dylan writes:

Regarding blood type pedigrees ... my husband is a type O non-secretor. He is also allergic to eggs (and mildly to chicken). Talk about a O-type 'breakfast' quagmire! We thought soy was the perfect solution after ER4YBT & CR4YBT. Then came LR4YBT and secretor status. OY! Good thing he is a good sport about food. I'm a type A secretor. ER4YBT settled a lot of food 'arguments' between us! Would that qualify for a new Saint Peter? In my book, definitely.

So I'm trying to lose weight (of course) and the dandelion suggestion was wonderful. The lectin situation is frustrating ... irreversible? Let's hope not. And I'm still struggling with understanding the carbohydrate suggestions (how much is too much). We are both relatively healthy mid-50 year olds. We work out regularly (weight training). I appreciate Dr. D'Adamo's clarification on why yoga is good for A's as most yoga 'intructors' create more cortisol for me than reduce it. Giaim's tapes are wonderful. We've both went through a tremendous traumatic experience several years ago but have healed emotionally.

My question is simple. How important is it to know the other two bits of typography for both of us -- MN and A1 or A2? Thanks for all your great work!

Hi, dylan ~~ It's always such a pleasure to hear from people who are making the BTDs work, to build better health for themselves and their loved ones! and thank you for your kind compliments!

MN type can be one of the following three:

MN: the default, and the majority (no diet changes indicated);

MM: less common, associated with increased cancer risk (several suggested diet changes); and

NN: statistically uncommon (less than 10%), primarily affecting fat metabolism. While Live Right 4 Your Type did not offer dietary adjustments based upon NN status, we now know that NN folks benefit by strictly reducing fats, especially cholesterol-containing foods, in their diets. They appear to have less ability to digest and assimilate fats.

So: Since you are a type A secretor, I would recommend getting your full serotype panel. I would say the same to an AB secretor. Why? First, because As and ABs statistically are at higher risk for cancer. DO bear in mind that these statistics are useful to us BECAUSE they compare cancer percentages (occurrence as well as outcome) among ALL types, AND they are based upon people who were NOT following the blood type diet/exercise plans!! I really want to emphasize that point. As Peter said (and I'm paraphrasing), being type A does NOT mean you should head right out and purchase your burial plot!! His books show the *way back* to where type As should be: self-possessed, healthy, and happily engaged with the world.

*whew,* OK, my passion overtook me there. Second, A secretors generally have a lower tolerance for fats, and the NN status can refine that recommendation further. ALSO, I meant to remind folks of an important aspect of following the diets: for secretors, A subtype (A2 for example) and MN type (MM, NN) will have an impact on your food choices as written in the lists. For nonsecretors, your nonsecretor status "Rules." To give an example: type A nonsecretors' lists show tomatoes listed as Neutral. For type A nonsecretor *MMs* (like my man Bryan) that status Does Not change to Beneficial. Nonsecretor status means carefully follow the nonsecretor instructions in Live Right... with one possible exception.

Only if your husband's lipid tests show high, uncontrollable cholesterol levels would I suggest you obtain his serotype panel as well. Why? He is a nonsecretor, meaning his Live Right recommendations already include everything he needs, unless he finds out he carries the NN type -- in which case I would modify his diet away from items which are high in fat, and certainly focus upon the leanest meats, poultry, fish and nuts/seeds/oils. If he finds out he is MM, no dietary changes need be made -- but I'd make sure he is well away from the customary cancer risks, such as cigarette smoke, high radon levels, high EMF radiation, etc., and pile on those dark greens, vegetables and fruits! Good clean red meats are equally important to maintaining his strong immunity.

Yes indeed, dear. Listen to the new Saint Peter! (You know he's reading this and squirming in his chair! LOL! That's OK. Sometimes our need to express praise goes a little beyond "social conventions," and it's just as well. Let 'em just get over it! :-D)

You say your husband is allergic to eggs, and mildly to chicken. That is interesting to me. I've used both with a neutral reaction, but I note that chicken does never satisfy my desire for meat protein. Could you tell me: how did he find out these allergies, and for how long has he been allergic to them? I'm wondering if extreme stresses have contributed to his inability to use these foods... also, was it only ORGANIC chickens and eggs to which he reacted?

The lectin situation... yes, it can be frustrating when we long for a thorough cleaning-out -- but certainly it is NOT irreversible! Our bodies CONSTANTLY replace every cell. At the age of 10, you possess not a single cell which you were born with. At the age of 50, you haven't a single cell of your 40-year-old body. Never think anything from the past is set in stone! It AIN'T.

About the BTD carbohydrate suggestions: I assume these are the grain and sweetener listings. How much is too much? Let's instead think about the minimum we can get away with. That's the best amount, by far. AND it changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, we can tolerate and assimilate more. In fall and winter, concentrate upon your protein and seasonal vegetables, as our ancestors would have done.

Godspeed to you, dylan, and please write again as the mood strikes!