By Derek Henry, Holistic Health Coach for Healing the Body
There are many theories on how an individual should eat, and many diets have been created as a result of these beliefs. Whether a person eats vegetarian, vegan, Paleo or intuitively, it is a very personal decision based on experience and individual needs. However, if someone prefers a more scientific approach, perhaps they should consider the potential merits of the blood type diet.
Blood Type O
The type O diet focuses on lean, organic meats, vegetables and fruits and avoids wheat, corn, oats and dairy, which can be triggers for digestive and health issues in type Os. Also, type Os should avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can be particularly harmful because of its tendency to raise adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are already high for type Os.
Type Os seem to have a higher need than other blood types for healthy fats. They tend to thrive on raw butter, coconut oil, cod liver oil, flaxseed oil, pumpkin seed oil and extra-virgin olive oils.
Type Os tend to have sluggish thyroids, so it is advised to not eat members of the Brassica genus, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and mustard greens, because they suppress the thyroid. However, if these vegetables are steamed or cultured, they appear to be permissible.
Blood Type A
Type As flourish on a vegetarian diet due to the fact that they have an inadequate amount of stomach acid even from birth and do not digest animal protein or fats very well. If a type A is accustomed to eating meat, they will find that they have more energy once they eliminate them from their diet.
It is particularly important for sensitive type As to eat their foods in as natural a state as possible: pure, fresh and organic. This is a critical dietary adjustment for the sensitive immune system of type As. It will help charge their immune system and potentially short-circuit the development of life-threatening diseases.
Blood Type B
For type Bs, the biggest foods to avoid are corn, wheat, rye, buckwheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts and sesame seeds. Each of these foods affect the efficiency of their metabolic process, resulting in fatigue, fluid retention and hypoglycemia — a severe drop in blood sugar after eating a meal. When they eliminate these foods and begin eating a diet that is right for their type, blood sugar levels should remain normal after meals.
Type Bs should also avoid pork and chicken. These foods form a dangerous lectin that attacks your bloodstream. Opt for wild game, seafood, lamb, venison and beef on occasion. Type Bs can also enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oil, flax oil, ghee and almonds. Sunflower seeds are on the avoid list.
Type Bs fare better than all the blood types when it comes to dairy foods. However, it’s important to focus on quality and moderation.
Blood Type AB
Type AB reflects the mixed inheritance of their A and B genes. They have low stomach acid, but also have type Bs adaptation to meats. Therefore, they lack enough stomach acid to metabolize them efficiently and the meat they eat tends to get stored as fat.
Type ABs should avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially when they are in stressful situations. Type ABs should focus on foods such as tofu, seafood, dairy and green vegetables. Avoid all smoked or cured meats. These foods can cause stomach cancer in people with low levels of stomach acid. There is a wide variety of seafood that is good for type ABs, and it is an excellent source of protein. Some dairy is also beneficial for type ABs — especially cultured dairy such as yogurt and kefir.
Of course, the blood type diet is just another potential guideline to consider when determining what works for you. There are few hard and fast rules for each individual, but there are some general principles that will guide you in the right direction with food and other lifestyle choices, so you can create a healthier you.
*Image of “refigerator“ via Shutterstock
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