D’Adamo says that foods containing lectins are incompatible with certain blood types, and therefore his latest book focuses on improving gut health and immunity by eliminating the biggest sources of certain lectins. In addition to promoting the blood type diet, D’Adamo now encourages people to also avoid most sources of lectins, which are “ antinutrients” or sugar-binding proteins that can interfere with nutrient absorption to some degree. So while knowing your blood type and family history might be helpful in determining your risk for a particular disease, there is still no evidence showing that certain diets are more or less beneficial for different blood types.įor example, some studies have found that when people of different blood groups follow a plant-based diet low in processed foods (similar to a type A diet), all experience health improvements regardless of blood type. There is some evidence showing that blood type is associated with genetic variants in humans and may have an impact on risk factors for certain diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, malaria and cardiometabolic disorders. He specifically bases many of his recommendations on varying levels of stomach acids and enzymes that he links to different blood types. He postulates in his books that the different blood types developed during periods in history when people had access to only certain foods, which contributed to changes in their digestive systems and their ability to tolerate different foods. D’Adamo based his suggestions on research he had done regarding the dietary habits of ancestral tribes and communities. D’Adamo, a naturopathic physician, was the first person to introduce the idea of a blood diet type in his book “Eat Right for Your Type,” which was originally published in 1996. Due to the variability in a person’s “chemistry,” a person’s blood type is said to determine which types of foods he or she will be able to digest best - for example, animal proteins or fruits - as well as which types they will most likely struggle with.ĭr. What Is a Blood Type Diet?Ī blood type diet is one that “ makes health and nutrition recommendations based on your unique genetic individuality.” Proponents of the blood type diet believe that a person’s blood type is an important tool for understanding how that person will react to various types of food, habits and stressors.Ī blood type diet operates on the premise that people with different blood types (O, A, B, AB) should eat corresponding foods and develop other lifestyle habits that are most suitable to their specific genetic makeups. So while adjusting your diet to your genetics and lifestyle can be a great idea, this doesn’t mean your diet needs to be based on your blood type.

Some research has shown that a group of people can eat the same exact foods, in the same quantities, but experience huge variations in terms of their physiological responses. A personalized diet can help give you a better idea of what types of foods you should eat and what types to avoid. What type of “ personalized diet” might be a better alternative to the blood type diet?Ī personalized diet is a way of eating that is based on genetics, unique reactions to different types of foods and individual preferences. In fact, a 2013 systematic review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated, “No evidence currently exists to validate the purported health benefits of blood type diets.” Given its popularity, you’re probably wondering if there’s any evidence that the blood type diet is actually beneficial.Įven though certain personalized diets can be very effective for improving health markers - for example, those that help manage food allergies or conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes - there isn’t much convincing evidence supporting the use of blood type diets. Dr. Peter D’Adamo, creator of the blood type diet, has since released several follow-up books with new recommendations and additions, including “Live Right for Your Type” and the 20th anniversary revised edition of “Eat Right for Your Type.” The most popular book detailing the blood type diet, “Eat Right for Your Type,” is a New York Times best-seller that has sold more than 7 million copies worldwide since its publication in 1996.

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