a very attractive alternative! Much appreciated!! :-) While corn does not contain gluten, it is an avoid for nearly everyone -- and much of the commercial crops used to make corn sweeteners is GMO corn, a thing we don't want to support. Blessings, and thanks again! :-D
Dear Heidi, Please tell us more about "Nature Thyroid" mentioned in your column today. A websearch was not helpful on that phrase alone. Many thanks, Karen
Hello, Karen! I heartily recommend you try using www.alltheweb.com/advanced -- it's a great search engine! To find the manufacturer, I used the phrase "nature thyroid." Even though that is a misspelling of the name of the product (correct name is NATURE-THROID, no "Y"), here's what it brought up for me:
Nature-Throid is made by Western Research Laboratories: http://www.westernresearchlaboratories.com
That search also hit another great reference page for natural thyroid products, doctors' groups and rating sites, and finding docs who will prescribe natural thyroid meds. It's the welcome page of the Thyroid Health-Fitness MSN group. Enjoy! :-D
Dear Heidi, From your response to Craig's beautifully written note today, I've got a couple of questions.... First, I take melatonin every night for...duh....sleep! Does that mean that I am protected from melanoma??? And does that mean that the dermatologist who recently took off a suspicious mole (which was okay) was wasting my money since I take melatonin??
I sunburned my eyes badly at age 19 skiing without sunglasses and did permanent retinal damage. I can't even think of being in the sun without sunglasses!
As to sunscreen..... fortunately I am not a sunbather like Craig, even though I live right on the Mediterranean. But, when I do swim, I use sunblock to avoid sunburn pain/cancer/wrinkles and have always been strongly advised to do so with my very fair skin. So, all these doctors are nuts?? I do use very good products.... Also, what about sunscreens that are oil-free?? Are they okay? Not to mention, I think most of my face creams and eye creams (good brands like Sisley and Borlind) contain suncreens. Are they a no-no, too?? I'm thoroughly confused here...and rice bran oil is not available in France... Help me understand better, okay?
Last item, living in France, I eat steak tartare and carpaccio (from reliable butchers only...) and LOVE IT! I always eat raw garlic with it as I am guessing that might kill off anything that may or may not be in the "raw" beef. I think Dr. D'Adamo might cringe at eating raw meat, but to my knowledge, I've never had a problem with it.
(Oh, and a tiny note to Craig in England, just try Thuja 30CH if you don't want to go to a homeopathist. If you are in or near London, I can recommend someone if you want - I know some of them are loonies!) As always, Heidi, thanks for all your wonderful help! Abby
;-) My suggestion to Craig was to get 20 minutes of sun-in-the-eyes EARLY in the morning to stimulate the body's own melatonin production -- I certainly wouldn't want you, with retinal damage, to go all day without sunglasses. I'm not sure whether taking melatonin is as effective against skin cancers. I can't comment on oil-free sunscreens because I'm not familiar with their various ingredients, but it is the polyunsaturated oils in the sunscreen formulations that I raised a red flag on. Of course, getting some sun in one's eyes will not protect against sunburn -- so if you're going to be outdoors when sunburn is possible, get minimal exposure and cover up afterward!
To tell you the truth, I probably should have "passed" on this issue (and the synthroid/armour thyroid matter) because they're general health questions which are really outside my purview of helping people follow the BTD. Topical polyunsaturates are not a BTD avoid -- they're just a bad idea if one is going to wear them in the sun. :-) But I couldn't resist sharing some knowledge on these things that I've picked up over the years, which I'll most likely continue to do even when it may not be BTD-specific info. What did that Japanese ABO site say about O's? "Can't shut up!" ?? I plead GUILTY. ~~;-D
Hi Heidi First I want to express my thanks for P. D'Adamo's work and your column. I think we are privileged to profit from your knowledge. My biggest concern is when people reject the theory for all kinds of reason. It is very sad to see so many people with health problems that could most likely be healed with the LRYT diet and reject it as another fad. My preferred gift to friends and relatives is the french translation of LRYT and following that many have greatly improved their general health. I must say this is very gratifying.
Let's come to the point. A week or so ago, you mentionned that people should go out in the sun without sunglasses and adding that this principle is well substantiated. For most of my life, I have applied that and I spent lot of time on the water which amplifies the sun's reflection. Wearing sun glasses was unaccepatble to me. I remember to have read when I was a kid that an old Indian had said that to-day if people are sick it is because they don't let the sun get into their eyes.
Well, to-day there is anothe side to this theory. There is more and more evidence that uv rays may damage the eyes and be a major cause of cataracts. There is lot of literature on this subject. If I were young again I think I would wear sun glasses at all times when outside. I am no medical expert and I submit this opinion to you in search of the truth. I don't want young people go out in the sun without sun glasses and then be sorry for that in their later years. Best regards Paul
Greetings, Paul! I'm immensely pleased that your family and friends are benefiting from Peter's work! It is gratifying indeed to make a difference in the health and happiness of those around us. :-)
The old Indian was right, insofar as his "eyes could see." The ionosphere was in far better shape in his time than it is in ours, for one thing. Certain kinds of weapons being developed are an even greater danger to Earth's delicate and complex atmosphere.
My suggestion in these parlous times is to use the protective action of sunlight on the retina for that 20 minutes in early morning -- just after sunrise is best. I do hope no one thinks this means stare at the sun???? yeesh. To regularly submit any of one's parts to pinking & burning in the sun is unwise for a variety of common-sense reasons, but for those who wish to protect themselves against melanoma, this simple practice will work. Additionally, wandering or lying in the sun while wearing polyunsaturated oils is a practice to be avoided.
By the way, I recall from the IfHI conference that there is a company doing R&D on a sunscreen which does not present this risk of free-radical production. Stay tuned!
And thank you so much for writing, Paul! It's the kind of news I always look forward to hearing! :-D
Dear Heidi, Thanks for the URL how on to switch from Sythroid to Armour Thyroid. Now I need to find a doctor to help me through it.
On finding alternatives, when I finally got to synthroid 18 years ago I was desperate from the impact of low thyroid. An alternative doctor did a tsh testwhich had never been done before in annual physicals. My hair started to turn gray at age 11 and I stopped menstruating at age 27. From what I've read, low thyroid was probably involved with both of these. And wheat was the culprit in low thyroid (ER4YBT). I am entirely open to alternatives now. My dosage is .15 in synthroid. What do you suggest?
On the mouth sore, on the off chance that it was detoxing from milk and wheat, the blood type A tried salt water using gray sea salt and the sore went away in two days. Will have him keep a general diary of foods he eats so that he can note his reactions. Also gave him your earlier advice of mouth sores. What a difference this column makes! Thanks, Karen (O negative secretor)
Great news from your type A friend! Glad that's cleared up!!
Karen, you're in Europe, correct? If you search round the Net, you may find there is a webpage similar to this U.S. "Top Thyroid Doctors" site for your region. Start with that, and see what you come up with -- and please do share with us what you learn! :-) Thanks for writing, dear! :-D