Hi Heidi: Regarding the woman who had the fishy odor problem,one simple and quick thing she can do is if she is using deodorant soap, to switch to a mild non deodorant type.

One of my friends had this problem plus recurring yeast infections and was told that the deodorant soaps now are so strong that they cause resistent bacteria plus kill off the bacteria we need for the right balance. She was told to change to non scented Dove soap and said it really worked very well. It made sense so I changed to this soap too and can tell you that it does make a big difference.

The deodorant soaps also can be very drying and these soaps tend to keep your skin softer. She may want to try this out and see what she thinks.

I have read a lot of articles recently about how antibacterial soaps like Dial and the others have actually caused us to have more resistent bacteria and viruses and that washing with a non deodorant regular soap can help more than these products. Here in Colorado with a bad flu epidemic going on, anything will help in keeping us healthy!

Finally, I have heard that using the bacterial products can also cause problems with your thyroid. Have you heard this as well? Joyce



Hi there, Joyce! That's a great point you brought up about deoderant soaps. I don't know if Dawn uses them (and I don't know the name of the woman who wrote to Doc Bron about the "fishiness"), but this is a word to the wise if she does. In addition, I'd stay away from perfumed douches, and any other irritant substance she might use regularly. Some locales have heavily chlorinated water, which can also contribute to bacterial imbalances.

Often, women (and men) who find they have a strong body odor of some kind approach it all weapons set on KILL -- using harsher and harsher strong perfumed deoderant substances in an effort to wipe out the problem. These tend to exacerbate bacterial issues, creating a vicious circle of more 'smell,' and more & stronger soaps to combat it.

Aubrey Organics makes a liquid soap I really like -- no SLS, and a teaspoonful is plenty for a thorough shower. It's called Herbal Liquid Every Day Body Soap, about $10 for a 16-ounce bottle. Seems to last for months. There are plenty of plain, allergen-free gentle soaps out there in the HFSs especially. Even drug chains carry plain olive oil soaps and other good alternatives to the chock-full-of-chemicals mainstream stuff.

Anyway, I would like to hear back from Dawn on her vaginosis research, and how she's approaching the resolution of it.

Yes, I do remember you asked some time back about a connection between antibacterial soaps and thyroid trouble, and it's still something I haven't heard a peep about anywhere. See if you can dig up where you heard of it, ok? I'd like to learn more!

bless you, Joyce, and stay cozy there in God's Snowy Corner! ;-)

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Hi Heidi, I am type O non-secretor and have a question about acne. I follow the diet very closely (especially since finding out my secretor status), only eating avoids (usually french fries) very occasionally. I also exercise regularly (cardio 3 times per week, weights 2 times per week), drink all my water with that pinch of sea salt, and take Polyvite O, Phytocal O, and Fucus.

In high school I was prescribed topical medication to treat moderate acne (Dalacin T which contains clindamycin, and 2.5% hydrocortisone cream). I've been using these products as prescribed for over 5 years now and they have worked fairly well. My skin is not pimple-free, but for the most part (at least in the summer) it is usually very clear. In the winter it is usually worse.

The only presecription I take internally is birth control (lowest dose available) and I am not willing to stop this prescription as I know of no other way to prevent pregnancy as effectively.

A few weeks ago I stopped using both [skin] products entirely, but soon after I developed very painful deep pimples that I haven't had in many years, so I started using them again in desperation. I suppose stopping all at once was not a good idea!

I have found that the more compliant I am to the diet, the bigger the effect on my skin when I eat any avoids. This is frustrating, because it is nearly impossible to be 100% compliant! A few years ago I heard about a home remedy type acne treatment that I have found very effective: each night after washing your face smear egg yolk only on your face, let it dry, and then wash off. This is very effective in clearing up the skin, and once the skin is clear you only have to do it once per week or so as maintenance. I have started doing that again and I am also planning on doing a gall bladder/liver flush in a couple weeks (I'm taking my Gold Coin Grass right now).

So, after all that, here are my questions: 1) Should I stop using the topical medications for my acne? If so, how should I go about this? 2) Is there anything else I can do to improve the condition of my skin? Are there herbs, protocols, etc that you recommend? Thanks for your help! Kate

Hi there, Kate! It looks like you have a good home topical remedy, and I'm sure that the gallbladder/lilver flush will have significant effects on your skin health. I'm going to wait to see your results there, in order to have a better view of things before suggesting additional herbs or supplements. There's one thing only I'd ask you to consider in the interim: PolyFlora-O. The skin responds really well to having the ideal flora & fauna balance in the gut. Take it right through the flush process, and especially for the two or three weeks following.

There's also a very slim possibility that the iodine in your various supps may be involved in the persistent acne... but since it is SO very slim a possibility, let's revisit that after the flush.

At this time, I won't comment on the Pill, which (as you probably know) may be part of the acne trouble. Since you will remain on it, let's work every other angle to resolve the acne. If it happens that all's left is the contraceptive, you will know it, which is power in your hands.

The topicals you're using are a whopping antibiotic plus an H-bomb-sized anti-inflammatory. It's to be expected (and very commonly reported) that if you stop them, the skin will immediately get to work on detoxing that stuff out... so you'll see some significant acne again -- for a period of time, not forever! I do suggest you stop them, but not until you've done two or three gallbladder flushes (please report with the results of each?) to eliminate, so to speak, that element of our inquiry. ;-) At that point, I'd suggest you use Heallix on your skin full-strength when you discontinue the heavy-duty skin drugs. It should make the transition out of detox far more bearable.

You're on the right track, dear, so keep in touch and please accept my very best wishes on your first flush! I think you'll be pleased! :-D

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Hi Heidi, I wanted to run something by you and see what you thought about it.

I followed the A secretor diet for 3 years before I took the secretor test and found out I was a nonnie. The A secretor diet did so much for me by cutting back on the wheat. I was considered a sickly person before the BTD, getting serious sinus infections 3 times per year complete with antibiotics. And then with the A secretor diet that completely ended.

But now with the A nonnie diet my body is really getting what it needs to flourish. I have heard from other members on our nonnie group that the switch for the As from secretor to nonnie diet is quite harsh (from vegetarian to meat/fish eater). I know I was in denial for awhile until Doc Bron helped to pull me out of it this last February. :-) And I now eat more like an O - no dairy, 3 servings of grain per week, meat and fish every day!

One woman in our group has even mentioned that eating "wrong" for her type, while she thought she was a secretor, was possibly even damaging. On p. 9 of LR4YT Dr. D talks about 10% of Type As not doing well on the diet and it turned out they were non-secretors. I now have started recommending that any As I know who want to follow the BTD get the secretor test done even if they don't think they are a nonnie. I have had several friends get tested, of varying blood groups, who looked like classic secretors (in their late 40s or early 50s and no illnesses or weight issues) but were nonnies nonetheless. I know as a nonnie I think everyone should get tested :-) but it seems prudent that all Type As get their secretor test done since there is quite a difference between the secretor and nonnie in the A diet. What do you think of going that route?

Thanks much for everything you are and do Heidi! Feliz Navidad y Propero Año Nuevo! Nina (A2, Rh neg, nonnie)



Hola, Nina! Hey, I'd go a step further: I honestly believe EVERYONE benefits from getting that secretor status! We have so much detailed information for folks who know which side of the map they're on, it's a shame not to take advantage of it. The specific diets themselves head off so much trouble long before it has a chance to develop. To me, it seems like a preventive measure I'd feel remiss not to incorporate. And when there IS a problem, who wants to go rushing around trying to get one's ducks in a row in an emergency? Good preparation takes much of the sting out of unexpected circumstances.

Everybody: don't be put off by the wailing and gnashing of teeth around here when someone finds out they're the dreaded "N-thing." What they're really crying about is the sudden no-go status of chocolate croissants, for which I heartily cry in unison. I should solicit posts for a column entitled "Foods You Can't Live Without And Now You Have To," except I'd take up 90% of the space with my own picks... and besides, MUST we DWELL on such things?? ;->

The truth is that the NS discovery is a doorway to many splendors. Health improvements (many quite unexpected); new recipes; new friends to wail & gnash with; even subliminal keys to true personality; and certainly, insights into our families' true opinions. We thought they loved us for ourselves, not for our vegetarian lasagne! {{sigh!}}

Blessings to you in all ways, and may the New Year bring only pleasant surprises! Thanks for the Nonnie Public Service Note, and shine on, my dear! :-D

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Dear Heidi, Again, you have amazed me with your knowledge. I'm the one with the endometriosis problem. Per your suggestion, I began the pregnenolone. Within two days I did not have any spotting, and I still don't. I am taking 1 capsule (50 mg) every morning. Does this dosage sound about right? The only side effect I've noticed is a slight increase in irritability.

My other questions, how long do you suggest me taking pregnenolone? Do I need to stop at a certain point in my cycle and then start again? Any other helpful hints would be greatly appreciated! I have not been able to find Heallix locally. I may have to order it on-line. Do you still recommend the Heallix even though I am not having any spotting at this time? Thank you again for all you do. Kim C.

Hello, Kim! Well, that's a significant result you've had with the pregnenolone. It means you have a definite need for it. If the irritability is still noticeable after a week, then take one of those 50mg caps every other day. Or (which I think is a better route to take), get hold of some 10mg capsules and proceed with 10mg daily. If the spotting returns, add 10mg. We'd like a balance between no spotting and no irritability. You may need 20 or 30mg daily, but the smaller caps allow you more flexibility in controlling the dosing.

Pregnenolone works beautifully if taken for 6 weeks, then a break for 2 weeks, then start again. It's not necessary to key it to your cycle, as it's a master hormone from which others are produced by the body in response to various needs. The "hormone holiday" is just to allow the body to show you what it's 'learned' and perhaps to take over a little more fully. See

Yes, Heallix isn't available in stores. Ordering it online is the way to go. However, your response to the pregnenolone was so markedly good & quick, I'd hold off ordering the Heallix at this time. You may not need it at all.

Very best wishes to you, dear, and keep me posted! I'm very pleased with your progress!! :-D