Dear Heidi, I'm a Type O non-secretor who had been a vegetarian (sometimes vegan) for 27 years, simply for health reasons which is pretty ridiculous looking back now considering that during that time I developed emphysema (non-smoker), breast cancer, had chronic migraines, could never get cholesterol under 200, and according to last two EKGs have had a silent myocardial infarction. The things that kept me alive I believe are that I never got overweight, maintained a steady exercise program through it all, ate almost totally organic, used some herbs that I've learned now are good for my type, and refused all the medical nightmares proposed for my ailments except a lumpectomy.

I seem to be doing well on the diet (4 months with 99% compliance) and now love my food, having initiated the diet in hopes of overcoming the migraines. Having eaten "strangely" for so many years, I'm used to figuring out how to make things taste good to me no matter what they are or what foods are denied. In fact, that is one of my great pleasures. I had my cholesterol checked last week, and the results will let me know if I'm truly on the right track with this. Thanks for your great column! I will be checking back regularly to keep in touch with it. Carol

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An inspiring story, Carol. Your example gives hope to so many people who are very sick and believe there is little or nothing they can do to turn their health around. There IS something they can do ~ and you did it!

Congratulations on your success!