The idea of choosing foods based on your blood type became popular with the release of a book by Dr. Peter D'Adamo called "Eat Right 4 Your Type." It offers four different diet plans for people with the four basic types of blood. MayoClinic.com nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky says the blood type diet is based on a theory that people with different blood types digest food proteins in different ways. She adds, however, that no solid research exists to support the theory.
Type O
D'Adamo says people with type O blood do best when they're getting lots of exercise and staying away from dairy products and grains. He says one of the big reasons people with type O blood gain weight is because of the gluten found in wheat products. On the blood type diet, type O individuals are advised to load up instead on foods high in protein, such as meat and fish. For exercise, D'Adamo recommends aerobics, martial arts, contact sports and running.
Type A
According to the blood type theory, people with type A blood should consider becoming vegetarians. D'Adamo says type A people are predisposed to heart disease, cancer and diabetes. They should consume a diet high in "fresh, pure and organic" foods. Type As should avoid red meat and limit the amount of dairy they consume. D'Adamo recommends more calming exercises for these folks, such as yoga and tai chi.
Type B
D'Adamo says people with type B blood tend to have a strong immune system and a digestive system he describes as "tolerant." Type B individuals can eat plenty of meat and dairy on the blood type diet, some fish and lots of fruit and vegetables. Chicken and bacon are not recommended. Instead, type B individuals should consider adding foods such as goat, lamb, mutton, rabbit and venison to their diets. When it comes to exercise, D'Adamo recommends moderate activities, such as hiking, swimming, cycling and tennis.
Type AB
As the blood type implies, people with AB blood can choose a diet that combines the recommendations of both the type A and type B groups. D'Adamo says blood type AB is the newest blood type on the evolutionary scale and the most biologically complex. He advises people with this rare blood type to avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially when they're under stress. Smoked and cured meats should be avoided, too. According to D'Adamo, type AB people fare best if they do a combination of the exercises recommended for the type A and type B individuals.
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