We all know from experience that we're each an experiment of one, but did you know that adjusting your diet to match your blood type could have life-altering results?
Naturopathic physician Dr. Peter J D’Adamo is a strong advocate for the idea that following a lifestyle and diet corresponding to your blood type is better than the one-size fits all diets out there. The blood type diet looks at all facets of your health and so can lead to more positive results than adopting a one-size-fits-all diet!
Instead, Dr. D’Adamo believes that our ideal diets are intrinsically linked to our blood types. These diets are based on the genetic traits of our ancestors and what they ate.
Blood Type-A: Known as the Agrarian, people who have an A blood type are suited to an organic and fresh vegetarian diet. They should ideally avoid red meats as they have a tendency towards heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Type As should focus on doing calming, breathing, and relaxation exercises, as well as tai chi.
Blood Type-B: Known as the Nomad, B blood types have robust immune and digestive systems. Their optimal diet can include plants, most meats and some dairy. They should avoid wheat, corn, lentils, and tomatoes. Type B should engage in moderate physical exercises such as hiking, cycling, tennis, and swimming.
Blood Type-AB: Referred to as the Enigma, people with an AB blood type take their optimal diet from both blood types A and B. Their optimal diet includes seafood, beans, and eggs. A combination of the exercises from types A and B are ideal.
Blood Type-O: Referred to as the Hunter, O-types’ optimal diet focuses on animal proteins. It bears similarities with the paleo diet as it limits grains and dairy. To go with the high protein diet, type-Os in the blood type diet should do intense physical exercises. These include running, aerobics, and contact sports.
One of the central claims by the blood type diet is that lectins, a protein in the food we eat, are attracted to certain blood types. Some studies have found that lectins from a few foods can react with red blood cells to clump and block blood passages.
However, it may just be the case that these lectins react regardless of blood type. Further research has found that specific blood types are more susceptible to certain diseases. This puts some truth to the claim that our blood types can be a key factor in our health.
While studies in support of and refuting the blood type diet are few, the experiences of people who have undergone the blood type diet have been positive. In general, depending on the diet and lifestyle you have going into the blood type diet, you can see positive results. This is because Dr. D’Adamo’s approach does away with the refined sugars that are common in the typical American diet.
He also advocates for including exercise in your routine. Studies have found that while Americans have been exercising more in recent years, obesity within the population is still steadily climbing. This has been connected with the increased consumption of calories to compensate.
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