Spa Eastman
Each blood group has very specific characteristics which influence the way nutrients in food are assimilated and wastes are eliminated. Eating to suit your blood type is the secret to health and longevity.
Throughout the ages, as humans evolved, blood groups also evolved. It is believed that type O is the oldest. Coursing through the veins of humans since prehistoric time, it has endured centuries. Certain studies have shown that type O’s have a 60% higher probability of living over 75 years.
Between 25 000 and 15 000 BC man, once the solitary hunter-gatherer, became a cultivator and began raising livestock. Consequently, his activity level decreased and his diet, which now included grains and cereals, provoked an adaptation in the biochemistry of the human body. Type A, the cultivator, made its appearance.
Type B, the balanced blood group, is believed to have come into existence between 15 000 and 10 000 BC in response to climactic changes and population migration. Type B, the nomad, is the only blood group well suited to dairy products. Besides, some remote regions have shown a higher population of centenarians, this longevity can be associated, amongst others, to eating yoghurt.
Type AB, the most modern blood group, appeared about 1000 years ago. Because of the amalgamation of both groups A and B, type AB’s have shown a greater capacity to adapt to the newer foods introduced by modern man.
Despite the long history of blood groups, we have only just discovered, in fact less than a century ago, that certain blood groups produce antibodies against other groups. In addition, when foreign substances, called antigens (bacteria, viruses, incompatible blood, etc…) enter the bloodstream, the immune system immediately sets into motion a defence mechanism which allows it to produce antibodies in order to eliminate the intruders. The same process occurs facing certain foods through Lectins, a protein present in 30% of foods. These proteins have such similar characteristics to certain blood groups that they become enemies to incompatible blood groups. Regardless of defence mechanisms, 5% of the Lectins an individual ingests enters the bloodstream directly. Consequently, attacking red or white blood cells which in turn can cause certain health problems, starting with fatigue or increased mucus production and eventually leading to digestive problems and possibly tumours.
North America holds the record in regards to cancer, cardio-vascular diseases and diabetes. Could this perhaps be because we have adopted a diet which is completely opposite to that of our ancestors? This hypothesis is a plausible one: our digestive and immune systems still prefer the foods that our ancestors of the same blood type ate.
Type O’s can take advantage of foods rich in animal proteins and low in carbohydrates, like meat fish and shell fish. Medical problems that are typically associated to type O’s are ulcers, allergies, asthma, hay fever, hypothyroidism and inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Type A’s can benefit from a diet that is rich in carbohydrates and low in fat by eating foods such as tofu, legumes, fish, grains and cereals. Cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, anaemia, liver and gall bladder problems, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes are the ailments that threaten their health.
Type B’s are suggested to eat a balanced diet composed of meat, fish, dairy products and legumes. This group’s underlying health risks include chronic fatigue syndrome, auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis etc…), and type 1 diabetes.
Type AB’s can adopt a varied regimen composed of fish, tofu, legumes, dairy products, grains and cereals. This group will be more vulnerable to cancer, cardio-vascular diseases and anaemia.
Fruits and vegetables are beneficial to all blood groups. What's more, salmon, olive oil, broccoli, prunes, figs, ginger, garlic, parsley and green tea are compatible with all blood groups.
However, researchers have concluded that it is not recommended for approximately 90% of North Americans to drink milk. And worse still, pork mustn’t be eaten by any of the blood types. Wheat, potatoes and oranges are to be avoided by 90% of the population. And without exception, stay away from smoked salmon, corn and peanut oil, wheat bran, coconut, rhubarb, black pepper, all types of vinegars and ice cream.
Theoretically, the ideal scenario supposes, of course, an absolute respect of the requirements recommended by our blood group. However, between the two, a competent and conscientious management of the foods we eat, plus limiting foods that can leave their mark on our system, would already be a great improvement and a sincere promise to live more healthfully.
Here’s to your health!
Sources: Naturopathic specialists from Spa Eastman; and D’Adamo, Peter, Eat Right 4 Your Type, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1996.
