Heidi, I see you split up my questions, Thanks if you can ask Susan if you can give me her E-mail address. So I can ask for recipes directly. I know I am beating a dead horse. I know the frequency in LR4YT. But is 2000 cals at the low, middle, or high end of the frequencies? (5', 60", 126#, CAU Fem, Activity Chasing 5 kids, nursing one-youngest of 5, homeschooling the rest, cleaning house, and other activities outside the house) Anyway god luck answering my other questions. Angel in UT



Hi, Angel! According to your hunger, increase the portion size. The frequencies should remain the same, since they're what constitute the structure of the diet. We don't use calories much in this plan, because it works beautifully without that additional layer of mathematics ~~ and for most people, that's a relief! :-) If I've missed other questions, let me know, OK?



Susan, if you don't mind giving your email address to Angel, just drop me a note and I'll pass it on to her. thanks, ladies! :-D

I read your books around May last year and then started eating right for my blood type (which is A). My nose and ears which were blocked my whole life (and I never realised it) have been clear and I used to permanently be producing phlegm in my throat and that has stopped. My feeling of well-being has increased and I can definitely feel now since being on the diet very strictly that when I eat the 'wrong' foods I feel it. My whole life I felt nauseous every time I had a milkshake. I am a voluble supporter and promoter of the Blood group diets and have spread the word far and wide.



The only flies in the ointment are my skin & my weight. I started getting acne and have struggled now for a year to get rid of it. At first I thought it was a cleansing/detox that was taking place i.e. muck coming out and now after a year I am losing hope. Two other girls here at work started the diet and did extremely well on it and lost so much weight with only good to report. My weight has increased slightly or the same, yet I never seem to lose. I don't have that much to lose either maybe 5 kgs.



I want very much to believe in this as I think it is brilliant and it made so much sense to me. I have naturally liked and felt great eating my correct foods for years, so it was easy to adjust. I just can't go round telling people how wonderful it is when I'm not as slim as I should be and also have this acne. Not a good advert at all. Another girl at work who refuses to believe in this went to a dietician here in South Africa and the dietician swears by the Glycemic Index. I looked through the info and it would seem for me to eat according to that I'd have to start eating a lot of wheat and dairy products which would almost be against my religion now. Where does it all fit in and what can you suggest I do now? I am getting desperate. Thank you, Allyson



Hello, Allyson ~~ Welcome, I'm glad you found us!



I'm going to suggest a number of things you can use to clear up your skin and take that weight off. Rest assured we won't send you back to the Whole Wheat & Dairy League. ;-)



Weight loss seems to proceed a bit more slowly for most type As than it does for most Os, for example. However, you've been at it for a year, and that's plenty of time, so we know there are adjustments you can make to get that process going.



The Eat Right 4 Your Type diet was the first, basic exposition of this way of life. Since then, some changes have been made due to new research and better testing techniques, and the diets were refined based on ABO plus secretor status and other "type" results. These changes were published in Live Right 4 Your Type in 2001 -- if you can find that book, I'd pick it up.



In the meantime, I'll talk a little about the frequency tables in Live Right, just to put you on a strong footing to go forward with. Here's how it goes for a Caucasian type A secretor:



Per week: 0-3 portions of allowed poultry, 1-3 portions of fish, 1-3 eggs, 1-3 portions of allowed milk (goat, for example) and yogurt (not 1-3 for each, but total), 1-3 portions of allowed cheese, 5-7 servings of beans & legumes, 4-7 servings of nuts & seeds, 7-9 of grains, Unlimited veg, 3-4 servings fruit and 5-8 servings of oils. You can see that vegetables are intended to be the basis of the diet (four or more servings per day, for instance), along with lots of fruit, one serving of grain daily, one of beans/legumes, one of oils, and an egg and some fish a few times per week. The rest (dairy & poultry) you can take or leave as you please, since you may or may not find they suit you.



If you look at this info and say, WOW, I've been way high in one or two food groups and way low in some others, then you've already found something you can do right away to fine-tune your diet. It makes a BIG difference!



Next, the old advice to eat like a lion at breakfast, a squirrel at lunch & a bird at dinner is remarkably apt. It encourages high energy throughout the day (and effortless weight normalization), and restful sleep at night.



I also suggest drinking 3 to 4 liters of water per day, away from meals, with a tiny pinch of sea salt in each liter. Sounds like a lot, but two large glasses upon arising and an hour after dinner, and you're halfway there. This does wonders for the skin and for cleansing the entire digestive system, thereby encouraging healthy fat loss. Do it for a week, and see what happens!



Before I go on forever here :-) -- are you doing a daily yoga session? Just half an hour in the morning can make a world of difference to every organ of your body, including the largest one: your skin. Yoga reduces cortisol levels, allowing extra fat to gracefully remove itself. And light exercise later in the day, like a walk before dinner, or a swim or a bike ride in pleasant surroundings, is also recommended. Yoga and outdoor exercise help your digestion to do its work freely and easily, clearing the system of any built-up clogs or old waste.



Finally, it's possible that something you added to your diet for the past year has triggered a skin or hormonal reaction of some kind. If you can't pinpoint a particular item or group of foods that may be having this effect, it's possible that a gallbladder flush every two weeks for a couple of months would be a good measure to take, just to clear your liver & gallbladder for vibrant functioning with your new diet. All the info you need can be found at Julia Chang's brilliant liver health site.



Allyson, I know this is a lot to consider, so do write again if you have questions as you put these ideas to use. Thanks for writing, and once again, a very warm welcome to you! :-D

Is there a food value for yerba mate (am I spelling it correctly?) for Os? I couldn't find it in the database. Thanks for your great column! Shay



Hey there, Shay ~~ We haven't listed it, but Peter's column Type O and Yerba Mate explains his view of it. Thanks for writing, dear! :-D

Hi! Heidi, I really enjoy checking in with your column everyday.I've been on the diet for about a month. And feel so much better. My blood type is A- secretor. The only problem I've been struggling with is bloating over the course of the day. In one of your columns you suggested Gentian Root. I've been using it 3x a day approximately 1 hour before meals,it helps but I researched it and read that in European hebology,gentian is believed to strengthen the digestive system when taken over a period of time. However, in Chinese medicine,gentian is regarded as an intense herb that should seldom be taken over the long term.I also read it can stimulate the appetite.I would appreciate any input you would have on this. Thanks again for all your continued help.Nancy



Hello, Nancy ~~ Well, let's see. Are you taking PolyFlora-A? That probiotic should help establish the right balance of flora & fauna so that digestion proceeds effortlessly.



Does the bloating happen after particular foods, or with anything you eat? First, eating four or five small meals instead of three larger ones can help tremendously. Second, if it is fish, poultry or beans that prompts the bloating, try some pineapple (whole, or juiced) half an hour before you eat the protein. Or, take a bromelain supp ~ there is a great one on offer in the Store here. If it is the combination of protein and grain which produces bloat, try eating the grain separately from the protein. Either may be eaten with vegetables of your choice, but fruit would be eaten separately, and other meals would be grain & veg or protein & veg.



The Chinese view of gentian is not dissimilar to our own. The idea behind the "digestive aids" is that they prompt your body to produce the appropriate enzymes for the appropriate food. We wouldn't advise you to take them forever ~~ they're on the order of a kick-start for what should be happening normally, and with time you should need them less & less.



Let me know if these suggestions help, Nancy ~ and give more details, if they come to light. Thanks, dear! :-D

I am a type B.I have been on the BTD diet for a year and a half and I find it pretty spot-on. I amazaed how acurate it is. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in October, 2001. This was when a naturopath advised me to go on the diet. In January of 2003 it recurred in a lymph node in my neck. I have since done lots of cancer research, I'm getting IPT treatment ( see iptq.com for info), and I am eating cottage cheese and flax seed oil, as per the Budwig diet. But all the other cancer/diet books and research papers and web sites I am reading say " Don't eat meat or dairy". I eat only small portions of organic.natural meat and dairy, but naturally I am still worried. What's a B with cancer to do?? Do you have testimonials of long-term B-type cancer survivors? Can you reassure me I need to continue to eat meat? Virginia



Hello, Virginia! I'm glad you stopped by with your questions.



The cancer/diet/research books, papers and sites that tell you not to eat meat or dairy represent what we call the "one size fits all" paradigm. Their evidence comes largely from type A cancer patients, most of whom ran into trouble with the standard diet of meat, potatoes, tomatoes and refined wheat -- as well as those Os whose diet of wheat, pork and many other toxic foods wreaked havoc with their digestive and immune systems. Our BTD structure is not only based upon a high daily intake of vegetables and fruit for each type, but is keyed to the physiological reactions of each individual. It will take mainstream 'science' quite some time to catch up, so don't be surprised or concerned by your non-BTD reading. :-}



I would counsel you to ensure that every fruit & veg you eat is organic, and the meat and fish either wild or free-ranged and clean-fed, without hormones, antibiotics or other drugs of any kind. This counts for the dairy sources as well. I also believe you would benefit from using the book Live Right 4 Your Type according to your secretor status in order to further refine your diet and exercise program, and the Encyclopedia for the specific protocols designed for type Bs with cancer. Live Right contains revised portion/frequency tables for each food group by ABO type, Rhesus, MN and secretor status, as well as detailed suggestions on the importance of B-type exercise (and the power of visualization!). You are fortunate to have a naturopath available to you who uses the BTD! so use his services, and discuss these recommendations. I feel certain you'll soon reassure yourself as to the merits of relying on your B diet as the keystone in your anti-cancer regimen.



My very best wishes to you, dear, and please don't hesitate to write again if you need questions answered or just a little support! :-D

My daughter and I are both Type A- My daughter, Nicole, is 37 years old and was diagnosed with HIV 18 years ago. Can you give me any ideas on how to stop the 'wasting', as she now seems to be losing weight, mainly in her limbs and face? I try to get her to eat mainly from the correct blood type diet. If you can give me any ideas, I will be extremely grateful. Thank you Regards Joan



Hello, Joan! I'd like to quote just one passage from the section on AIDS in the BTD Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia:



"It is also known that stress plays a significant role in the weakening of the immune system. In particular, stress affects the body's ability to produce immunoglobulin A (IgA), one of the primary defenses against infection which is found in the mucosal secretions of the digestive system, mouth, lungs, urinary tract, and other body cavities. IgA is the first line of defense against bacterial and viral infections. Blood group A and to some degree blood group B are paricularly vulnerable to stress-related conditions, due to their naturally higher levels of cortisol.



"Since many of the opportunistic infections cause nausea, diarrhea, and mouth sores, AIDS is often a wasting disease. Adherence to the blood type diet is especially critical."



In BTD, Peter went on to say, "Type As will need to work a little harder to be sure that their calorie intake is high, since many Type A foods are calorically low. Rigorously eliminate any foods, such as meat or dairy, that can cause digestive problems. . . . Meanwhile, increase your portions of "good" Type A foods, such as tofu and seafood." And, I would add, peanut butter, pumpkin seed butter, amaranth, buckwheat, and flax oil.



There are four protocols in the Encyclopedia specifically for type As with AIDS, including an immune-boosting protocol. If possible, I would also get your daughter's secretor status as soon as possible, and tailor her diet according to the lists in Live Right 4 Your Type. Second, if she is able to do so, she will benefit by doing a few minutes of yoga every day, even if it is only alternate-nostril breathing (which she can do lying down). Third, I'd start her on Cortiguard (available in the Store here) right away. If you get her to do these things, I'm sure she will show improvement!



I will always remember the story of the type AB man who came to Peter in the end-stages of AIDS, who started improving immediately and within months was "back in the gym" -- and has amazed his conventional doctors with his unforeseen progress and continued health. With commitment and effort, I'm sure your daughter will experience benefits, as well. All the best to you both, Joan!

Really enjoying your column every day. I have learned so much. Although I have read BTD and LR4YT it is amazing how much doesn't quite sink in. I am trying to get my daughter to start the diet, she is 12 and has broken out with a rash on her face, the doctor said it is urticaria and gave her tablets which I have not given her but asked her to do the diet first. She has terrible mood swings and is extremely angry at having to do this diet as 'there is nothing to eat that she likes'. She is an O (I think, I made a bit of a mess of the blood test) secretor status not known. Packed lunches are the most difficult especially as she wont eat fish (no sardines, cans of salmon etc). My question is about beetroot. I cannot find it in lists, is this what you call beet? I looked for veg gly, last week but the health food shop didn't have it but sent me to the chemist who had Glycerine B.P. Is this the same or different, the chemist just said women use it to making icing? Thanks, Janet



Hi, Janet ~ Don't worry about your daughter's blood test, she must be type O because both you & your husband are. :-)



Ah, well urticaria, eh? That is just what a doctor would call it. Makes it sound like a serious and bizarre medical condition, for which drugs are indicated. ;-) Not to mention it gives the faint impression that she lives in a dirty house or something. Well, none of this is the case. Since he seems to know so well what he's doing, ask him what caused them in your daughter? That'll give him pause.



But you came to the right place, as I just happen to be intimately familiar with this condition. It's otherwise known as HIVES. I spent many a happy hour with hives. I used to get them over my stomach, chest, neck and face. Never knew back then what was causing them (just like your doctor), except that nerves would bring them on. Well, that's one part of the story, but the way it fits in with type O immune response to foods is something I learned much later and I'll get to that in a moment.



Here's a good description from a homeopathy site (http://www.urticaria.com/what.htm) with some emphasis added by me:





The urticaria rash is a symptom of an allergic and immunological event taking place at the dermal level. The exact understanding is elusive to an extent. In brief, urticaria is a hypersensitive reaction due to the histamine release. The histamine release could be from the mast cells when antigens and antibodies (IgM or IgG) combine to activate the immunological reaction. The histamine release could IgE induced. There are certain drugs, pharmacological agents (e.g.: antibiotics, morphine, aspirin, etc.), food articles (proteins, milk products, etc.) Urticaria is a sign of antigen-antibody reaction.







Ah. "Certain drugs ... (antibiotics) ... food articles (proteins, milk products, etc.) ..... Beginning to ring a bell? The folks at this homeopathy site are basically on the right track, at least as to the cause. :-)



Type Os typically possess a rather overactive immune system to start with, which should be balanced through strenuous exercise (to release stress chemicals) and an avoidance of high-lectin plant life such as modern wheat. Our hypervigilant immune system, while it serves us well in some important respects, can get us well into trouble if we don't follow these guidelines. The "proteins" mentioned above might as well have been described as "lectins," because those are the proteins which (1) are recognized by our bodies as invaders, and (2) trigger emotional and allergic responses. Wheat and dairy act like drugs on us. They yank up our adrenaline, fog our minds, set our immune system off like sirens, and we'll fight like cats to get more of them if they're withheld from us (if we don't know enough to avoid them ourselves, that is). There's your answer, plain as day.



Whatever that drug is that you wisely didn't give your daughter, the best it could do is try to dampen the symptoms and tinker with her immunity. No good. The cause is her diet and activity regimen. Without a doubt. Therein lies the cure. And I wish I knew such things when I was a teenager, so I'd not have had to walk around with disfiguring splotches. Hope your girl feels the same! but it's up to her now, isn't it?



As to the Glycerine B.P., as long as it says "safe for consumption" or "food grade" or some such on the label (although I assume it's exactly what you're looking for if the chemist says women are icing their cakes with it), then that's the ticket! And yes, beetroot is what we call "beet." It's just a naming difference. We give tops ("beet greens") its own separate spot in the food lists.



My best wishes go out to you, dear! Fingers crossed here that things go well from here on in with you & your family!!! :-D

Hi Heidi I've just type a message to you to thank you for your response of the distilled water issue and have also asked a couple of questions regarding [names edited] calcium supplements. My question to the above supplements is because I fear that I'm not taking enough Phytocal (even at 1000 mg/daily) and was wondering if I should increase it to 9 capsules a day versus 6. I'm worried that I might cause iron toxicity if I increase it. Could you clarify this concern for me please if you can? If I was to supplement with one of the above on top of the 6 capsules of Phytocal a day, could one interfere with the other? Thank you so much Heidi for taking the time to enlighten us all on our concerns in this very confusing world of today. Don't quit what you are doing Heidi, we need you with us enormously! Thankyou. Tonie



Hi, Tonie! The therapeutic levels given on the bottle are the dosage at which you should continue the Phytocal. Throwing more supplemental calcium into your system is not the answer.



I worked for a couple of years with a type A woman who was going right nutty over her bone scans. She did everything right, and no matter what, she just couldn't stop the bone loss. She tried a BUNCH of things, including homeopathics and a number of dietary & supplementary measures. We finally figured out what was going on, and that association taught me some valuable lessons about this problem, which I'll share with you.



Here are the keys to type A success in building and maintaining bone: following the type A diet (making sure to get adequate protein, which stimulates intestinal alkaline phosphatase); using a food-based supp with necessary cofactors (which you have in Phytocal); eating high-calcium plant foods regularly; using a good mineral water daily; doing weight-bearing exercise three times per week (like an hour's walk with 15-20 pounds of weight in a backpack, or some appropriate similar exercise); AND taking Cortiguard and doing yoga every day to lower cortisol and increase calcium absorption (and to feel GREAT every day!).



There's your type A bone-health prescription in a nutshell. Get at it, and report back with your progress after a couple of months. I'm sure you'll be very pleased! Take good care, dear, I'll be thinking of you!! :-D

Hello Heidi, I ahave a question about maca root powder. I recently ordered it from the health food store and they sold me a pound. The problem is I have no idea how to use it or in what quantity. It is a fine powder, dissolves okay, but the label had no info on how to use it. Should I mix it with liquid or put it into gelitan caps? I need to know how much or how many caps to take? I am and O secretor status unknown. Also, I was bolemic for 20 years, are there special areas I should treat differently in my health watch, I only recently admitted the bolemic behavior to myself and have never shared the info with a doctor. My dentist asked me last year if I ever had an eating disorder and that was the first time I ever thought of it with that label. anyway I wonder if you would know? I am 40 and in good health. I have a great short story to share with you about this eating style and my 13 yr old son's attitude towards it, but I will send it when I have more time. Keep up the good work, you and the group of you have changed my life and It has only been ten weeks. Cindi



Cindi, I'm SO happy this plan has been working its magic for you! You certainly deserve it!



You can put maca in fruit or vegetable juice, or a fruit smoothie. Start with a tablespoon twice per day. It's really tasty, sort of like caramel, so no need to encapsulate it to take it (nice!).



Yes, I'm familiar with bulimia. Your dentist is a sharp one -- he spotted some effects of the stomach acid on your teeth. It is called an eating disorder, which I suppose it is, but it is rooted in emotional needs and it can be soothed and resolved in a wide variety of ways -- success always belongs to the individual who discovers her own right relationship with food! Congratulations there, my dear!



And I eagerly look forward to your story ~ take good care, Cindi, and keep smiling!

To helpful, healthy, humorous Heidi: THANKS FOR ALL YOUR WISDOM! Just a thought for Sue up there north of Toronto and her battle with depression. I assume she is treating herself for possible Seasonal Affective Disorder, as she lives in a logical place for it. This is the worst time of year, because even though the days are lengthening, the daylight deficit is at its peak. (You will be fully restored in six months. Whee.) Secondly, none of my business, but I do notice how often women go where their husbands want, generating anger and then guilt. The anger gets stuffed, of course. Has Sue explored that? All of this will come up in the meditation, of course. ;-) Speaking from experience, Alyson



Hey there, Alyson ~ well, just like you I assumed she's aware of the pitfalls of living in a dark, cold place much of the year. But just in case I assumed wrong, Sue -- Alyson made a great point! and I'm wishing you well & hoping for a happy report soon! thanks to you both, my dears!

Hi Heidi! Regarding diarrhea and mineral supplements -- my understanding is anyone will get diarrhea if you take in too many minerals. For example, when I increased my veggie intake I had to lower my mineral supplement intake, or digestive disturbances resulted (like gas & loose stool). So getting diarrhea from Phytocal may be a good thing, meaning you have enough minerals -- or at least you have all that your body can utilize at this time. Or, it may be something else entirely! Hope this helps! (o:Maia



Nice catch (again), Maia! Eva, here's another possibility to look into! Hope you're prospering! and thanks again, Maia!! What a smart, giving, wondrous bunch of folks we have around here!!! ~:-D

More on Angel's food planning project

Back in the Type O "Last Roundup" (#22), Angel and I had the following exchange:





She wrote back with more information:

Heidi, I read the column each day to learn new things. I had written a couple of weeks ago in regards to your suggesting a viable 72 hour kit food module. Using non-perishable goods that are at least neutral without too many avoids. If you go the website www.providentliving.com ( sponsored by the LDS or Mormon Church) looking at food storage section. I would like advice as to how to modify this to be with in BTD guidlines generally for all types. My family is all O and Secretor with one NS. I would really appreciate this a whole lot. I would like to get my 72 hour, 2 wk, 1 mo, etc food kits in order. You give values or examples for the above and I can modify from there and multiply. Thanks in advance. Angel

Hi, Angel ~ I think the site you want to refer to is www.providentliving.org. Correct me if I'm wrong, but on that site there is an index (linked from the top of the page). On that index are many links relating to food storage.

I did not find a 72-hour or two-week storage chart, but I did find a one-month storage chart: here it is, with the text:

"To help families with their food storage, home storage centers are now offering guidelines for assembling a one-month food storage kit. The kit contains enough food for one adult for one month. To can and assemble a one-month kit, contact your local home storage center.

"Each kit that you assemble will contain:

OK, this is something I'm quite unfamiliar with, but here goes. I'll give you some suggestions, and please adapt them according to the knowledge you have of this emergency system of food storage, its purpose and what is intended to supplement it.

For each of the O secretors in your family, I'd replace "wheat" with whole spelt or rye berries, "white flour" with spelt or rye flour (whichever one you didn't choose above), "white rice" with brown rice, "quick oats" with whole raw oats, "macaroni" with rice pasta, "pinto beans" with black-eyed peas or aduki beans, "white sugar" with an equal amount of bottled vegetable glycerine, blackstrap molasses, or barley malt; "powdered milk" with a one-month supply of Phytocal-O; "cooking oil" with extra-virgin olive oil; and "salt" with grey sea salt. For the O nonsecretor, replace "wheat" with rye berries, "white flour" with kamut flour, ditch the oats altogether, "white sugar" with veg gly, and the rest would remain the same.

Of course, this looks like way too much grain and beans for type Os, (bear in mind that I don't know the volume of a #10 can) and way too little meat, fish, vegetables and fruit to last a week, let alone a month. You'd need to figure this based on the type O portion/frequency tables. If this "storage unit" is meant to encompass ALL the food for one person for one month, I'd also add a minimum of 5 pounds of homemade beef or buffalo jerky and 3 1/2 pounds of homemade fish jerky, both made and stored according to instructions in the book Jerky by J.D. Livingston; along with a wide selection of canned or dehydrated or vacuum-packed vegetables and fruit; a can of nutritional yeast; and, of course, a gallon of pure water per person per day.

I hope this gives you the structure you were looking for. Best wishes to you and your family, Angel! :-D

My wife and I buy your vitemens and minerals and have a question that has been on our minds for some time. According to the Dr. type A's need iron much more than tupe O's ( She is an A and I am an O ) however Phytocal A has no iron while Phytocal O has 5mg. If A's are deficiant in iron how come Phytocal A does not contain it??? David

Hello, David! Most As are better off getting their iron from food sources rather than from supplements. Blackstrap molasses, turkey, cod, sardines and nutritional yeast are all great sources of iron. However, it is certainly wise to use a highly-absorbable supplement if she is iron-deficient. Thanks for writing! :-D

Howdy from VA Heidi! Once again I am here to bug you to no end. First let me say how much pleasure and knowledge I get from your column. It is a real help. Now for my question. I mentioned once before how much I like the MFC. Sometimes, though, I get in such a rush in the AM that I don't get it fixed and drank. Is it acceptable to drink it at other times in the day? Also, I have a history of migraines and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (took me about 13 years and one rare and exceptional neurologist to get me properly diagnosed and medicated). The epilepsy is finally under control, however, the migraines are a continuing problem. What in the BTD realm could help with these? My husband is a type A potato love so I definately sympathized with the lady from Ireland, that's his toughest thing to accept about the diet. He's taking the VERY gradual approach. He says he may try to start with avoiding the avoids and packing lunches since his work causes him to be away from home so much. What could you suggest for him that would be closest to potato in taste? Thanks again for all your help. Your genuine interest and concern not to mention humor is refreshing! Keep up the good work. TTFN (Ta Ta For Now) (you know I'll be back, I'm like a recurring nightmare!) :-D Alicia



Hey there, Alicia! I'm pleased to be bugged, repeatedly! :-D

You can have the MFC any time you wish. Morning is great, but later is fine, too. The only sure way I know of saying goodbye to migraines permanently is to completely avoid caffeine in every form. True migraine, I've come to believe, is a severe caffeine-withdrawal reaction. To keep them away forever means avoiding every food, supplement, and drug that contains even a minuscule amount of caffeine.

For potato substitutes, there really is nothing that tastes just like them. However, jerusalem artichokes are a decent substitute, and sweet potatoes & turnips make wonderful savory or sweet side dishes, including baked fries, etc. Part of the change your husband will go through will involve finding substitutes for what he likes, and part of it will be developing a taste for the foods that are really good for him. I'm really happy he's willing to try!

Good luck with those migraines, and let me know how you both do! :-D

I just received my copy of Eat Right for Your Baby and I am wondering why it isn't seperated out by secretor and non-secretor. Many things listed contradict the nonsecretor list. I understand the chameleon food concept but corn and other avoids for nonsecretors are listed neutrals and Tofu and other items that are neutral for nons are listed as highly beneficial. Is it better to stick to the nons list from Live Right or is the Baby book better to follow? We are planning to start our family in October and the book says to follow it six months prior to trying. I am very intersted in an answer. Thank You, Trina

Hi, Trina! The diet portion of the Baby Book is designed along secretor lines. Use your nonsecretor food list, and make only the asterisked changes (where a Neutral or Beneficial food or supp are marked as avoids during pregnancy, for example). Best wishes, dear! :-D

I'd like you to tell me everything about blood diet/ I have the first blood group/ THANKS! Lidia



Greetings, Lidia ~~ Well, in brief, the blood type diet is based on research which revealed that ABO group determines many digestive, neurochemical and disease susceptibility conditions in human beings. The diet is not just a weight-loss technique. In fact, it is not just a diet, but a complete plan of foods, exercise and stress-reduction recommendations designed to enhance every aspect of health. If you are interested in a Russian-language edition, I see from the International Editions page that Eat Right 4 Your Type is published in Russian by Popurri,

Aerodromnaya 4-20, 220065 Minsk Berorus. That book gives a sound basis from which you can use this information to your benefit.



Thanks for writing! and... is it Spring in Moscow yet? take care, dear! :-D

Dear Heidi, thank you for your suggestion about using glycerine to help sugar cravings - I am still searching for some (I live in the UK and the HFSs that I have enquired about it in do not stock it). However, I have an embarrassing problem that I don't know how to resolve. For the past 8 years (yes, 8 years!) I have, on and off, suffered from threadworms. The OTC medicine (mebendazole) only works for a short time and I don't like using it, it gives me swollen and painful gums. I am too embarrassed to go to my doctor about it and anyway, don't want to take any prescription drug that he may suggest. I have tried all this time to eliminate the problem with diet - cut out sugar - which works, but I get so miserable that I then then over consume sugar, and yes, you've guessed, the vicious cycle starts all over again. Recently I have tried the herb 'wormwood' (artemisia), but that hasn't worked. Should this diet be able to help me eliminate this problem? I have already cut out wheat and dairy (type O, secretor status unknown) and have started to increase my consumption of red meat, but I have been consuming more sweet fruit from the beneficial list (figs, bananas, mangoes - all of which I love) and eating other fruit such as raisins, apples and pears to compensate for the loss of cakes, bicuits and puddings that contain wheat. Should I stop eating these fruits or do you have any other suggestions? Thank you so much for what you do - I don't think I would have the courage to do this diet without your support. Rachel



Hi there, Rachel! Yes, the diet should slowly eliminate the problem -- but I want to mention www.healthleadsuk.com -- they also take orders by phone at 0845 345 8880. They carry 500ml bottles of vegetable glycerine, along with many other handy things. (Thanks, Abby!) Getting hold of a supply of veg gly will speed your progress in getting the sugar out of your diet entirely. I truly sympathize with what you're going through! It's not easy to break the sugar cycle, but with the help of veg gly, it's truly a breeze.



The fruit you're eating won't exacerbate the worm trouble at all, but see if you can reach for some protein the next time you're craving sugar. It's surprisingly effective, especially if eaten with a starchy vegetable.



Here's something that may make things rough on those nagging critters: make up a pesto (in the blender, or with mortar & pestle) from cilantro, parsley, pumpkin seeds, fresh garlic, olive oil & salt. I'm not great for keeping notes on specific quantities of ingredients, but a handful cilantro, the same of the parsley, a few tablespoons of the pumpkin seeds, two cloves of garlic, a good pinch of sea salt and maybe 1/3 to 1/2 cup oil -- enough to make a nice paste. It's OK, it's not a precision compound, and you can adjust the ingredients to taste somewhat.



Eat a tablespoon of it twice per day, every day. It's very strong-tasting, so you might thin it with olive oil and use it as a sauce over vegetables or fish, or as a spread on rice or rye crackers or crispbread. Include the following foods on a regular basis: carrots, catnip, walnuts, thyme, mugwort, onions, papaya, tarragon, and white oak (in capsule form). The problem with wormwood and many other powerful vermifuges is they're pretty rough on the host as well! so using the pesto and the other foods mentioned, and avoiding wheat and sugar entirely, is the way to go.



And something you said pricked up my ears... so here I go poking my neb in. If I'm off-base, just ignore me! I was thinking... if you'd hesitate to see your doctor for any reason, it might be a good thing to find another one. A doctor (it means "teacher") should be someone who inspires comfort and confidence, who shows a genuine interest in your concerns, who works WITH you according to your needs and knowledge -- and with whom you'd never feel leery or shy about discussing anything. Of course, this is a relationship between two people -- you must be willing to come halfway, too. I used to see a doctor in my old neighborhood, Greenwich Village in NYC, whose practice primarily consisted of men with AIDS. He's an utterly meticulous, extremely intelligent and thoughtful physician -- I very much appreciated those qualities, and I genuinely liked the guy, so I continued as his patient even though it was quite clear early on that he was not entirely comfortable with women. I found it kind of amusing (mean of me, I guess ;-}), and charming in a way, and I confess I nudged that sore spot now and again, on purpose -- out of curiosity, really. But my needs were minimal (a yearly checkup), and for the most part I consulted with his brilliant young nurse for anything special -- for instance, when I asked for a Pneumovax shot, he was quite fascinated to know why I'd want one, so we got into a long conversation about the BTD, which he now follows (and I got the shot!). If I could choose the perfect GP to whom I could unburden my heart about anything at all, it would be the man who is my gynecologist, and whose nursing staff are beyond compare. I always have such a great time at my appointments, and feel truly sad to leave & wait the year before I see him again. He's just one of those shining people in the world.



It took me years to find him, my acupuncturist and my chiropractor. If you search a bit, I'm sure you'll hook up with a physician who you're willing to form a solid, comfortable, congenial relationship with, based upon mutual respect. Once you do, you'll wonder why you spent all that time & money on the others. Anyway, I've gone on long enough, and rather off-topic, too! Good luck with those pesky critters, and keep in touch! :-D

I hope that you are not too swamped to be able to respond to this question. Anyway, here goes. Since being on the Blood Type diet I have increased my soy-related intake, as recommended for a Type A, mainly from organic tofu, miso, Chinese soybean paste and organic soymilk. My latest blood test shows that my once stable TSH level has moved to the high side (8.2 out of a 0.35-5.00 range) while my Free Thyroine and T3 levels remain within the normal range. I have been on thyroxine (a 50mcg dose per day) for a year now after undergoing treatment for recuring hyperthyroidism. Do you also think that I should somewhat curtail my soy intake (I was estatic to get back onto it since your diet recommends it for Type A and I have always liked soy products), and/or can I also perhaps introduce an intake of iodine rich foods? I do sometimes take small servings of spinach. Previously while I was hyperthyroid, I shied away from iodine rich foods. My doctor is now suggesting that I increase my thyoxine intake level (to 75mcg) since my TSH seems to be on the move! Can you shed any light on whether an adjustment in my diet (soy intake) may help level out my TSH level?. HELP!!! Secondly, is there any other supplement that could be substituted by a hypothyroid Type A rather than use quercetin when it is listed in the protocol lists for Type As (eg. anti-cancer)in the encyclopedia? The article by Dr. D'Adamo on soy shows that quercetin seems to be more potent than soy isoflavinoids for inhibiting thyroid hormone biosynthesis (and may produce goiter and/or high TSH levels). Thanks for recommending the soy article to readers, and a big, big thank you if I hear from you soon. Keep up the good work! Diane



Hi there, Diane! Your questions belong to a territory that I'm not fully equipped to handle effectively, I'm sorry to say! I do suggest you copy the question, and paste it into the Ask Dr. Bron question form. He can give you an informed analysis of your situation, which I'm afraid my knowledge isn't quite up to! Thanks, dear, and all the best to you!! :-D

Hi Heidi, Thanks so much for being their - I have learned so much from you and it has given me the strength to stick to and not sway from the BTD...you're making me a better woman. *LOL* I just read (3/25) a note from Helen that your recommendation to help stop food cravings has worked wonders...maca root, gotu kola and l-tyrosine. What mg of each and what brand (or type). (For type 0 and A). Thanks, you're an angel. Linda



Aw, gosh! :-} What a sweetie.



I'd be glad to give you the dosages, Linda ~ in fact, here's the column she was referring to: Type A Roundup ~ #4! No particular brands, although I prefer the maca root from www.pennherb.com, both for quality and price. My friends in Oregon say they've found it in bulk, so if there's a bulk seller in your area, that's another possibility. Hope it helps, and keep "polishing your practice!" :-D

Hi Heidi, Thanks for the answer I will increase my dosage of TFA and try again with the Deflect. I know how busy you are and I hesitate to ask this question but it is causing some controvercy and I need a dependable answer. Father blood type O with both parents blood type O, Mother type AB. They have 3 children two are blood type A and one is blood type AB. I searched and searched Dr. D's material and other places on the web and I got the impression that it was not possible for that como to produce an AB child. Is it possible? Am I mistaken can an O father, with both parents O and an AB mother have an AB child? It's my cousin so it's a family discussion that maybe I'd better drop. If you get time I'd love an answer if not I understand. Thanks Heidi for all your knowledge and willingness to share it. Love Pat



Hello, Pat ~~ This situation is almost always the result of an error in the AB's blood type. If your cousin is willing, I would do a careful re-test with the home kit. Only one tiny drop of water in each circle, and be diligent in ensuring no liquid passes between the anti-A and the anti-B circles. If the result is definitely AB, I'd see about testing Dad, too. ;-) but I don't expect the child of those parents to be AB. Do let me know! thanks, Pat! And anyone who could shed some further light on this problem, please do write in! :-D

Is black cohosh compatible with "O" and/or "B" type blood? Estela



Greetings, Estela! Peter uses it primarily for groups A and AB. For other types, depending on the specific condition, other herbs tend to work better. If you have a particular problem you were thinking of using black cohosh for, just write back & let me know ~~ and remember that the BTD Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia contains detailed information about ABO and supplementation. thanks, dear!

I am a type A. I have a question about soba pasta and soy sauce. I ordered the soba noodles from a food co-op because they are on our beneficial list. When I went to use them, I suddenly saw that the first ingredient is wheat. Is this with all soba, or just with the particular brand I happened to purchase? Are they still beneficial with wheat? Also with soy sauce, it contains wheat. I use it alot, and had thought it was okay, but is it? Thanks, Heidi! Rachel



Hi, Rachel ~~ there are wheat-free soba noodles and wheat-free tamari sauce, and I'll mention a few brands -- see if you can get hold of them. Eden makes wheat-free soba, as do Clearspring, Mitoku Organic, and Yamagata Jyuwari (sold in Asian specialty food stores). The most common brand of organic, wheat-free tamari I've found is the one by San-J. Look for the bottle with lots of dull gold in the label, and read carefully, as they make several varieties -- not all wheat-free, and not all organic. There you go, dear! enjoy!! :-D

Hello Heidi- I have enjoyed your column each day and have gained much knowledge.My question is for my wife.She has been diagnosed as being anemic.She is O+,secretor,and for some reason does not care much for red meat.Since her diagnosis I got her to eat red meat 3 times per week,but her iron count did not improve.The doctor put her on a supplement twice a day,but still no improvement.He now wants to refer her to a specialist.I am thinking it is an absorption problem,but that is off the top of my head.Do you have any recommendations that may help?Is the Floradix formula compatable with type O?Any suggestions you may be able to give,of course,is much appreciated...Thank you, John



Hi there, John! I'm pleased that you enjoy the column!



It sounds like the "top of your head" is smarter than her doctors. Yes, it is most likely an absorption problem -- and can be boosted by taking vitamin C (in a small glass of grapefruit or prune juice) with iron-rich foods such as beef, venison, lamb (red meat is certainly the best source), turkey, sardines, cod, nutritional yeast, blackstrap molasses, and greens of all kinds (turnip, beet, spinach, etc.). She should really stock up on those items and eat them daily. Maybe you can find a way to stuff 'em into her? ;-) In stews or soups, some means whereby she wouldn't be faced with a big steak twice per day?



Do look into Floradix and/or Floravit iron supps. I can't seem to pull up a list of ingredients! If you find them, drop me a note with those ingredients. Please explain to your wife that it takes time to build up her iron reserves. I'd put off seeing a specialist until she has been on her high-iron diet with liquid iron supplementation for at least one month and has had the standard tests done again. Keep me posted, and best wishes, John!

Dear Heidi, I have a looooong question in mind, but have not yet taken the time to formulate it........ so be forewarned! But for now, I have a queston regarding your advice today of washing raw eggs before using them. I was told by a health food store employee (here in France) that you should NEVER wash eggs. She had gone to some special training classes on eggs and seemed to have an inordinate amount of knowledge on eggs. Anyway, she said that any bacteria on the outside shell would (somehow) go inside the shell if you get it wet. I had asked her about washing eggs since I notice what I would guess to be chicken poop on some organic eggs here. (I also see spiders, snails and ants on organic produce - so you know it is certainly pesticide free!) At the time she gave me this advice on not washing eggs, I mentioned it to my 82 year old father, who said he had known not to wash eggs forever! Sooooooooo, can you shed any light on this? Thanks once again, Abby



Allo, Abby! Darned if I can help there! Washing eggs is something my family never did, either, but it's been authoritatively suggested on various alt-health mailing lists so I felt duty-bound to report it. See? Your Dad knows better, evidently, and that's good enough for me! thanks for the note, dear, and I'm looking forward to the long one!! :-D

Heidi, Thanks for your response a while ago about my type-O son who didn't get much breast! (part of your answer is below) * For a type O baby, brown rice syrup, coconut oil and sunflower oil are all definitely avoids for him if he is a secretor. If he happens to be a nonsecretor, the soy is an avoid as well -- the only OK thing would be the coconut oil. And I'd definitely want to avoid the synthetic vits & mins for such a wee tyke. ** I have a couple likely quick followups: 1) I know sunflower and coconut oils are avoids (at least for secretors), but why Brown Rice Syrup? Was that a mistype? The online database shows it to be neutral, and in fact I'm a type O and eat foods w/ brown rice syrup sometimes (when I don't have Stevia handy) - I figure relatively healthy. 2) You mentioned "only OK thing would be coconut oil." Not sure about a non-sec, but coconut oil is an avoid, right? 3) You mentioned 1-2 cups of water. That's quite a range. Should I start w/ two cups, and go down if needed until I see nice-looking bowel movements? 4) On the water for the nuts, I think you said 2X the volume of water as nuts. This seems very concentrated! Is this intended? I'm on a 10-day business trip, and when I return, will start this rotation to the extent my wife and I can and still keep our sanity. At first (during the first 2-3 weeks or so) we thought he was allergic to Goat's milk [skin rash, and strong vomiting], but I've given him 7 ozs or so a couple times, and seen no issues so far that I can tell. Thank you again!! Jim



Hi, Jim! Hey, I'm glad you & your wife are going to give this a good try.



Brown rice syrup is OK for O secretors, and avoid for nonsecretors. Coconut oil is allowed only for O nonsecretors - it's an avoid for everyone else. About the water, I'd start with two cups & reduce as you mentioned. And a 2-1 ratio of water to nuts does make a very thick mixture, which you can adjust to the consistency desired by adding water.



I'm looking forward to you next report (if you ever again have time to do so! :-D) ~~ thanks for writing, Jim! :-D

My question/s relate/s to items such as tinned salmon which is listed as beneficial and a recommended food source, bone and all, for type-A's. Should all tinned or frozen fish be listed as avoids? How does that relate to tinned salmon being a recommended/beneficial food? Is there any general level that can be considered as sufficient for keeping polyamide levels below the harmful levels - say if consumed twice a week? Apart from the toxic indicators given according to blood types, how do we make sure we are not getting anywhere close to the toxic levels indicated? In other words, out of the 8 indicators listed for a Type-A (on page 105 of LR4YT), how many would be considered as being at a toxic level, or is any one indicator sufficient to indicate toxicity and which, if any, is the most important toxic indicator? As I have a tendency to resort to frozen cod (from the supermarket) which I take is quick frozen and high in polyamines, do certain frozen/tinned fish have high/undesirable polyamine levels while others contain reasonable or even acceptable levels of polyamines - would this varying level also apply to frozen vegetables? I also resort to home-freezing fresh cod and salmon myself when I am unable to use up what I have purchased. What are your views on this type of freezing? Would it be better to cook or partly cook the fish first before freezing at home? Finally, as my other half is an Type-O, what is the low-down on frozen and tinned meat such as frozen lamb and tinned beef, particularly since red meat such as beef and lamb are beneficials for Type-Os. Thus, how will tinned/frozen meats affect a Type-O? The recommendation (on page 104 of LR4YT) is for Type-Os to reduce their GRAIN lectins - a matter which I have succeeded in getting accomplished thus far! Once again, many thanks for being there! Diane



Hi, Diane! Commercially frozen or tinned fish is not an avoid ~ it is a less desirable alternative to fresh or home-frozen or dried or vacuum-packed fish. The polyamine levels are higher in flash-frozen fish especially, and in fowl or meat to a lesser extent -- far less in vegetables. But they are not so high even in fish that one should eat none at all if only flash-frozen is available. It is a moderating factor, one which should be weighed by individual circumstances. And remember, adding black cherry juice to a marinade or sauce will reduce the polyamine load in whatever fish or meat it's used on.

Even though red meat is listed as having a high polyamine level, it's also recommended for type Os, daily. Every one of the blood type diets is based upon fresh vegetables and fruit, which greatly improve digestion of protein foods and contain plentiful antioxidants. That's what you should focus on in feeding both you and your type O. :-)

Any one of the toxic indicators for A on page 104, if present, means that doing some detoxifying is a good idea. The most telling indicators are probably halitosis, skin problems, odiferous stools, and headaches.

And if you're freezing fish & meat at home, make sure it is fresh as possible and uncooked. Double-wrap it tightly, in small servings for convenience' sake. thanks for writing, Diane!

HiHi, I wonder if I can refer some reference (out of BTD) for Wendy (last question April 3) who has Type I diabetes children. It is an flower essence called "Peach-flowered Tea-tree (www.ausflowers.com.au) and I would quote the following from their book : "As mentioned in my earlier book, this remedy balances the pancreas. Since that publication we have had a number of case histories where insulin dependent diabetics taking this remedy, in consultation with their medical doctor, have been able to come off all medication. In fact two women who had both been taking insulin injections for over 15 years were able to come off all insulin within a month of being on Peach-flowered Tea-tree - and with neither needing to ever go back onto insulin again" Hope it helps. Thank you. lily

Lily, I so appreciate your writing in with that note! I hope it will help those girls! Thanks, dear!

Comment to "Eva", I am an O and whenever I take Phytocal I have severe diarreha. I can turn it on and off by doing nothing but taking or not taking Phytocal. I did mention it to NAP. I am totally healthy,have never had digestive trouble and I thrive on the secreter BTO diet. I have someone dedicated to researching and preparing all my meals (lucky I am). It could not hurt to stick with the O diet and cancel the Phytocal for a week as a test. Sincerely, Clyde

Thanks, Clyde! Hey, Eva ~ if I didn't say it before, DO experiment with your supps as well as different foods, eliminating one or another to see if you're reacting to a specific item. We're all individuals, and research of this kind can save a bundle of frustration and doctor's bills! best wishes, and thanks again!

Hello Heidi Thanks again for all your hard work. I enjoy reading the column every morning. I'm writing this time to share some great news about mustard for type O. I've found 4 varieties that are O friendly. (no wheat, no corn syrup, no vinegar except apple cider, and no gummy sounding additives at all.) The first three are "Annie's Naturals" which comes in three flavors: Organic Honey, Organic Raspberry and Organic Horseradish. The last is "Whole Kids" Organic Yellow Mustard. The last is a Whole Foods brand. All four are available at Whole Foods and two can be found at Trader Joes where I live. (SF Bay area) I LOVE mustard and have been feeling either deprived or guilty, depending on my compliance with the limits. My next quest is for an O friendly ketchup! (salsa works for some foods.) Now for a quick question. An herbalist I know recommends raw sauerkraut for digestive complaints. I know cabbage isn't an avoid anymore, but I'm wondering if it's good advice for an O secretor? I take the probiotics faithfully but am still prone to bloating and flatulence, mostly when I eat raw veggies such as brocolli. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance, Diane

Hey there, Diane! Nice work on the mustards! Don posted a while back on his condiment search -- he found a few good ones:

"Tree of Life Ketchup Ingredients: Organic tomato paste, water, organic apple cider vinegar, organic brown rice syrup, spices, sea salt. It would appear that type O ketchup lovers could eat all of this ketchup they want! [Well, at least you secretors can, Don! ;-D -- h]

"Tree of Life makes a couple of acceptable mustards too. Organic Stone Ground Mustard Ingredients: Organic apple cider vinegar, organic mustard seed, salt, citric acid, spices. Organic Yellow Mustard Ingredients: Organic apple cider vinegar, organic mustard seed, salt, turmeric, spices."

Whaddya think of that! :-D

Hmmm.... raw sauerkraut? You know what? I'm going to let your type O try that one out. ;-> I once upon a time consumed quite a lot of raw cabbage juice (it literally put hair on the head of my AB partner of that time, so he still makes some now & again) but those days are gone. A salad of very finely chopped raw red or white cabbage would certainly be edible, so give it a whirl. I'm not sure what raw sauerkraut would be, unless it is just the raw cabbage with pickling added. Anyway, do report back on that one, OK? :-D

If raw crucifers give you trouble, steam them instead. That's a not-uncommon reaction to eating raw broccoli, especially in quantity. By the way, broccoli sprouts (my brand is The Sproutman, they're grown in PA) are a great way to get all the benefits of broccoli in a tiny (raw, and highly digestible) package. You could grow your own if you liked. I'll bet your area offers a selection of organic seed producers ~~ Whole Foods certainly carries the sprouts. enjoy! :-D

Hi Heidi, I love your column and appreciate the time you offer to all of us persuing the BTD. Dr. Bron answered part of my question, but I was really hoping for more detail because I'm so nervous about the plunge we're about to take. What do you think would be the best coarse to take for introducing real food to a 15 year old who has only had canned formula tube feedings her whole life? She's had absolutely tons of antibiotics in her short life. Will her O+ sec, NN digestive system be able to jump into pureed stews easily? My nervousness stems from the fact that she is nonverbal (due to severe cerebral palsy), and I'll be guessing as to what she's experiencing if she seems uncomfortable when I start her on the BTD. Her present formula is nondairy, but 80% corn syrup, with guar gum. She's never ever had meat. See why I'm anxious to start, knowing what I now know about the diet? I'm hoping for some marked changes in increasing negative-type behaviors, I often have to resort to Valium in order to manage her-- poor thing. Erin's pediatrician was supportive enough of my desire for this change to give me a lab slip with blanks to write in the tests I wanted (which she's never heard of). I've gotten lots of ideas from reading your column over the past months (and have personally benefitted greatly), but still not confident in deciding the safest route. Start with rice milk and veggies then progress to all the Tier 2 beneficials??? Have all the books. Any suggestions would be greatly welcomed. Donna in CA

Hello, Donna! With what this girl has gone through, she is going to experience symptoms when you begin giving her actual food-based liquids and take away that damaging gummy corn syrup she's always been fed -- no matter what you start with. The antibiotics and that formula together have wreaked havoc on her mood as well as her digestive system, so the sooner you begin, the better. There is NOTHING worse than what she's been getting! so don't you worry about changing her diet, you're doing her an enormous benefit.

You can start with rice milk (or broth) and cooked veg, blended. Add some probiotic (just empty the capsule into the liquid) twice per day. You can proceed to give her one feeding per day of carrot/celery juice with a little olive or walnut oil added, and I'd slowly work away at introducing some beneficial fruits, with some added C and nutritional yeast. Then, blend some hard-boiled egg with broth & veg, and make that a regular meal. In a couple of weeks, you can begin introducing some blended cooked fish, fowl or meat -- but I'd give some ground pancreatic enzyme tablets in the veg mix for two days before doing so, and keep it up for her first two weeks of flesh proteins.

Donna, have faith! and plunge right in! Let me know how she adjusts to the new diet. It will take some time, and she may experience some cravings (vegetable glycerine mixed with water will take care of those) but in only a month I'm sure you'll see improvements which will continue into the future. Best of everything to you both, dear, and keep me posted! :-D

I am a Type A and have been applying the diet for about 3 months - result is I feel great and have even lost a little weight (need to lose a lot more!). My question relates to Sushi, which I have become very fond of but I am unsure whether the amount of Rice Vinegar in it negates any health benefits. Dagmar

No worries there, Dagmar - there is only a tiny bit of vinegar in them, and you'll still get the health benefits of the other ingredients. Ask your sushi chef exactly what he uses, just to make sure! and Thanks for writing! :-D

Hello Heidi! Thank you very much for your column. I am a blood type B, secrator status unknown (I have recently ordered a test). I use soy lecithin granules for my daily membrane fluidizer cocktail. Is that wrong? Should I use lecithin from eggs as a type B? Thanks in advance Anita, Sweden

You're very welcome, Anita! It's my pleasure. ;-> Both egg and soy lecithin are fine for Bs ~ lecithin does not contain the soy lectin. enjoy! :-D

Hi Heidi, 1.Can you tell me what type of consistency ghee should have when it has set on the counter for 24 hrs. When I eyeball it to the foam stage, pour it off and let it set, it clouds over and has a butter-type consistency that is soft but will stay on a knife. When I do the paper test, it clouds up somewhat but is partially liquid in form. My thinking is that when the latter happens, I have overcooked it. Is one right and the other wrong, or is either acceptable? Joyce

Hi, Joyce! As long as the milk proteins are burned off in the bottom of the pan (that brownish stuff) and there's no foam remaining, it's done. That's the way I do mine, and it does collect some liquid as time goes by, but it can be mixed in and it's still quite buttery! hope this helps! :-D

Hi Heidi! Thanks for all the helpful info. I, too, start my day with your column. I just got (and finished reading) Dr. D's brand new "Eat Right 4 Your Baby" (LOVE IT!) as I am planning to become pregnant. 2 quick questions: First, I am still about 15 pounds overweight (but have been losing steadily since BTD & exercise), and I've just turned 39 (my husband is 36 & O secretor). Do I attempt conception now (due to "advancing" age) or finish losing the weight first (at my current rate of weight loss, I think I'll lose it in about 2-3 months)? Second, I noticed the recommondations for diet seem to be the more general secretor-based. (I am a B-, non-secretor). Do I follow what's in this book as far as diet or stick with my non-secretor list from "Live Right..." & "Encyclopedia..."? And if I may be so bold to ask a 3rd question(!): There's nothing in the "Encyclopedia..." for varicose veins. I have one bothersome one in the back of one leg (behind knee). I don't think it's circulation because my feet and hands are always warm and pink. Also, I run regularly, have good blood test levels, etc. Any help would be much appreciated. Again, thanks for the column and to all other moms-to-be & planning-to-be-moms: read the new book--it has loads of helpful info.! --M.K. -- More questions: Do you have any idea when the Pre-Natal vitamins will be available (and the protein powder and bars)? Just wondering and waiting. Thanks! --M.K.

Hi, M.K.! Do wait for the weight loss to be complete before attempting to conceive. Trying to lose weight once you're pregnant is only suggested if you are *very* overweight. Pregnancy is a demanding condition, and both your body and the developing babe deserve the best possible situation *before* pregnancy. :-)

Glad you like the new book!! The "Baby Book's" activity and preparation recommendations should be followed, along with the specific avoids listed. Otherwise, your nonsecretor Rh-neg diet in Live Right is the way to go!

About the varicose vein: use the suggestions in this column from January 5 of this year.

Hey, I'm very excited to hear you're going to have a child, and 'get away' with that advancing age stuff, OK? With your commitment to the BTD, you're healthier than lots of 20-year-olds I know! ;-) Keep me CLOSELY updated, please! :-D best of everything to you & your family, dear!!

I tried to get my own blood today by using a lancet to send off blood to find out my MN status and my A subgrouping and I literally couldn't get one drop. Had to go get blood drawn. I am an A negative, non-secretor and 38 years old. I have given the blood type test to many others and never ran into this problem. I already knew my blood type from my pregancy and took the spit test for secretor status. I know As have more Von Willebrand factor and the like but I imagine it is not a good thing to coagulate so severely. I have already started taking Vitamin E after my unsuccessful efforts to draw blood. Any recommendations? Any possible explanations? Do other A subgroups clot more than others? Thanks, Nina PS Finding out I was a non-secretor was truly life changing and that is why I want to find out all I can about the other subgroupings. Thanks to all of you for your incredible work.

{big smile!} Hello, Nina! Don't be concerned by the apparent absence of blood in your body. :-D I can't tell you how many times I've experienced the same thing with type As of every polymorphic persuasion. Now, when I do blood tests, I use the little spring-loaded Microtainer lancets made by Becton-Dickinson, as they are quick and make a nice deep stab. In difficult cases, a Claigh Mor (the Scottish two-handed sword) comes in handy. ~;-)

I have to tell you that your post reminded me of the time I tested the last member of a family of As. The mother and father and four of the five grown children severely challenged my ability to squeeze out enough substance to properly do the little ABO/Rhesus test. So by the time I got to Offspring #5, I was prepared. First, soak the to-be-pricked hand up to the arm in very warm water for a couple of minutes. Then, have subject stand & lean on a counter, or perch on a high stool. Have him shake the arm thoroughly, then give a mini-massage by rubbing and squeezing the arm down toward the hand. Then... ATTACK!

Well, this guy (the rebel of the family, and the only one who persisted in eating red meat daily) was quite calm and only mildly attentive as I walked him through this preparation. I rubbed his arm down, he picked up his roast beef sandwich and proceeded to munch as I delivered the blow. Well, I should have had a gallon jar on hand, cuz he bled all over the place. I had to staunch the thing with a wad of paper towels. He placidly observed the events, at one time moving his bite of sandwich over far enough in his mouth to murmur, "Wow." Well... he turned out to be type O, and it was only my mistaken conclusion that he'd be A like all the rest that kept me from realizing that fact the instant the gusher blew.

The lesson? The difference in productive result between pricking an O finger and doing the same to an A is vast. As' physiologies in general are sometimes slow, and on other occasions entirely unwilling, to part with even a drop of life's red essence, so don't let your own little fluidic stubbornness discourage you. Besides, a lancet would never be adequate to draw the amount of blood the serotype panel requires -- we all need venipuncture for that -- so don't feel bad at all!

And a big THANK YOU for telling us how much it has meant to your life to follow the plan by your secretor status! I think sometimes people see that information in the books and it seems kind of academic or overzealous to them -- it ain't! It's a very illuminating piece of one's personal puzzle, and most often makes a remarkable contribution to one's joy in living. :-D

Dear Heidi, I enjoy your column so much and never miss a day!! My son, a type A, has a very bad heart health history on his fathers side of the family. Heart attack and bypass surgery with clogged arteries in heart and legs. Have you ever heard of the Straus Heart drops that are supposed to help unclog the arteries? My son does not want to wind up with these problems. He is 31 now. Have seen a lot on the internet about the heart drops and wanted your opinion, plus any other suggestions to help him not experience these problems. Thanks for all your hard work!!! Connie from Ohio

Hello, Connie! Well, I wouldn't go with the Straus Drops. I would follow the Encyclopedia protocols, do yoga daily, take the Hawthorne and Cortiguard supps, and add vitamin E every day. Keep the cholesterol levels low thereby -- stay active -- And follow the diet!! that goes without saying, I suppose. ;-) His family's history need not be his -- he has the advantages of all the cutting-edge research now available in Live Right and is in a perfect position to live a long, vibrant, healthy life.

His lifestyle is a major consideration, as stress is such a potent problem in this regard. He should carefully follow the lifestyle recommendations in Live Right -- just make them habits. Don't you worry! and he shouldn't worry about this, either. Just do these simple things, and proceed with a joyful attitude. Thanks for writing, Connie ~~ I wish you and your family all the best, and I'm sure all will be well! :-D

Hello Heidi! I'm type A. I started the diet about two weeks ago, read up very carefully including reading up on all you've written about type A, and then dropped by my local Whole Foods market and went cold turkey, replacing all my flours, oils, and baking goods, making my own mayo, eating like 95% beneficial foods, and making my neutral choices among low calorie veggies, and I feel just incredible. If it's okay to send a letter that just natters about how happy I am and doesn't ask a question, I'd love to do so, but I know y'all are very busy. Please let me know if there's an appropriate venue for "Testimonials" rather than questions. On to my one question. I realized I've had two meals now that took something for granted about my favorite veggie, but I figure I better ask. Is Kabocha Pumpkin, the green, hard, warty-skinned kind, just considered pumpkin? Is it beneficial, like pumpkin, or neutral, like many squashes, or heaven forfend, avoid, like yam, which it tastes so much like? When you bake or microwave it sealed in casserole with water for a long time, it develops a sweet, rich taste and velvety, starchy texture. Makes great soup too, when you puree the soft-cooked stuff and add it to your soup. Seems too good to be true, like I'm cheating with a yam that has pumpkin seeds inside. (I do know that yams are nightshades, like potatos/tomatos/eggplants and that squashes aren't, but still, better safe than sorry, maybe there's something else about it that I don't know.) I wish you peace in troubled times, Morrisa

thank you, dear! :-) Testimonials are most gratefully received here, day or night, so please feel fully empowered to natter away to me at your lengthiest convenience! :-D

Kabocha and the rest of 'em are indeed pumpkins. The yam is an entirely different animal -- an obvious tuber, long, white inside with a tan-to-dark-brown shiny thin skin. Specifically, Dioscorea villosa. Enjoy your kabochas and all the rest of the wondrous pumpkin family, dear! :-D