I am Type A and I am a vegetarian. I do however eat soy meat products. Almost all of these products contain wheat gluten and some of them contain enriched wheat flour. Are these ok? I am finfing it very hard to find foods that do not contain wheat flour. Any advice?

If you are a vegetarian, it is best not to rely too much on the soy meat product, because they are processed. I would recommend using more beans and legumes, nuts and seeds as your source of protein. There are many grain products that are allowed for the Type A Diet.

This link show what is allowed and not allowed in the Type A Diet.

I was diagnosed with GERD so I stopped drinking coffee. Which tea can I drink that is not acidic. Also my tongue bothers me when I eat or drink the certain things. Can you help me correct that problem?

GERD is a disease that is caused by gastric acid being in the wrong place. Certain foods can trigger symptoms in different people react differently to the trigger. Lying down after a meal, wearing tight-fitting clothing, and even performing certain activities, such as bending over, can also trigger symptoms in GERD patients. A good way for you to identify these "triggers" is to keep a diary of GERD symptoms noting when they occur. If symptoms follow a pattern and occur after certain foods or activities, these foods or activities should be avoided. A diary will also help you continue to enjoy those foods or activities that do not seem to provoke symptoms, so that your lifestyle is not restricted unnecessarily. You should review your symptoms with your doctor, who can evaluate your condition and advise an appropriate treatment plan.

The following guideline may help with also:

a. Avoid drinking liquid during meal time, drink 1/2 hr before meal and 1 hr after meal.
b. Do not lay down immediately after a meal.
c. Eat small meals, 60-70% full is sufficient.

Foods that may cause an increase in acid production in the stomach should be avoided also. These include:
a. Spicy Food
b. Greasy Food
c. Coffee, Tea
d. LOTS of protein in one meal
e. Milk or dairy products

Tea that are acceptable include Flower teas, herbal teas do not have the caffeine component in it, so it does not promote increase acid production in the stomach.

Eating certain foods or drinks that bothers your tongue may be a sign of allergic reaction to those food. The best course of action is to avoid those food.

Have you any information on collagen tablets.

You have a very interesting question. Collagen is a very large protein molecule. It gets denatured quickly when exposed to gastric juice which are very acidic as you may know.Collagen from livestock animals is a familiar ingredient for cooking. Like most proteins, when collagen is heated, it loses all of its structure. The triple helix unwinds and the chains separate. Then, when this denatured mass of tangled chains cools down, it soaks up all of the surrounding water like a sponge, forming gelatin. Scientifically I am not aware of collagen tablets being in used on a common bases and more importantly, its objective.

If you are interested in building a stronger connective tissue base or increase collagen structure in the body, consider vitamin C, lysine, and proline which are important building blocks for collagen. Collagen's important peptide chain can also be applied on the skin for wrinkle reduction.

I am reading good things about the product Sun Chlorella and taking Barley Juice. Can you tell me the bad things about these products or side effects that can hurt my body. I would like to start taking the Sun Chlorella.

Chlorella has the highest concentration of chlorrphyl of any substance. It is excellent, but not everyone can tolerate it well, especially if you are toxic. Try to start with 1/4 to 1/2 dose and gradually work yoursellf up. Total per day is 3-40 grams.

Because you believe, as I do, in supplementation I want to ask about one specific one. That is MSM (Methylsulfonyl-methane) . The one I take is 99% sulpur. I have recently read the book REVERSE AGING by Sang Whang and learned that sulphur is acid. I take it because of joint and back discomfort. I have been trying to reduce the amount I take but find that there is too much discomfort and less mobility. I have pretty well decided to continue to take it but I would like to hear your views because of the concern of Acid/Alkaline conditions of the body. I have recently increased the Alkalinity of the water I drink by using a Water filter/ionizer with an extra Fluoride filter as well. In that way I am hoping to reduce any increase in acidity that may be in my body. What are your comments?

The matter of acid/base balance needs to be looked at globally. If MSM is helping you, go ahead and take it. You can alkalize your body in variety of other ways, including the water you are taking. The most common cause of lack of alkalization is high grain intake, high protein intake, and high stress. On the supplement side, fiber and enzymes are key components to alkalize your body. Of course, the all time best way to alkalize your body is to take a lot of above the ground green leafy vegetables as well as sea vegetables. I think if you focus on the above, you should be ok, and taking MSM should not bother you. Here is my acid/base article which may clarify some thoughts: opinion/acidic_body.asp

I'm confussed. Which is the best diet to follow for anti aging, the modified mediterainian or the blood type (I'm type O) diet?

The blood type diet is a very general diet that is applicable to some people but not all. There are many exceptions. The best use of the blood type diet is to use it as an adjunct to the anti-aging diet. For example, if you like to eat meat , do it once a week, and you can follow the blood type diet to see if meat is good for you, and if not ,you can take less. Diet must be personalized. Listen to your body is the most important.

I am a Type O male trying to lose weight. I have always been a big bread eater. What is your opinion of Rye Bread that is made from sprouts? What about Essene or Ezekiel Bread? I appreciate your web site and the assistance you provide.

Rye is a cereal that is allowed in the Type O Diet, so you don't need to sprout it. Essene Bread and Ezekiel Bread is highly beneficial for Type O.

Remember that Losing Weight is like a balance, even with the additional benefits of the blood type diet, you need to eat less than what you are used to, and increase your activities level by exercising at least 3-4 times a week for at least 1/2 hour each time.

I would recommend that you get a balance supplement program that will help you control the blood sugar level, which will also control your craving. You can contact Dr. Maria at eAntiAging, Inc. for a personal consultation, she can put together a good natural supplement program that meet your needs.

I have just started the diet for Type O as I desperately want to lose 10kg. I have irritable bowl syndrome - which of the veggies and fruits that I can eat will not aggravate the problem.? Also , here in South Africa we have a tea called red bush and it is considered very healthy. Can I drink it.?We also have sugar beans and butter beans that I am very fond of. Are they O.K ? And how much sugar am I allowed to have.?

You have a very interesting problem. IBS is not an easy matter to deal with. The following are information about things that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may not tolerate well.

a. Certain medicines and foods may trigger spasms in some people. Sometimes the spasm delays the passage of stool, leading to constipation. Chocolate, milk products, or large amounts of alcohol are frequent offenders. Caffeine causes loose stools in many people, but it is more likely to affect those with IBS. Researchers also have found that women with IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can increase IBS symptoms.

b. Fat in any form (animal or vegetable) is a strong stimulus of colonic contractions after a meal. Many foods contain fat, especially meats of all kinds, poultry skin, whole milk, cream, cheese, butter, vegetable oil, margarine, shortening, avocados, and whipped toppings.

For many people, eating a proper diet lessens IBS symptoms. Before changing your diet, it is a good idea to keep a journal noting which foods seem to cause distress.

Dietary fiber may lessen IBS symptoms in many cases. Whole grain breads and cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of fiber. High-fiber diets keep the colon mildly distended, which may help to prevent spasms from developing. Some forms of fiber also keep water in the stools, thereby preventing hard stools that are difficult to pass. High-fiber diets may cause gas and bloating, but within a few weeks, these symptoms often go away as your body adjusts to the diet. Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea in people with IBS. Symptoms may be eased if you eat smaller meals more often or just eat smaller portions.

You are type O, and a high-protein diet, including lean red meats, fish and poultry, and fresh fruits and vegetables. As the digestive tract of Type O does not tolerate most grains very well, whole wheat products should be avoid altogether and severely limit your consumption of other grains.

Red bush tea contains on average less than half the tannin of regular tea. Scientific research has also proven that Redbush Tea is rich in antioxidants, including the flavonoids quercetin and luteolin, which have been shown to be both anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory. Note that excessive intake of Tannin (which is in the redbush tea) may cause constipation. This is an added discomfort for IBS.

Broad beans and sugar beans seem to be OK for Type O Diet. I do not recommend daily consumption of these.

My mother had a stroke three years ago which has taken the use of the left hand side of her body. Under Doctors orders she takes one aspirin a day. She also takes a Garlic Tablet a day as she has done for a number of years. Recently I read that aspirin and garlic should not be taken together is this correct and should she stop taking the garlic. she is aged 75.

Garlic has some blood thinning properties, and so does vitamin E and gingko. Taking high doses of these concurrently with aspirin or other blood thinning drugs such as coumadin should be under the supervision of a physician. Normal garlic capsules are low in potency and one capsule a day generally do not cause any problem. The best thing to do if you are concerned is to ask your doctor to check out her clotting time and see if it is ok.

I have heard that there are certain shellfish that are high in HDLs, but there are also some that are high in LDLs. Which shellfish contains which?

Shrimp contains a higher cholesterol level than finned fish, but the amount in a good serving of shellfish is well within the daily recommendation of less than 300mg. Moreover, the higher amounts in the shellfish is compensated by the benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids they contain. Seafood is naturally low in saturated fat and therefore will not raise LDL levels. Like any seafood, it is recommended to be consumed once or twice a week to keep a healthy lifestyle.

I have recently been diagnosed as having mild (?) gout. Middle knuckle of middle finger on each hand and index finger on one hand sensitive and dull ache, making a fist is mildly uncomfortable and actions such as knocking on a door hurt.

It is not giving me a great deal of pain so have not been given any medication. I am not overweight, I am 39 years old and am active in terms of cycling at least 20 kms a day. A certain amount of weight training. But do not follow any particular healthy diet although the food I eat is home cooking, no fast or junk food.

I do drink alcohol on weekends. The problem arose over the festive season. I have stopped drinking alcohol for over two weeks now and am showing no signs of the ache abating. I have cut down on red meats, nuts, cereals, beans, peas, and have increased my water intake to about three litres a day. No coffee or tea.

Will the gout go away eventually, should I be on a medication to clear the problem, and if I do take medication is it medication for short term or do I have to stay on medication all the time?

In terms of crystallisation in the colder extremes of my body, I am in Africa, where at this time the temperature is never below 20 degrees celsius and averages in the 30's during the day.

Gout flares up as a result of high uric acid in your body. And the crystals are deposited in certain joints causing the pain. What you are doing is the common practice to eliminate gout and prevent it from occurring. Once the gout flares up, it is better to take medication to get rid of the symptoms. Allopurinol is the standard medication first. There is no side effects in long term usage of the gout medication. In your case, since it is mild, you may want to consult your physician to see whether you need to take the medication on a long term basis.

There are a couple supplements that you can take for long-term prevention:

1. Bromelain.In some studies, bromelain relieved the joint and tissue swelling and severe pain related to an attack of gout. If taken regularly, bromelain may also prevent recurrent attacks. Leading Food Sources of bromelain: Pineapple

2. Vitamin C. By promoting uric acid excretion in the urine, vitamin C reduces the risk that the often painful symptoms of this metabolic disorder will develop. Leading Food Sources of vitamin C: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Kiwi fruit, Kale, Tangerines & other mandarins, Green and red bell peppers, Oranges, Cauliflower, Green Cabbage.

What is the RDA in percentage of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats?

RDA does not specify the percentage of carbohydarate, proteins, and fat. RDA deals with specific nutrients only. Depending on your goal, the precentage of carb, protein, and fat changes. If you are going for athletic performance, you need more protein. For anti-aging, we advocate the use of 50/25/25 on the condition that the carbohydrate is low glycemic complex carbohydrate, protein be primarily plant based, and fat from monounsaturated form such as olive oil and saturated form from deep sea cold water fish such as salmon.

I am looking for supplements to enhance my immune system. I have glioblastoma high grade and need to improve my immune system. What vitamins, food to be taking. What can I do to reduce the growth of these tumors. I am 62 yrs old. I am having radiation for 6 - 7 treatments in a weeks time. What can I do to help myself?

The common nutrients that have immune boosting properties are: zinc, garlic, echanasia, olive leaf, essiac tea (containing burdock root), reishi mushroom, among others. There is no one magic nutrient, as they all work synergistically and through different pathways. The best is to do a cocktail approach, balancing some of these will a good foundational formula including vitamin C, beta carotene, selenium in optimum dosages. Immune boosting nutrients should not be taken during chemo or radiation therapy. They should be taken before and stopped a week before, and restart 1 week after completion of therapy generally speaking. Everyone is different, however. The above is for general information only.