Dear Heidi, Lovely to have you back - I certainly missed your column!

I wanted to run something by you. I am in the process of undergoing multiple tests for a chronic back problem. I have terrible sciatic nerve pain that orginates in my hip and goes down the leg. I have just seen a neurosurgeon and am having a pelvic MRI. They are also looking for any tumors on my spine.

I have had this condition for 9 years now and am only in my early 30s. I have been diagnosed by a rheumatologist to have bacterial arthritis - but they are not 100% sure. Anyway - I have been sticking closely to the O non-secretor diet over the last 6 months and during this time, the pain in my hip and leg has increased dramatically - it never used to be an every day thing. Last weekend, I ate something out of the ordinary for me - two bags of brown rice chips (they were delicious!) I have been avoiding grains now for a number of months. Amazingly enough, out of the blue, the pain has gone. I have been without pain now for 3 days.

A long time ago, Dr D'Adamo put me on a 2 month manganese supplement for my joint pain. I am wondering if the manganese/minerals in the grains have helped my joints. So I went out and bought a manganese supplement. I can't believe it could be that simple. I have been seeing multiple doctors, chiropractors and now neurosurgeons. I have been unable to walk for more than 10 minutes at a time - have to wear sneakers all the time now. Sorry to go on so long - but does this make any sense to you? What are your thoughts Thanks very much Suz O nonny

Suz, I didn't realize you had such a painful condition! I'm VERY glad you found the key to that pain!!

Well, yes, absolutely -- it makes a great deal of sense that minerals would be essential to resolve this kind of issue. It's not so much the joints, but rather the nerves in and radiating from the spinal column which require a good stock of minerals in order to function properly. I would seriously consider taking Phytocal, extra manganese, and stocking up on O-non-OK items found on the calcium-rich foods list! I'd also do the water dosing I'm always talking about. Even a slight constant dehydration could be troublesome for you.

Please keep me informed on the results of your current tests -- and don't hesitate to grab some brown rice chips if you feel the urge! they're NEUTRAL! bless you, dear! :-D



Hello Heidi. Thanks for the GREAT column. I am an A+ Nonnie and just having a terrible time with getting protein which my body can handle. On the one hand, I notice when I stick to the diet (for Nonnies especially - not just regular A type diet) I feel sooo much better - my health improves and so does the way I look - black circles under my eyes disappear, no more foggy head, I have more energy.

HOwever, I have noticed that I need to ensure I eat a lot of protein but, have a terrible time digesting it. I have noticed I cannot tolerate any seafood (even on the highly beneficial list) and need to eat red meat which has an almost instant effect when I eat it BUT, I get constipated for days - which means going back to eating lots of raw vegetables and eliminating meat from my diet and getting tired etc. again. It's a vicious circle. Even eating soy has this effect. Can you please help??? Thank you so much. Ritoo

Hey there, Ritoo ~ welcome!!

It sounds like what you're dealing with is not so much a need for red meat as a feeling of discomfort due to recurring hypoglycemia. If you feed yourself red meat, as an A you can count on the constipation -- and the vicious circle goes round & round. Don't worry -- this is a VERY common situation that type As have written about for years. The solution is simple, and requires only a little stern commitment in order to see your metabolism turn around. Here's what you do:

In the morning, start with hot lemon water, then have some home-cooked oatmeal (not the pre-processed instant or microwaved kind) with some ghee or nutbutter, nuts, whatever fat suits you. Get cooked or raw veg at lunch with a serving of lamb. Snack on some dried peas or edamame, or have a rice, egg or soy protein shake with fruit and a tablespoon of vegetable glycerine. Dinner -- salad, piled with raw (and steamed if desired) veg, a good drizzle of olive or flax oil as part of the dressing, and a serving of baked beans, or bean soup.

Switch off day-to-day with turkey or chicken instead of lamb, and vary your bean and vegetable choices -- remembering to eat at least twice as much veg as protein at those meals. Also, prepare 1/2 ounce of pure water per pound you weigh, add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of gray sea salt, and fit that in before & between meals & before bed. I strongly suggest taking Phytocal-A daily for this time.

Each meal should be fairly small, and the snacks should be nearly as large as the meals. The idea is to provide a steady flow of energy throughout the day and address hydration & mineral intake. We want to head off that hypoglycemia, to ensure it does not develop further.

This kind of eating should work well for you, although you may feel uncomfortable for the first two or three days as your body adjusts. Stick it out, and write if you need assistance!

When you say you cannot tolerate any kind of fish at all, how does that intolerance show itself? and could you let me know what kinds of fish you've tried, and whether they were fresh cooked at home, canned or frozen, or eaten at a restaurant? Fish can taste like real garbage if it isn't prepared properly (which is the simplest thing in the world). Do write again on that point, and any time you'd like a little reassurance or help with getting through the tough part. I'll be here! :-D