What diet is suitable for blood type?

Eat Right 4 Your Type, as the diet is commonly known, was published in 1996 by naturopathic doctor Peter J. D'Adamo. According to Eat 4 Your Type, blood type can provide an analysis of how the body reacts to food and stress, explain the bacteria in your gut, and predict your susceptibility to certain diseases.

How does the blood type diet work?

The first step to starting this diet is to know your blood type (O, A, B, or AB). Once you know your blood type, you can simply make the necessary adjustments to your diet by following a nutrition plan that caters to your blood type.

Group O

This diet focuses on organic lean meats, vegetables, beans, fruits and avoids wheat and dairy, which can cause digestive and health problems like inflammation and autoimmune problems.

Since people with type O blood tend to exhibit a “flight or fight” stress response, which causes a chemical imbalance, caffeine (which increases already high adrenaline and noradrenaline levels) and alcohol should be completely avoided. Kelp, seafood, red meat, kale, and spinach are all beneficial for people with type O blood.

You should also do high intensity exercise like running.

People with blood type O may be more susceptible to certain conditions such as ulcers and thyroid disorders, and tend to have higher levels of stomach acid. People with blood type O may have an easier time digesting protein and fat, due to the secretion of higher levels of two chemicals in the digestive tract – intestinal alkaline phosphatase and a lipoprotein called ApoB48.

Group A

People with blood type A are very good at processing carbohydrates. They have lower levels of hydrochloric acid in their stomachs and are able to digest carbohydrates efficiently. They have a harder time digesting and metabolizing animal proteins and fats.

Blood type A people tend to have naturally high stress levels and prefer a vegetarian diet, as eliminating toxins leads to higher energy levels. Eating fresh and organic foods combined with relaxation exercises is great for people with blood type A.

Group B

People with blood type B will develop into a “balanced omnivore”, eating meat, low-fat dairy, grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. With such great flexibility in their diet, they are advised to avoid chicken, replacing it with meats such as lamb and venison. Moderate exercise with a mental component such as hiking or cycling is also encouraged.

People with type B blood tend to produce higher than normal levels of cortisol when stressed, have a sensitivity to B-specific lectins in certain foods that can lead to inflammation, and are susceptible to "long-term slow-growing viruses" and autoimmune diseases.

Corn, wheat, buckwheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts, and sesame can cause weight gain for people with blood type B. These foods affect metabolism which can lead to water retention, fatigue, and hypoglycemia.

Group AB

Blood type AB is very rare, found in less than 5% of the population. Type AB is co-dominant and faces both the benefits and challenges of type A and type B.

A mixed diet will work best for those with type AB, eating foods such as lamb, dairy, grains, vegetables and fruit. A combination of moderate to moderate exercise is good for those with type AB. Small, frequent meals will help with digestive problems caused by low stomach acid. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided, especially when stressed.

This diet seems to be a good fit for anyone looking to optimize their daily feelings. While some blood types may be more restrictive than others, it’s worth a try to see if it can help you look and feel your best for years to come! As always, talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet.