I've griped quite a bit lately, but I really am trying to understand the new GenoType system. I started searching through Dr. Ds blogs preceding the book release and his posts on both forums in recent weeks. Of all I've read, here is the exchange that I've found most clarifying.

COMMENT ON FORUM: The differences between the two diets are deeper than I expected. Type O Gatherers can have whey protein. Type B of all genotype have milk as toxin. One of these diets will prevail and one of them will die. Because they can't both be true.

DR. D. RESPONDS: Yes they can, because they are essentially two different diet systems. It is not accurate to consider the GTD the further elaboration of the BTD; any more than you can consider baseball the further development of cricket, or American football the latest version of rugby. The BTD is the BTD, and the GTD is the GTD. They have different rules (which is why it is of almost no use whatsoever to compare them point by point (or in the case of the diets, food by food). If you have a hard time getting your brain wrapped around that, you can imagine that they are two books written by two different authors, using two different systems. You can employ one in lieu of the other, or take elements from both. You can also throw up your hands and walk away. But one thing you cannot do is perfectly reconcile them to each other. If you could do that for one, there would be no need for the other.

FOLLOW UP COMMENT ON FORUM: I read a few times on the board that the GTD is supposed to be a refinement of the BTD. It did not make sense to me because the foods - for example for the 0-Nonsecretor - are quite different. So it is basically up to the individual to choose which system (BTD or GTD) is better for her/him. I, for example, have lots more pain on the GTD, so I am not continuing with it.

DR. D. RESPONDS: You're doing exactly what I think is the best approach. Try all things, hold on to that which works.

BACK TO SUZANNE'S BLOG: So when I found the BTD 5 years ago, it was my misconception that blood type was the best predictor of what diet style would be best for both health and weight loss. Blood type is one method and genotype is another equally valid method. I have to try both and decide what works for me.

At 54 years old this is a little scary. I know how I feel day to day, but I don't always know what is going on at the cellular level. Are there dangers developing that I would be unaware of until they are full blown problems? I don't have a lot of time to experiment about what diet will help me age the best.

Dr. D uses the games of baseball, cricket, football and rugby as examples. As long as the word "toxin" is used, I feel more like I'm playing Russian roulette.

I will be eagerly watching for Dr. D's explanation about why foods are rated as they are on the GTD. The Encyclopedia and TYPEBase4 do that for the BTD. I hope that similar information is quickly forthcoming about the GTD. Lettuce as a toxin for Hunters and Teachers is a big concern.

Even without understanding all the "whys" my Darling Daughter and I have agreed to stop comparing the two diets. I feel like I have been extremely successful on the Type O diet. But I have to admit there have been a couple of areas of concern. (More about that in future blogs - this one is getting way too long.) DD thinks that she has gained weight too easily on the Type A diet. We are both going to go with the GenoType diet. We'll stay with it until we draw a conclusion. I may go back to Type O. I might even give the Gatherer Diet a try since the distinction between Hunter and Gatherer in my case is such a teeny tiny finger measurement.

If I'm interpreting Dr. D correctly, any of the choices might be correct. I may even decide to come up with my own combination. I have to figure out what is best for me.