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What’s Your Type?
Examining The Blood Type Diet
By Corrine Ryser, Jason Gue, Thomas Morgan,
Phillip Todacheeny
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.
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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. nonself."
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.
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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
O7% of population
A6% of population
AB+
3% of population
B2% of population
AB1% 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
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Must have exercise for overcoming stress
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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
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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
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Strengths
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Hardy digestive track
Strong immune system
Diet profile
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Weaknesses
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Intolerant to dietary
change
Immune system can be
overactive
Medical risks
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Blood clotting disorder
ulcers
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Weight-loss key
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High protein, meat eaters
Limit: grains, beans,
legumes
Avoid: wheat, corn, kidney
beans
Aids: kelp, seafood, salt
Supplements
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Vit. B, K, calcium, iodine
What’s for Dinner?
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Lamb stew
Steamed broccoil
Sweet potato (steamed artichoke)
Mixed fresh fruit
Beer or wine (seltzer or herbal tea)
Nutritional info.
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1081 Calories
25g Total Fat
83g Carbohydrates
105g Protein
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For the regular meal
Type A Blood
The Cultivator
Exercise program
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Stress may cause:
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Anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, and weakens the
immune system
Exercise Program
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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
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Strengths
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Adapts well to new diets
Weaknesses
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Heart disease
cancer
Diet profile
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Sensitive digestive track
Vulnerable immune
system
Medical risks
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Weight-loss key
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Vegetarian
Avoid: meat, dairy
Aids: soy food,
pineapple
Supplements
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Vit. B12, C, E
Reap what you sow
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Tofu-pesto lasagna
Broccoli
Frozen yogurt
Red wine
(Tofu stir-fry with green beans, leeks, snow
peas, and alfalfa sprouts)
Nutritional Data
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480 calories
11g total fat
60g carbohydrates
13g protein
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Non-diet meal
Type B Blood
The Nomad
Exercise Program
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Stress is balanced between:
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nervous mental activity
physically aggressive reactions
Exercise Program
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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
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Strengths
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Type I diabetes
Chronic fatigue
syndrome
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Balanced omnivore
Weight-loss key
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Imbalances cause autoimmune breakdown
Medical risks
Diet profile
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Weaknesses
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Strong immune system
Adaptation to diet
changes
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Avoid: corn, peanuts,
wheat
Aids: eggs, liver, tea
Supplements
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Magnesium, ginkgo,
Balanced Nutrition
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Broiled Fish
Steamed vegetables
Roasted yam with rosemary
Mixed fresh fruit
Red wine
Nutritional data
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484 calories
1g total fat
88g carbohydrates
6g protein
Type AB Blood
The Enigma
Exercise Program
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Stress of type A and type B
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Anxiety
Weaken Immune System
Nervous mental activity
Exercise Program
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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
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Strengths
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Diet profile
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Sensitive digestive track
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Medical risks
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Heart disease
cancer
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Mixed diet in
moderation
Weight-loss key
Weaknesses
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Designed for modern
conditions
Tolerant immune
system
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Avoid: red meat, lima
beans, buckwheat
Aids: tofu, seafood,
dairy
Supplements
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Vit. C, hawthorn,
valerian
Modern Merging of A and B
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Tofu omelet
Stir-fried vegetables
Mixed fruit salad
Red wine
Nutritional data
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212 calories
0 total fat
46g carbohydrates
4g protein
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Tofu omelet nutrition information was not available
Results:
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Type O
Type B
Type A
Type AB
Medical improvements
All theory, no proof!
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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
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"Type O's do not tolerate whole wheat
products at all,“ (D’Adamo, 63)
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Claims hypothyroidism is caused by Type O
people do not produce enough iodine.
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No pictures, biopsies, or supporting material.
People do not produce iodine!
Tries to apply theories to consumption of
milk.
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Intolerance to milk not suffered exclusively to any
blood- type.
Holes in theory
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Affects of disease and conditions not
exclusive to blood-type.
Affects of aging.
Genetic variations is somewhat weak
argument.
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Ex. Eye color, hair color  Does not affect health.
Generally bad idea to restrict diet.
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Consult your physician!
Expert Opposition
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“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
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No one diet is appropriate for any one person.
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Varying metabolisms, health conditions, tastes, finances.
Non-processed foods are generally better than
processed.
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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:
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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/az/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