What is the blood type 'diet'? 

• Your blood type is determined by alleles or variations of a certain gene. For the blood type, there are three variations: A, B, and O

• The blood type gene is located at a specific place in your DNA strand (9q34) and it influences other genes that are located next to or close to it 

• For example, your blood type gene influences a nearby gene that determines the level of your stomach acid

• Another example: the gene for the enzyme that converts dopamine to noradrenaline sits on top of the blood type gene, creating a link between blood type and stress, mental health and personality

• The emergence or mutation of the different blood types has been linked to various points in human history and was affected by how people lived at that time. Factors included climate, available food and microbes found in the area

• It has been found that blood type O is the original blood type and is associated with the hunter-gatherer (ie nomad or 'cave man') which first emerged in Africa

• As people migrated and were forced to adapt to different climates, foods and microbes, the emergence of the newer blood types were noted

• Scientists have also found a link between the blood type and certain resistance or weakness towards diseases or health conditions

• Aside from the actual blood type gene, your blood type's antigens are everywhere in your body, particularly in your digestive tract, your mouth and nasal passages, and even your lungs. The antigens influence how you react to your environment, especially to your food

• The lectins found in certain foods will bind to the antigens of your blood type and cause your red blood cells to stick together. This can lead to a decrease in circulating oxygen which in turn can result in headaches or fatigue. It can also cause digestive issues, skin problems and many other health concerns. 

Blood Type O 

• the hunter gatherer
• original blood type
• naturally higher levels of stomach acid
• good ability to digest fat and proteins in the same meal
• thrives on naturally raised meats, vegetables and fruits
• red meat is important but should be eaten in small amounts only
• avoid pork
• limit grains, they tend to be stored as fat and cholesterol
• lectins in grains can cause inflammatory conditions and affect the immune system
• avoid dairy products
• avoid coffee/black tea, alcohol and sugar
• requires regular cardio/aerobic exercise
• stress or anxiety can be relieved by physical activity
• may be more pre-disposed to ulcers and thyroid issues

Blood Type A

• emerged when wild game became more scarce and ancient people started to migrate out of Africa into Asia and Europe, and began to farm grains and livestock
• able to use the nutrients from carbohydrates more effectively
• designed for a vegetarian lifestyle
• animal proteins and fats are poorly digested and absorbed
• red meats and pork should be avoided
• eat fish and poultry in small amounts if desired
• grains are ok but limit/avoid wheat
• limit eggs and dairy
• eat foods in as natural state as possible
• good proteins sources are legumes like black beans, lentils, grains like quinoa or brown rice, and seeds like hemp hearts
• eat regular, smaller meals and don't skip meals
• thrives in a supportive, rhythmic community
• naturally higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol
• Yoga, meditation and deep breathing is beneficial for managing stress
• may have elevated risk factors for cancer, cardiovascular issues and diabetes

Blood Type B

• a more recent version of the blood type O hunter gatherer
• developed in the Himalayan mountain regions of Asia 
• able to thrive in changeable conditions and very adaptable
• can eat a good balance of all food groups
• avoid pork and chicken
• beneficial foods include lamb, fish, oats and rice
• biggest factors in weight gain are corn, wheat, buckwheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts and sesame seeds.
• better digestion of dairy (i.e. cheese) than A’s or O’s
• similar stress responses to type A's, with naturally higher cortisol levels
• use meditation and visualization to manage stress
• ideal exercise is a combination of cardio and mental focus, such as martial arts or tennis
• may be more prone to slow growing viruses and autoimmune diseases

Blood Type AB

• the most rare blood type
• a combination of A and B types makes chicken, beef and pork ‘avoid’ foods
• has A's lower levels of stomach acid for digesting animal proteins, which tend to get stored as fat
• turkey, lamb, eggs and most fish are good protein choices
• avoid lectin-containing foods
• cultured dairy such as yogourt or kefir are the best options for dairy intake
• avoid alcohol, coffee and black tea but green tea is beneficial 
• avoid eating starches and proteins in the same meal (i.e. meat and potatoes)
• tends to internalize negative emotions
• a balance of cardio and calming exercise such as yoga is ideal
• needs a balance between alone time and nurturing community oriented activities