Eat What You Are!
Written by Ali Rosen, IFBB Pro Wednesday, 14 December 2011 00:00
"Eat What You Are"
Exploring the “Eat Right For Your Blood Type” diet
Extensive research over the past 30 years shows that your individual blood type determines your predisposition for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, allergies, etc. A person’s blood type describes the type of biochemistry his or her digestive system is made of. This allows physicians to understand what your body can digest and how your immune system responds to undesirable and desirable nutrients. I have become fascinated with researching this diet because it follows a very basic concept: the evolution of mankind based on their genetic makeup and how our ancestors’ diets were established. The Eat Right For Your Blood Type diet, created by Dr. Peter D’Adamo, has been called the most successful nutritional approach to understanding health.
In order to understand why eating for your blood type is important, we first need to take a look at the significance our blood has to our body’s main line of defense: our immune system. Our traits come from our genetic makeup, which consists of DNA, RNA and hemoglobin (blood), and as a result highly dictate our body’s immune response. Our immune system’s job is to recognize foreign invaders and beneficial nutrients by way of producing antigens (chemical markers). Each antigen has a designated antibody that is released in order to keep your body functioning and on a healthy track. Each blood type has a different antigen, which allows the body to eradicate alien substances by releasing chemicals, hormones, white blood cells and antibodies. For example, type A has antibodies toward type B blood and vice versa, which explains why they cannot donate to each other. These antibodies are also produced in response to certain foods, and it is the four different blood types that direct the immune system to tolerate different types of food.
The diet looks at how each blood type tolerates certain foods based on our ancestors’ diets. The diet includes 16 food groups for each blood type, including meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, fats, grains and vegetables. Each group is divided into three categories of foods that are beneficial, neutral or to be avoided. The key behind whether a blood type accepts food or not is based on specific protein molecules called lectins. Lectins are low-carbohydrate protein molecules that allow other molecules to attach to them within the body. Lectins in food are blood-type specific, and if your body is receiving incompatible foods, the lectins bind with other molecules, resulting in damage to the lectin cells within your body. For example, if the lectin protein found in milk is not beneficial to type A, the body will respond by releasing an inflammatory response in the form of histamine (antibody), which causes inflammation within the stomach and results in stomach aches or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Blood Type Characteristics
Type O accounts for 46 percent of the world’s population and a person with this type is known as “The Hunter.” They are associated with increased levels of meat consumption because type O individuals secrete higher amounts of stomach acids and enzymes that can help metabolize animal protein. This blood group should avoid corn, wheat and specific grains. A gluten-free diet would be beneficial in conjunction with the Eat Right For Your Blood Type diet.
Type A accounts for 42 percent of the world’s population, and someone with this blood type is known as “The Cultivator.” Those with type A blood produce lower amounts of stomach acids and are associated with more of a vegetarian diet. They work well with high fiber and complex carbohydrate foods (legumes and tofu). Types As are noted to avoid dairy, specific meats and wheat.
Type B accounts for 7 percent of the world’s population, and a person with this type is labeled “The Nomad.” Type B is linked to cultures using large amounts of fermented dairy products (the source of probiotics). Type Bs work well with fish as their source of protein and can consume dairy products. Type Bs should avoid corn, buckwheat, chicken and peanuts.
Those with Type AB blood are known as “The Enigma” and account for 4 percent of the world’s population. This blood type combines characteristics from type A and type B and can tolerate a wider variety of food sources. Type AB does well with seafood, dairy and vegetarian protein sources. They should avoid corn, red meat, buckwheat and some beans.
Although this is a brief overview of each blood type, a more detailed list of food to eat, to avoid and neutral choices can be found here: www.dadamo.com. The Eat Right For Your Blood Type diet also examines supplement choices, stress, exercise and personalities associated with your blood type. As with any diet, this should be taken with a grain of salt. It is fascinating to make note of the foods that “don’t sit right” with you and see if it is on your “to avoid” list.
Until next time Eat Right, Train Hard & Stay Positive.
Alison Rosen is an NCSA-ACPT and is pursuing her Masters Of Dietetics and Nutrition and RD license at Florida International University. She is also an IFBB Bikini Pro and member of Team Bodybuilding.com! You can find out more about Alison at:
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