Your book gives information on the Blood types; but I'm a sickle cell trait carrier. I do not have the disease, but I would like to know if there are certain indications for those like myself. I'm african-american. Should I assume that the basis for O+ can also be applied if your're a carrier. Thanks, Yvonne

Hi, Yvonne! I assume your physician ordered hemoglobin diaphoresis in order to make sure that you do not have the disease, but only carry the trait. For those who don't know this, the "sickledex" test does not distinguish between sickle cell anemia and sickle cell trait. Similar to the type O genotype with its two O genes, one must have two Hgb-S genes in order to have sickle cell anemia. An individual who possesses only one is a genetic carrier but asymptomatic for the disease.

Yes: anyone who knows that he or she carries a genetic marker for any disease would be well advised to follow the appropriate blood type plan pretty strictly -- making sure to incorporate the diet, exercise, and stress relief protocols for that type. Even such a mainstream organization as the National Institutes for Health has recognized that stress plays a key role in symptomatic sickle cell anemia. It's a good idea for all of us to establish effective stress-reduction practices.

In addition, it would be prudent to get additional screening, primarily for ABO subgroup, secretor status and MN type, in order to take advantage of the refinements in Live Right 4 Your Type. The saliva secretor test can be obtained from North American Pharmacal.

A full serotype panel from SouthWest Medical Center provides ABO group, ABO subgroup (A1, A2, etc.), as well as MN, Lewis and Rhesus types. It costs about $90, in addition to whatever your nurse or clinic may charge for the blood draw for the test. The SWMC collection kit can be obtained by calling 1-480-970-0000. If you use the saliva secretor test, which is recommended, and since you know your ABO and Rhesus types already, having this panel done would add only your MN type -- which has a minor impact on the O diet. Instead, I'd opt to use the "Tier II" plan (explained in Live Right) which emphasizes the beneficial elements of the food lists.

You probably already know how important it is that you maintain hydration. I'd try for three to four quarts of water (NOT distilled) per day, with one of those being a high quality mineral water such as Gerolsteiner -- that's my favorite, anyway, for mineral balance and taste. To two of those quarts of plain well or spring water, I'd add a teaspoonful of good sea salt. We want your tissues to absorb the water, rather than just running it through your kidneys and out again.

The type O exercise plan is great for boosting your blood oxygenation. I suggest getting a standard blood panel through your doctor, at least twice per year, to monitor red and white cell counts and ensure your liver enzymes aren't on the rise. And if he doesn't suggest it, I'd have him check your spleen at those times, as well, just as an added precaution. That way, you can monitor your progress with the plan, as well as avoiding strenuous exercise if any spleen enlargement is present.

Yvonne, thank you for writing and let us know how you're doing!