Whats Your Type Examining The Blood Type Diet

What’s Your Type? Examining The Blood Type Diet By Corrine Ryser, Jason Gue, Thomas Morgan, Phillip Todacheeny

What is the blood type diet based on? Peter D'Adamo, ND, the author behind the “Eat Right for Your Blood Type” is a graduate of Bastyr University, now in private practice, in Connecticut and has been doing about 15 years of his own research based on 35 years of research by his father, James D'Adamo, who is also a naturopathic physician, and whose pioneering work with blood types and diet was described in the book “One Man's Food. ” The author’s theory is based on research within, amongst others, physical anthropology, neurology, biochemistry, nutrition, lectinology, epidemiology, psychology, immunology and genetics. The premise of the book itself is that if you use your blood type as a guide for eating and living, you will be healthier, you will subsequently reach your ideal body weight as well as slow down the aging process. Because blood types historically evolved as a result of changes in our diet, culture, and social conditions, each blood type has particular strengths and limitations. He presumes that when these are known and followed, it becomes easier to maintain good health.

Dr. D’Adamo concludes that blood type is a powerful indicator of your genetic code. He believes that blood types have evolved over thousands of years and contain the genetic message of diets and behaviors from our ancestors. By following the diet prescribed for one's specific, blood type, an individual can make choices that correspond to their biological profile. While several systems exist to categorize blood, including Lewis, Rhesus (Rh), and MN blood group systems, Dr. D'Adamo has found that 90% of the factors dealing with the connection between health and blood type are dependent on the ABO, or primary blood type system.

l l l Every life form has unique antigens that form part of its chemical signature. Similarly, each blood type possesses an antigen with a unique chemical structure. Blood type antigens are ubiquitous throughout the body and are among the most powerful antigens involved in the process of identification of "friend or foe or self vs. nonself. " When the body senses foreign antigens, antibodies are generated which defend the body against the invaders. The "anti-other-blood" type antibodies are among the strongest antibodies in our immune system. It has long been recognized that some foods are capable of causing the cells of a certain blood type to agglutinate while having no impact on cells of another blood type. This reaction is dependent upon the interaction of human cells with the lectins found in food.

l A lectin can be defined as any compound found in nature, usually diverse protein structures, which can interact with surface antigens found on the body's cells, causing them to agglutinate. Following ingestion of food, a chemical reaction can occur between the food you eat and your blood or tissues because of these lectins. Many food lectins have characteristics sufficiently similar to certain blood type antigens to be identified as an enemy. If you eat a food that contains lectins incompatible with your blood type, the blood cells will agglutinate. Food lectins can also interact with white blood cells, acting as mitogens and stimulating cell division and replication. l Essentially, when you eat a food containing protein lectins that are incompatible with your blood type antigen, the lectins target an organ or bodily system and begin to agglutinate blood cells in that area leading to health problems, weight gain, etc.

l l The interaction of specific food lectins with blood type can play a large role in the determination of which foods act as medicine or poison for an individual. This interaction, along with other genetic predispositions associated with blood types, forms the foundation of the dietary recommendations proposed in this book. Dr. D'Adamo discusses characteristics of each blood type and makes recommendations for diet, supplementation, botanical support, and exercise. In the chapters dedicated to specific blood types, he recommends foods which are beneficial, neutral, or should be avoided. The diet also zones in on medical problems and their correlation to blood type as well as strategies for their prevention or treatment. U. S. Blood-type Distribution O+ 38% of population A+ 34% of population B+ 9% of population O 7% of population A 6% of population AB+ 3% of population B 2% of population AB 1% of population

The Review, in the Words of Dr. D’Alamo: The essence of the blood type connection rests in these facts: l Your blood type - O, A, B, AB - is a powerful genetic fingerprint that identifies you as surely as your DNA. l When you use the individualized characteristics of your blood type as a guidepost for eating and living, you will be healthier, you will naturally reach your ideal weight, and you will slow the process of aging. l Your blood type is a genetic blueprint for who you are, a guide to how you can live most healthfully. l The key to the significance of blood type can be found in the story of human evolution: Type O is the oldest; Type A evolved with agrarian society; Type B emerged as humans migrated north into colder, harsher territories; and Type AB was a thoroughly modern adaptation, a result of the intermingling of disparate groups. This development relates directly to the dietary needs of each blood type today.

Type O Blood The Hunter

Exercise Program l Must have exercise for overcoming stress l l Stress goes to the muscles, giving an explosion of intense physical energy release the build-up of hormonal forces through vigorous and intense physical exercise

Stress is Direct and Physical l l Aerobic 40 -60 min. 3 -4 x week Weight Training 30 min. 3 x week Contact Sports 60 min 3 x week Cycling 30 min. 3 x week

Type O l Strengths l l l Hardy digestive track Strong immune system l Intolerant to dietary change Immune system can be overactive Medical risks l l Blood clotting disorder ulcers Diet profile l l Weaknesses l l Weight-loss key l l l High protein, meat eaters Limit: grains, beans, legumes Avoid: wheat, corn, kidney beans Aids: kelp, seafood, salt Supplements l Vit. B, K, calcium, iodine

What’s for Dinner? l l l Lamb stew Steamed broccoil Sweet potato (steamed artichoke) Mixed fresh fruit Beer or wine (seltzer or herbal tea)

Nutritional info. l l 1081 Calories 25 g Total Fat 83 g Carbohydrates 105 g Protein § For the regular meal

Type A Blood The Cultivator

Exercise program l Stress may cause: l Anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, and weakens the immune system

Exercise Program l l l Hatha Yoga 30 min. 3 -5 x week Golf 60 min. 2 -3 x week Swimming 30 min. 3 -4 x week Stretching 15 min. 3 -5 x week AVOID- Heavy competitive sports, may exhaust your nervous energy making you more tense.

Type A l Strengths l l Adapts well to new diets Weaknesses l l Heart disease cancer Diet profile l l Sensitive digestive track Vulnerable immune system Medical risks l l Weight-loss key l l l Vegetarian Avoid: meat, dairy Aids: soy food, pineapple Supplements l Vit. B 12, C, E

Reap what you sow l l l Tofu-pesto lasagna Broccoli Frozen yogurt Red wine (Tofu stir-fry with green beans, leeks, snow peas, and alfalfa sprouts)

Nutritional Data l l 480 calories 11 g total fat 60 g carbohydrates 13 g protein § Non-diet meal

Type B Blood The Nomad

Exercise Program l Stress is balanced between: l l nervous mental activity physically aggressive reactions

Exercise Program l l Aerobic 30 -45 min. 3 -5 x week Cycling 45 -60 min. 3 x week Weight Training 30 -45 min 3 x week Hatha Yoga 45 min. 2 -3 x week

Type B l Strengths l l l Type I diabetes Chronic fatigue syndrome l l Balanced omnivore Weight-loss key l Imbalances cause autoimmune breakdown Medical risks Diet profile l Weaknesses l l Strong immune system Adaptation to diet changes l Avoid: corn, peanuts, wheat Aids: eggs, liver, tea Supplements l Magnesium, ginkgo,

Balanced Nutrition l l l Broiled Fish Steamed vegetables Roasted yam with rosemary Mixed fresh fruit Red wine

Nutritional data l l 484 calories 1 g total fat 88 g carbohydrates 6 g protein

Type AB Blood The Enigma

Exercise Program l Stress of type A and type B l l l Anxiety Weaken Immune System Nervous mental activity

Exercise Program l l Tai Chi 30 -40 min. 3 -5 x week Brisk walking 20 -40 min. 2 -3 x week Hiking 45 -60 min. 2 -3 x week Dancing 30 -45 min 2 -3 x week

Type AB l Strengths l l Sensitive digestive track l Heart disease cancer l l Mixed diet in moderation Weight-loss key l Medical risks l Diet profile l Weaknesses l l Designed for modern conditions Tolerant immune system l Avoid: red meat, lima beans, buckwheat Aids: tofu, seafood, dairy Supplements l Vit. C, hawthorn, valerian

Modern Merging of A and B l l Tofu omelet Stir-fried vegetables Mixed fruit salad Red wine

Nutritional data l l 212 calories 0 total fat 46 g carbohydrates 4 g protein § Tofu omelet nutrition information was not available

Results: l l l Type O Type B Type AB Medical improvements

All theory, no proof! l l No data or study done specifically for these ideas! Core idea of diet: Eliminating Lectins. l “No pathologist I know has ever mentioned tissue infarction from lectin-induced red cell agglutination as a cause of any disease in humans. ” (Klaper, M. D. )

Questionable Statements l "Type O's do not tolerate whole wheat products at all, “ (D’Adamo, 63) l l Claims hypothyroidism is caused by Type O people do not produce enough iodine. l l No pictures, biopsies, or supporting material. People do not produce iodine! Tries to apply theories to consumption of milk. l Intolerance to milk not suffered exclusively to any blood- type.

Holes in theory l l l Affects of disease and conditions not exclusive to blood-type. Affects of aging. Genetic variations is somewhat weak argument. l l Ex. Eye color, hair color Does not affect health. Generally bad idea to restrict diet. l Consult your physician!

Expert Opposition l l “One of the book's most disturbing characteristics is the frightening images that the author calls forth without providing scientific documentation. ” (Klaper, M. D. ) “it's debatable that diet prescriptions based on blood type are the answer. In fact, there's no science to support the strategy. ” (Callahan, MS, RD) "I think we all have individual needs, but basing what you eat on blood type is ridiculous, “ (Kirby) "there's no indication that blood type has anything to do with anything other than blood type. Your basic nutrition needs are the same whether you're type A positive or B negative, “ (Hogan)

Salvaging Ideas l No one diet is appropriate for any one person. l l Varying metabolisms, health conditions, tastes, finances. Non-processed foods are generally better than processed. l l Recommendations steer audience clear of processed foods. Any change in your regular diet may be beneficial, as any health diet will attempt to remove those foods obviously bad for you.

Reference: l l l D'Adamo, N. D. , Peter J. Eat Right For Your Type. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1996. http: //www. earthsave. org/news/bloodtyp. htm Michael Klaper, M. D. http: //diets. aol. com/az/bloodtype? id=20050610162209990002 Maureen Callahan, MS, RD. Blood type review: from health magazine. Health Publishing, Inc. April, 2004. http: //www. whfoods. com/genpage. php? tname=diet&dbid=2 The George Mateljan Foundation. 2005 http: //diet. ivillage. com/plans/pfoodcomb/0, , 1 l 9 b, 00. html i. Village. 2005. http: //www. nutritionfacts. com