The Blood Type Diet

What is blood type? 
     Your blood type, or blood group, is "...determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens - substances that can trigger an immune response if they are foreign to the body" (www.redcrossblood.org). Your blood type is inherited from your biological parents, like any other gene, which is used medically for safe blood transfusions. There are four groups of blood types, Group A, Group B, Group AB and Group O. (www.redcrossblood.org)

The theory behind it...
     Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo has created The Blood Type Diet based on scientific research,  "...that indicates that your blood type is a key genetic factor that influences many areas of health and well-being" (www.dadamo.com). The theory states that each blood type requires a specific diet to meet their genetic needs. Even though we are all living in the present, our blood groups date back to our ancestors. Genetics have been passed down from generation to generation resulting in certain characteristics in each of us. People who are blood type O, A, B, or AB all have different characteristics, they are predisposed to different diseases and should eat and exercise differently. (www.dadamo.com)

Blood Type O
     This blood type may be susceptible to certain illnesses such as ulcers and thyroid disorders. Most people with type O blood group contain higher levels of stomach acid than those of other blood types. Also, people with this blood type have a well developed capacity to digest meals that have both protein and fat. However, simple carbohydrates (especially from grains) are more likely to be converted into fat. These grains contain proteins that usually cause inflammation and autoimmunity in people with type O blood. (www.dadamo.com)
     What to eat: high protein diet with a lot of lean meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables (WebMD)
     What not to eat: limit grains, beans, and dairy (WebMD)

Blood Type A
     This blood type has low levels of acid in their stomach and large amount of digestive enzymes, which allows for better digestion of carbohydrates. Type As have a difficult time digesting and metabolizing meat. (www.dadamo.com)
     What to eat: a lot of fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes and whole grains (WebMD)
     What not to eat: meat (WebMD)

Blood Type B
     Weight gain from this blood type are most affected by corn, wheat, buckwheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts and sesame seeds. These foods negatively affect the type Bs metabolism resulting in fatigue, retention of fluid and severe drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Type Bs should also avoid chicken, which when digested, attacks the bloodstream potentially leading to stroke and immune disorders. (www.dadamo.com)
     What to eat: green vegetables, eggs, certain meats (goat, lamb, mutton, rabbit and venison) and low-fat dairy products (WebMD)
     What not to eat: corn, wheat, buckwheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts, sesame seeds and chicken (WebMD)

Blood Type AB
     This is the newest and rarest blood type. Less than five percent of the population is AB blood type. They have characteristics of both A and B blood types. This blood type has type As low stomach acid and type Bs adaptation to eating meat. Therefore, meat that this blood type eats, usually gets stored as fat. (www.dadamo.com)
     What to eat: tofu, seafood, dairy and green vegetables (WebMD)
     What not to eat: caffeine, alcohol and smoked or cured meats (WebMD)

 Dr. D'Adamo outlines a "get started" plan for each blood type.

For more information check out Dr. D'Adamo's webstite http://dadamo.com/