Diet by Blood Type

Natalie Biebel '14

Before you were born, specific genes were combined from your mother and father to establish your blood type. Research has shown that your type is what makes you biochemically unique. Dr. Peter D’Adamo’s Eat Right For Your Type discusses the importance of eating foods depending on your blood type, whether it be A, B, AB, or O. The guide provides four lifestyle plans for the four blood types which help people to lose weight, reduce stress, and improve overall health. In the 6617 individuals who reported their results from following the Blood Type Diet for a period of one month or more, three out of four (71-78%) had significant improvement in a variety of health conditions.

Blood type A’s. Long ago when there was a shortage of hunting game stock in Africa, natives were forced to spread to other continents like Europe and Asia. This switch to a hunting/gathering community is what makes type A’s what they are today. They are efficient carbohydrate digesters but since Type A’s have trouble digesting animal protein and fat, they are ideal vegetarians. This category of people favors a structured and peaceful life surrounded by a supportive community. Type A’s have a high levels of stress hormones which can lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder, insulin resistance, and hypothyroidism. To help maintain a balance of stress hormones, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided. In order to stable blood sugar levels, Type A’s should consume small frequent meals. Dr. D’Adamo recommends relaxing exercises such as Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi, and Meditation in order to stay fit.

Blood Type B originated in the Himalayan Mountains. Of all of the blood types, it has the clearest distribution from Japan, Mongolia, and China, to the Ural Mountains and also Western Europe, due to the migration of Asian nomads. Balance of vegetables and meats is very important to the Type B’s. Foods such as corn, what, and sesame seeds affect the efficiency of metabolic. Balance of exercises is also important. Tennis, martial arts, and golf are all activities that challenge the mind and body. Interestingly, Type Bs can adapt well to altitudes and are statistically the tallest of the blood types. They are often described as creative, subjective, and easy going.

Type O is the original blood type. Type O’s tend to be extroverted, energetic leaders who are responsible, decisive, organized, and practical. However, under stress they can be angry and impulsive. Type O’s have “fight or flight” responses and are susceptible to destructive behavior when tired, stressed, or bored. Their diet is based on lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. Avoiding wheat and dairy will help maintain digestive health and staying away from caffeine will help keep already high levels of adrenaline in check. In order to stay emotionally balanced, Type O’s should exercise regularly. Activities that work the cardiovascular and skeletal system are best and help to reduce anxiety and cravings.

The rarest of the blood types is Type AB, which is a combination of Types A and B. It is found in less than 5% of the population. Like other blood types, AB’s should avoid caffeine and alcohol during stressful situations. Foods like tofu, seafood, dairy, and green vegetables can help Type AB’s lose weight. Type AB’s tend to keep emotions to themselves, which damages health. They should express themselves through calming and physical activities like aerobics and tai chi. Intuitive and spiritual are adjectives used to describe Type AB’s. Although they are drawn to people, they tend to feel isolated in large groups. Passionate beliefs of Type AB’s can conflict with their constant desire to be liked by others.