Hi Heidi, I have two questions.

First, is there any association between Type Os and bad reactions to tetanus vaccines? I'm several years overdue for one, but the last time I had a tetanus booster in 1991, my arm where the injection was given became very swollen and inflammed to the point where my husband had to help me get shirts on and off for several days. I'm frankly afraid to have another vaccine, but worry about tetanus, which is known to live in the soil in the area where I live (Pacific Northwest).

Second, I had kidney disease, nephritis, as a child and wonder if by eating the Type O diet I may be setting myself up for kidney problems due to the emphasis on animal proteins?

Thank you so much for your work helping so many people around the world! Kathryn

Hello, Kathryn! Nephritis can be a complement-mediated disease, and for this reason I suggest you definitely stick to the O diet, and consume the recommended number of portions in the vegetable and fruit categories daily.

The recommendations one sometimes hears that people with kidney trouble of all kinds must reduce or eliminate red meats is outdated advice... but it still circulates. Red meat is a healing powerhouse for you, not least because it's your building material for healthy organs -- kidneys, too.

For extra protection (and peace of mind), plenty of water each day -- and the UDA-Plus supplement sold in the Store here.

As to the tetanus booster: I haven't seen any blood-type specific information on this particular vaccine. Neither has anyone written to me about it, but I can tell you about my own experience getting my first and only tetanus shot in 1991, when I needed a finger stitched up.

The emergency nurse approached as I was standing in the receiving area after I was done, just chatting with the resident who'd done the stitching. She told me to come in and sit down and that the shot was very painful, etc. I really wanted to finish my conversation and ease on out of there, so I just said "naw, just stick me now, I'll be fine, honest."

I had no untoward reaction to it at all. The muscle was a tiny bit sore, but no inflammation, no swelling. I have a feeling there are other factors underlying the different reactions various people have to tetanus shots. I'd like to learn more about this!

Whether the composition of tetanus vaccines varies by locale, or there are known interactions of the vaccine with physiological parameters other than blood type, or some immune systems "just" react more strongly to it than others... I dunno!

If I had that kind of reaction but wanted the booster anyway, I'd take 500mg of quercetin three times daily for a week before, and a week after, the shot. It should calm the immune response, and limit local inflammation.

Hope it helps, dear... best wishes! :-D