The Blood Type Diet, published in the book, "Eat Right 4 Your Type," was developed by Peter D'Adamo, a naturopathic physician. D'Adamo asserts that diets need to be tailored to an individual's blood type as all blood types require different nutrients and food types. D'Adamo claims the diet is based on medical and scientific evidence, however, it it still considered scientifically unsupported. According to D'Adamo, of all 6,617 people who reported their results on the Blood Type Diet, 71 to 78 percent experienced significant health improvements, including weight loss, digestive function, resistance to stress and mental clarity.
Type O Profile
According to D'Adamo, people with blood type O have a different set of characteristics than those with type A or B. These differences affect their predisposition to certain illnesses, their nutritional needs, exercise requirements and their personalities. In his book, D'Adamo asserts type O's were the first blood type and were predatory hunter-gatherers. Blood type O's are assertive and powerful, D'Adamo believes. However, poor diets can cause those with type O to accumulate weight and develop insulin resistance easily. There is no difference between O+ and O- diets.
Diet
The blood type O diet is largely based on paleolithic foods. The premise of the diet is that certain lectins, or sugar-binding proteins, in food are harmful to different blood groups. Therefore, the Blood Type Diet cuts out various foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood that create lectins unsuitable for the specific blood type. D'Adamo advises people with O type blood to eat a diet high in protein, as type O's are the original 'hunter' blood type.
Meat and Fish
Michael Lam M.D., an advocate of the Blood Type Diet, provides a comprehensive list of permitted and banned foods. Meats for type O's should mainly consist of lamb, beef, mutton, veal and venison, and seafood, such as mackerel, herring and cod. According to D'Adamo, meats such as pork, goose and bacon should be avoided as these are not easily metabolized by type O's. Other meats, such as poultry, can be eaten but are not considered as beneficial as red meats. Salmon, barracuda, octopus, conch, pickled herring, catfish and caviar are also not permitted for type O's
Fruits and Vegetables
D'Adamo recommends fruits that cause a slight acidifying effect on muscle tissue, such as berries and plums, but advises against fruits such as oranges, tangerines, melons and blackberries, which he says can cause allergies or irritate the stomach lining of type O's. Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, romaine lettuce and broccoli are beneficial to type O's, while potatoes, corn, shiitake mushrooms and alfalfa sprouts should be avoided.
Lifestyle
Because the type O diet is also linked to personality and physical characteristics, D'Adamo provides not only dietary advice but also a list of lifestyle choices that will benefit each blood type. Type O's are advised to develop clear plans, exercise when feeling anxious, eat seated at a table and engage in up to 45 minutes of strenuous exercise four times per week.
