The idea of eating a specific diet based on your blood type became popular in 1996 with the release of "Eat Right 4 Your Type" by Dr Peter D'Adamo. D'Adamo is a naturopathic physician, lecturer, author and clinician in Connecticut. The concept of the book is that different blood types require different diets, and for the body to run at its full potential you should eat according to your blood type.
Blood Type
The basis of the diet is personalized medicine. Each body responds differently to certain diets and the body should be looked at from a biochemical perspective. There are four different blood types and each blood type has its own specific dietary needs. The AB blood type is the most recent blood type in terms of evolution, being a combination of type A and B. During research for the book, D'Adamo found that three out of four people following the diet saw improvement in their overall health. These improvements were generally mental clarity, stress reduction, improved digestion and increased energy.
AB Positive
Only 5 percent of the population has the AB blood type, making it the rarest of the four blood types. Dr D'Adamo's research has found that type AB individuals are less likely to experience allergies, but have an increased risk of cancer and heart disease. The combination of the A blood type and the B blood type make the AB blood type an interesting combination. People with the AB blood type tend to internalize their feelings and over-produce adrenaline.
Diet and Exercise
The AB blood type tends to have lower levels of stomach acid, lower blood sugar after meals, and slower metabolism of foods. The AB blood type tends to turn meat into fat storage, so higher fat, smoked, and cured meats should be avoided. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided. People with the AB blood type should stick to yogurt, seafood, and green vegetables. Dr D'Adamo also suggests a mixture of high extensity exercise three days a week paired with relaxation techniques twice a week.
Mental Health
The mental health aspect of the diet is just as important as the diet and exercise portion. People with the AB blood type tend to be trusting and friendly, but may feel as if they do not fit into society. For the AB blood type, Dr D'Adamo suggests avoiding competitive situations, practicing visualization, creating short and long term goals, breaking up monotony with physical activity, and practicing regular relaxation techniques.
Considerations
The blood type diet is more about creating a healthier person than losing weight. People utilizing this diet plan may lose weight due to the decrease in fatty meats and the increase in vegetables and exercise. Eating healthy, exercising, and mental health and are all part of a healthy lifestyle. Before starting any diet or exercise program, it is important to consult a physician.
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