Diet 101: Blood Type Diets
Is the secret to weight loss determined by your blood type? If you ask some blood-type diet fans, yes. If you ask us, doubtful. Never heard of this diet craze? Here are the basics.
Premise for the Diet
Diets based on blood type suggest that your type (that is, A, B, AB or O) determines your dietary needs and dictates how your body digests food and burns calories. Advocates associate food selections around ancestry and evolution. For example, ancient man supposedly had type O blood and so folks with this blood type are better off eating animal proteins (since meat was a staple in the diet way back when). Grains and dairy (i.e. more cultivated food) were less common, and therefore type O’ers don’t digest them well. These diets also propose that your blood might mean you’re more prone to particular food allergies, aversions, eating habits and even medical conditions. They often offer advice on what types of physical activity are best for your type types.
What Does Your Blood Type Mean?
The book Eat Right For Your Type, by naturopath Dr. Peter D’Adamo, breaks down the specifics. The main focus of the diet is to eat whole foods (no processed junk allowed), but there are laundry lists of foods that allowed and forbidden. There’s also a painfully long list of the vitamin, mineral and herbal supplement he thinks you need. Here are some of the what-to-eat highlights:
Type O: Lots of animal protein but only small amounts of grains and dairy
Type A: Lots of grains, fruits and vegetables but very limited amounts of meat and dairy
Type B: Most foods in moderation; breads and pastas are limited
Type AB: No wheat, gluten and read meat and only dairy in moderation
Does It Work? Is It Safe?
With this diet, you can forget about enjoying many (or most) of the foods you’re used to eating — especially the junky stuff. By drastically alter your eating habits, there’s a good chance you’ll eat less calories and therefore lose some weight, but this has nothing to do with your blood type. Taking in too few calories is not only bad for your metabolism, but it usually ensures that you will gain the weight back when you revert to your old ways. Cutting out large groups of food puts you at greater risk for serious nutrient deficiencies, and taking on a complicated supplement regimen can be extremely dangerous — especially if you’re on prescription medication.
Bottom Line: A blood-type diet may focus on healthy foods, but overall it is way too complicated and restrictive to be realistic or good for you.
Funny thing is, I actually gravitate to the kinds of foods advocated for my blood type. I prefer and always have preferred them. That is not to say I don't like the junky stuff and struggle to stay away from the 'bad' stuff but in my meals I have no problem eating 'right' for my blood type. It is complicated though so I have never been able to adhere to it exclusively, too lazy.
Oh no! What do I do? I don't know my blood type so I don't know what's healthy for me to eat! I hope I'm type A, otherwise I've been seriously ignoring my dietary needs for years….
Like Lorress, I gravitate toward the foods recommended for me. I'd probably lose it in two days if I couldn't have my grains, but they're right on top of the list for Type A.
Tamara – If you're wondering about your blood type, go donate. They'll type you, you'll learn if you have low iron, and you'll do a good thing for mankind.
It's funny I'm type A and those are my favorite foods!
I am currently following (as best I can) the blood type diet. So far I have felt great. I used to get soo tired and lethargic after lunch that i would pass out if i didn't get a nap. I took a regular multi vitamin every day, but found that it didn't work as well as the type A vitamins i am currently taking. i am now taking the Type A vitamins that Dr. Dadamo developed, along with a B12 after lunch and can say that I feel great, along with following his book. In his books you will find that Type As benefit from B12. whatever it does, it renews my energy and gets me through the rest of the day. He has a small pocket size book that can fit in anyone's purse. i carry that with me everywhere i go as a quick reference. that has made it easier to adhere to the "new way of eating". i can also tell that when i eat something i shouldn't, i can tell how it affects me negatively. i am usually back to feeling lathargic again. My last advice, would be to read at least one of his books and make the determination for yourself!!! i have definitely benefited from his research
Yes, me too. I have the Eat Right for Your Baby and I find it really helps me make the right choices in the long run. I can't say that I stick to it like the Bible, but I certainly try to stay away from the really bad stuff for my type (I'm A- so that's cabbage, potatoes and tomatoes among others). I feel much better when I eat for my type. I also do his tea thing for pregrancy which I find really makes me feel better and more energetic. I have learned a lot from Dr. Dadamo on healthy eating and living, so please, don't discredit him without trying his way of life.
I beg to differ with this article, as well. Many years ago, I started following Dr. D'Amato's eating plan for type A blood. I had chronic fatigue and skin rashes. When I followed his plan, all of that went away! I don't always follow it to the letter, but most of the stuff that I know I should not eat, I stay away from. I really wish more doctors would suggest this plan to the people who come to them and do not respond to any kind of treatment. Thats what happened to me. I found it on my own and it was a life saver!
I follow this diet plan too, and have to say its changed my life. Im Type O, and have had cronic headaches for as long as I can remember (Im talking about having a headache every day!). When you read the book, it says that type Os are more prone to anerisms (sp?) and allergies. My dad is a Type O and his father and brother both died from anerisms. It says the wheat causes the mucus build up in the sinuses and that affects allergies. For the first time in 8 years, I dont get headaches and I can breathe out of TWO nostrils! It also says that the wheat causes weight gain in Type Os. For the first time in my life, my weight is not constantly fluxuating 20-30 lbs (and Im only 5'2"). I now exercise because I enjoy it, not b/c I have to. And the energy level is amazing!
Continuing my previous comment….: I also used to get heart burn all the time. My Mom is Type O too, and has acid reflux disease. This high acid allows Type O to digest red meat. I now only get heart burn when I "cheat". Its not that hard to follow. You can find tons of thing to eat that work. In stead of wheat, I buy wheat-free pasta, bread, and tortillas. Its made of rice flour, and is delicious. I get plenty of calories in all food groups, and still stay at a constant size 4 (even though I tend to be a glutenous eater – eating til it hurts – I love food!). Im not saying I dont cheat, b/c I definately do. But I feel it when I eat things Im not supposed to. The diet is easy when you like how it makes you FEEL!!!
Eating for your blodd type makes more sense to me than any other diet or suggested eating regement I have ever looked into or followed. It has made a great deal of differences in how I feel every day. More energy, better skin, less weight fluctuation, and feeling that I am fighting off diseases of all kinds for a healthier outlook on my older years. Getting better not worser! Love it!
I HAVE JUST STARDED THE EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR BLOOD TYPE O. I AGREE I WILL STICK WITH IT BECAUSE I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER
I completely disagree with the article's statement, " A blood-type diet may focus on healthy foods, but overall it is way too complicated and restrictive to be realistic or good for you."
I think this diet is amazing and it has helped me FEEL so much better!!! I am disapointed that you would write such a thing, especially ending the article on that note.
I also have been on the Type O diet. I lost 10 lbs in 3 months.
I used to sleep 10-13 hours a day, I would wake up and have "morning sickness" but I was never pregnant, I had extreme bladder infections and yeast infections. I was always sick.
NOW I have more energy I sleep 8 hours(wake up before my alarm) and I feel rested and healthy. The type O diet has CHANGED MY LIFE. I can enjoy my life and I think that the statement about it not being good for you in a load of crap. It takes discipline to be healthy and if discipline is too hard for you then maybe you should just give up! I got my life back and I am living it to the fullest! What an amazing gift I have received!
I have been following the Blood Type Diet for about three years . To make it less confusing , instead of trying to follow which foods are best and which are neutral , try remembering which are the worst for you . It's a much smaller list and easier to remember .
My sister got be started on this diet before we went on a family cruise and I lost 40+ lbs. When we were on our cruise I stuck with the diet and actually lost 11 lbs on the cruise. We did a lot of walking during the cruise and I also walked everyday around the boat (4 laps). I felt great on this diet and now an convinced that it does work, if you can stick to it. I am Type O, so skipping the bread has been hard for me.
After reading all the comments here, I feel like I just might benefit from doing a diet like this. I constantly have internal problems and doctors could never figure out what might be causing them, as I am an otherwise healthy looking person. My energy is low unless I eat specific meals that are filled with my favorite veggies, fruits and whole grain carbs(yes, I'm a type A). Another funny thing is, I'm pregnant with my second child and am having a rough time with eating. I'm craving meats, dairy items and junk foods like crazy, but all of those give me indigestion and keep me sick. With my first child, I craved fruits, veggies and small amounts of meat on top of large salads. During that pregnancy I had remarkable energy and a quick labor and delivery. Coincidence? I don't think so. I'll be ordering The "Eat Right for your Baby" book right now!
i have been on the blood type diet for 10 years & feel the best when i stick to it. i like the foods indicated for my type. there are some foods i miss but because i'm not eating them i feel better. i felt sick after every meal until i started this diet. so kudos for the book & all the research that went into it. i do eat a fair amount of fish, turkey & chicken but stay away from most dairy & soy. my body is much happier for the diet.
Hey there Healthy Eats! I read with much anticipation what Dana was going to have to say about the Blood Type Diet. I chuckled as I read through her light touch obviously uninformed comments on the diet, but I was pleased that so many weighed in on how it helped them. First off it is not a weight loss program…it is a healthy lifestyle of eating habits and yes correlating to your blood type. Secondly you are only restricted to some foods in each food group or catagory according to the negative blood lectin response which causes disease. All blood types are given plenty of choices to eat protein, vegetables, grains etc. and the vitamin regimens listed are suggestions if you feel you need further help in a certain area. Dr. D'Adamo himself doesn't recommend jumping all the way in but starting slow and adjusting to what is working for each individual. I suggest that Dana take a second look at the mountains of evidence that has been gathered over the years showing the incredible benefits of this type of program. He is also backed by scientific evidence and a growing group of professionals made up of doctor's, scientist, etc… I am one of those people who's life and health was dramatically changed by following the Blood Type Diet and it will continue to be my eating guide for life.
I'm AB+ and I have Celiac, which is gluten and certain dairy products sensitive. I'm not supposed to have bread, whole milk, any kind of flour, corn meal products, etc.
I can understand how individuals may want to diet accourding to blood types, but what do you do if you have a rare blood type? My wife has neg A blood type, how would she diet? What would be good for her?
I have been on the blood type lifestyloe for a little less than a year. I have lost 35 lbs. But, I don't stay on this lifestyle for the diet. I started this lifestyle because the inflammation in my knee's was so bad. The books will tell you that gluton feeds inflammation. I can now walk up and down stairs without the pain I used to feel in my knees. I'm not saying my knee's are perfect now. But the difference is amazing! I also have started taking the type O vitamins and I feel so much better. Yes, I too cheat. But, my next meal is a whole new chance for me to begin again. My knee's tell me before my scale has a chance to. I don't feel like you gave this lifestyle a fair shake. I bet you looked at the book and said, "No Way!" You have to try it to understand what this lifestyle can do for you. I know what it has done for me. I feel better now at 55 than I felt at 45!
I have Fibromyalgia and I was given this book by a relative and it has helped me immensely. The Doctors don’t want to hear about it because it takes away from their profits!! I have passed the book on to many friends who also have been using it with great results!!
Hi Carol,
Just curious, what your blood type is? I have a co-worker who also has Fibromyalgia, but also has an autoimmune problem as well as allergeries. I am curious to see if this book would help her (and to see if you both are the same blood type?)
Thanks,
Becky
Wow, this diet sounds amazing! And all the positive feedback! You eat healthier and feel great.
People, it's not about your blood type, it's about eating healthier. I'm AB-, which means that:
No wheat, gluten and read [sic.] meat and only dairy in moderation
I eat wheat and feel great. Why? BECAUSE I EAT HEALTHY.
Yes, there are food allergies, and sometimes they run in families…it's genetic, NOT blood type.
By the way, AB blood types only come from having 1 parent as A (either AO or AA) or AB and 1 parent as B (BO or BB) or AB OR both being AB.
Glenn – it doesn't matter whether your type is negative or positive. she'd follow the guidelines for type A.
Eating for your blood type says to ignore the +/- of your blood type. So, she should use A
I am o+. Good tips.
When I first read "Eat Right for your Type" I was really ticked off because I wasn't able to eat the things I liked. Unfortunately I found out the book was correct (I'm a blood type A) and I do so much better without dairy or meat. It's veggies, fruit and fish for me. When I eat meat (beef, pork) my hands ache. This is too bad for me because I love a roast beef and roast pork. If I stick to veggies and fish I'm at my best.
For me this book was right on.
Maybe for some it's not about blood type but I can tell you that I "ATE HEALTHY" (as one poster puts it) for 30 years and still ended up a mess. Eat Right for Your Type gave me back my life and I will never go back!!! I too am better at 54 than I was 10 years ago.
I recently went on a strict healthy diet, eliminating wheat and dairy for a few weeks, then adding them back to my diet. After this 'cleansing' and re-introduction of wheat and dairy (separately) back into your diet you learn if they are creating allergic reactions. I felt great with this diet, and was shocked when I re-introduced wheat and it made me miserable with intestional problems. (Diary was not so much of a problem). Now I feel so much better when I eliminate wheat. I didn't even know it was a problem. So reading this article has really sparked my interest in this diet – I'm AB+. I suggest AB- just tries going without wheat for 3 weeks (its hard but worth it) to see how he feels.
The main thing the post is forgetting to mention is your general health! When you don't eat foods that cause allergies or are hard to digest due to your blood type, you end up feeling great and your stomach has less work to do and in exchange you have more energy! More than loosing a lot of pounds or not, you should feel healthy and you do eating this way. I know many people with a few extra pounds that are very healthy. The ultimate goal of any diet should be to have your body functioning at optimum levels.
Read the book and you'll discover many things that your body has been trying to tell you for years. Like "Please, don't give me milk!" or "Wow, get far away from me when I eat chicken!" Or, " Gosh, my eczema is gone since I quit wheat, hmm?"
I'd follow this way of eating if I were you. Cheers
Funny how the article written (by an educated professional) tries to persuade us from following the Blood Type Diet – yet after reading all the comments (from people with who knows what background), most of you are willing to go ahead and try it!