The type O diet is based on the best-selling book "Eat Right for Your Type," by Peter D'Adamo, a naturopathic physician. This diet refers to individuals of O-positive and O-negative blood type. According to D'Adamo, chemical reactions occur in the blood when food is ingested. Based on this concept, he believes different blood types have certain food compatibilities.
Concept
D'Adamo believes eating incompatible foods contributes to health problems such as low thyroid function and inflammatory conditions such as asthma and allergies. D'Adamo also believes ingesting foods that don't react properly in the bloodstream contributes to chronic fatigue and weight gain. Because of this, D'Adamo suggests weight loss, improved health and disease prevention are possible on the blood type diet.
Recommendations
Type O is the most common bloody type. D'Adamo believes type O individuals thrive on vegetables and lean meat. He suggests including lean meat such as turkey, lamb, duck, rabbit and chicken. Meats such as beef, buffalo and venison should also be included. D'Adamo also recommends compatible fish such as salmon, snapper, trout, bass and sole. The type O diet is what some consider a "meat and potatoes" diet.
Restrictions
D'Adamo believes type O individuals don't react well to dairy and eggs and are best, along with refined sugar. He also advocates eliminating gluten, which is found in wheat products such as bread and pasta. He feels gluten contributes to weight gain and a sluggish thyroid in type O individuals. Other recommendations include avoiding grains, beans, nuts and legumes.
Typical Meals
Everydiet.org suggests the typical breakfast recommended for blood type O consists of two slices of toast, 6 oz. of vegetables juice, a banana and a cup of herbal tea. For lunch, a good plan would be organic roast beef with a salad, along with apple slices and water. For dinner, type O individuals can benefit from meat such as lamb paired with a vegetable such as asparagus, along with mixed fruit.
Warning
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims made by D'Adamo in regard to the type O diet. Consult with your doctor if you think the blood-type diet might benefit you.
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