Dr. Peter D'Adamo looked at studies that indicated certain health problems were more common in individuals with the same blood type, and at studies suggesting that blood type affects the body's ability to digest and utilize different types of food. Based on these analyses, he theorized that people should eat foods specific to their blood type to enhance their health. This is the basis for his book, "Eat Right 4 Your Type," which explores the types of food individuals should focus on eating depending on their blood type.
Type O
Step 1
Minimize carbohydrate intake, especially in foods containing gluten. A Type O individual often has difficulty digesting carbs.
Step 2
Eat plenty of animal-based protein. Type O people have strong digestive systems that allow them to digest and utilize much of the protein in meat.
Step 3
Drink green tea rather than coffee as coffee can increase the rate that Type O people produce stomach acid, which can lead to ulcers and acid reflux.
Step 4
Consume more iodine to stimulate your otherwise sluggish thyroid. Iodized salt and sea kelp are good sources of iodine.
Type A
Step 1
Avoid meat, as Type A digestive systems are unable to digest and utilize animal protein as efficiently as other types. This means meat protein can decay and ferment in the digestive system.
Step 2
Avoid milk and other dairy products, as Type A individuals tend to be less tolerant of lactose. Excessive milk consumption can lead to digestive pain and gas.
Step 3
Concentrate on vegetable sources of protein, such as soy. Type A digestive systems are very efficient at processing vegetables. Fruits, grains and legumes are also good for a Type A stomach.
Step 4
Take Vitamin B12 supplements to offset the deficit caused by your inability to process red meat. Dark, leafy green vegetables can also be a source of Vitamin B12, but a supplement will help to ensure you get enough in your diet.
Type B
Step 1
Avoid hard-to-digest grains, nuts and vegetables such as corn, peanuts, lentils and seeds. While all blood types have difficulty utilizing these foods, Type B individuals are particularly intolerant.
Step 2
Avoid wheat products, as gluten is particularly hard to digest for Type B people. Excess gluten can lower blood sugar levels, making a Type B individual feel weak and ill.
Step 3
Consume dairy, as Type B is the most tolerant of lactose. Dairy products can help a Type B person keep his blood sugar in check, but a large amount of high-calorie dairy products may lead to weight gain.
Type AB
Step 1
Eat small portions of meat. While Type AB individuals have some difficulty digesting and utilizing animal protein due to the influence of Type A on their blood type, adding Type B's hardiness lets Type AB individuals tolerate meat if eaten in small portions.
Step 2
Eat pineapple and other foods that contain bromelain, an enzyme that will help you break down animal proteins.
Step 3
Eat smaller, but more frequent meals. Type AB individuals have very low amounts of stomach acid, and smaller meals will help the stomach to completely digest the entire meal.
Step 4
Avoid mixing starch and protein in the same meal. The starch will take a lot of digestive enzymes to break down, which means the proteins will often go undigested. Eating meat by itself without any starchy foods will allow your body to devote digestive efforts to the protein.
