Certain blood types seem more susceptible to arthritis than others, according to Peter D'Adamo, author of "Eat Right for Your Blood Type." Arthritis, an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system's defenses target the body, seems controllable, to a certain extent, through diet. Arthritis Today says that research shows joint inflammation increases with the ingestion of certain foods. Once you ascertain your blood type, you can modify your diet to ease the symptoms of arthritis.
Step 1
Find out what blood type you are. There are eight blood types, says the American Red Cross: Type A+, Type B+, Type O+, Type AB+, Type A-, Type B-, Type O-, and Type AB-. Heredity determines blood type. The most common blood type is O+, and the most rare is AB-. Your doctor will have your blood type information available in your medical records, says D'Adamo. Alternatively, you can discover your blood type if you donate blood.
Step 2
Learn about your blood type in relation to arthritis. Those with Type O blood appear most vulnerable to arthritis, according to D'Adamo, on account of their generally sensitive and intolerant immune systems. Similarly, people with Type A blood also present high numbers of arthritic patients, which may relate to stress.
Step 3
Educate yourself about inflammatory foods. Arthritis Today points to Omega-6 fatty acids -- found in snack foods, fried foods, and margarines, as well as sunflower, safflower, corn, cottonseed, and soybean oils -- as the major culprit in joint inflammation.
Step 4
Keep a food diary for a month. Record flare-ups associated with certain foods. If after eating a certain food you find that your arthritis pain spikes, for example, make a notation beside that particular food.
Step 5
Slowly adjust your diet to include more plant-based foods high in antioxidants and fewer Omega-6 fatty acids. Veggies, fruit, nuts, as well as fatty fish such as salmon, may decrease joint inflammation, according to Arthritis Today. Similarly, says D'Adamo, grains and potatoes should be avoided, since research suggests these foods may cause inflammatory joint reactions.
Things You'll Need
- A food diary
References
- "Eat Right for Your Blood Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight:; Peter J. D'Adamo; 1996
- American Red Cross: Blood Types
- Arthritis Today: Eat to Beat Joint Inflammation
