Heidi, I was just reading the column about red yeast rice and cholesterol. I've recently purchased some red yeast rice from Solaray (600 mg). Were you not aware of this source, or were you basically deliberately saying it's not a good source? I've had high cholesterol (~300-400) for years and years. Five years on a strict B diet has done nothing for it, so I keep trying other things (though of course I will stay on my B diet too!). (And I never take drugs.) Anyway, I'm going to have my level tested again in the next couple of days and then start the Solaray red yeast rice and see what happens. I'd be interested in knowing, though, if you think I should instead go through the source you mentioned. Thanks! Kathy

Hi, Kathy! Solaray's red yeast rice is available in most supp shops, and comes in capsules (and small quantities, 45-90 caps), which admittedly is a convenience compared to the Jingxin red yeast rice I recommended. Theirs must be acquired through mail order, and comes in 1 kilo (2.2-pound) bulk packages. From what I have read, however, the Jingxin product is far more effective -- and somewhat safer to take.

When one of the new cholesterol-lowering drugs (Lovastatin) was released, the FDA prevailed in naming the monocolin-k component of many major manufacturers' red yeast rice supps a "proprietary" ingredient. In 2001, most of the companies pulled their RYR supps from the shelves. That's when I learned of Jingxin's product.

Put simply, Jingxin's RYR acts through its high concentrations of MVA (approaching 100% in their "masterwork" RYR), which lowers cholesterol on its own. The active substance monocolin-k in pre-2001 commercial supps is activated only through hydrolysis by several kinds of carboxyesterases. Some of us produce plenty of these compounds. Others make little to none of them, in which case constant dosing with monocolin-k can result in damage to the liver and kidneys.

Jingxin includes a full individual-batch assay from a government lab in each order, so you know exactly what you're getting. I've been looking around the Net for details on the two commonest brands of RYR (KAL and Solaray), and I'm not finding any specific monocolin-k/MVA breakdown on their products. If you've got a bottle there in hand, I strongly suggest calling the 800 number if it's on the label, and asking for this information. Then compare it to the product details on Jingxin's website, or call Michael in the New Jersey agent's office at 732-257-8844. Then you'll have a solid basis for your decision on which one to use.

I'm sorry you've had this persistent trouble with cholesterol levels. Maybe you're one of the rare NN subtypes? Perhaps some people with genetically-keyed high cholesterol are "meant" to have it? like a normal state? More Research Needed!

Thanks for writing, dear, and please keep me posted on your situation. :-)

I am a type o non-secretor. I also have hypoglycemia. I do fine on the high protein, low carb diet, however I have added foods such as ezekiel bread, rice, pinto beans, pineapple juice, and cherry juice to my diet. I continue to eat lots of meat and vegetables. Should I eliminate foods high on the glycemic scale even if they are considered beneficial? I am still trying to determine what affect bad lectins have on blood sugar levels. I am determined to stay on this diet. Thanks!

Peter is fond of pointing out that it is not how much carbohydrate, but what kind of carbohydrate, that makes the difference. The glycemic index is only one aspect of food analysis. Live Right’s recommendations are designed not just upon the general observation of a food’s effect on blood sugar levels, but according to the kinds of sugars present, any lectin activity, the relative amount of beneficial substances, and other type-mediated issues.

For instance, pineapple juice contains anti-inflammatory and protein-digestive enzymes. Black cherries are high in antioxidant compounds, and act to lower polyamine levels. In contrast, apples and oranges have much lower glycemic index ratings than pineapple… but apples contain a lectin affecting type O nonsecretors, and have little to offer aside from fruit pectin, while oranges contain high levels of putrescine, rendering them avoids for most types. Would anyone on the typical hypoglycemic’s diet consider indulging in watermelon? Of course not, it’s at the bottom of the list, with an index of 103/72! But Live Right says it’s beneficial for Bs, ABs and A nonsecretors… because it contains substances that moderate insulin’s effects as well as reducing edema. In effect, it performs the tasks that the glycemic index hopes to achieve through discouraging you from eating it.

If grains trigger wooziness or cravings, cut back. O nonsecretors should have only a maximum of three servings per week ~ if you're Rhesus-negative, that figure drops to two.

Other factors come into play. There is always an adjustment period involved if this diet is a big change from your former one. At first, you may experience hefty cravings for the grains and sugar you’ve eliminated from your diet. Not only your liver and insulin functions, but your very brain chemistry, changes in response to this kind of dietary upheaval. Smile! Feeling lousy is a sign that the adjustments have begun, and sticking to the diet means you won’t have to go through them again. The best approach is to fill up on protein, perhaps more than the suggested amounts, and fill in with vegetables ~ this is perfectly OK, and is your body’s way of treating itself to the healing and rebuilding power of what it needed that it hadn’t been getting. Over a few months’ time, most Os find their appetite for meat settles at a more moderate level.

Vegetable glycerine, widely available in health food stores, has beneficial effects upon our ability to release energy from the food we eat, and can be used in place of any sweetener you now employ.

If you are willing to use supplements, try 5HTP, L-glutamine, and/or L-tyrosine for cravings. You won’t need them forever. Deflect-O™ helps clean your tissues of insulin-mimicking lectin deposits, and Polyflora-O™ speeds the repopulation of beneficial bacteria to support your digestion and immunity. Both are available from North American Pharmacal.

Finally, don’t forget the exercise part of the plan. Half an hour per day is a tiny investment compared to the whole-body rewards it confers. For type Os, it is absolutely essential to get an exercise program in place which is based upon your current fitness level and keyed for gradual improvement. Watch for signs of boredom or strain, and adjust your routine accordingly.

This plan has a wonderful track record in handling hypoglycemia. I'm sure you'll meet with success!

My blood group is 'O' and as I am sure your aware the diet is pretty carnivorous. However, my main problem is that I am and have been since birth a vegetarian. I am trying to follow the diet, but was wondering if I can allow more eggs and dairy into my diet plan to make up for the missing meat and poultry. Many thanks for your help.



A great number of type Os come to this diet from a vegetarian lifestyle, and wish above all to adhere to their ideals. Based upon my personal experience and the accounts of hundreds of others, I would encourage you to consider how much good you can do in the world if you are the healthiest person you can be. Consider this plan from the standpoint of what we Os are biologically designed to eat, and what balance means in nature. As a stopgap measure for your pondering phase, I'd like to offer Bob L's wonderful post on how type O vegetarians might approach this diet. Here it is:



"Select the foods you will eat from the beneficial and neutral lists. Try not to base your meals on grains, but if you do, rice is probably best. Instead of grains use squash or sweet potatoes as a starch. Eat plenty of vegetables and moderate amounts of fruit. Get protein at every meal from nuts, seeds, beans and tempeh which I think is better than tofu. Soaking nuts like almonds to germinate them make the nutrients contained more assimilable. Use nutritional yeast.



"Supplement with vit B12, and the amino acids taurine and carnitine. D'Adamo says the ayurvedic herb Coleus Forskolii aids cellular energy production in vegetarians. If you are a secretor, you may be able to eat a little more of the neutral cheeses like feta, farmer and mozarella than is recommended. If you will eat eggs, this would make things easier and simpler.







Note: Strict vegetarians should be aware that both taurine and carnitene are amino acids derived from meats.



If you have no health problems, this modified O diet could work for you. But if you find yourself overweight or ill, it may be Nature sending you a rather carnivorous message. Good health to you!