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Ask Peter D'Adamo

OBLIGATORY, FINE-PRINT TYPE DISCLAIMER: All materials copyright 1998 Peter D'Adamo and Gregory Kelly . All right reserved. The material presented here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for the services of a physician. By participating you agree to indemnify Peter D'Adamo and Gregory Kelly from any liability that might arise from its use.
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Question for November 16-November 30 1998:

ONE FELL SWOOP

Oatmeal!

Q1: You have oatmeal as bad for type O, but you also suggest a maple walnut granola recipe for type O which uses rolled oats. Can you explain this? Thank you.

Q2:In your book you say for TYPE O to avoid oat bran, oat flour, oatmeal. When I downloaded the diet from this site, it shows oat is okay for O's. Second, you say O's should avoid fish oil yet cetain fish are excellent for us so I'm confused.

Q3:I am type O -- Three questions: Oat bran & Oatmeal are listed as Avoid, however in meal planning for type O you list 4 cups of rolled oats in the Maple-walnut Granola ???

Q4:That notwithstanding, there are some issues which are still unclear and that I would like here to address. These are mainly the discrepancies between the food that is to avoid for my type O and the recipes you suggest, such as the oat flour which I'm supposed to avoid and the oats in the recipes for the Maple-Walnut Granola and the Carob Chips Cookies.

Q5:I have adopted ER4YT, as it certainly "fits" me. I am O+, and notice that oatmeal is an Avoid food. However, in the recipe for Granola, it calls for oatmeal...

Q6: I'm a Type O neophyte to ER4YT. Noticed oat meal, oat flour and pepper in your recipes for Type Os but found those items on the "Avoid" list so I'm confused....

A: This has a long story, and continues to frustrate newbies (who in turn frustrate old-timers, who are sick of hearing the answer.) This was a typographic error, and a lack of communication between myself, Catherine and Dina the recipe dietician. In a state of health, type O's can use oats, which should be considered neutral: This is what Dina was proceeding on. However, if you are type O and have either an inflamatory condition of the digestive tract or joints (such as colitis or arthritis) or you are using ER4YT to lose weight, you should continue to avoid oats: This is what Catherine was proceeding with. Otherwise it is fine.

Soy!

Q: I read about some of the deleterious effects of soy products in many publications. Price-Pottenger has a major article about the negative effects of soy isoflavones and such things as endocrine disruption. The author, Mike Fitzpatrick PhD quotes sources stating soy isoflavones can cause thyroid disease and may increase the risk of breast cancer. I also read about problems with th phytic acid in soy products. As a type A, I'm using more soy products, trying to use the fermented soys like miso and tempeh since these seem to be more beneficial.(??) Any comment on the above and the whole soy picture and problems?

A: The soy controversy is just another reason to follow ER4YT, as it again proves the wisdom of the Greek sages who wrote "One Man's Food is Another Man's Poison." Soy is an excellent food for type A and AB and don't let anyone convinve you otherwise. The studies of the effects of soy on the thyroid are just not telling the true story. Soy does inhibit the thyroid function in some animals (not humans, by the way) but other studies show that it enhances the thyroid function of other animals. As far as increasing the risk of breast cancer, that is absurd. I find it interesting that soy opponents also point an accusatory finger at the "hemmaglutinins" in soy causing blood cell damage. It is precisely that compound (which is really just the lectin in soy) which I theorize conveys the protective anti-cancer effects in the first place. If you are type A or AB, and especially if you come from a cancer-prone family, take my advice, eat soy.

Sprouting away lectins

Q: On page 157 of your book, you mention that the problem kernel in wheat is destroyed in the sprouting process. Does sprouting render other foods beneficial, or at least "not harmful"? I am a Type B and am wondering about sprouted beans and lentils, as well as sprouted sunflower and pumpkin.

A: Sprouting destroys wheat germ agglutinin, but other seed lectins are not always inactivated this way.

Nutritional yeast

Q: I have looked around your website but do not find anything on nutritional yeast/Brewer's yeast. Is this okay for Type A's?

A: Yes, and contrary to "conventional-alternative-wisdom" may actually help those with Candida albicans problems.

Win or Lose, It's Hard To Smile.

Q: One of the health newsletters bearing the name of a Boston medical school debunked your approach. I don't know which one--possibly Tufts or Harvard. Are you aware of which? They're ALL in the healthletter business these days. Anyway, a frind of mine who owns a bookstore, despite my protest to the contrary, dropped your book from his shelves based on this newsletter. I want to find out the source and set the record straight. Even though he dropped your book, he couldn't remember which newsletter or the basis for their objections. Take care, and keep up the good work.

A: It was Tuft's Nutrition Newsletter. It is so long ago (almost when the book was first out, I think.) Among other things, they said that their "nutritional anthropologist" had never heard of any of the references, or for that fact any material on the link between blood type nutrition and anthropology; that my research was published in a non-peer reviewed journal, that I was not a "physician," etc. Well, of course they were wrong on all counts. In responding to my lawyer's letter threatening legal action for slander, the editor, a piece of work named Lawrence Lindner, wrote back the most meally-mouthed letter I've ever seen in my adult life, carefully backtracking just enough so that I could not sue them, saying that indeed they were wrong about the journal not being peer-reviewed, me not being a physician, and that while they were now aware that the book had a more factual basis than they originally thought, they still did not think that the they could agree with the theory. It should be no surprise that this newsletter, actually one of the first, has been bypassed by all the others.

Think these people are in this for your good health? Think again. Tuft's Nutrition Newsletter is the propaganda wing of Tuft's Medical School and nothing more. I take only cold comfort in reading the same sort of reactions previously reserved for ER4YT now being lavished on Bob Arnot for his Breast Cancer Prevention Diet book ("unscientific," "reckless," etc.)

Medical aphorism: "Always try not to be the first (or the last) to embrace a new concept."

Starbucks, anyone?

Q: Doctor, very much enjoyed your book and book on tape. Do you agree that cold brewing(toddy)reduces the acid of coffee enough to make it acceptable for the type o diet. - Of course I would use course decaf to avoid the caffiene. Will wait to hear back before I buy the necessary brewer equipment - pitcher and filter to let coffee brew for 12 hours or so. A Outspoken Supporter - I have been on the diet for 5 weeks and feel great.

A: That may partially help, but aside for the effect on stomach acidity, coffee also contains "restriction enzymes" (acetylgalactosidases) which can liberate tumor markers (T, Tn) from the blood type antigens of type O cells. This can potentially derail some aspects of the type O immunity process. By the way, this same function is actually desireable in type A and AB.

Liver problems

Q: A friend has this and after reading the book today he is starting the Type A diet - but how about the botanical protocal of liver-specific antioxidants? You may be an answer to prayer as he is going on the liver trans-plant list if something doesn't help him first!

A: Look into the herbs milk thistle (silymarin), phyllanthus, curcumin and licorice. Make certain your friend takes these supplements only if under the supervision of a physician skilled in their use.

Food Combining

Q: What do you think about "food combining?"

A: Not typically necessary, but other practitioners tell me that it can dramatically speed up the weight loss aspect of the diet.

Celiac sprue

Q: I was diagnosed with Celiac Sprue and told to avoid all gluten-containing products besides wheat such as oat, barley, soy protein, amaranth, spelt, kamut, etc. The only grains I am allowed are millet and buckwheat. Your diet would seem to imply that gluten is only in wheat. Should Type O's not avoid other gluten-containing foods also?

A: Sprue is somewhat more generally influenced by the actions of all "gluten" (including the lectins) than other illnesses, so yes. You might want to consider supplementing with the amino sugar NAG (n-actyl glucosamine, not glucosamine sulphate) and the amino acid l-cysteine; these protect the delicate intestinal lining, allowing healing to proceed from behind.

Type A and fibromyalgia

Q: Would a Type A who has fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism benifit from malic acid and magnesium?

A: I've typically found malic acid ineffectual in fibromyalgia, though other practitioners might disagree. Try to remain as wheat-free as possible, and perhaps consider supplementing with the pineapple enzyme bromelain at meals. Give the diet at least 6 months.

Type B with breast cancer and sweet cravings

Q: I am type B I was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago. While I was going through radiation I was told about your book. I bought it I have been trying to follow the diet I miss some foods but I feel better and am loosing weight. I have a sweet tooth and I find that most of that stuff that you make or buy has mostly items from the avoid list. Are sweets bad for B-types? or should I not worry about it and eat a little anyway to satisfy the cravings?

A: I'd give in a little and just enjoy yourself. But remember, too much sugar (and I really mean TOO MUCH) can inhibit your body's NK (Natural Killer) cells.

Stone root and type A

Q: Can stone root be used to combat congestion for a type A child?

A: Sure. Probably should avoid the tincture though.

Biography

Q: A little biographical info on you: schooling, current place of research, where are you based out of, other awards received etc. member of medical associations? Just curious

A: I'm currently re-doing my CV. When it is finished, I'll go ahead and put it up.

Type A and hormonal migraines

Q: I'm A+ blood type. I have hormonal migraines. I started taking a phytoestrogen supplement for its benefits. I discovered by accident that it's source of plant estrogens is red clover which is an avoid herb for A blood types. The two months I've been taking it, I've experienced heavy clotting and severe migraines. Can you recommend something to alleviate the migraines. I've tried feverfew, gingko, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic.

A: Migraines generally mitigate in time with just simple adherence to the diet(s). Adequate water consumption, bowel detoxification (warm water enemas), acidophilus supplementation and the B vitamin Riboflavin-5 Phosphate can also help speed up recovery.

Type A and panic disorder

Q: I am a Type A who has just discovered your book. I am looking forward to beginning the Type A diet and exercise plan! My question is: what can you suggest (other than the guidelines for Type A already in the book) for panic disorder and anxiety attacks. In the past I have been prescribed Xanax and/or anti-depressants, but want to find a more natural therapy for this aggravating problem. I suspect that beginning the yoga exercise and stress reduction techniques will help, but are there any particular supplements or herbs/phytochemicals that might help with this disorder? I am a 45-year old woman just beginning to experience symptoms and signs of menopause too and would welcome any comments or suggestions on that subject as well. Thank you for caring about others' health and thank you in advance for any help or suggestions you might have for my particular concerns.

A: The yoga technique of "alternate nostril breathing" would be an excellent adjunct to the type A diet. Both help lower cortisol, an important stress hormone manufactured more commonly by type A than by the other types. Alternate nostril breathing just requires that you close one nostril with the finger, breath in with the open nostril, change positions, and breathe out with the other. Do this 15-20 times, then reverse thr procedure. Studies have shown this to be valuable in balanceing out the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, an important cause of panic type attacks.

How diligent?

Q: First off, thanks for publishing your blood-type based diet book. I have had extraordinary results. I admit I haven't read the entire book but I have attempted to find specific information on certain foods, with no luck. As a type B, I have eliminated some of my favorite foods from my diet: wheat, corn, chicken, tofu, avocadoes, tomatoes. Now, giving up wheat is a pain in the neck, but giving up avocadoes and tomatoes is a culinary disaster. What I'd like to know is, so to speak, the price expected to be paid for indulging in each of these (and other) forbidden foods?

A: The price to be paid depends on the relative health of the person in question. If you are healthy, it is not the avoidance of one food over another that is going to make much of a difference, but rather the aggregate of how closely you follow the precepts over an extended period of time. Generally 70-80% total compliance works well in most people (out of 10 food choices, 7-9 being neutral or beneficial choices)

Type B with rhueumatoid arthritis

Q: A relative's friend is a 26 year oldType B female with Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed 5 years now and already having moderate deformity in hands (swan neck deformity?). She's Japanese, living there, so my information is limited.

A: Get your friend to follow the B diet, with perhaps more emphasis on wheat avoidance. Let her experiment with the "Membrane Fluidizer" cocktail in the AM.

Type O and hidden thyroid problems

Q: Have been on the diet for two months and my knee arthritis problems have improved immensely. I can jog again! As a type O woman, if thryoid function is sluggish ( enough to prevent me from losing any weight at all over my two months on the diet) does it show up on standard thyroid panels or is it like the cholesterol panels where they tested a large group of middle aged men and decided 220 was "normal" until they figured out they were dying of cardiac arrests.

A: The best measurement of thyroid function is the basal metabolic rate, which involves taking an axillary (armpit) reading every morning before rising from bed. Several days readings should be performed sequentially and averaged. A resting axillary temperature lower than 97.5 makes me start thinking about improper thyroid function.

Some ethnic questions

Q: Are Jews considered Asian, African, or Caucasian?

A: It depends on if they are Asian, African or Caucasian.

Q: Hello, I'm of mixed heritage my mom is black (type O) and my dad is white (type A). I'm type O what kind of diet should I eat.

A: Though I am only guessing, since you are your mom's blood type, I'd follow her ancestry as well.

Q: Good day Dr D'Adamo In "The Eat Right Diet" The weekly portion by ancestry, there are different portions for African, Caucasian and Asian. What about people from the Middle East?

A: Caucasian.

Type O, anemia, and MSM

Q: We are type O and my husband and I have been on the diet for 4 months. THANK YOU! He has had headaches for 20 years with no solution and in 3 days he could tell a difference and comments frequently about how nice it is to feel good. I am 46 and have just been told I am anemic. What do you suggest? Second question: Do you recommend supplementing diet with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)?

A: One: Calf's liver, 3-4 times weekly. Two: Not necessary (Type O diet typically high in sulfur.)

Type A with breast cancer

Q: What protocol do you recommend for a Type A woman, 42 years old diagnosed with left breast cancer, and has had history of hepatitis type C chronic liver disease. Hepatitis appears to be in remission.

A: The A diet is already "pre-shrunk" to provide the best possible advice to breast cancer patients. It will also tend to give you the best fighting chance of keeping your hepatitis in remission.

Ayurveda and blood type

Q: I've noticed many similarities between my blood type diet and my ayurvedic diet (type B "Vata"), how much insight did you get from the ayurveda in your research and food classification.

A: I've never studies the Ayurvedic typing systems much, though a good cross-comparision with ABO might prove interesting.

ER4YT Docs in Seattle Area

Q: Do you have a referral list of doctors in the Seattle area who follow and use your research on the Blood Type way of life. I am a 440 pound, Type-A, black male. I am intrigued by your book, Eating Your Blood Type. I believe this is for me.

A: Two good Docs in the Seattle area using the diet are William Mitchell ND in the Seattle area and Walter Crinnion ND in the Bellvue area.

Just wait

Q: I love your book. But I am frustrated to make meals for my husband and two little children. Tom is "B" meat eater/dairy and I am "A" vegetarian. I've made 3 sheets for each of us of all the foods we can eat and circled the common ones. Only cannellini beans so far I've found that we both can eat and they're not the tastiest. I would love to buy from you recipies that combine type "A" and "B" diets. I'm really discouraged because I love the book but find myself getting exhaused juggling two different diets.

A: You'll enjoy the upcoming cookbook due out December 28th.

O's who want to stay vegetarian

Q:I'm type O and haven't eaten red meat for a long time and eat chicken & fish occasionally. Is tofu an adequate substitute for the meat recommended in the type O diet?

A: Not really.

Q:This is the second request for information. I am a Type O vegetarian by religious vows. Many of my patients are the same. I am not criticizing you or your work. From the reading that I have done, you have done a great amount of research into the food preferences for each blood type. In spite of this, you have put me in an uncomfortable position. I want to be as healthy as I can, but I do not want to eat any meat. What do I do? Are vegetable sources of protein, such as tofu, tempeh, nuts, whey protein and some limited diary going to give me the same nutritional support as eating meat? What do you recommend to your patients who are Type O and committed to a vegetarian diet by religious vows or ethical choice?

A: This is a difficult scenario, but I'd advocate taking the amino acids carnitene and taurine in supplement form, the mineral magnesium, brewer's yeast and perhaps the Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskolin. I'd also limit vitamin C to only food forms (like acerola) and low doses.

Q:I went to a tofu cooking class last evening. The instructor who is a vegetarian (and has been a vegetarian for 3 years) is an O negative. He said he read the first chapter of your book and put it down. He said he has had much success with his vegetarian diet and simply can't part with it. He said he's healthy. The only problem I could see that he might have is that he's way too thin. Should he expect problems in the future if he doesn't eat some red meat?

A: Let's hope not. But at least you now know why some of the unhealthiest looking people are often to be found in health food stores.

B wants to stay vegetarian

Q: I am a Type B and have been vegetarian for 15 years. I wish to stay vegetarian. Is this OK on the ER4YT diet? I do eat eggs and dairy.

A: That's fine.

A with fibromyalgia

Q: I am type A and I have fibromyalgia. I have been following the diet, eating only highly recommended foods for two weeks. I have seen some minor relief in wrist and ankle pain. I am a vegan and have found this diet to be of big help. My question is would you recommend that I eat only the highly recommended foods for another week, or several weeks, or should I also include neutral foods? Also, the soba noodles and the artichoke pasta, have wheat flour. Are they ok to use? If not, what are acceptable brands?

A: I think you are going to require more time, but I would open up the diet to include neutrals, so that you had some variety. I'd also stay away from all wheat products.

AB wants own formulas

Q: On the North American Phamacal web site it looks like the bars and and powder drinks for type ABs will be the same as for type Bs. If this is truly the case please don't bother at all. The whole point to your products is that they ARE customized to your blood type, not compromised with another. For example, type Bs cannot have peanuts, but it is very valuable for type ABs, expecially ABs with cancer. Just to reiterate, if type AB products are merged with type Bs, I will view that as a sellout and of course vote with my wallet.

A: Keep your wallet out. Actually the products will have a specific AB formula. Let's hope enough AB's buy it to make it feasible economically. There will also be "blood type friendly formulas" for those people who have yet to determine their blood type.

Bovine colostrum

Q: Dear Peter, Do you have an opinion on Bovine Colostrum Supplements?

A: A lot of these type proteins actually enhance lectin activity, so I'd be wary, unless of course, this is what I wanted to do in the first place.

Type O wants to take CoQ10

Q: I am a 54 year old woman who has been traditionally very active and have suffered with painful arthritis for years. My mother had it, and ended up having hip replacement surgery as well as Alzheimers Disease. She, as I am, was Type O. Like most, I have tried every eating plan in the world. I read your book on a whim...one more diet. I was not really interested in weight loss. I also have hypothyroidism, and coincidently an allergy to penicillin. I am amazed! In six (6) weeks my total cholesterol went from 206 to 181, with 56 HDL and 114 LDL. Triglycerides are 55 (wow) and glucose is 106. (I didn't do a full 12 hour fast.) I just drove 200 miles without a rest stop and I thought they would have to get a stretcher to get me out of the car. I had NO pain in my back and very little in my hips. I do not have headaches in the morning, which I now attribute to dairy products, and the rest of the joints with arthritis pain are now pain free...after only 6 weeks! I have everyone of my friends reading and learning. I thank you for your work. I hope soon to get back to the aerobics classes and racquetball I love so much. I will have more blood work done at my 3 month mark, but I expect the results to be just as good. Again, thank you and if you ever need a fan club chairman, I am your person. I would also like to ask...if it is OK to take COQ10, as every person in my tribe has died of heart disease, my father at 48, or will I not need to do that later? I will understand if this note cannot be answered, but I just wanted to thank you.

A: Type O's can certainly take CoQ10. The typical dose is 30-90mg daily. You might also want to consider taking a bit of zinc, as it tends to amplify the effects. Co Q10 also absorbs better when taken with a meal containing some fat.

Type O and Graves disease

Q: I am type O I seem to be fighting with all the problems that type O have. I am loosing inches on the diet, but I don't seem to be losing any weight, though I am pleased that I am not gaining. Over the past five year I have been put on liquid protein diets four times. I also take Synthroid, since I developed Gave's disese 10 years ago, and my thyroid levels have never maintained for more than six months at a time. So I now see my doctor every six weeks for a blood test. And he seemed to be impressed with the diet because this is the fist time in years that I eaten real food and not gained weight, which is a big step for me. Do you have any idea about how long before my metabolism picks up and I start loosing weight. By the way thanks for writing the book.


Type B and type II diabetes

Q: I have Type II Diabetes and I am B type. My feet are numb and I have edema in my lower legs. Do you have any suggestions.

A: Follow the appropriate type B diet, consider supplementing with magnesium, the enzyme bromelain and some source of proanthrocyanidins, such as grape seed, elderberry or cherries

Aw shucks

Q: Hey Blood Type Diet Dr Guru Guy, No question for now, just a comment. You're pretty cool. Thought you might like to know. With Love and Thanks, A type B + in Dallas


Type B and flu

Q:Dear Dr D'Adamo, I work in a hospital as a physical therapist (B+) and am constantly exposed to sick patients. A free flu shot is offered annually at this time to employees. My question: Is it beneficial for me to be immunized or take my chances and risk becoming infected with the flu virus? I have not taken it so far due to some concerns about the effects on my immune system. Thanks for you help. By the way I have enjoyed your book.

A: You are probably better off with the flu (excepting, of course some really LETHAL variant) as the protection from an actual case is more long lasting, and type B's can get weird vaccine reactions. Elderberry inhibits neuramidiase, the enzyme used by the influenza virus to attach to the nose and throat, so perhaps a cup of elderberry tea before work would be a good idea.

Lectins in vivo

Q:What is the evidence that lectins function in vivo as they do in vitro? My particular interest stems from my own graduate research using classical immunochemistry to determine antibody combining site specificity to carbohydrates; this same laboratory did extensive work on lectin specificity and did early key work on the blood group antigens - hence my delight in your work and the potential clinical application - more information or references would be very appreciated. Thank you.

A: My advice would be to get hold of this book:


Handbook of plant lectins: Properties and Biomedical Applications. Van Damme et.al , Editors. Copyright 1998, John Wiley and Sons. about $100.00 (available at Barnesandnoble.com)

Type A with eczema

Q:I have a two year old, type A with eczema. I put him on the diet but it never fully went away although it greatly improved, I would like to know what if any vitamin or mineral there is that he is missing that would aid in resolving his condition. And how do I determine what foods are the aggravating cause.

A: Try adding some capsules of black current seed oil (these can actually be opened and rubbed into the skin of the abdomen). It should perk things up a bit.

Oblique Strategies

Q:First, thank you for your book. It has among other things, cemented my resolve to consistently avoid dairy and wheat, and it's saving me money because I dine out so much less! My question, however, is: what inspired you to promote Oblique Strategies on your web page? I was surprised and delighted to find the "random drawing" feature. If you can't reply I understand, but a brief explanation would be soooo cool.

A: I've always been a fan of Brian Eno, and I've always enjoyed his cybernetic wanderings most of all. The "Oblique Strategies" were a tool that he cooked up with the visual artist Peter Schmidt to resolve mental blocks in the creative processes: Like, for example, having absolutely no idea for a song, and being stuck in a large recording studio having to pay huge hourly rental fees. The idea of the cards was to offer up a suggestion that, being suitably oblique, might be serendipitously pertinent (enough) to help resolve the dilemma. Originally packaged as a box set of cards, these are now collector's items. After learning enough of the Internet language PERL, I felt that a simple random program could function to "draw" a card, thereby allowing others to benefit. It is surprising how many people visit the site to just pull a card!

Other readings which sort of fall into this sort of paradigm: Garrett Hardin's Filters Against Folly and Eno's own A Year With Swollen Appendices. Eno's album Discreet Music (Obscure Records, 1975 but now on CD) is a very nice sonic implementation.

Mannose

Q:On Oct 28-30, 1998, your Type O Polysaccharide chart listed Mannose as "good". How can this be since the only source of Mannose I can find is the Aloe plant which you also list as a big no-no for O's.

A: Mannose is found in pineapple and cranberries

Seminars

Q:Do you offer seminars or classes for persons (such as R.N.'s) who would like to do "Eat Right For Your Blood Type" counseling?

A: We are planning something like this for the next year. I am also thinking of offering some sort of training for Lay people to act as educators. Keep checking back on the website. As soon as something develops I will make the announcement.

Endometriosis

Q: I am conducting a very informal "survey" within a newsgroup which serves to educate and support women with endometriosis. I am curious to know if there is any connection between blood types and endometriosis. I've only received twenty responses thus far: probably not enough to make any correlations between blood type and incidence of endometriosis. At this point the percentage of B's (which is my blood type) are a little high compared to the national population percentages. Searching for information on blood types is what led me to your website. I find your theory very interesting and plan to buy the book tomorrow! Do you believe consuming a diet incompatible with one's blood type could cause or exacerbate endometriosis? Are you aware of anyone who has followed your diet based on her blood type to treat endometriosis? If so, what was the outcome? Thank you on behalf of many endometriosis sufferers for your response

A: The diet has had very nice results in managing endometriosis. Indeed, the patient profiled in the segment done on CBS News "This Morning" was an endometriosis patient who had her first relief in ten years, despite four separate surgeries. Why the diets are effective, however, I cannot say.

Looking for food lists

Q: I was told by a friend that a list of foods to eat and not to eat was on your website, can't find it. I'm type O. Please direct me to this section.

A: Try any local bookstore. It is a book called "Eat Right 4 Your Type".

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Ontario Naturopathic Association Symposium on Complementery Medicine in Cancer Management, Toronto Ontario, November 7, 1998

"NON-STANDARD MENTAL SPORTS MIX"

Blood Group Antigens, Lectins, NK Cytotoxicity and Polyamines: Their rheology and manipulation in oncological service.

Peter D’Adamo, ND

Part I: Introduction to some basic concepts

bulletBlood group antigens and isohemmaglutinins
bulletLectins
bulletPolyamines/ ornithine cycle
bulletNK Cytotoxicity
bulletMucopolysaccharides
bulletNitric oxide/ arginine/ citrulline cycle
.

Part II: Their interrelationships in cancer systems

 

Blood Groups

bullet"Horror Autoxicus"
bulletGlycosylation defects
bulletP53 differences
bulletTn and T antigens, anti-T and neuramididase
bulletWork of Georg Springer
bulletEffects of ABO and Rh on NK activity
bulletCancer
bullet"Generalized cancer" (AB over others)
bulletBreast cancer (A over others)
bulletProstate cancer (A over others)
bulletLung (A over others)
bulletStomach (A over others)
bulletLiver (A and AB over others)
bulletPancreas (A over others)
bulletColon (A over others)
bulletPituitary (A over others)
bulletLymphoma (O over A)
.

Lectins

bulletAub’s discovery
bulletTumor System Specificity
bulletBreast Cancer
bulletHelix Pomatia Agglutinin (HPA) -Edible Snail- as a tool to detect and destroy metastatic components in breast cancer systems through altered glycosylation
bullet"Ligand-Like Complex"
bulletA glycosylation defect (decrypted Tn) in breast cancer systems with known structural tertiary characteristics similar to A and M blood type antigens.
bulletPrognostication in terms of outcome:
bulletA(AB), MM, Sec> A(AB),MN(NN), NonSec>B>O
bulletSoy Bean Agglutinin (SBA)
bulletA block of tofu is 3-7% dry weight SBA
bulletSBA can be used to purge marrow of infecting cells before re-introduction
bulletPeanut Agglutinin (PNA)
bulletSpecific for Tn antigen
bulletInhibits proliferation of cultured breast cancer cells
bulletBladder: WGA enhances proliferation
bulletColon: Amaranth lectin shown to detect early changes in morphology
bulletProstate: a variety of abnormalities have been noted with regard to prostate cancer systems
bullet"Metastatic Blocking Factors"
bulletEssentially "Reverse Lectins"
bulletShown effect in rat prostate and human liver cancer models
bulletGalactose and Arabinose donors
bulletArabinogalactans
bulletModified pectins
bullet"Anti-cancer diets" are largely high lectin diets bulletEffects on polyamine sequestration
.

Polyamines

bulletUbiquitous amines necessary for cell growth.
bulletStructure/Function
bulletPutrescine
bulletSpermidine
bulletSpermine
bulletCadaverine
bulletProduction:
bulletDe novo (principally in liver and kidneys)
bulletFrom diet (probably most important source)
bulletRole of ornithine decarboxylase
bulletEnhanced by: hepatoprotective herbs, ornithine, arginine (sometimes), lysine
bulletInhibited by: curcumin, polyphenols, proanthrocyanidins
bulletEffects on growth
bulletEffects on cancer cells
bulletBreast
bulletInsulin and estrogen
bulletProstate
bulletODC Inhibition a recognized pathway for new drug design
bulletEffects on NK activity bulletEffects of lectins on polyamine synthesis bulletSequestration
.

NK Activity

bulletEffects of diet and lifestyle on NK cytotoxicity
bulletEffects of polyamines on NK cytotoxicity
bulletEffects of lectins on NK cytotoxicity
bulletEffects of mono and polysaccharides on NK cytotoxicity
bulletEffects of naturopathic modalities on NK cytotoxicity
bulletArginine
bulletEverything else
.

Mono and polysaccharides

bulletEffects on polyamines
bulletEffects of lectins
bulletEffects on NK activity
bulletEffects on metastasis
.

Nitric oxide

bulletVariation in NO activity linked to ABO Polymorphism
bulletArgino succinate synthetase gene on 9q34 linked to ABO locus
bulletSo is dopamine beta hydroxylase and AK1 (affective disorder)
bulletArginine/ citrulline cycle
bulletEffects of Garlic on NO activity
.

Part III: Some clinical suggestions

bulletPreventive
bulletDuring chemo
bulletAfter chemo

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Question for November 1-November 7 1998:

GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING:

Just Bad?

Q: Your food lists include white flour, white rice and sugar. Should any individual, regardless of blood type, consume these items?

 

A: Theoretically, no. But they are unavoidable, and might occasionally be the difference between being able to follow the diet or not. As for other issues with the foods, it is true that they are de-vitalized through their processing and can raise blood sugar levels, but it is for each individual to plot their course through those hazards.

Chicken Soup Lectins For The Soul?

Q: I am type B and have a few questions about the diet. Can I use chicken stock? I understand the lectins are in the muscle, but do they get transferred when cooking?

 

A: No you can't, cuz yes, they do.

A Nice Stroke

Q: I would like to express an opinion to your many admirers vis a vis a recent posting that suggested that you " did not care" about your many readers because you were essentially driven by the profit motive or words to that effect. The fact is that there is nothing wrong with being driven by the profit motive. Profit means productivity and productivity means the wonderful products you market through your affilliates including your great book with its wonderful store of knowledge! Profit and productivity go hand and hand, and they are virtues to be praised by anyone who appreciates the value of human life! Because you have profited by your diligence in graduate school; your devotion to ideas; and fundamental principles, that all of us profit from your work. And, we reward you for your efforts by purchasing those life giving products from you. We can conclude from this that: All of what you are involved in is good - its beneficial to life - accordingly, it is morally right! Keep up the good work.

 

A: Thanks very much {blush}.

 

Popsicle Head-Trip?

Q: I follow your diet, recommend it to everyone and then found myself being overheard by a microbiologist who attacked me verbally stating "Blood type diet? Don't make me laugh... it isn't scientific." I know you've heard this before but I really wanted to give her an answer, but felt I couldn't defend myself against someone who need proof. What can I say the next time this happens? I'm not exactly a scientist or a lawyer.....just an A blood type who is keeping my immune system as strong as possible and saying thank you in advance for getting me out of situations like this.

 

A: As the psychologist Jung aptly said, in each of us is a "shadow." With most technically educated people, their shadow is that they know what "science" is in a concrete sense (because they are given cues in school or outright just told) but are often unable to comprehend that which is "scientific," in an abstract sense. This requires a considerable artistic streak, (with the attendant ability to not panic from chaos, but rather embrace it) which most people of this sort of training simply lack. Good science illuminates darkness. With a ground-breaking idea, many in the sciences will have to be convinced that they are in darkness in the first place. This means accepting a certain level of ignorance. Most people do not like this.

Witness the historical record in medicine: Jenner and smallpox vaccination; Lister and antisepsis; Washing hands before childbirth; The use of ether in dentistry. Each pioneer was vilified and branded a quack, or a fraud. Many were driven insane. The ether guy committed suicide. He now has a statue to him in the courtyard of the medical school they originally drove him out of. Cold consolation.

Demonizing innovators is a hallowed tradition in medicine.

That is why I think the theory is so controversial: It gets a lot of critics in touch with their "shadow," which of course leaves them angry and least apt to render the correct judgement. Admittedly, it would appear unlikely that a breakthrough idea such as this would come in the form of a pop diet book, especially one with the main thesis being a link between diet and your blood type. But a true free-thinker should be expected to be able to surmount circumstance and arrive at a logical conclusion independent of appearance. Many do. The rest get hung up, hot-under-the-collar and dismissive at the medium, and probably never arrive at a clear-thinking space allowing them to ponder the implications of the message.

In addition, just imagine what kind of gauntlet a book like this throws down at the nutrition establishment.We are talking BIG money. Of course ER4YT is not going sit well with the "Low-Fat Industrial Complex" (the ADA, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Olestra, Quaker, et al.) who are involved in a big turf battle to stake their claim to the title "America's Nutritionists." If you want play politics in medicine, you have to align with and bark like the big guys. A discovery by a naturopath? Impossible!

You will just need to stick to your guns. It is scientific. Your microbiologist friend is just ignorant and arrogant, and should be taken to a motel and hit repeatedly on the head with a pillow just like any other cult member. No one, including the principal researchers who I've mentioned in ER4YT, have every disputed the veracity of the arguments put foward, or the accuracy of the 300+ references cited. Did this critic bother to even consult them? Nah. Unfortunately, few of the critics ever see fit to examine the facts, but rather dispense with them out-of-hand. Is that scientific?

Psychologists have long recognized the phenomena of positive trait transferance, which in essence postulates "I am rubber, you are glue, whatever you say about me bounces off and sticks to you." For example, studies show that if Joe tells Mary that Harry is dishonest, Mary will tend to remember Joe as dishonest, not Harry. Thus concepts which could, with a little work, be embraceable for their scientific merit are instead branded unscientific.

Actually, it is a good idea to let me know of any criticism of my work. I get indignant for a few minutes, but all-in-all it just spurs me on to greater efforts. They'll change. You'll see.

"I know I am hated as a traitor to my class by many people, and frankly, I welcome their hatred."

-Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1939

 

Wheat Germ Lectin: Good or Bad for Type A?

Q: I am a type A and I have your book. In the book you list wheatgerm as not recommended. But in the back of the bookunder cancer prevention your recommend wheatgerm specificly for type A's as a preventive. Could you please explain this, it seems like a controversy.

 

A: No other property of lectins has attracted as much attention as their ability to agglutinate malignant cells. This was discovered by chance at Massachusetts General Hospital by Joseph C. Aub in 1963. Aub believed that the difference between cancer cells and normal cells lay on their surfaces; and that alterations in the properties of the cell surface enabled cancer cells to multiply when normal cells would not, detach from their primary site and spread throughout the body. At the time the idea seemed quite strange, and as Nathan Sharon, in his review article on lectins in Scientific American, put it: "bordered on lunacy."

Sort of like the way most scientists respond to my work!

Aub worked with several enzymes, trying to determine whether the surface of a malignant cell was different from that of a normal cell. Only in the case of one enzyme, a lipase from wheat germ, did he observe a difference. Normal cells did not seem to be affected, but malignant cells were agglutinated. When he replace the wheat germ lipase with a pancreatic lipase, however no agglutination took place. Aub also found that the enzyme activity of the wheat germ could be destroyed by heating, but the agglutination took place all the same. Aub and his colleagues then discovered that the wheat germ lipase contained as a contaminant a small protein that was responsible from the agglutinating activity. The contaminant was the lectin in wheat, Wheat Germ Agglutinin.

Now, you might ask, why don't I just eat this stuff all the time, so I don't get cancer? Well, if there is no cancer in the body, the lectins are going to agglutinate you instead! Sort of like taking chemotherapy as a preventive against cancer: You'd just be poisoning yourself.

 

Processed Wheat Better Than Whole Wheat in Type O?

Q: I am a type O, I have finally figured out why I gained weight eating whole wheat products! Thank you! In the event that I have to choose a bread and rye or the neutrals are not available, is white bread better than a whole wheat on the type O system? I could really tell a difference from July to now with my whole wheat bread consumption whereas before when I ate "regular" breads, it did not seem to put weight on. Help!

 

A: Processed bread is probably better than whole wheat, as the wheat lectin is one of the more heat-sensitive lectins and is destroyed in most milling processes. However, I doubt that it is going to make much of a difference.

 

Can Type O "Veggie-Head" Survive?

Q: I have recently studied the ABO system and other components of the immune system in my university physiology course. Your program makes perfect sense in the realm of antigen- antibody complexes, and I would like to try it. The only barrier I confront is that I am a type-O AND a vegetarian. I can easily quit eating wheat and dairy products (as I already limit my dairy), but after five years of eating meatless and feeling healthy, I can't bring myself to put a juicy steak on my dinner plate. Can you suggest an alternative to the typical Type-O regimen for me, a stubborn veggie-head? Can I follow the rest of the type-O diet and simply substitute more soy (which has recently been found to have adequate methionine amounts, rivaling those of meat) into my diet?

 

A: Well, though not truly optimal, you can try using egg proteins in lieu of other options. Also: though you seem quite savvy, the problem with most vegetarians is that they are actually "starchitarians." Most of the time this is the actual problem. Using alternative vegetable proteins is acceptable, if you keep the starch component of the diet under control.

 

Changeable Blood Type?

Q: I had a blood test in 1970 when I was about to get married; at that time they checked to see if either person had VD. The card states my blood type to be B positive. In reading your book, I've noticed that I seem to fit more into the AB blood type. I've never had a blood transfusion so my question is: Can your blood type change?

 

A: Only under the most dire circumstances, such as malignancy.

 

Homeopathic Collinsonia?

Q: I have bloodtype A. I read a recommendation about Collinsonia canadensis (stoneroot) to avoid mucus. Is that in a homeopatic form and in which strenght? (D6 or D30 or ..?).

 

A: You should use the herbal form, either in freeze dried or tincture.

 

Type B and Glucosamine?

Q: I am B+ type. Have osteoarthritis. Is there any contradiction to take glucosamine sulfate for my type? Thanks.

 

A: Nope.

 

Type B With Breast Cancer/ Juice Concentrates?

Q: I am a type B breast cancer patient, and have been on the blood type diet for several months at the advice of my naturopath (Dr Michael Leu in Oklahoma). I am interested in adding "green foods" to my diet. Barley is on my avoidance list, but I wondered if offending lectins are removed with sprouting (like they are with wheat - I love Ezekial bread!). I found a product made from barley grass that initally looked good, but I found out that it uses a carrier made with corn maltodextrin, so I began to look elsewhere. I recently located another barley product that does not use any binders or fillers, just a small amount of stevia. I would like to try it, but am reluctant to add something I am uncertain about. Is barley grass OK for B's? Also, I found two other "dried juice" products: one that contains brocolli, cauliflower, kale, parsley,and different cabbages and one that is made from juiced beets. These are particulary interesting to me since they are all highly beneficial for me. What is your opinion of these "juiced food concentrates" (assuming they are manufactured well)?

 

A: Type B's should stay away from the Stevia and maltodextrin containing forms. The others are fine if they fit your budget.

 

Type A Allergic To Type O Husband?

Q: I was wondering if a type O woman is married to a type A secretor, could she have a reaction to his sperm, or chronic irritation?

 

A: Yes, as the Type A Secretor spermatic fluid is laced with A antigen, which as a type O you carry an antibody to. If you had been prior sensitized (possibly by infection with A-like organisms in vaginal tract) you could be mounting a reaction to the the sperm. If I think of a possible solution, I'll re-post on your question.

 

Sensitive Type O?

Q: Many of the foods you list as 'avoid' have been on my 'avoid' list for a long time. I notice either headaches or difficulty in sleeping. If I am very sensitive to foods on the avoid list, am I really healthy and therefore notice the slightest poisons in my body. Or, am I really screwed up? I am type O.

 

A: Your allergic threshold may be low for whatever reason, which then of course results in you becoming more exquisitely sensitive to poor food choices for type O. Generally, in time, this gets better.

 

Tuna for Type O?

Q: For a type O, how is tuna fish categorized?

A: "Tuna" is listed under "Albacore."

 

How Do You Pronaunce Your Last Name?

Q: How do you pronounce your name? I imagine it to be pronouned Dee--Ah--dah--moe, am I close? At first I thought it might be Dah--dah--moe, but then I figured that the accent symbol probably separates the D from the A in a way that has D spoken by itself. Is this an Italian name in origin by any chance? I apologize if this seems to be a goofy question when other people probably ask you for answers on more serious topics, but I was curious.

A: " Dee--Ah--dah--moe" though I have been told that "Dah--dah--moe" is more correct. The name is Italian, though it is originally though to be Spanish (who ran place in the 14-16th centuries). I find that interesting in that the other side of my family ("Subira-Vidal") is Catalan Spanish from the northeastern province of Ileida (Lerida).

 

Bloodtype and Athletic Performance?

Q: I am a dietologist graduated at the University of Bari, Italy. I have read your book last April, and since then I am working with your method very succesfully. Do you think that a specific diet according to the blood group would be useful for athletes (in competition) to prevent the muscular aches that often occur in such individuals? Do you perform any studies on this purpose? I thank you very much for your attention.

A: This has been proposed, and apparently the Chinese olympic team does quite a bit with the blood type, though as to what degree I am uncertain.

 

Expanding Foods To Look At Asian Cuisine?

Thank you very much for your book. I am a female Chinese with blood type O. I am very grateful for your work as I was at a very frustrated state when I came across your book, as I had thought of adopting a healthier way of eating and had switched to a macrobiotic diet rich in whole grains and experienced dramatic weight gain over a short period of one month, with feelings of bloatedness and sluggishness. I was very baffled by this, as I was maintaining a very regular, high intensity exercise schedule. After following your diet I had lost all the weight I had gained in a period of two weeks. I enjoy your diet as there is a broad range of possibilities for menu planning, and is a diet that one can easily stick to for life, something quite impossible with most other diets. I live in Singapore, and would like to request that you include more Asian foods in the expanded food list in your new book. I am sure there are many Asians following your diet. Also, I would like to ask your advice on whether the seasoning monosodium glutamate has any effect on the blood-type diet.

A: I haven't tested any new foods since the early 90's and of course before the publication of the book. Since my office has just moved into new space, I am looking foward to having room again to dust off some of the equipment and have another go at things. I hope to expand some of the queries to include differing cuisines, so stay tuned. Type A doesn't seem to do well on MSG, but that is all I have at this point.

 

Vegan Type B Son

Q:I am a student at S.W. College of Naturopathic Med. and admire you greatly. Going from vegan to the type O diet has created an abundance of health and vitality in my life. My son (age 9), however, is type B and will not change his vegan ways. I am concerned because his major sources of protein (beans, tofu, tempe) are all on his AVOID list and he will not eat any meat or fish. His health overall is fine but I am concerned as to what to do about his protein intake. Look forward to hearing your input on this. Thanks so much and keep up the great work! Our field is blessed to have your knowledge. Looking forward to the cookbook!

A: Is he willing to try some dairy? Perhaps a morning whey protein shake might be something he would not be irreversibly opposed to.

 

Dulce, Echinacea and Goldenseal for Type O?

Q: I have recently read your book and am just starting the program. I am an O blood type. Although I am always sceptical of new diets, I am very intruiged by this concept and the seemingly scientific facts that it is based on. I am amazed at how many of the concepts I seemed to know intuitively and did not implement. Can dulse be substituted where you recommend Kelp? You have recommended no Echinacea or Goldenseal tea. Does this mean that Echinacea and Goldenseal tinctures are also not recommended?? Thank you for your help, guidance and passion!

A: Dulce as "kelp" is fine, though if you are trying to get the effect of "bladderwrack, you must use the species Fucus vesiculosus. Golden seal as an external gargle or topical is fine, but internally all forms should be avoided.

 

Confusing Map?

Q: Your animated map of distribution of the blood-types is a bit confusing. For instance, China seems to be covered by the magenta colour and yet, 'B' is only about 7% of the world population. Shouldn't 'B' be more populous than 'A'?

A: You're right. When I copied the map to its new page, I left out an explanatory line which explains that the colors (other than the early ones illustrating the development og group O) are indicative of "above average" concentrations, not majority concentrations.

 

Walnut oil, etc.

Q: I am a practicing nutritionist in France and have been recommending your system to my patients as soon as I discovered it. Bravo! Walnut oil is quite popular here in the health and good eating circles. According to you who is it good for? When you mention mozzarella do you speak of cow's milk or buffalo milk. Same with ricotta: cow or ewe's milk? both are found here.

A: Walnut oil is neutral for types O and B, beneficial for types A and AB. Mozarella can be from eithe cow or buffalo (buffalo is lower fat). Ricotta is best from goat milk.

 

Male- Female

Q: This from a B+ woman who has found it very easy to give up chicken, but must take your prohibitions on black pepper with a grain of salt! (Pun intended, if weak.) I've come across some studies (summarized in "Naturally Thin and Powerful" -Lipetz) on the effect of dieting on the serotonin systems of men and women. The story goes that under conditions of calorie restricted or high protein diets women's serotonin systems suffer while men's do not. Have you found in your practice that men and women of the same blood type thrive on different subsets of type-appropriate foods? Do type A women do better than O's and B's? Any insight you might share would be greatly appreciated.

A: Interesting issue. I will be exploring that in the near future. For now, I have no additional insight.

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