Heidi, Greatly enjoy your column. I'm an American living in France, and have been following the O type diet (though not strictly) for several years. I have the BTD book, but next time in the USA, I'll buy one of the newer ones with updates. If I only get one, which is the best to get to have current info on foods and supplements? I'm not really interested in theory, as I have no qualms accepting it. And can I buy it at a book store, or only order it from NAP? Until I get it, I have a small potpourri of questions that I hope you can help me with. First, is MSM okay for type O? How about GSE, and does it contribute to an ongoing problem with acidity? Is Colloidal Silver really an effective anti-biotic, and is it safe to take it instead of a Doctor prescribed anti-biotic? And, if so, is it okay for O's?? Second, I take Armour Thyroid, which is made from pig's thyroid glands, I think. Being from a pig, is it a problem for O types? Third, sheep and goat yogurt are common in France. ER4YT says to avoid all yogurt varieties for type O, but don't know if it really refers to yogurts from animals other than cows. What about this? Lastly, I always steam my vegetables in the microwave, but recently read on a website that microwaves destroy vitamins in all foods. Is this true? I hope not, as it is a life saver, but guess I should know if I am ruining all my great "beneficial" veggies! Thanks for your advice, and keep it up! ~Abby~





Hello, Abby! The books are all available in major bookstore chains, as well as many smaller shops, health food stores... I've even seen them in pharmacies. I'd say it's a choice between the Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia and Live Right 4 Your Type. The Encyclopedia has far more supplement information, is primarily prescriptive, and contains a current food list. Live Right has a wealth of health-building strategies, along with detailed food lists. See the updates page for changes made since publication.



Over the years we've seen that MSM is unlikely to be of harm to anyone. :-) May I suggest the msm-msm.com website: ~lowest prices for highest purity!



Grapefruit seed extract can be very helpful in anti-candida protocols, and shouldn't give you any acidic symptoms.



Instead of colloidal silver, I've found a less hazardous and far more effective product: Heallix, composed of ionized silver and fulvic acid. Read all about it on Leo's site. He and his product are very fine indeed. I and friends use Heallix occasionally for everything from a cut or scrape to impending cold or more serious health concerns. It appears to work for everyone with nary a side effect, and rather miraculously in our experience. See what you think!



Armour Thyroid is unlikely to contain any of the galectin we seek to avoid by eschewing pig meat. Besides, it is used only in therapeutic situations. The alternative (Synthroid) is no better, and probably worse. If you still have your thyroid, I hope the diet (including plenty of seaweeds, and some supplements if necessary) may reduce your need for the Armour ~ but in the meantime, don't worry about the "pork" aspect! :-)



Ha! I was waiting for a dairy question. After all, you live in FRANCE! I expected "cheese," but yogurt fills the bill. (I can tell you that if I lived in France, the question would be ALL about cheeses!! ) I have no authoritative data on sheep vs cow yogurt OR cheese, but you can test it on yourself and will probably get a quick answer right there at home. Try some regular cow yogurt, and see if you experience some sniffling, sneezing or coughing. I predict you will clear your throat a fair bit, or have a runny nose, within half an hour. If you can pinpoint clear symptoms, that's great! Round two is, next day, try some sheep yogurt. Next day, the goat yogurt. And post me a full report! :-D



Well, just recently I read somewhere on the Minnesota Wellness Directory pages that microwaving garlic for as little as one minute destroys its cholesterol-lowering properties. Whoo! I've no way of testing this assertion, but I've taken to warming things in the toaster/broiler instead these days. Peter has said it's best not to cook things in the MW, but warming-up isn't going to turn us into Venusians or anything. See if you can adapt your steaming technique to a stovetop pot or oven routine. And don't let yourself be alarmed by all the health scares and Powerful Advice on the Internet (including from me!!) to the point you give up on your veg and start eating Bigue Macques or anything. ~~;-D



With all the gorgeous fresh, organic and wild food available in the bounty of France, I'm sure your regimen will accomplish your health goals in record time. Enjoy the abundance, and eat a little fresh herbed chèvre for me, OK?



Thanks for writing, dear!