Hi Heidi - first many, many thanks for your wonderful column. It's the first thing I read every morning.

I have a couple of questions... I am a type A nonsecretor with arthritis and am also hypothyroid (currenlty on Synthroid).

My concern is that I was thinking of taking Quercitin for the arthritis to help with the inflammation but, I was reading Dr. Dadamo's columns (regarding thyroid and soy) and he mentions that quercitin is a stronger inhibitor of the thyroid. "Furthermor, soy isoflavones are not the only dietary flavonoids that can inhibit thyroid peroxidase. A variety of other flavonoids have also been shown to be even more potent in inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, including kaempferol, naringenin, and quercetin (Divi and Doerge, 1996)" I have copied and pasted his quote here. Can you please advise.

Also, if you can summarize how I can tend to the arthritis and what I should do for the hypothyroidism instead of taking Synthroid (I notice I feel much better when I take it but, I am afraid of the long term side effects). Thanks ever so much. Susan.

Hi there, Susan!

To understand the statement in that quote, it's important to see it in context. Look at the next sentence:

"Such flavonoids are widely distributed in plant-derived foods and would be consumed daily at relatively high levels (possibly up to 1 gram or more per day) by vegetarians or semi-vegetarians, yet such individuals do not have a significant increased incidence of goiter."

Now you can see that quercetin was being used as a comparison for soy in regard to inhibiting thyroid peroxidase. Point One: Soy eaten as part of a balanced diet (including enough iodine to remain above deficiency levels) does not impair thyroid health. Supporting Point: EVEN quercetin, with its more potent action, does not impair thyroid health at one gram or more per day. Does this make more sense in terms of quercetin now?

One question: is this rheumatoid or osteoarthritis? Some notes based on the information I have from you: the first step is to eliminate avoid foods and maximize beneficial foods (particularly fish -- and flaxseed although "neutral"), the second is to supplement with Deflect-A and quercetin to clean up old lectin deposits and soothe inflammation, the third would be to do that 1/2 ounce of water per pound of bodyweight - with a tiny pinch of sea salt and/or a little squeeze of lemon per quart - daily 'thing,' and the fourth is to engage in yoga for stress relief and gentle bodywork -- and gentle exercise like walking, light swimming, in a calming environment. Let your body heal. Release whatever is holding it back from healing. That's the idea!

If you are interested in getting off Synthroid, the first step might be to switch to Armour Thyroid. This page will give you suggestions on dosages and other details. Depending on whether you had surgery on your thyroid, and how hypo you are, this may be a process toward not taking any thyroid meds at all. Caution: never just drop a med, though. I'm sure you wouldn't, but in all responsibility I want to mention that, anyway! ;-) See if that page can help, and consult the BTD Complete Blood Type Encylopedia for further assistance with thyroid and arthritis protocols (too long to elaborate upon here).

Very best wishes to you! and thank you for your note!! :-)

Hello again Heidi! The UK extra bit is fine by me!!

Thankyou for responding to my shock horror re blood test... I see someone else has similar feelings in your column today, Dec 18th. I suppose it was something of an ego shock to me aswell, because I have correctly guessed the blood type of a few folks, even minutes after meeting them for the first time. My sister also 'knew' her type before confirming it with the test, by the foods which her IBS could tolerate. She couldn't have worked it out by family knowledge because she is the only 'O' among a group of us 'A's.

Anyway.... if you have any particular advice for my OA of hips and spine, most likely begun as trauma years ago, I would be grateful for any help. Many thanks, JoyceUK

Hello, Joyce! that's a neat story about your sister, and your ability to guess blood types! ;-)

Well, when you wrote last, you described yourself as a fan of the diet, but "not a 100% adherent." Now's the time to give it the full effort!

I would approach osteoarthritis with the A secretor diet (comply with the tier II values as well) in combination with the arthritis protocols in the Encyclopedia. Chondroitin sulfate is the supp to choose for rebuilding cartilage in type A. Other recommendations for all blood groups include a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, two to three times daily; and avoid all nightshade plants (tomato, potato, peppers, chiles, tomatillo, chayote, eggplant).

Yoga is a great healer for As. Non weight-bearing exercise such as swimming can improve your range of motion with minimum discomfort. Because you mentioned trauma in relation to your OA, you might greatly benefit from bodywork such as Hellerwork to balance your body's structure and allow easier movement. ;-)

I hope these tips get you well started on a healing strategy! Please let me know how it goes along for you, OK? thanks for writing!! :-D

Hello Heidi, I am type O, sec.status unknown. I have been on the diet for over a year now with great success. It is a wonderfully fine-tuned healthy lifestyle!

I would like to know your recommendations on taking Bromelain and/or other supps. to help with wisdom tooth (all 4) removal. This may possibly take place in Jan. 2004. They are all erupted ( fully thru the gum line like the other molars)and not impacted (pushing on other teeth)or infected. I have severe nerve pain beginning.

I was considering beginning the Bromelain 1 week ahead of the surgery to help prepare my system for the swelling and healing to take place. Please let me know you thoughts on this.

Thank you for your column! I enjoy learning and gaining the wisdom to lead my life as healthy as I can is a great comfort and strength. I wish the best of everything for you, Wendy

Hello, Wendy! I'd start taking Heallix at the therapeutic dosage, and continuing through until your surgical sites are healed. There are surgical protocols in the Encyclopedia to follow as well. Quercetin will help reduce the inflammation, thereby possibly reducing the nerve pain as well.

I wish you success in the dental procedure! Get plenty of exercise and be especially vigilant on the diet in the weeks beforehand. It makes a big difference in surgery & recovery! Be well, and report back! :-D