Hello! I'm type O and get migraines - which seem to be brought on at least in part by not eating enough protein or not eating soon enough after I begin to get hungry (carbo cravings are a major challenge!). Twice in the past couple of days, I've gotten very shaky and felt hungry again about an hour after eating what I would consider to be a very solid O meal -- strip steak and either broccoli or a large romaine and spinach salad. Any idea what might be causing this, and what I can do about it? Also do you have suggestions for a 'rescue' protein snack that might be easy to have handy at work? Would walnuts and dried fruit work to stop the shakes? I like the new format with three people to ask questions of : ) Thanks, Jane

I am an orthomolecular nutritionist based in Barcelona (Spain). I have introduced the concept of "blood type and diet" with my patients and the results are wonderful. However, I have observed that couple of my patients are suffering from arthritic pains and severe lower back pain after 5-6 weeks (more or less) following the diet, although, on the other hand, they feel fantastic overall. Could this be "cleansing" symptom? Something like a "healing crisis"? These are symptoms they have suffered for years in the past, but now they say the pain is really bad. MANY THANKS FOR YOUR HELP -- Cala

I'm wondering if people tend to feel worse before they feel better when switching to the blood type diet as "toxins" are leaving the body? I've been eating for my type - O non-secretor - for the past 3 weeks and I've noticed an improvement with some things but I've also found that I've been quite tired and lethargic. Any ideas you have on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Amber



Unexpected hunger, cravings, migraines, and renewed discomfort near old injuries can be symptoms of detoxification of the digestive tract, as well as signs that your metabolism is "changing gears" in response to the altered proportions of proteins and carbohydrates. The blood type diets have been reported to produce these effects, and while they are indicators of good work going on, the symptoms canbe pretty uncomfortable. They fade as the body settles into its new balance.



Os with cravings for the old starches & sugars can benefit from supplementing with l-glutamine or tyrosine. 5HTP is good for this purpose as well, and it can help keep migraines at bay. Ginger, quercetin & cayenne pepper alleviate the inflammation associated with the onset of migraine headaches. "Deflect-O" is most noticeably useful during the first few months on the diet, as it provides some beneficial protein sugars and has a settling effect on the bowels. Sugar and most grains act as serotonin stimulants. Take them away, and cravings can result. Bladderwrack, kelp and other seaweeds can provide the glucose your brain may be missing when you switch away from a high-carb diet.

It's a good idea to avoid stimulants such as coffee, black tea, various over-the-counter pep pills -- the adrenaline release can mimic hypoglycemia, and drive you to eat when you're not really hungry. Additionally, most of us are not accustomed to digesting our food efficiently, and may not feel as "full" on this diet as on the old diet, or for not as long. This resolves itself in time, as you shift from short-term sugar metabolism to longer-term energy from proteins and vegetables.

For a carry-along snack, you could make jerky at home from red meat or turkey --just have your butcher cut it into thin strips, marinate in a salted/spiced liquid, and dry it in a low oven, dehydrator, or in the sun. Or, pack a bag of walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries or other low-sugar fruit, sprinkled with sea salt. Maybe I'm weird! but I've found wakame and other seaweeds make a surprisingly tasty snack all by themselves. See what your HFS has on offer. :-)

It's not uncommon to see a flare-up of an old injury or sensitivity in the first few weeks or months. Lectin-damaged joint and other interstitial tissues can begin to rejuvenate. There may be a loosening and softening of hardened connective tissues, and as the patient feels better, the unaccustomed physical movement now possible can bring up new (or old) discomforts. Slow and steady win the day in this regard! A good EFA mix is heaven for the joints. Very mild stretching in the affected area, along with a basic strengthening regime for the central muscles of the body, can speed healing in the body and lightening of the spirit.

Gentle, regular exercise; sauna, steambath or whirlpool; and plenty of pure water will hasten the sometimes uncomfortable adjustment period, and bring on the sought-after strength and vitality a bit more quickly. "Gentle" is the watchword ~~ slow, easy steps rather than abrupt leaps, especially if your symptoms are severe. A kind and forgiving attitude toward yourself as you move gradually toward your goals can ward off discouragement, and incremental movement is a safer -- not to mention more pleasant -- way to proceed on this life-changing journey.