That's because seltzer inhibits gastrin in type As -- who already produce less of it, and at a slower rate, than other types. Try flat mineral water instead, and minimize water intake around mealtimes to allow your digestive secretions to work undiluted. ;-)

---

I would like to know if all tomatoes are alike, regardless of color. I always eat yellow tomatoes because of the acid content. Does color have anything to do with the lectins? Thank you Katy



Yep, they all contain the tomato lectin, no matter the color!

---

I am puzzled as to why aloe vera is forbidden for blood group O and not recommended for the other groups, except possibly A, when, to my knowledge, most of the people who take aloe vera benefit considerably from its medicinal properties. Are the harmful lectins found only in the leaf? Is an aloe vera drink consisting only of the inner gel considered suitable? Kathryn



Here's the original Ask Dr. D'Adamo page on aloe. Since that time, further findings upgraded aloe to beneficial for type A secretors, and neutral for A nonsecretors. For everyone else, it remains an avoid due to the lectin activity in the gel, or pulp, of the plant.

---

I work for a vitamin company that sells a product with phenylalanine in it to thousands of people - according to my own survey with these people most have blood type A. I read that for blood type A, phenylalanine may cause higher cholesterol levels; would taking phenylalanine also cause weight gain in these people? I have had numerous complaints that people have been putting on weight since starting to take our product. Could it also cause anxiety? Your help is much appreciated. Sandra



Yes, it could certainly cause weight gain, and higher cholesterol. Not sure about anxiety, although it may be a secondary effect. See the Ask Dr. D regarding As & quorn -- phenylalanine inactivates intestinal alkaline phosphatase, thus they will tend to store more fat rather than metabolize it. Of the four ABO types, As tend to have the lowest levels of IAP ~ and they need to avoid substances which reduce it further.

---

I was wondering after reading the Eat Right For Your Type, if there is anything about desserts in there? Syrup? I am new to this diet and trying to follow it to a "T"! I am Type A. If there is another book that I need to buy, that is fine, just let me know. So far I am feling great, but my sweet tooth is killing me! Any information would be helpful. Thnks Shelly



NOTE ADDED: I originally suggested L-glutamine for cravings -- however, L-glutamine should be avoided by types A and B because it raises cortisol levels. Vegetable glycerine is a fabulous replacement for sugar and actually helps stabilize sugar metabolism! Try it in your modified-for-A dessert recipes! And see our RECIbase® pages for some custom-made dessert ideas. :-)

---

I am new to the BTD diet, 2 weeks. I would like to know what you think about Clif Bars. I am type A and I noticed that the ingredients fall within the type A guidlines. I am on a busy schedule and usually do not have the luxury of eating the right foods. I have been snacking between meals on peanut butter Clif Bars. Dion



Over a year ago, I brought home a variety of supp shoppe snack bars for an informal look-see and taste test. The Clif bars rated better than average on the ingredient list, and several of their varieties are avoid-free for type A secretors. However, my type A nonsecretor man and I (O nonsecretor) agreed that they contain way too much sugar for our taste. We both also felt sugar-shocked from just a few bites. In my opinion, the protein-fat-carb balance and ingredient quality of Peter's bars are far superior to anything else I've seen on the shelves. Try some and see if the reduced sweetness and higher protein factor might work for you! Note: at this time, the bars are being reformulated, so we'll see the new & improved ones early next year. For now, you might keep a bag of trail mix with you: throw in some peanuts, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts, organic chocolate chips (Sunspire® makes them), dried apricot, blueberries, cranberries or cherries, maybe some crisped rice, etc. to your taste.

---

Many thanks for the Qs, tips, and shared wisdom from all our readers!