Your blood type reflects the presence or absence of specific proteins within your bloodstream and has an effect on your health. In addition to its impact on health care, determining which types of blood transfusions you can receive, some experts claim that blood type affects how your body responds to specific diets. Dr. Lam's blood type A diet is designed to support the optimal health of individuals with blood type A.
Blood Type A
Your blood type is determined by genetics, which in turn determine which proteins are found on the surface of your red blood cells. Individuals with blood type A have blood cells covered with the protein antigen A, and blood plasma, or fluid, that contains antibodies -- immune proteins -- designed to attack antigen B. A simple laboratory test can determine whether you are blood type A, or one of the other blood types: B, AB or O. This test can be performed at your doctor's office, or performed as part of the process of blood donation.
Animal Products
Dr. Michael Lam recommends that individuals with blood type A follow a vegetarian diet. According to Lam, type A individuals react poorly to animal products -- they face difficulty digesting many dairy products and feel sluggish after eating meat. However, an inability to digest meat is partially restricted to land animals, and Dr. Lam's Blood Type A Diet allows the consumption of some types of seafood, including mackerel, sardines, tuna and salmon.
Plant-Based Foods
Vegetables, grains and plant sources of protein should form the basis of the blood type A diet, recommends Lam. Type A dieters can eat a range of fresh produce but should avoid potentially aggravating foods, including mangoes, papaya, tomatoes, cabbage and sweet potatoes. Individuals with blood type A should acquire protein via tofu, nuts and beans -- except for garbanzo, navy, kidney and lima beans, which Lam claims disrupt insulin signaling in individuals with blood type A.
Considerations
Though individuals following the blood type A diet can consume several vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and legumes, the diet still excludes several nutritious foods. Santa Clara University warns that many fad diets, including the blood type diet, might increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies, since you might consume only a small range of foods while following the diet. In addition, the university stresses that the health benefits of the blood type diet have not yet been thoroughly researched, and science might not substantiate Lam's claims. Talk to your doctor before you begin the blood type A diet, so your physician can recommend a range of foods to meet your nutritional needs.
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