Question for September 30 1998 :

TYPE A WITH SARCOIDOSIS

Q: Dr Dadamo, I just recently purchased your book "Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type". I must say that since I changed my eating habits, I feel great. I have not lost any weight, but I am breathing much better. I am an African American female who has Sarcoidosis, a condition that manifest itself in my lungs. Are you familiar with this desease and in addition to eating according to my blood type which is A+, are there some herbs that I can take to enhance my immune system? Please let me hear from you. Sarcoidosis is a rare desease and not many people know that much about it.

A: Sarcoidosis is a chronic, multisystem disorder of an unknown cause characterized by the accumulation of T-lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes, nonsecreting epithelial granulomas and derangements of the normal tissue architecture in affected organs. All parts of the body can be affected, but the organ most affected is the lung. Involvement of the skin, eye and lymph nodes is also common. A variety of infectious and noninfectious agents have been implicated, but there is no proof that any specific agent is responsible. However, available evidence is consistent with the concept that the disease result from an exaggerated cellular immune response (acquired, inherited or both) to a limited class of antigens or self antigens.

Cases of sarcoid have been described in both sexes, almost all ages, races and geographic locations. Females appear to be slightly more susceptible than males. There is remarkable diversity of the prevalence of sarcoidosis among certain ethnic and racial groups. In the United States, the majority of patients are black 10:1 to 17:1. Blacks are often younger than whites with the disease. I know of no specific association with ABO blood type, but have observed that following the correct diet for your type has almost always resulted in improvement in the cases I have seen in my clinic. Perhaps this is through the avoidance of blood type food lectins and the subsequent improvement in immune function. Whereas you are type A and obviously should follow the A plan, the rest of the information given below can be employed by any ABO type:

Chinese herbal treatment: A traditional Chinese remedy, Qing-Fei-Tang (Seihai-to, T90), has been used for treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, including sarcoid, with long-lasting cough and sputum, e.g. chronic bronchitis. We examined the effect of T90 and its main component flavonoid, baicalein, on the lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) synthesis of human alveolar macrophages (AM). These results suggest that T90 exerts its effect on inflammatory lung diseases through the anti-inflammatory action, i.e. inhibiting the oxidative and arachidonate metabolism of local inflammatory lung cells. (1)

Boswellia serrata: Used largely as an arthritis remedy, Boswellia is a moderate to large branching tree found in India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. Strips of bark are peeled away, yielding a gummy oleo-resin which contains oils, terpenoids, and gum. Up to 16 percent of the resin is essential oil, the majority being alpha thujene and p-cymene. Four pentacyclic triterpene acids are also present, with beta-Boswellic acid being the major constituent. Extracts of this gummy exudate have been traditionally used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine as an anti-arthritic. In vitro testing revealed Boswellia specifically, and in a dose-dependent manner, blocks the synthesis of pro-inflammatory 5-lipoxygenase products, including 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), which cause bronchoconstriction, chemotaxis, and increased vascular permeability. Other anti-inflammatory plant constituents, such as quercetin, also block this enzyme, but they do so in a more general fashion, as an antioxidant; whereas, Boswellia seems to be a specific inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase. Human clinical studies are woefully lacking for this substance, and need to be conducted to better elucidate its effects in humans, as well as to determine optimal dosing. Animal and in vitro studies suggest it is useful for many inflammatory and bronchoconstrictive conditions. (2)

Melatonin: Matteo L. Cagnoni at the Dept of Dermatology University of Siena, Italy, writes: "We are presently studying the effects of Melatonin in the treatment of chronic refractary sarcoidosis.
We have treated with Melatonin two cases of chronic refractary sarcoidosis unresponsive to long-term steroidal therapy. A more detailed report on this research has appeared in The Lancet November 4, Vol 346, pp 1229-1230, 1995."

CASE 1

A 34-year-old woman with sarcoidosis since 1990 had steroid treatment for 16 month from diagnosis with no improvement of her chest radiograph. Dyspnoea was present and FVC was reduced. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the lung showed swelling of hilar lymphonodes and a diffuse fibrosis characterised by interstitial reticular parenchymal infiltrates and thickening of bronchial walls. Serum angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) values were increased (180 U/l). A 20 mg Melatonin daily therapy was started. 4 months later, dyspnoea had disappeared and the chest radiograph showed reduction of the reticular nodulation. Melatonin was continued and a year later a chest radiograph showed no interstitial involvement. In September 1993 Melatonin was tapered to 10 mg daily and discontinued in June, 1994. In January 1995, CT confirmed disappearence of the interstitial involvement and reduction of hilar lymphonodes.

CASE 2

In 1992 Sarcoidosis was diagnosed after a skin biopsy in a 45-year-old woman with reddish nodular papules on her right knee, which spread to her right cheekbone, left ear, and right elbow. Chest radiograph showed interstitial nodules; exertional dyspnoea was present; after a nine months steroidal therapy the patient did not improve: lung CT showed swelling of hilar lymponodes and micronodular and nodular interstitial images. ACE concentrations were increased. After treatment with 20 mg Melatonin daily for 5 months, the skin lesions were almost completely cleared, and dyspnoea reduced.CT scan showed disappearence of lymphonodes swelling and interstitial thickening. Resolutions of symptoms and radiological findings of these two cases of chronic sarcoidosis, previously unresponsive to steroid treatment, suggests that Melatonin might be a useful treatment. There were no side-effects. Further studies on acute sarcoidosis and on more patients with chronic sarcoidosis are needed to validate our observations.

1. Tanno Y, Kakuta Y, Aikawa T, Shindoh Y, Ohno I, Takishima T. Effects of qing-fei-tang (seihai-to) and baicalein, its main component flavonoid, on lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence and leukotriene B4 synthesis of human alveolar macrophages. Am J Chin Med 1988;16(3-4):145-154

2. Monograph:Boswellia serrata. Altern Med Rev 1998 Aug;3(4):306-307 

Question for September 28-29 1998:

BLADDERWRACK

Q: Dr D'Adamo, I own a small health food store and have a customer who is reading your book. She is type O and was interested in your section on 'bladder wrack' on page 90. You list your source for bladder wrack as 'Fucus vesiculosus' and although we carry several different brands of kelp in the store, they are either 'Laminaria spp' or 'Ascophyllum nodosum'. Can either of these be used with the desired results, or do I need to find the source listed in your book?

A: Bladderwrack is an excellent nutrient for type Os. However, there are many kelps which are referred to as "bladderwrack. Only Fucus vesiculosus will do the trick. The critical sugar fucose, which is found in Fucus seems to help normalize the sluggish metabolic rate and produce weight loss.

In addition to fucose, Fucus vesiculosus contains a wide spectrum of polysaccharides including fucoidans (containing mainly fucose and sulfate) and fucans (composed of neutral sugars with a high content of uronic acids), as well as glucosamine. Fucus vesiculosus also has a lectin or lectin-like compound.

In addition to its effects on metabolism (largely through modulating the effects of the immune system on the the thyroid gland) Fucus has the following additional actions:

It is available from the shopping mall on this website. As a retailer, you may want to contact North American direct set up an account to purchase bladderwrack direct from them.

References

1. Rozkin MIa, Levina MN, Efimov VS, Usov AI. Comparative study of the anticoagulant activity of sulfated polysaccharides from marine brown algae. Farmakol Toksikol 1988;51:63-68. [Article in Russian]

2. Durig J, Bruhn T, Zurborn KH, et al. Anticoagulant fucoidan fractions from Fucus vesiculosus induce platelet activation in vitro. Thromb Res 1997;85:479-491.

3. Soeda S, Ishida S, Shimeno H, Nagamatsu A. Inhibitory effect of oversulfated fucoidan on invasion through reconstituted basement membrane by murine Lewis lung carcinoma. Jpn J Cancer Res 1994;85:1144-1150.

4. Zapopozhets TS, Besednova NN, Loenko IuN. Antibacterial and immunomodulating activity of fucoidan. Antibiot Khimioter 1995;40:9-13. [Article in Russian]

5. Itoh H, Noda H, Amano H, et al. Antitumor activity and immunological properties of marine algal polysaccharides, especially fucoidan, prepared from Sargassum thunbergii of Phaeophyceae. Anticancer Res 1993;13:2045-2052.

6. Teixeira MM, Hellewell PG. The effect of the selectin binding polysaccharide fucoidin on eosinophil recruitment in vivo. Br J Pharmacol 1997;120:1059-1066.

7. Zapopozhets TS, Besednova NN, Loenko IuN. Antibacterial and immunomodulating activity of fucoidan. Antibiot Khimioter 1995;40:9-13. [Article in Russian]

8. Baba M, Snoeck R, Pauwels R, de Clercq E. Sulfated polysaccharides are potent and selective inhibitors of various enveloped viruses, including herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and human immunodeficiency virus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1988;32:1742-1745.

9. Criado MT, Ferreiros CM. Selective interaction of a Fucus vesiculosus lectin-like mucopolysaccharide with several Candida species. Ann Microbiol (Paris) 1983;134A:149-154.

10. Criado MT, Ferreiros CM. Toxicity of an algal mucopolysaccharide for Escherichia coli and Neisseria meningitidis strains. Rev Esp Fisiol 1984;40:227-230.

11. Stromqvist M, Falk P, Bergstrom S, et al. Human milk kappa-casein and inhibition of Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric mucosa. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1995;21:288-296.

12. Rowe A, Berendt AR, Marsh K, Newbold CI. Plasmodium falciparum: a family of sulphated glycoconjugates disrupts erythrocyte rosettes. Exp Parasitol 1994;79:506-516.

13. Granert C, Raud J, Xie X, et al. Inhibition of leukocyte rolling with polysaccharide fucoidin prevents pleocytosis in experimental meningitis in the rabbit. J Clin Invest 1994;93:929-936.

Question for September 25-27 1998:

MOUSE ON MARS

Q: What is your opinion on the following :

Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 17:22:28 -0400 Reply-To: Paleolithic Diet Symposium List Sender:
Paleolithic Diet Symposium List From: Ruediger Hoeflechner Subject: Eat right for your type

"One of the strangest diet books of the last years is Peter D'Adamo's "Eat Right For Your Type". D'Adamo tries to explain his blood group specific dietary recommendations with human adaptations to different environments (O: oldest human blood group/hunter-gatheres, A: adaptation to agriculture/ vegetarianism/caucasian, B: adaptation to colder climates/dairy/mongoloid). I believe it's necessary to state clearly: D'Adamo's diet has nothing to do with the topic of paleolithic nutrition.

I'll agree to that. The Paleolithic diet (like all other diet theories, excepting Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese and the Blood Type Diets) is a reductionist "One size fits all" diet.

...Already flawed from the start.

Without doubt - there are a lot of documented links between blood type and risk of various diseases. I also don't question the possibility of immunological reactions between blood group antigens and certain foods. But until now there is no scientific basis for the conclusion, that each blood type requires its own diet.

I'll agree to that. I am certainly the first person to put forth such a hypothesis.

D'Adamo has blown up a mouse to an (bestselling) elephant without showing any new data. And his basic assumptions are simply wrong. The idea that O is the original blood group of hunter-gatherers and blood type A and B came up later in history is entirely antiquated. It can be traced back to Hirschfeld & Hirschfeld, Ruggles Gates, and Raymond Dart. Today we know that A and B antigens are present not only in humans but also in many other primate species, including chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, gibbons and macaques.

I feel the existing data is more than sufficient to justify the conclusions I've drawn in my theory. The writer neglects to include the paleoserologist Mourant in his list of "antiquated references" so I will do it for him. Here is another instance of Goethe's famous aphorism that "We see only that which we know." No other aspect of the theory is analysed, other than that which the particular critic has a problem with (sort of like a "reverse-Klaper") and that aspect is, of course, "The premise which the whole the diet is based on."

Other mammalian species do have ABO genes, but usually not all of them. They are also found on different gene locus' or even different chromosomes than the human ABO locus, and are cross-linked in different ways to adjacent alleles. Thus, the significance of their association with digestive secretions (in humans) and hence their use in determining diet strategies (which is, of course, what my book is about) are not capable of being extrapolated out to other species, or even vice versa: For example: certain species of pigs get coded for black coats of hair if they are type O. If this authors' basic assumption is correct, we might expect to find this true in type O humans as well. ABO genetics in humans is extensively linked to psychological correlates, including unipolar and bipolar disease, probably by virtue of linkage to a puntative affective disorder locus (AK1) and the dopamine beta hydoxylase (DBH) gene locus. Do type O monkeys get depressed more than type A monkeys? Or get more ulcers?

Certain expressions of ABO genetics probably require the wearer in question to first be a human.

Karl Landsteiner compared ABO-antigens of apes and humans already in the twenties. He wrote: "The group reactions which we have observed by the various methods in anthropoid bloods correspond in every respect with the group reactions in human blood".

Landsteiner, admittedly a genius, had no prior knowledge of the genetics of ABO blood type, its species-specific association (with secretor status) respecting to intestinal isoenzymes, bacteria, stomach acid and pepsinogen levels, etc. I suspect he is merely describing a similarity in hematological technique (appearance of antibody-antigen reactions) and not much else.

Irrespective of a convergent or transspecific evolution of the ABO-polymorphism in monkeys, apes and humans: Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the human A and B allels (sic) are at least a few million years old. Sorry, Mr. D'Adamo: blood group A and B are as paleolithic as blood group O. They are ancient, not adaptations to mesolithic or neolithic dietary changes, and can also be found in most recent hunter-gatherer societies. Ruediger Hoeflechner, blood type O

The condolences may have to be reversed. Numerous studies (Boyd, Mourant) have shown that type O predominates in very high percentages in populations though to be "ancient" and "isolated" so as to not have received any infusions of A and B genes . This is true to this day of the native Americans and Basques, whose percentage of type O approaches or exceeds 90% (US average: 44%).

On a deeper level, this gentleman entirely misses the point of my including anthropology in a discussion of blood type. Remember, I am trying to explain why different blood types require different type diets. That the genes capable of producing ABO antigens are found in apes I do not argue with; correlates are also found in viruses, plants, fungii and bacteria, so what is the point? If the mutation is a million years old, but the environmental conditions (be they infectious disease, altitude or diet limitations, etc.) did not allow that type to develop in any notable numbers for 99% of those prior million years, it still argues that far more recent conditions had the more profound effect (selective or not) on the immunologic and digestive parameters associated with that particular blood type.

Question for September 21-24 1998:

I'LL HAVE THE ESCARGOT

Q: My sister is type A and is battling breast cancer. I am thinking of getting her some of the Helix product, but how do I explain to her why she should take it.

A: Defects in surface glycosylation (the elaboration of long sugar chains) which in normal cells are very tightly restricted, is a characteristic of cancer cells. This results in the elaboration of tremendous amounts of glycoproteins, many of which (CA-125, CA15-3, CA 19-9, Lex) have clinical and diagnostic relevance. As neoplastic breast cells become malignantly competent, their surface glycosylation products alter, resulting in elaboration of structures characterized by the presence of GalNAc. It is the presence of these glycosylation products that allow for metastatic spread and poor prognosis. This molecule, an obscure ligand-like complex (LLC), is apparently absent from normal and early (non-metastatic) breast cancer cells. LLC can be considered a sort of "internal passport" for the breast cancer cells; allowing them free transit through the body. This complex shares many structural similarities with both A and M blood groups and may explain their particular succeptibility to breast cancer.

The common snail "Large Burgundy" contains a unique lectin called Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA) which is capable of recognizing a ligand-like complex (LLC) elaborated as a surface glycosylation product on some tumor cells. Thus the consumption of this species of snail may serve as a very potent protective agent, as both these blood group antigens are associated with a higher risk of many of these cancers.

In 1987 and 1991 Brooks and co-workers (1, 2) reported that it is possible to predict lymph node involvement in women with breast cancer by the detection of altered glycosylation. Their 1991 study was performed on paraffin-embedded sections of 373 primary breast cancers, in a 24 year retrospective study, which were stained for the binding of Helix pomatia lectin. This lectin is nominally specific for N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc). Brooks reported a strong association between HPA binding and the presence of lymph node metastases and proposed that HPA recognizes a glycoprotein associated with metastasis to axillary nodes and subsequent poor prognosis.

Springer (3) had earlier suggested that it may be related to the Tn blood group precursor substance, which is generally absent from normal tissue, yet detectable in a high proportion of breast cancer tissue. LLC also appears to display antigenic similarities to blood group A (the terminal antigen of which is GalNAc) and blood group M.

It has been shown that breast tumor cells which do not produce LLC tend to stay localized. These cells would not per se be susceptible to HPA agglutination. Interestingly, it would appear that HPA becomes active in an inverse ratio to tumor staging, i.e. as the malignancy worsens and LLC is increasingly elaborated, the tumor cells become paradoxically more susceptible to agglutination by HPA.

It is available from the shopping mall on this website.

REFERENCES

1. Brooks SA. Lancet May 9, 1987: 1054-56

2. Brooks SA and Leathem AJC. Lancet, 8759, 338 (1991): 71-74

3. Springer G. J. Nat. Cancer Inst. 54,2 (1975):335-39

4. Schumacher DU. et al. Eur. J. Surgical Oncology; 22(6) 1996:618-620

Question for September 18-19 1998:

TYPE A WITH GENTIAL HERPES

Q: I'm A+ with a rather severe case of herpes (genital). I get outbreaks about twice a month. Your book was recommended by my N.D. to help boost my immune system in general. However, I've noticed that many of the foods that supposedly aggravate the herpes virus are on the beneficial list for type A's--nuts, corn, and other food containing arginine. Should I modify your recommended diet for type A's and avoid these foods, too? Or should I try following the recommended diet for type A's and hope that in doing so it will strengthen my immune system and help keep the herpes at bay? My concern is if I eliminate nuts and seeds it could be difficult for me to get enough protein. I would prefer to remain anonymous. Thank you.

A: Many of the so-called "herpes aggravating" (i.e arginine containing) foods seem to me like the least thing I would want to avoid if I had the condition. Whereas I do agree that increasing the amino acid lysine in the diet can benefit herpes sufferers, the rationale of avoiding arginine (as it supposedly competes with lysine) is less convincing. Arginine is intimately involved with the effectivenss of the body's anti-viral T helper cells, through its role in mediating nitrous oxide, a particularly valuable component of the immune system known to be defficient in herpes and other chronic viral conditions. So, I'd not worry too much about the arginine in the A diet, but I would endeavor to increase the levels of lysine.

What else can be done?

·         Licorice phytogel. I principally use a licorice gel as a topical antiviral agent when the lesions are active. One company that markets this is Madison Botanicals in Seattle WA, but your ND probably has some on the shelf in their office. Applying this gel 5-6 times daily when the infection is active has been shown to inactivate the RNA (genetic material) of the herpes virus. Since the virus must travel from the nerve endings inside the body to the skin to reproduce, inactivating the virus at the skin means that with continued use over several active occurences, the level of virus in the nerve endings drop and eventually go beneath the threshold necessary to trigger an attack.

·         Increase cAMP. Cyclic AMP is a nucleotide with anti-herpetic activity. The Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskolin has been shown to increase cAMP. So health food store carry it. Your naturopath may be able to order it from PhytoPharmica in Green Bay WI. This is also effective in zoster (shingles) a similar herpes type infection.

Question for September 16-17 1998:

PROFIT HUNTING

Q: My concern is over the fact that all the questions you answer of late has to do with products you are selling. I have faith in you and I hope you are not turning out to be just another profit hunter. When I first starting reading your web site about six weeks ago it seemed like you really cared about "us." Now it's about your food bars and supplements. Please correct me if I am wrong. Thank you.

A: I have been writing about specific products recently, but this is because these are the most frequently submitted question topics that we get. Much of the same information has been parcelled on the old message boards over the last two years, but they are sprinkled all over the place and have been deleted or are hard to find -so I am essentially answering these types of questions one last time and in one common place. That a product is made by North American (who, by the way, pays for this site) is handy to some people but the vast majority of readers, I am sure, get these things from their local health food store. The amount of business that these products generate for North American (via internet sales) probably doesn't cover the salary of the man who has to pack the orders and ship them out. I haven't gotten (hence answered) any questions about food bars (other than asking when they are coming out) but questions about bladderwrack, larch, Collinsonia, licorice and home typing test screwups have been part of the fabric of this website since it began two years ago.

Am I profit hunting? Listen, if I really wanted to skewer you, options are open to me to do it in a much bigger, more anonymous way and which would not require me to sit at a PC for an hour every day. I've turned down every large "info-mercial" company, because I felt they did not convey the right message and were solely predicated on making a profit. Atkins, Sears, the Protein Power people and others have done info-mercials, and I do not hold it against them. It is just not right for me. But on the other hand, if someone occasionally buys a product through North American and their purchase helps to support this website, I see nothing wrong with that. It's not obligatory. The information is just as valid if you use it and shop elsewhere.

Question for September 14-15 1998:

COLLINSONIA FOR TYPE A SINUS PROBLEMS

Q: I am a type A with chronic sinusitis. I have had sinus surgery twice and would like to avoid having to do it again. I have used the herb "Collinsonia" as you recommended in your book with good results. However, I have been able to find no information about the herb on either the internet or your message board. Is it safe? How does it work?

A: I have found Collinsonia (stoneroot) to be of great reliability in assisting to stabilize the lining on the sinus cavities and to minimize the build-up of excess mucus in the sinus cavities and throat, particularly in types A and AB. It is a form of botanical support for individuals experiencing chronic build-up of nasal, pharyngeal, or stomach catarrh

Specific Indications:

The remedy nearly always cures if administered sufficiently long, and in recent cases but a few days are needed. If given in conjunction with operations for hemorrhoids, it materially assists in relieving the pain and hastening the cure."Remember it in any wrong of the venous capillary system".--Lloyd's Bulletin.

Collinsonia acts as a kindly, soothing tonic to the stomach and portal circulation. It is highly recommended in catarrhal gastritis. It is also said to lessen the appetite for alcoholic drinks."--Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Volume 8, No. 12, December, 1914

Though best suited to types A and AB, Collinsonia is safe for all blood types.

It is available from the shopping mall on this website.

Question for September 9-12 1998:

DGL LICORICE

Q: You recommend "DGL" licorice for type O's with stomach problems, and type B's with fatigue. What does the "DGL" mean, and how do you know if licorice is "DGL licorice?"

A: Say "licorice," and most people think of candy. But licorice is actually a potent and controversial herb. Just to confuse matters, not all licorice-flavored candy contains real licorice (some is artificially flavored). Today, licorice is most widely used as flavoring in tobacco products. It may also be found in some throat lozenges, in European licorice candies and in some American candies.

Traditionally used to soothe sore throat and cough, real licorice comes from the roots of a tall plant that has been cultivated in both China and Europe since ancient times. Ancient herbalists, both Western and Chinese, used the sweet-tasting root to treat ulcers, respiratory problems and many other ailments. In fact, licorice is still found in about one-third of all Chinese herbal prescriptions.

Licorice owes its sweetness to glycyrrhizin, a compound 50 times sweeter than sugar. Every so often, a medical journal will report serious illness from an "overdose" of real licorice. The overdose isn't from taking the herb, however. Usually it's from eating literally pounds of the candy or from swallowing saliva from licorice-laced chewing tobacco. Overdose symptoms include high blood pressure, weakness and water retention. The substance responsible for the herb's sweetness is also the culprit in overdose symptoms. Medical experts report that glycyrrhizin mimics a naturally occurring hormone that affects the body's metabolism and water content.

In some individuals, high amounts of licorice can cause elevated blood pressure; however, by removing the glycyrrhizinic acid component, a special licorice preparation known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is formed which maintains its digestive normalizing properties without affecting blood pressure. The high stomach acid typical of type Os can lead to stomach irritations. DGL actually heals the stomach lining, in addition to protecting it from stomach acids.

During World War II, a Dutch doctor observed that licorice extract helped heal peptic ulcers but also caused swelling of the face and limbs. This discovery led to the widespread use of a licorice-based compound -- carbenoxolone -- to treat ulcers. In the 1970s, the discovery of safer and more effective anti-ulcer drugs knocked carbenoxolone, with its potentially dangerous side effects, out of the running.

Licorice as an ulcer remedy has refused to stay in the dustbin of medical history, however. When researchers removed glycyrrhizin from licorice root and then tested it again, they found that the root still healed ulcers. Clearly, there was healing power in some other component of licorice.

Today, some herbal practitioners remain enthusiastic about the anti-ulcer powers of this "safe," or deglycyrrhizinated, licorice, called DGL. This product is wonderful for healing peptic ulcers, and in some studies it has worked about as well as standard anti-ulcer therapies like Tagamet and Zantac, for a lower cost and with virtually no risk.

Based on experimental evidence, it is thought that DGL can stimulate or accelerate the production of the mucus producing cells in the stomach and increase the formation and secretion of the mucus needed to protect the stomach from the over-production of acid. (1)

DGL has been shown to have the ability to protect stomach and intestinal cells from the irritation associated with aspirin. (2,3) When DGL is administered concurrently with aspirin it has been shown to reduce aspirin-induced faecal blood loss. (3)

DGL is also capable of promoting the normalization of tissue in individuals with aphthous ulcers (canker sores.) (4)

It is available from the shopping mall on this website.

References

1. van Marle J, Aarsen PN, Lind A, van Weeren-Kramer J. Deglycyrrhizinised liquorice (DGL) and the renewal of rat stomach epithelium. Eur J Pharmacol 1981;72:219-225.

2. Russell RI, Morgan RJ, Nelson LM. Studies on the protective effect of deglycyrrhinised liquorice against aspirin (ASA) and ASA plus bile acid-induced gastric mucosal damage, and ASA absorption in rats. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 1984;92:97-100.

3. Rees WD, Rhodes J, Wright JE, et al. Effect of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice on gastric mucosal damage by aspirin. Scand J Gastroenterol 1979;14:605-607.

4. Das SK, Das V, Gulati AK, Singh VP. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in aphthous ulcers. J Assoc Physicians India 1989;37:647.

Question for September 7-9 1998:

PROANTHOCYANIDINS AND BLOODTYPE

Q: I see you have a new product which has to do with elderberries. What can it be used for, and does it help one blood type versus another? Thanks.

A: Proanthocyanidins are a class of flavonoids (plant anti-oxidants) responsible for the red to blue/purple colors of most berries, cherries, grapes and some flowers. These compounds are capable of increasing intracellular levels of vitamin C, improving capillary stability, quenching free radicals, inhibiting the destruction of collagen, inactivating microbial enzymes used to spread infection, blocking microbial adhesion to cells, and normalizing mucopolysaccharide synthesis in the ground substance between cells.

The product you allude to (Proberry-3) is a syrup derived from the best sources of proanthocyanidins (other than blackberry, a no-no for type O). It is available from the shopping mall on this website. Let's take a look at the three main ingredients :

ELDERBERRY: In experiments, elderberry inhibits all strains of the flu virus tested. The virus responsible for the common flu (influenza virus) forms hemaglutinins which release an enzyme called neuraminidase in order to penetrate the cell walls of intact healthy cells. Elderberry fruit contains active ingredients capable of inactivating this enzyme, therefore acting to halt the progression of the virus. Elderberry also seems to stop the replication of the virus. It appears as if elderberry might have some benefits to the immune system as well, since individuals taking elderberry syrup have been found to have higher levels of antibodies formed against the virus.(1) The ability of elderberry to inhibit neuraminidase might eventually be found to have even further reaching health implications. Some evidence suggests bacterial overgrowth with the subsequent release of neuraminidase in the intestine disrupts the mucosal barrier; increasing the tendency for leaky gut, microbial translocation, inflammation, absorption of large food particles, adverse reactions to dietary lectins, and malignancy.

BLUEBERRY: The proanthocyanidins in blueberries and other Vaccinium sp. show anti-carcinogenic activity. For cancer cells to thrive, they need to feed on protein degradation products called polyamines. The proanthocyanidins in fruit extracts of blueberry species inhibit a specific enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase needed to create these polyamines, thereby limiting the food supply of cancer cells.(2) Blueberry also seems to have similar anti-adhesion properties as cranberry; blocking the ability of E. coli to adhere to bladder and urinary tract cells, so indirectly reducing the ability of this bacteria to promote urinary tract infections.(3) Pigments in blueberry might also have some anti-viral activity, since, in experiments, blueberry extracts almost completely inactivate tick-borne encephalitis virus.(4)

CHERRY: Cherries and cherry juice have been used historically to assist with the elimination of excess body acids in persons with rheumatic complaints. According to research at Michigan State University, cherries might possess a range of health benefits because of their high content of cyanidin compounds. Unpublished experimental studies indicate these compounds possess significant anti-inflammatory activity (possibly greater than aspirin with none of the side-effects). Compounds in cherries also have significant antioxidant ability (superior in experiments to vitamin E and vitamin C). Cherries block the formation of mutagenic compounds formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures to a much greater degree than any other antioxidant studied. Epidemiological evidence also points to the consumption of cherries as potentially lowering the risk for developing heart disease and cancer.

A big thanks to Dr Greg Kelley for bringing this information to my attention.

1. Zakay-Jones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, et al. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. J Altern Complement Med 1995;1:361-369.

2. Bomser J, Madhavi DL, Singletary K, Smith MA. In vitro anticancer activity of fruit extracts from Vaccinium species. Planta Med 1996;62:212-216.

3. Ofek I, Goldhar J, Zafriri D, et al. Anti-Escherichia coli adhesin activity of cranberry and blueberry juices. N Engl J Med 1991;324:1599.

4. Fokina GI, Frolova TV, Roikhel VM, Pogodina VV. Experimental phytotherapy of tick-borne encephalitis. Vopr Virusol 1991;36:18-21.

Question for September 5-6 1998:

TYPE O WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIES

Q: I have been following your diet for Type O for just about a month and it has improved my acid reflux condition immensely. However I suffer from a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which basically means that my FSH and LH are in incorrect proportion to each other and that eggs get stuck in the walls of my ovaries. I noticed it about a year ago as I had been having extremely irregular and heavy periods. I took a blood test and was diagnosed and put on the pill Dianette. My gynecologist told me that I would probably be better off staying on this for the rest of my life (unless I wanted to get pregnant) as I would reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by over 25%and I am a non-smoker thus there was no other special risk. Having followed the board for 6 weeks or so and now having read a recent question saying that the pill was quite dangerous for Type O. I am scared now that I am putting myself at some kind of greater risk by being on it. Do you think that your diet could regulate my erring hormone levels and so I could come off the pill without risk of cancer?

A: The basic answer to your question is that if you don't suffer or have a history of blood clotting disorders, birth control pills can be used even by type O women, especially the new, low estrogen types.

Having answered that, what else can we add to the mix which might be of value?

·         Follow the O diet, especially the lectin avoidance foods, such as wheat and corn. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is characterized by insulin resistance, and insulin resistance is largely the effect of consuming large amounts of food lectins improper for your blood type. Insulin resistance is often a cause of heart disease, obesity and other hormonal problems later on in life.

·         Find a good "food-derived" carotene (sometimes called "carotenoid") preparation. By this I mean a carotene supplement not just composed of beta carotene, but rather beta carotene and its cousins, gamma carotene, lycopene and lutein. Lutein especially, has been shown to decrease the amount of cystic formation on the ovary by its anti-oxidant abilities. The female ovary is a very metabolically active organ, and the follicles must cut their way out when a woman ovulates, by secreting an enzyme to bore a hole to the exterior. Normally there is quite a bit of lutein in the ovarian tissue to snuff out the inflamation that results. If not, the tissue becomes cystic. It is interesting to note that lutein is the yellow pigment in plants (lutea is Latin for "yellow"). Many tissues which are metabolically unstable, such as the retina of the eye ("macula lutea") and the ovulatory product ("corpus luteum") are yellow from the deposition of lutein. Unhealthy ovaries tend to be whitish colored at autopsy because of an inability to deposit lutein or an inadequate amount in the diet. Unlike beta carotene, which is often synthetic and only pure beta carotene, the "food derived carotenes" have a broad mixture of carotenoids, and are closer to what is found in a healthy diet.

Question for September 2 1998:

THE ONE-STOP BLOODTYPE SHOP

Q: I have searched everywhere I can think of to find bladderwrack. Can you suggest a source?

Q: With apologies, I have searched the website and cannot find a way to order the home blood testing kit from the UK. I keep getting my form back saying I haven't filled in the carrier, and must arrange delivery with North American directly. I practice and teach acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and ER4YT is going to revolutionize my practice, if only I can get my hands on some blood testing kits! Can you please get North American to contact me (or tell me how I can contact them) so I can place an order? Many thanks in advance.

Q: I have a family history of breast and colon cancer (we are all type A's). I know you advocate eating snails as a form of prevention, but I am just not going to be able to do this (I am an avid gardener, and just can't bear the though of eating those gloppy things!)

A: The best place to find products mentioned in my book is right on this website. They can be found on the North American Pharmacal page. Not only will you find the exact product that you are looking for, you will pay less for it and also help support the existance of this website. In all instances, with products such as Heilix (snail) or Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) the North American materials are identical to the products I use in my own private practice. Actually, they were originally designed for my patients.

I also am very happy that they have agreed to sell the home blood typing for the very inexpensive price of $10.75/kit. Anyone having had to pay 3-6 times that amount for a blood test in a physicians' office can recognize the savings when you have to type a spouse and 2-3 children! They are good people and very supportive of this website. If the information on it has been of any value to you, North American is to be thanked for getting it to you. They have recently installed a new encrypted "Secure Server" so if you are leery of internet ordering, know that your order is safe. North American also never sells or shares customer information with other companies.

Practitioners wanting to purchase blood typing kits in volume should contact North American directly by phone at 203/ 866-7664 or by FAX at 203/838-4066.

Question for September 1 1998:

FIVE QUICK QUESTIONS

Q: I am B+. Is there a difference in the diet plan based on negative or positive?

A: No real difference has been noted with regard to the Rh blood type and diet. This is for several reasons. First the Rh antigen (if you are Rh+) is only a very weak antigen and not expressed in tissue outside of the red blood cells. Thus there are no known lectins capable of attaching to it. Second, the anti-Rh antibody (if you are Rh-) is a weak antigen, and is not capable of attacking foods or other environmental things. There is a study showing a higher rate of auto-immune disease in Rh- over Rh+, and I sometimes take this into account when treating type O-'s who have inflamatory disease. But the basic answer is no, there is no difference in the eating plan one way or the other.

Q: I am a nutrition student studying to be a R.D., and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your book, "Eat Right For Your Type". I am 26 years old and I have O type blood. I have been seeing a doctor, who practices natural medicence, for a year now for several medical problems. I have very low cholesterol(130) and eat between 2 and 4 eggs per day. As long as I eat eggs my cholesterol stays around 160, otherwise it drops down to 130 or below. Why are eggs not reccommended since they do not contain lactose? Should I cut back on the amount I eat? Also, my WBC count is too low and I have been treating it with Echinacea and Goldenseal. What do you think of these herbs for O type with low WBC?

A: Eggs are an acceptable protein source for type O, so there should be not reason to not enjoy them as an easy breakfast item. Echinacea is not recommended for type O as it can sometimes aggravate their propensity to inflammation. This is through Echinacea's effect on the enzyme hyaurondidase. Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis) is generally not recommended for oral use. It can disturb the bacterial flora in the intestines and aggravate low blood sugar problems. Topically, or as a mouthwash for sore throat it is fine. In my practice we use the larch polysaccharide ARA6 for this type of situation.

Q: If one has no thyroid problem, is it still okay to take bladderwrack?

A: Sure. It can be a boon to weight loss. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a seaweed used in many Asian diets under normal conditions.

Q: Why is soda water or seltzer beneficial for O types? What is it doing for us health wise? How much can we drink? Your answer will be appreciated.

A: Room temperature seltzer in type O helps to regulate the hormone gastrin, which acts on the appetite center. This a glass of room temperature seltzer water about 20 minute before a meal not only helps digestion, but curbs the appetite a bit also.

Q: I have been following the A diet for six weeks. I have lost 10 pounds and I feel great! My question is this: Does the use of birth control pills have a negative effect on the blood? More so for one blood type than another?

A: Birth control pills are generally to be avoided in type O because of the general higher risk this blood type has for bleeding disorders. They should be used with caution in type A, especially if there is a family history of reproduction cancer.