Your blood type is the key that unlocks the door to the mysteries of health, disease, longevity, physical vitality and emotional strength. Your blood type determines your susceptibility to illness, which foods you should eat and how you should exercise. It is a factor in your energy levels, in the efficiency in which you burn calories, in your emotional response to stress and perhaps even your personality.
Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo
In this blog post I’m going to share a little bit about each of the 4 main blood types O, A, B, and AB. I will provide you with some insight that has the potential to change your health and your connection with self. I’m going to touch on diet, exercise and linked disease. As I have studied this topic, I have found it fully resonates with myself and the many others I have discussed it with.
Dr. D’Adamo said it best when he said that “Blood is the fundamental source of nourishment for our bodies and our blood type is a direct link back to our ancestral heritage”. By learning some of the principles of blood type analysis you gain the awareness and the ability to adopt an optimized diet and exercise form so that you can develop the highest immune system functioning you are capable of.
A timeless genetic code
If you’re anything like me, you’d like to understand the foundation of this topic to verify its validity. Our blood contains the genetic memory passed down from our ancestors beginning as early as 50,000 BC when the first humanoid was recognized with the oldest Blood Type known to man: Type O. Environmental changes and survival adaptions shifted the evolution of the human species, creating the following blood types: Type A, Type B and then Type AB (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020).
All of our ancestors had a very unique and specific core diet based on environmental conditions and evolutionary advancements – because of this, our blood reacts to certain foods and substances as “foreign” on a cellular level depending on our blood type. Our blood holds an ancient code given to us by our ancestors, a code that goes much deeper into the aspects of health than ethnicity and race are able to.
Your blood type is the key to your body’s entire immune system. It controls the influence of viruses, bacteria, infections, chemicals, stress and the entire assortment of invaders that may compromise your immune system.
Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo
What does the science say?
Our immune systems are constantly working to destroy “invaders and foreign substances” to protect us at all cost. We have white blood cells and antigens to thank for that. Antigens create antibodies that are designed to “attach” to foreign substances so that our bodies know to destroy them. This process is called agglutination and it allows us to rid our body of “toxic” substances in the most efficient manner. However, this process doesn’t just happen with viruses, parasites and bacteria. It also happens with the food and the substances we consume. We have lectins to thank for that. Lectins are a type of protein found in some foods that agglutinate in the body and that is determined by our blood type. When we consume food or substances that agglutinate in our bodies it can cause a myriad of symptoms such as: food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation, pain and decreased organ function which is dependent on the type of lectin involved (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020). Think – increased disease, aging, inflammation and illness.
This is why this topic is so important and it’s a topic that has been backed by science. Blood type analysis has proven this information accurate by viewing lectins reacting with certain blood types and watching them agglutinate under a microscope. It’s past time we start considering our blood type when we consider our diets and our overall health. So let’s get into it.
Blood Type-O Origins and Basics
The oldest and most common blood type, tracing back to 40,000 BC. The ancestors of this blood type were hunters. Animal protein was their main source of nourishment leading to a hearty digestive track and higher amounts of stomach acid to efficiently digest animal protein. Blood type O’s will have the most energy and fuel available to them when they are eating an animal based diet but it is important that they choose lean, organic, free range, high quality protein sources.
Type O’s will have the hardest time digesting whole wheat and gluten and it can be their primary cause of weight gain, fatigue and brain fog. These should be avoided completely and diary should be limited. Whole fruits and vegetables are absolutely necessary, but the kind depends on your blood type as some of them have the lectins that will not support your body (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020).
My experience
As a fellow Blood type O – I listen to my body. Most diary doesn’t work for me but I do fine with organic whole milk and pure butter. I have been grain free for 3 years and I no longer have the fatigue and brain fog I was having before. I understand that my body produces higher amounts of stomach acid so I make sure to get enough animal proteins and avoid acidic foods to best support my digestive system and my body as a whole. Though I believe a vegetarian diet is an honorable one, I would highly discourage it for people with Blood Type O. I tried this diet for 18 months and ended up terribly ill with an array of new health issues that doctors couldn’t explain. I was eating whole healthy foods and vegetables high in protein yet I struggled immensely.
This was a very challenging time in my life and a story for another day but it’s one of the main reasons I am fascinated with the science behind it.
After studying blood type analysis and my ancestral blood lines it became very clear why my body could not support this type of diet and educated me on what I needed to do to re-claim my health and my vitality.
Exercise and weight loss for blood type o’s
Blood Type O’s store their stress in their muscles and can be left feeling fatigue, achy and even depressed if they are not getting enough exercise. That being said high intensity exercise is recommended such as jogging, weight training, functional patterns, swimming and aerobics etc. If you’re a Blood Type O, you may notice that it is easier for you than most to get lean and develop muscle more quickly. This is because your biology is designed for it! If one follows the dietary and exercise recommendations given here they will be significantly more successful in losing weight or gaining muscle and experiencing better health overall (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020).
Cheat sheet
Highly Beneficial- Beef, lamb, venison, chicken, turkey, olive oil, walnuts, pinto beans, Ezekiel bread, broccoli, garlic, kale, figs, plums, parsley, turmeric, peppermint and ginger.
Avoid- Pork, american cheese, ice cream, peanut oil, cashews, kidney beans, lentils, oatmeal, wheat, cauliflower, strawberries, blackberries, coconut, corn syrup, orange juice, ketchup, coffee, liquor, black tea, vitamin A & E supplements.
These are recommendations based on blood type analysis, not to be confused with medical advice from your Doctor. Do not consume what you are allergic too. Do not assume that these will all feel good for you, listen to your body and test for food allergies if needed. For the full diet plan – research your specific blood type diet or purchase the book “Eat Right 4 Your Type” by Dr. Peter Adamo.
Blood type-A origin and basics
Blood Type-A was created around 25,000 to 15,000 BC due to environmental developments in the human species such as gathering and growing more plant based food and adapting to crowded societies which permanently altered the digestive and immune systems in these humans (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020). Type A’s thrive on a vegetarian diet and I would highly recommend it. Not only will it support your body and immune system on a cellular level, it is also highly beneficial for our planet. Blood Type A’s have a more sensitive immune system that can only fully flourish when the individual adopts a healthy diet consisting of whole, pure, organic plant based foods. Have you noticed you are more sluggish when you eat red meat versus high protein vegetables? Type A’s have less stomach acidity and their ability to fully digest animal meat is significantly impacted – lowering the digestive process and storing the meat as fat versus burning it off like Type-O’s. Type A’s need all the support they can get for their immunity to help prevent risk factors such as heart disease, stomach cancers and diabetes (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020).
If meat is to be consumed white, lean meats are recommended. Diary should be avoided, wheat should be consumed in moderation and avoid ANY processed meats as they increase the risk factor for certain cancers (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020)..
Exercise and weight loss for blood type A
For Type A’s, stress is processed and stored in the mind. As a result, racing adrenals and hyperactivity is typically the outcome. So the best way to exercise and process stress to increase your immunity is to perform exercises that involve the mind and the calming affect on the mind such as power walking in nature, hiking, tai chi, martial arts, swimming, functional patterns and various forms of meditative movement that bring you a sense of calming peace 3 to 4 times per week (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020). You can still “workout and sweat” just make sure your mind is involved in intentional movement.
Cheat sheet
Highly Beneficial- Salmon, tuna, flaxseed oil, peanuts, black beans, buckwheat, rice cakes, oat flour, artichokes, parsley, onions, kale, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, carrots, turnips, pumpkin, chicory, apricots, blackberries, plums, cherries, cranberries, garlic, ginger, mustard, ginseng, aloe, coffee and green tea,
Avoid- Pork, beef, lamb, catfish, bluefish, butter, cream cheese, american cheese, corn oil, cottonseed oil, cashews, pistachios, lima beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, granola, seven grain, shredded wheat, whole wheat bread, english muffins, white flour, cabbage, olives, potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, bananas, oranges, coconuts, ketchup, vinegar, cayenne, beer, liquor, black tea and vitamin A beta-carotene.
These are recommendations based on blood type analysis, not to be confused with medical advice from your Doctor. Do not consume what you are allergic too. Do not assume that these will all feel good for you, listen to your body and test for food allergies if needed. For the full diet plan – research your specific blood type diet or purchase the book “Eat Right 4 Your Type” by Dr. Peter Adamo.
Blood type-b origin and basics
Developed between 10,000 and 15,000 BC as a result of migration and climatic changes. The origins of this blood type were dependent on animal meats and cultured diary products with the development of sophisticated farming techniques based on higher intelligence and creativity (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020). Blood Type B’s seem to have the strongest immune systems in regards to microbial infections and one of the most tolerant digestive system. However, like Type A they are predisposed to certain cancers so diet is really important (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020).
Blood Type B should avoid wheat and rye (especially if they are trying to lose weight) and nuts, consume healthy amounts of diary and adopt a well balance diet consisting of certain lean red meats, seafood, fruits and leafy green vegetables (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020).
Exercise and weight loss for blood type B
Blood type B’s seem to gain the most benefit from well balanced exercise that isn’t too intense or too mentally stimulating but right in between the two. Some recommended exercises include: tennis, cycling, jogging, group hiking, functional patterns, swimming and weight training. Type B’s will lose the most weight by consuming diary, high quality red meats such as lamb and venison and avoiding wheat, rye, corn, lentils, pastas and nuts/seeds (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020).
Cheat sheet
Highly Beneficial- Lamb, venison, cod, salmon, goats cheese/milk, feta, yogurt, olive oil, lima beans, oatmeal, millet, brown rice, oat flour, beets, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, yams, eggplant, bananas, grapes, pineapple, cranberries, plums, curry, parsley, green tea, magnesium and licorice tea.
Avoid- Pork, chicken, lobster, crabs, shrimp, canola and corn oil, pistachios, cashews, black and pinto beans, rye, wheat, cornmeal, gluten, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, avocados, tofu, coconuts, pomegranates, cinnamon, corn syrup, tapioca, ketchup, aloe, liquor and soda.
These are recommendations based on blood type analysis, not to be confused with medical advice from your Doctor. Do not consume what you are allergic too. Do not assume that these will all feel good for you, listen to your body and test for food allergies if needed. For the full diet plan – research your specific blood type diet or purchase the book “Eat Right 4 Your Type” by Dr. Peter Adamo.
Blood type-Ab origin and basics
According to Doctor Peter D’adamo, AB is the rarest and newest blood type that is less than 1,000 years old and is an offspring of the A and B Blood types. Ab’s inherit the strength of fighting off microbial infections but are even more predisposed to certain cancers due to the low amount of opposing antibodies needed to protect them. Type Ab’s may notice that they have more sensitive digestive systems because they adopt the agglutinating responses in certain foods from both A and B types. It’s recommended that Ab’s extensively study the diet recommendations for both A and B to filter out the limitations for both. Since AB’s have lower stomach acid from A but are adapted to meat consumption from B, it can be a little complicated (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020).
The recommendation here is to restrict meat consumption and increased plant proteins to supplement them. See the B list for meat consumptions and restrict most red meats for the best results. Blood type AB’s are encouraged to not only avoid certain red meats, but also to limit wheat and avoid kidney/lima beans and corn products. As well as to increase their consumption of certain leafy greens, seafood, diary products and eggs in moderation (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020). Again, listen to your body if you are blood type AB especially due to the many contradictions and nutrient opportunities you have adopting traits from both A and B. Pay attention to your mucus production after eating certain foods, especially grains. This will help guide you on what your limits are. Mucus/flem should always strive to be avoided. Just like with all blood types, a well balanced diet with whole foods, fruits and vegetables is best but based on your unique recommendations for blood type.
Exercise and weight loss for blood type-AB
AB takes on the same stress profile and reaction as Type A where stress is stored mentally. Calming movement and activities such as meditation are highly recommended. See Type A’s exercise recommendations for more. If an AB type is interested in losing weight, exercise 2-3 times a week involving your mind and avoid red meat (aside from lamb and mutton), wheat, corn, seeds and kidney/lima beans (D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. , 2020).
cheat sheet
Highly Beneficial- Lamb, turkey, mutton, albacore, cod, salmon, sea trout, goat cheese, yogurt, feta, olive oil, peanuts, walnuts, navy and pinto beans, oatmeal, millet, rice bran, oat flour, white/basmati rice/wild rice, beets, broccoli, celery, collard greens, kale, garlic, eggplant, plums, figs, grapes, cabbage, carrot, grape, black cherry, curry, garlic, licorice root, chamomile, coffee and green tea.
Avoid- Pork, beef, chicken, buffalo, clams, crab, anchovies, whole milk, american cheese, butter, ice cream, corn oil, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, black and kidney beans, corn meal, buckwheat, mushrooms, olives, peppers, artichoke, avocado, bananas, mangos, oranges, pepper, vinegar, pickles, ketchup, aloe, liquor, soda and black tea.
These are recommendations based on blood type analysis, not to be confused with medical advice from your Doctor. Do not consume what you are allergic too. Do not assume that these will all feel good for you, listen to your body and test for food allergies if needed. For the full diet plan – research your specific blood type diet or purchase the book “Eat Right 4 Your Type” by Dr. Peter Adamo.
I hope that each of you can take something from this article that will help you obtain optimal health and help you to create a better relationship with your body. I share all of this information with you because I know “diet” culture can be misleading, confusing and oftentimes detrimental to your health. I know you deserve to feel healthy, strong, energized and clear minded. I want what is best for you. We are one family under the sun. Thank you for being here. If you loved this article and thought it was helpful, please share with your loved ones and make sure to subscribe to stay up to date with the latest posts and content from this community.
With love always,
Adriona Gaia
D’Adamo, P., & Whitney, C. (2020). Eat right for your type: The Individualized Blood Type Diet Solution. New American Library.
Tammy morales says
Wow this is amazing and just reading it matched me so well….I understand it….how awesome you can use this in your future plans as a life coach n healing …so proud of you ….thank you for your work and helping so many people ….xoxoxo
Adriona Gaia says
Thank you so much for this beautiful compliment… I’m happy you enjoyed this xoxo