The genetic type diet is actually a reference to a diet strategy proposed by Peter J. D'Adamo. The diet identifies six different genetic types that exhibit particular characteristics that D'Adamo believes influence dietary requirements, digestion and overall health. By matching your diet to your genetic type, D'Adamo believes you can overcome many chronic health problems and maintain a safe, healthy weight.
Diet Premise
In the book "The GenoType Diet," Peter J. D'Adamo and Catherine Whitney note that although you're born with one set of genes, you actually have two versions of each gene, one contributed by each parent. Not all of those genes will be expressed --- only the dominant genes will contribute to traits such as hair or eye color, for example. The process of methylation separates the genes that will be expressed from the genes that won't. Methyl groups are molecules that cause some sections of your DNA to become tightly wound---in essence, unreadable. D'Adamo believes you can use your diet to encourage methylation of harmful genes, such as the ones that code for fat storage.
Genetic Types
D'Adamo identifies six basic genetic types. The Hunter metabolizes meat well, but has difficulty digesting grains and often suffers from immune-based inflammatory responses. The Gatherer stores calories, often resulting in obesity or diabetes. The Teacher often accommodates bacteria and microbes that are actually harmful, even if no symptoms result in the short-term. The Explorer is highly adaptable but without a consistent response pattern to environmental stimuli. The Warrior burns calories well when active but puts on weight quickly when he becomes sedentary. The Nomad is extremely sensitive to his environment and vulnerable to illness, yet controls caloric intake well.
Identifying Your Type
To find out which gene type you are, D'Adamo requires you to collect a series of personal measurements and observations and plug them into his "GenoType Calculator." This "calculator" is available in chapter four of his book, or in a booklet available for purchase via his website. The information you need will include the lengths of your index and ring fingers, torso length, leg length, blood type, tooth shape and fingerprint shape.
Diet Strategies
The diet strategy for each genetic type attempts to avoid known irritants and correct imbalances. For example, the Hunter's diet strategy avoids grain-based foods containing glutens and lectins that this gene type often has trouble digesting. Finding your personal strategy hinges on discovering your genotype, as discussed above.
Criticism
As a blogger for Palm Beach's Sun Sentinel website notes, no specific meal plan information is provided in D'Adamo's book. While particular foods are suggested --- grouper and mahimahi for Warrior types, for example --- readers must purchase more specific meal plan information from D'Adamo's website. Further, there is no scientific evidence to support D'Adamo's claims. Always consult your physician before beginning any new diet.
Member Comments