Blood type diet

The theory behind the blood type diet is the belief that lectins, proteins found in foods, can cause damage to the body. It is thought that certain lectins are compatible with certain blood types. Therefore, if a person eats a food containg lectins that is not compatible with his or her blood type, the consumption of this food can lead to medical problems such as kidney disease or cancer. This diet proposes that by focusing on foods that coordinate with your blood type, you can avoid the negative effects of certain lectins.

D'Adamo also theorizes that a person's blood type affects their ability to digest various foods. For example, he claims that Type O's are capable of digesting meat effectively due to high levels of stomach acid assosiated with their particular blood type. Type A's, in contrast, have low stomach acid and store meat as fat rather than digesting it.

D'Adamo bases his theories on research he has conducted since the 1990s, studying the connections between blood type, food, and disease. This research has built upon that of his father, a naturopathic physician. Based on his father's observations of his patients, D'Adamo also recommends different levels of exercise based on blood type, suggesting that type O's should exercise vigorously, B's moderately, and A's gently. According to D'Adamo, AB's need calming exercises.

D'Adamo classifies blood group O as "the hunter" and the earliest human blood group, thought to be muscular and active. He suggests that type O's include an abundance of meat in their diet, and a low amount of carbohydrates. He suggests enriching this diet with fruits and vegetables, limiting wheat germ, whole wheat and corn, and avoiding dairy products and most nuts. He states that Type O's are commonly afflictes by hypothyroidism, high stomach acid, and thin blood.

In this diet, group A is called the "cultivator".or this blood type, D'Adamo emphasizes a more vegetatian diet, omitting red meat. He recommends a high carbohydrate, low fat diet, consisting of a lot of fruits and vegetables. D'Adamo states that type A's have thicker blood and a sensitive immune system, and should avoid dairy and animal products. They have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Type B is classified as the "nomad", having a strong immune system and a good digestive system. According to the blood type diet type B is the only blood type that can thrive on dairy products. They should consume a balanced diest of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat, but should avoid chicken. This blood type is the most likely to overcome most diseases.

According to D'Adamo group AB is the "enigma", having a blood type diet in between types A and B. These individuals should consume a mostly vegetarian diet with occasional meat, fish, and dairy, but should avoid chicken.

Blood type may be a way to identify the individual diets that will aid in healing the body. This diet is considered by some as giving physicians the ability to 'treat the patient, not the disease."

Evidence: Although commonly used for weight loss or disease prevention, there is a lack of available scientific evidence demonstraitng the efficacy of the blood type diet for these uses.

The blood type diet is generally safe, but it may eliminate nutritious foods from one's diet without scientific evidence for reason.

The practicality of the diet is difficult, especially for family members with different blood types.

The recommendation of including dairy products in blood type B diet may be a problem for lactase-deficient dieters. This can cause abdominal cramps, bloating, and more seriously, colitis.

Some experts believe that this diet may be harmful to some as the large quantities of meat is usually not advisable due to the high cholesterol and fat content.

A qualified healthcare provider should be consulted before making decisions about diets.