What’s Your Type?

By Corrine Ryser, Jason Gue, Thomas Morgan, Phillip Todacheeny

Examining The Blood Type Diet

What is the blood type diet based on?

Peter D'Adamo, ND, the author behind the “Eat Right for Your Blood Type” is a graduate of Bastyr University, now in private practice, in

Connecticut and has been doing about 15 years of his own research based on 35 years of research by his father, James D'Adamo, who is also a naturopathic physician, and whose pioneering work with blood

types and diet was described in the book “One Man's Food.”

The author’s theory is based on research within, amongst others, physical anthropology, neurology, biochemistry, nutrition, lectinology, epidemiology, psychology, immunology and genetics. The premise of the book itself is that if you use your blood type as a guide for eating

and living, you will be healthier, you will subsequently reach your ideal body weight as well as slow down the aging process. Because blood

types historically evolved as a result of changes in our diet, culture, and social conditions, each blood type has particular strengths and

limitations. He presumes that when these are known and followed, it becomes easier to maintain good health.

Dr. D’Adamo concludes that blood type is a powerful indicator of your genetic code. He believes that blood types have evolved over thousands of years and contain the genetic message of diets and behaviors from our ancestors. By following the diet prescribed for one's specific, blood type, an individual can make choices that correspond to their biological profile.

While several systems exist to categorize blood, including Lewis, Rhesus (Rh), and MN blood group systems, Dr. D'Adamo has found that 90% of the factors dealing with the connection between health and blood type are dependent on the ABO, or primary blood type system.

Every life form has unique antigens that form part of its chemical signature. Similarly, each blood type possesses an antigen with a unique chemical structure. Blood type antigens are ubiquitous throughout the body and are among the most powerful antigens involved in the process of identification of "friend or foe or self vs. non-self."

When the body senses foreign antigens, antibodies are generated which defend the body against the invaders. The "anti-other-blood" type antibodies are among the strongest antibodies in our immune system.

It has long been recognized that some foods are capable of causing the cells of a certain blood type to agglutinate while having no impact on cells of another blood type. This reaction is dependent upon the interaction of human cells with the lectins found in food.

A lectin can be defined as any compound found in nature, usually diverse protein structures, which can interact with surface antigens found on the body's cells, causing them to agglutinate. Following ingestion of food, a chemical reaction can occur between the food you eat and your blood or tissues because of these lectins. Many food lectins have characteristics sufficiently similar to certain blood type antigens to be identified as an enemy. If you eat a food that contains lectins incompatible with your blood type, the blood cells will agglutinate. Food lectins can also interact with white blood cells, acting as mitogens and stimulating cell division and replication.

Essentially, when you eat a food containing protein lectins that are incompatible with your blood type antigen, the lectins target an organ or bodily system and begin to agglutinate blood cells in that area leading to health problems, weight gain, etc.

The interaction of specific food lectins with blood type can play a large role in the determination of which foods act as medicine or poison for an individual. This interaction, along with other genetic predispositions associated with blood types, forms the foundation of the dietary recommendations proposed in this book.

Dr. D'Adamo discusses characteristics of each blood type and makes recommendations for diet, supplementation, botanical support, and exercise. In the chapters dedicated to specific blood types, he recommends foods which are beneficial, neutral, or should be avoided. The diet also zones in on medical problems and their correlation to blood type as well as strategies for their prevention or treatment.

U.S. Blood-type Distribution

O+38% of

population A+

34% of population

B+9% of population

O-7% of population

A-6% of population

AB+3% of population

B-2% of population

AB-1% of population

The Review, in the Words of Dr. D’Alamo:

The essence of the blood type connection rests in these facts: Your blood type - O, A, B, AB - is a powerful genetic fingerprint that identifies

you as surely as your DNA.

When you use the individualized characteristics of your blood type as a guidepost for eating and living, you will be healthier, you will naturally reach your ideal weight, and you will slow the process of aging.

Your blood type is a genetic blueprint for who you are, a guide to how you can live most healthfully.

The key to the significance of blood type can be found in the story of human evolution: Type O is the oldest; Type A evolved with agrarian society; Type B emerged as humans migrated north into colder, harsher territories; and Type AB was a thoroughly modern adaptation, a result of the intermingling of disparate groups. This development relates directly to the dietary needs of each blood type today.

Type O Blood

The Hunter

Exercise Program

Must have exercise for overcoming stress Stress goes to the muscles, giving an explosion of

intense physical energy release the build-up of hormonal forces through

vigorous and intense physical exercise

Stress is Direct and Physical

Aerobic 40-60 min. 3-4 x week Weight Training 30 min. 3 x week Contact Sports 60 min 3x week Cycling 30 min. 3 x week

Type O

Strengths Hardy digestive track Strong immune system

Weaknesses Intolerant to dietary

change Immune system can be

overactive Medical risks

Blood clotting disorder ulcers

Diet profile High protein, meat eaters Limit: grains, beans,

legumes Weight-loss key

Avoid: wheat, corn, kidney beans

Aids: kelp, seafood, salt Supplements

Vit. B, K, calcium, iodine

What’s for Dinner?

Lamb stew Steamed broccoil Sweet potato (steamed artichoke) Mixed fresh fruit Beer or wine (seltzer or herbal tea)

Nutritional info.

1081 Calories 25g Total Fat 83g Carbohydrates 105g Protein

For the regular meal

Type A Blood

The Cultivator

Exercise program

Stress may cause: Anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, and weakens the

immune system

Exercise Program

Hatha Yoga 30 min. 3-5 x week Golf 60 min. 2-3 x week Swimming 30 min. 3-4 x week Stretching 15 min. 3-5x week AVOID- Heavy competitive sports, may

exhaust your nervous energy making you more tense.

Type A

Strengths Adapts well to new diets

Weaknesses Sensitive digestive track Vulnerable immune

system

Medical risks Heart disease cancer

Diet profile Vegetarian

Weight-loss key Avoid: meat, dairy Aids: soy food,

pineapple

Supplements Vit. B12, C, E

Reap what you sow

Tofu-pesto lasagna Broccoli Frozen yogurt Red wine (Tofu stir-fry with green beans, leeks, snow

peas, and alfalfa sprouts)

Nutritional Data

480 calories 11g total fat 60g carbohydrates 13g protein

Non-diet meal

Type B Blood

The Nomad

Exercise Program

Stress is balanced between: nervous mental activity physically aggressive reactions

Exercise Program

Aerobic 30-45 min. 3-5 x week Cycling 45-60 min. 3 x week Weight Training 30-45 min 3 x week Hatha Yoga 45 min. 2-3 x week

Type B

Strengths Strong immune system Adaptation to diet

changes Weaknesses

Imbalances cause auto-immune breakdown

Medical risks Type I diabetes Chronic fatigue

syndrome

Diet profile Balanced omnivore

Weight-loss key Avoid: corn, peanuts,

wheat Aids: eggs, liver, tea

Supplements Magnesium, ginkgo,

Balanced Nutrition

Broiled Fish Steamed vegetables Roasted yam with rosemary Mixed fresh fruit Red wine

Nutritional data

484 calories 1g total fat 88g carbohydrates 6g protein

Type AB Blood

The Enigma

Exercise Program

Stress of type A and type B Anxiety Weaken Immune System Nervous mental activity

Exercise Program

Tai Chi 30-40 min. 3-5 x week Brisk walking 20-40 min. 2-3 x week Hiking 45-60 min. 2-3 x week Dancing 30-45 min 2-3 x week

Type AB

Strengths Designed for modern

conditions Tolerant immune

system

Weaknesses Sensitive digestive track

Medical risks Heart disease cancer

Diet profile Mixed diet in

moderation

Weight-loss key Avoid: red meat, lima

beans, buckwheat Aids: tofu, seafood,

dairy

Supplements Vit. C, hawthorn,

valerian

Modern Merging of A and B

Tofu omelet Stir-fried vegetables Mixed fruit salad Red wine

Nutritional data

212 calories 0 total fat 46g carbohydrates 4g protein

Tofu omelet nutrition information was not available

Results:

Type O Type B Type A Type AB Medical improvements

All theory, no proof!

No data or study done specifically for these ideas!

Core idea of diet: Eliminating Lectins. “No pathologist I know has ever mentioned tissue

infarction from lectin-induced red cell agglutination as a cause of any disease in humans.” (Klaper, M.D.)

Questionable Statements

"Type O's do not tolerate whole wheat products at all,“ (D’Adamo, 63) No pictures, biopsies, or supporting material.

Claims hypothyroidism is caused by Type O people do not produce enough iodine. People do not produce iodine!

Tries to apply theories to consumption of milk. Intolerance to milk not suffered exclusively to any

blood- type.

Holes in theory

Affects of disease and conditions not exclusive to blood-type.

Affects of aging. Genetic variations is somewhat weak

argument. Ex. Eye color, hair color Does not affect health.

Generally bad idea to restrict diet. Consult your physician!

Expert Opposition “One of the book's most disturbing characteristics is the

frightening images that the author calls forth without providing scientific documentation.” (Klaper, M.D.)

“it's debatable that diet prescriptions based on blood type are the answer. In fact, there's no science to support the strategy.” (Callahan, MS, RD)

"I think we all have individual needs, but basing what you eat on blood type is ridiculous,“ (Kirby)

"there's no indication that blood type has anything to do with anything other than blood type. Your basic nutrition needs are the same whether you're type A positive or B negative,“ (Hogan)

Salvaging Ideas

No one diet is appropriate for any one person. Varying metabolisms, health conditions, tastes, finances.

Non-processed foods are generally better than processed. Recommendations steer audience clear of processed

foods. Any change in your regular diet may be beneficial, as any

health diet will attempt to remove those foods obviously bad for you.

Reference:

D'Adamo, N. D., Peter J. Eat Right For Your Type. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1996.

http://www.earthsave.org/news/bloodtyp.htm Michael Klaper, M.D.

http://diets.aol.com/a-z/bloodtype?id=20050610162209990002 Maureen Callahan, MS, RD. Blood type review: from health magazine. Health Publishing, Inc. April, 2004.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=diet&dbid=2 The George Mateljan Foundation. 2005

http://diet.ivillage.com/plans/pfoodcomb/0,,1l9b,00.html iVillage. 2005.

http://www.nutritionfacts.com