Maia wrote the following for Rula, whose question appeared in the OTD column from November 30, 2002:

Hi Heidi, I'm glad you like getting reader feedback! (Oh no, not Maia again!) I was concerned about the woman who had read that she needed to consume less than 40grams of protein daily, in order to avoid osteoporosis. This is contrary to everything I've read, and contrary to what I know from my chiropractor. My chiro says adults of any blood type need at least 50 grams protein daily to avoid deficiency. This is backed up by the U.S. RDA, which says you need 50 grams...and the RDA tends to be the bare minimum you need to survive, not thrive. It is also supported by a standard medical textbook, Guyton's "Textbook of Medical Physiology," which says you need at least 50 grams, 75 grams to be safe.

As a 5'6" relatively active O blood type, at 135 lbs, I personally need about 100 grams protein a day, or I notice protein deficiency signs. (Such as fatigue, inability to be hungry without shakes related to blood sugar swings, and craving for sweets especially milk chocolate. Protein sufficiency is necessary to maintain stable blood sugar -- according to Guyton, protein deficiency mimics diabetes symptoms, which it sure did for me.)

According to my chiro, you can actually bring about osteoporosis through protein deficiency -- because bones are made of a matrix of collagen fibers (protein) and minerals. He treats osteoporosis with a good mineral supplement, and by ensuring protein sufficiency (also in some cases female hormones need balancing, for which he usually focuses first on making sure a person is not fatty acid deficient for omega 3's and omega 6's. Good resource on fatty acids, see udoerasmus.com website. Some women need to do more to balance hormones, but that would be too long an e-mail.)

Note that mineral deficiencies can also lead to chocolate craving. My chiro believes osteoporosis is reversible in most cases, because it's not that bones are permanently damaged, since bone structure/minerals/cells are always being renewed. Osteoporosis happens when you have a problem regulating the ongoing bone replacement process, which can be corrected, then the bones heal. I am an excellent example of healing -- had the beginnings of osteoporosis at age 35, to the point where about two of my teeth would crack each year. My teeth don't crack anymore since I started ER and worked on minerals, proteins & fats -- it's been 3 years -- and other signs of osteoporosis receded, though they return if I don't eat enough protein. (I always have enough minerals.) Anyway, hope this helps someone, take care Heidi! maia from the BB

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*LOL!* Oh, Hooray! It's Maia again!! I always love hearing from you, dear, and there are many others out there who are thanking you for sharing your wisdom ~~ just as I am! Great message ~ do PLEASE keep them coming! :-D

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Hi Heidi, I just thought I would pass along my Thanksgiving Day experience. Since my sons went out of town, a friend invited me to spend Thanksgiving Day with them. At meal time I stayed away from my major obvious avoids, such as the ham, rolls, and I just had a little bit of the cornbread dressing. I couldn't avoid everything and still be polite so I am sure some of the casseroles I ate had avoid ingredients in them. I did try to eat more of the OK things such as the turkey, fruit, and cranberry salad that I brought. I also took some Deflect capsules just prior to the meal.

Anyway, later that afternoon and evening I experienced some digestive system distress. The day after I was back to normal. The experience has once again confirmed to me the value of the BTD. It amazes me how I went through so many years of my life not knowing how to eat to protect and maximize my health even though I thought I was fairly knowledgeable about basic health and nutrition information.

I wish a lot more other people understood this so maybe it would be easier to find acceptable foods and to eat an acceptable meal out. I also would not be totally honest if I didn't say that at times, for a variety of reasons, I wish I didn't know about the BTD. What is the saying? "Ignorance is bliss" Of course that would be ignoring all of the benefits of the BTD. At this point I believe that the BTD will be a permanent part of my life and I just have to continue to figure out how to make it work for me and my life. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Regards, Don

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See, folks? It can be done, even on major holidays. ;-) The accounts people send in of how they live the BTD are guideposts to beginners and old hands alike. So send in your success stories, too!

and thanks so much, Don ~~ I had a great Thanksgiving, and a lot to give thanks for!! :-D

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