What Is the Blood Type Diet? Here’s How to Eat for Your Blood Type

Blood? Yes, my friend, blood. What do you know about blood? Well, you know it’s red, you know it’s essential for survival, and you probably get squeamish at the thought of too much of it . . .
 
But did you know the secret to potentially becoming your most fit, healthy, feel-good self lies within what type of blood runs through those veins of yours?
 
There are currently 30 known blood types, but to keep it simple they have been classified into an “ABO” system. This system typifies blood into either A, B, AB, or O categories.
 
While all blood is comprised of the same elements, these categorized types are determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens (substances that trigger immune responses if they are foreign to the body).

So what does your blood type have to do with your diet?

We’ve been taught to eat according to the Food Pyramid since grade school. Our recommended diets consist of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy.
 
But what if we told you that not all of the foods in this pyramid will benefit all people? In fact, some of these food groups can potentially cause more harm to your body depending on your blood type.
 

 
According to Dr. Peter D’Adamo, not eating for your blood type may be the reason why so many people have trouble with weight gain, indigestion, fatigue, illness, and many other health related issues.
 

The Blood Type Diet. And no, we’re not talking about Dracula.

Dr. D’Adamo discovered your nutritional needs can more specifically be determined by your blood type. He believes that recognizing and tailoring your diet to your blood type (like a blood type “road map”) has been the missing link we’ve all been searching for.
 
“The practical application of the blood type ‘key’ is that it enables us to make informed choices about your dietary, exercise, supplement, and even medical treatment plans. With the blood type ‘road map,’ these plans can now correspond to your exact biological profile,” says Dr. D’Adamo.
 
Based on this research, we’re encouraged to build our diets around what foods will help properly nourish our bodies according to our blood type. So what foods should each of us really be eating?
 

Your Blood Type Diet

For a brief overview of each specific blood type’s recommended diet, check out these descriptions below from the “Understanding the Blood Type Diet” section on Dr. D’Adamo’s website.

1. Blood Type A

Type A’s thrive on a vegetarian diet consisting primarily of soy proteins, grains, and vegetables. It’s important for this blood type to eat their food in the most natural state possible.
 
A’s have a particularly sensitive immune system, so eating foods that are pure, fresh, and organic can help supercharge their naturally weak immune system. They can also help to divert the body from going down a potential road of life threatening illnesses and diseases.
 

2. Blood Type B

Type B’s should try to avoid corn, wheat, buckwheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts, and sesame seeds; as each of these foods can slow down their metabolism and cause fatigue, bloating, and drops in blood sugar.
 
It’s suggested that B’s wean themselves off chicken because it contains agglutinating lectin in its muscles, which can lead to strokes and immune disorders in this blood type. Instead, B’s should replace chicken with goat, lamb, mutton, rabbit, and venison.
 
Other foods that are beneficial and promote weight loss for this blood type are green vegetables, eggs, and low fat dairy.
 
 

3. Blood Type AB

Type AB’s should focus on foods such as tofu, seafood, dairy, and green vegetables for weight loss. Seafood such a mahi-mahi, red snapper, salmon, sardines, and tuna are also extremely beneficial for this blood type.
 
Smoked and cured meats should be avoided as they can cause stomach cancer in AB’s due to their low stomach acid levels.
 
For better metabolization of food, it’s recommended that those with this blood type eat smaller meals more frequently, and also avoid combining starches and proteins in the same meal.
 

4. Blood Type O

Type O’s should avoid simple carbohydrates such as grains, as they are easily converted into fats and cause inflammation and a weakened immune system.
 
Due to the chemicals found in O’s digestive tract, they are easily able to process proteins and fats and are encouraged to base their diet around these macronutrients.
 
O’s can effectively digest and metabolize the cholesterol found in animal products, resulting in excellent gut health and increased calcium absorption.
 
Speaking of gut health, check out 5 Ways to Maintain Gut Health + Why It’s so Important to learn why a healthy gut is imperative for both mental and physical well-being.
 

Benefits of Eating For Your Blood Type

This diet is designed to help your body run better, but please remember that it all boils down to how you feel. No one way of eating is right for everyone, so it’s important to truly listen to your body.
 
When it comes to this (or any) diet, simply use it as a guide to learn and discover what foods your body craves and what foods your body prefers you go without.
 
Interested in being more in tune with what your body desires? Check out Intuitive Eating Guide – How to Eat Based on What Your Body Wants.
 
For more information on the Blood Type Diet, check out Dr. D’Adamo’s website. Here you can purchase a blood type kit, search what foods work and don’t work well for your blood type, learn more about the science behind his research, and find tons of other useful and interesting information.
 
This article and all included information is not intended as medical advice and does not treat or diagnose. Please consult your doctor for any health-related questions or concerns.