The Blood Type Diet is based on the belief that your blood type reflects your internal chemistry and determines how you absorb nutrients. It suggests that everyone digests and absorbs nutrients in a different way depending on their own particular blood group. The diet is designed to be used as a total health program rather than just for weight loss, and many people claim they feel increased energy levels, the ability to deal with stress more effectively and a general sense of well being while following this diet. Medical opinion is mixed regarding the effectiveness of this type of diet.
History
The Blood Type Diet can be attributed to the work and research of Peter J. D'Adamo, an accredited naturopathic physician. He has written a number of books on this subject including "Eat Right 4 Your Type" and "Live Right 4 Your Type". His books provide detailed information about the different blood type groups, what you should and shouldn't eat, how you should exercise and how best to maintain an optimally functioning immune system.
Significance
When food is broken down, lectins are produced, and according to D'Adamo, it is how our bodies deal with those lectins that determines the state of our health. Each blood type absorbs and digests lectins differently, and when the Blood Type Diet is followed correctly, health and balance will be restored and maintained without any adverse effects.
Types
There are four blood types, O, A, B and AB. Each type has an individualized plan to follow. Type O can eat meat, fish, vegetables and fruit but should avoid wheat and most grains. Vigorous aerobic exercise is also advised. Type A's should follow a vegetarian diet rich in beans, legumes, grains, tofu and most vegetables but avoid meat, dairy and wheat. Type A's should take gentle exercise and meditate. Type B's can eat most meat, vegetables, legumes, beans, fruit and dairy but need to avoid peanuts, sesame, corn, lentils and wheat. Walking and cycling is best for type B's. Type AB can eat meat, seafood, dairy, beans, legumes, fruits and vegetables but should avoid red meat, corn, seeds and buckwheat. Calming exercises balanced with more rigorous activity are best for this type.
Benefits
Following the individual plans for each blood type will improve your health and wellness and reduce or eliminate any current health problems you may have, according to D'Adamo. Other benefits you may see when changing to the Blood Type Diet may include less stress, improved immunity and possible weight loss. He also claims that within two weeks of starting the diet, there could be improvements in certain chronic conditions such as asthma, headaches and heartburn.
Considerations
Although the Blood Type Diet may be popular with many people, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims of following this type of diet, states the Mayo Clinic. Sally Osborne, M.S., believes that as long as we have a healthy digestive system and full assimilation capabilities then we are capable of dealing with food lectins as she stated on Weston A. Price Foundation's website. It is always advisable to consult with your physician prior to embarking on any diet program.
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