Proponents of blood-type diets believe that foods affect the digestive system differently depending on whether you are A, B, AB or O blood type. They say foods can be right for one blood type and wrong for others. By choosing foods good for your blood type, you can potentially lose weight and boost your longevity and overall health. Choosing unsuitable or "dangerous" foods can lead to a host of health problems, including allergies, asthma, slow metabolism, chronic fatigue, heart disease and cancer, according to proponents.
Significance
Peter D'Adamo, author of "Eat Right for Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer and Achieving Your Ideal Weight" -- the book that started the blood-type diet movement -- based his claims on the idea that your blood type yields clues as to the type of life your ancestors led. Despite the diet's claims, MayoClinic.com says no scientific evidence backs up these claims or proves that a weight-loss diet based on blood type is more safe and effective than any other type of diet.
Types
Proponents of blood-type diets believe your current diet should reflect that of your ancestors. In his book, D'Adamo says type A's lived an agrarian existence and ate primarily vegetarian meals while type B's had a nomadic existence and ate an omnivorous diet with a mixture of low-fat dairy, meat and produce. Type O's were hunter-gatherers -- making a diet rich in lean meats, poultry and fish appropriate for them. D'Adamo classifies type AB as the most "modern" and suggests they benefit from a diet rich in seafood, tofu, produce and low-fat dairy.
Considerations
The Diet Channel cautions that no scientific evidence points to a link between food allergies and blood type. If you suspect allergies might make it difficult for you to tolerate certain food groups, such as milk or grains, talk to your doctor so he can conduct tests to confirm these allergies and advise you on treatment options.
Warning
On its website Family Doctor, the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, dismisses blood-type diets as "fad" diets -- diets that promise successful weight loss, but usually fail to deliver and might even be harmful to your health. They caution that relying on a "quick-fix" diet instead of long-lasting, healthy changes to your fitness and eating habits is not a solution for long-lasting, successful weight loss and maintenance.
Prevention/Solution
Instead of relying on a fad diet such as the blood-type diet to help you shed pounds, ask your doctor to help you develop a safe, evidence-based weight-loss plan. Eat a variety of foods, including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy and lean meats to help you get all of the nutrients your body needs. Curb the fat, sodium and sugar in your diet by limiting your consumption of sugary sodas, alcohol and processed snack foods. Include exercise in your regimen -- the AAFP suggests aiming for 30 to 60 minutes, four to six times a week.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Blood Type Diet--Does It Work?
- Family Doctor: What You Need to Know About Fad Diets
- "Eat Right for Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer and Achieving Your Ideal Weight"; Peter D'Adamo; 1996
- Diet Channel: Blood Type Diet
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