Growing up in a large family, I became aware of how unique each person was. While some people were sicker more frequently, others lost weight more quickly than they could gain it back. In my instance, there would be fluctuations in both my weight and health. I've since modified my lifestyle and diet to fit my needs. What works for you, though? There are many diet options available, which can make selection challenging. Paleo, vegan, and even pegan diets exist. He is yet another to think about.
Have you heard of the blood type diet? Naturopathic physician Dr. Peter J D’Adamo believes that following a lifestyle and diet corresponding to your blood type is better than all the one-size fits all diets out there.
The Theory
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 altogether. They have a tendency towards heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Type As should focus on doing calming and spiritual exercises such as yoga and 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.
The Science Behind it
Considering how different each of us are, it makes sense that our genetic differences can affect what is right and wrong for our bodies.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.
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!
Sources
http://www.dadamo.com/
http://www.doctoroz.com/article/eat-right-your-type
https://www.drlam.com/blood_type_diet/
https://authoritynutrition.com/the-blood-type-diet-review/
http://greatist.com/health/exercise-weight-loss-071213