Dearest Heidi... My heart just wept when i read the message about your Mother. I am sorry that you had to loose someone so precious. I hope you are o.k.

A couple of questions for you... I was taking Astragalus for the flu (viral), based on the recommended protocol in the Enclopedia and it gave me such acid reflux that I had to stop. Is this a common occurance for a type O Secretor with this product? It is in the 'O' protocol's(?)

Also I am confused, really confused on how to take the protocols as how many to do at once since there are usually 2-3 protocol's recommended per dis-ease and several products within each protocol. Is a person supposed to do it all or choose one or two products within each protocol? ! Help!

Ha... As far as my fatigue that i mentioned in a previous post, here is what happened. After I wrote you the desperate question on this 'unknown tiredness' and brain fog, (after being on the diet 3-1/2 weeks), i went on my lunch break and went right to the store and got chocolate and found myself in a chocolate binge! I tried to choose chocolate without milk stuff in it and other 'avoids' for O's. But I'll tell you right now, the minute I ate the first few bites, all my tiredness and fatige went away. Of course I knew this would be the outcome, but it also set me up for the next day of cravings which I indulged in, but then got back on track finally. Right after I got back on track, I came down with this horrid flu. (HA!!! No surprise there!) (sigh).

But at any rate, since I've had this flu, i've been too week to exercise and have had to rest and go slow. My cravings finally have abated and I'm not tired anymore. So I guess good news on the fatigue front! But I'm still looking forward to your answer to me on the fatigue because throughout the years during times of really sticking to my diet and exercise regimes, I have experienced it and even at one point had all kinds of blood tests run to see if i was low in anything.

Oh, and yet another question, while i have your attention! ha.. Is it safe to take 5-HTP at night (50mg) for the rest of my life or should I take it on and off? It helps me with cravings, but when i stop taking it for a night or two i get a headache in the mornings. And finally, last but not least... (hee hee), Woody wants to know if 'mineral water' is ok for him being a Type A and all. He knows he cannot have Seltzer or Club Soda.. but is Mineral water ok? You did mention for him to drink loads of it during his radiation therapy. (Love to you during this time of loosing your Mother Heidi...) Christina

Heidi! In that long rambling post, I said I was an O - Non Secretor! That is a lie! I am a O-Secretor! Sorry! I had to quickly write as to not mis-lead you!

Heidi! Which post can I find your 'Hammer it' approach for the Kale?!!! I'm so anxious to try this vegi and want to do it right so I Like it and will want to eat it lots! Christina

Christina! My sincere thanks for your condolences, dear ~~ Mom feels very close to me now, and I think we've both found a great measure of peace and an unforeseen "joining of hearts." :-}

I know very little about astragalus, but if you experimented taking it with food, away from food, and at various times of the day, and still had a reflux reaction, then it's not for you. ProBerry 3 liquid, however, should suit you perfectly!

In the case where there are two or three protocols listed for a specific condition, yes: follow them all together. Sometimes it's quite a bundle of supps, but they are meant to work together. If you're working on two or three different conditions, as long as there is only one protocol per condition, you can combine them. Otherwise, use the protocols for only one condition at a time.

"Fatigue" can be an exceedingly difficult thing for which to pin down a cause. In your recent situation, it appears that the change to a lower-carb diet triggered it. Tiredness and fogginess are common in the first few weeks among people whose grain/sugar intake is on the high side before they begin following the O diet. However, the metabolic adjustment does occur over time, whereby the body becomes accustomed to processing proteins and fats and lower-glycemic vegetables for energy. I think you're over the hump! so let me know if the fatigue returns, and we'll go from there! :-)

Speaking of which, your account of the 5HTP effects concerns me somewhat. Save what you have left of the bottle, and pick up some pregnenolone (cheapest brand available is fine, but make sure calcium carbonate isn't included). Take 30-50 mg per day of that instead -- first thing in the a.m. is fine. You can up that dosage to, say, 200mg gradually over a couple of weeks, but if you still have vestiges of fatigue that are relieved by taking it, we have another little clue: adrenal wear & tear. It should both calm you and your cravings, and support your adrenal function.

Woody can certainly have mineral water! If he can get the "stille" version of a good one, that's perfect. If he can only find a fizzy brand, just open the bottle and let it go flat. And how's he doing, by the way? Report! :->

Now for that kale: We put diced onion in olive oil, in a hot pan, and sizzle until the onion is soft -- then add some garlic, for a few seconds, then the chopped kale with salt & pepper. Cook it on medium high heat for a good 8-10 minutes, then lower to a simmer & add a splash of red wine and adjust the seasonings. Voila! Hammered! :-D

Hope this helps you both, C & W ~~ and thanks for writing!! ~:-D