Blood Type Diet
Your DNTO on CBC Radio One November 6th
25/Oct/12 02:59 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Changes of plans! This is a correction to my previous post on the subject - the date is in fact Tuesday, November 6th!
I will be part of a segment called “What do you carry in your blood?” on the program Your DNTO (aka Definitely Not The Opera) airing on CBC Radio One on Tuesday, November 6th between 2:00 to 3:00pm.
In my interview, I discuss how the Blood Type Diet not only changed how I eat and how I feel, but also my career.
A recording will be available online after the show airs on the Your DNTO website (click on Listen to the Latest Show at the top left) and via podcast here.
Changes of plans! This is a correction to my previous post on the subject - the date is in fact Tuesday, November 6th!
I will be part of a segment called “What do you carry in your blood?” on the program Your DNTO (aka Definitely Not The Opera) airing on CBC Radio One on Tuesday, November 6th between 2:00 to 3:00pm.
In my interview, I discuss how the Blood Type Diet not only changed how I eat and how I feel, but also my career.
A recording will be available online after the show airs on the Your DNTO website (click on Listen to the Latest Show at the top left) and via podcast here.
Comments
Blood type and coronary heart disease
18/Aug/12 08:14 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
You may have seen media coverage lately on a study connecting blood type and coronary heart disease. Two large, prospective cohort studies (studies that follow and observe individuals over a period of time to determine how chosen factors affect outcomes) conducted over 20 years have found that “ABO blood group is significantly associated with [coronary heart disease] risk” in both women and men.
Coronary heard disease (CHD) is a “narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart” which can decrease blood flow to heart muscle and result in heart attack (myocardial infarction) if the vessels become completely blocked. Of course there are many factors that contribute to CHD that should not be overlooked, but understand risk factors for the individual in front of you is very helpful for formulating treatment!
Specifically, type O individuals had the lowest risk of developing CHD, and those with type A, type B, and type AB blood had 5%, 11%, and 23% increased risk of developing CHD respectively. Of course, Dr. Peter D’Adamo has been teaching about blood type and disease risk for decades already, but it is great to see this information getting some wider media attention. There are several known associations between blood type and physiology that can result in differences in risk of CHD:
Here is a great video by Eric Morrison about this study and other key info about blood type and physiology:
You may have seen media coverage lately on a study connecting blood type and coronary heart disease. Two large, prospective cohort studies (studies that follow and observe individuals over a period of time to determine how chosen factors affect outcomes) conducted over 20 years have found that “ABO blood group is significantly associated with [coronary heart disease] risk” in both women and men.
Coronary heard disease (CHD) is a “narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart” which can decrease blood flow to heart muscle and result in heart attack (myocardial infarction) if the vessels become completely blocked. Of course there are many factors that contribute to CHD that should not be overlooked, but understand risk factors for the individual in front of you is very helpful for formulating treatment!
Specifically, type O individuals had the lowest risk of developing CHD, and those with type A, type B, and type AB blood had 5%, 11%, and 23% increased risk of developing CHD respectively. Of course, Dr. Peter D’Adamo has been teaching about blood type and disease risk for decades already, but it is great to see this information getting some wider media attention. There are several known associations between blood type and physiology that can result in differences in risk of CHD:
- Blood type O individuals have significantly lower levels of a blood clotting factor call Von Willibrand factor and blood clotting plays a role in creating blockages. This connection is mentioned in this article that summarizes the findings of these studies.
- Blood type O individuals secrete significantly more intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), an enzyme that is key to the proper breakdown of dietary cholesterol. IAP is also associated with secretor status, by the way!
- Finally, there are differences in response to stress among blood types. For example, comparing type A and type O (the two most common blood types), type A individuals have consistently higher baseline levels of cortisol (a key stress hormone) that is also associated with a range of health risks.
Here is a great video by Eric Morrison about this study and other key info about blood type and physiology:
Reminder: Total Health Show 2012 this weekend!
20/Apr/12 06:51 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
The Total Health Show 2012 is this weekend! Find info on tickets here. I will be at the show with Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health at booth 807 on Friday, April 20 from 4pm-9pm and Sunday, April 22 from 10am to 7pm offering on-the-spot blood typing and information on the Blood Type Diet. I will also be speaking about the Blood Type Diet on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 11am on the Spa Stage.
Here is more info about my talk:
The Blood Type Diet: One Size Does Not Fit All
Do you eat healthy, whole foods, but still struggle with hard-to-lose weight or other health concerns? Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? One size does not fit all! Blood type can provide insight into the individual differences that impact our health. Learn how your blood type influences how your body interacts with the food you eat as well as your response to stress and disease risk. Determine which foods are best for your body and how eating right for your blood type can help optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues and prevent future disease.
Hope to see you there!
The Total Health Show 2012 is this weekend! Find info on tickets here. I will be at the show with Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health at booth 807 on Friday, April 20 from 4pm-9pm and Sunday, April 22 from 10am to 7pm offering on-the-spot blood typing and information on the Blood Type Diet. I will also be speaking about the Blood Type Diet on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 11am on the Spa Stage.
Here is more info about my talk:
The Blood Type Diet: One Size Does Not Fit All
Do you eat healthy, whole foods, but still struggle with hard-to-lose weight or other health concerns? Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? One size does not fit all! Blood type can provide insight into the individual differences that impact our health. Learn how your blood type influences how your body interacts with the food you eat as well as your response to stress and disease risk. Determine which foods are best for your body and how eating right for your blood type can help optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues and prevent future disease.
Hope to see you there!
Come see me at the Total Health Show 2012!
03/Apr/12 02:40 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I’m excited to announce I will be speaking at the Total Health Show on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 11am on the Spa Stage. I will also be at the Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health booth (booth 807) on Friday, April 20 from 4pm-9pm and Sunday, April 22 from 10am to 7pm offering on-the-spot blood typing and information on the Blood Type Diet. Find info on tickets here.
Here is more info about my talk:
The Blood Type Diet: One Size Does Not Fit All
Do you eat healthy, whole foods, but still struggle with hard-to-lose weight or other health concerns? Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? One size does not fit all! Blood type can provide insight into the individual differences that impact our health. Learn how your blood type influences how your body interacts with the food you eat as well as your response to stress and disease risk. Determine which foods are best for your body and how eating right for your blood type can help optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues and prevent future disease.
Hope to see you there!
I’m excited to announce I will be speaking at the Total Health Show on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 11am on the Spa Stage. I will also be at the Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health booth (booth 807) on Friday, April 20 from 4pm-9pm and Sunday, April 22 from 10am to 7pm offering on-the-spot blood typing and information on the Blood Type Diet. Find info on tickets here.
Here is more info about my talk:
The Blood Type Diet: One Size Does Not Fit All
Do you eat healthy, whole foods, but still struggle with hard-to-lose weight or other health concerns? Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? One size does not fit all! Blood type can provide insight into the individual differences that impact our health. Learn how your blood type influences how your body interacts with the food you eat as well as your response to stress and disease risk. Determine which foods are best for your body and how eating right for your blood type can help optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues and prevent future disease.
Hope to see you there!
Guest post: Resolutions right for your type
17/Jan/12 02:24 PM
Guest post originally published by Maura Henninger, ND
What’s a list of New Year’s resolutions without the requisite ‘lose weight’ among the top five? For some, it’s not as much about losing weight as it is about adopting healthier habits and those can encompass eating better, exercising more, sleeping more soundly, reducing stress and a whole host of other wellness goals. According to research, more than half of people who make New Year’s resolutions will drop them by mid-year. Nevertheless, the same research also shows that just the act of making a resolution and sticking to it for even an abbreviated length of time lays the foundation for future positive change. The media overflows this time of year with advice on sticking to our resolve to introduce positive change. The best one, in my opinion? Buddy up. Find a friend who is also committed to make the change you seek. Research out of the University of Leeds shows that if you and a partner work together, better eating and exercise habits are bound to stick. So, grab your spouse, mom, sister, brother, best friend, or child who’s interested in eating and exercising according to Blood Type this year. Here are some tips to begin:
Type O
- At big meals, focus on proteins like red meat, turkey and fish
- To boost your metabolism, add green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach
- Avoid wheat completely, as well as most cow milk dairy
- To side-step weight gain, slash kidney beans, lentil and corn from your diet
- Engage in vigorous, sweat-enducing exercise at least four times per week
- Red meats are best avoided, but turkey is fine
- Soy is a good replacement protein metabolized quickly by Type As
- Load your plate with winter vegetables, particularly pumpkin, turnip and parnsip
- Pineapple will increase calorie utilization and aid in digestion
- Calming, restorative exercises like yoga and tai-chi will head off stress, which can exacerbate weight gain
- The biggest weight-gain offenders are chicken, corn and peanuts
- Like Type O’s, Type B’s should avoid the harmful lectins in wheat
- Load up on dairy and eggs to supercharge the metabolism
- Add licorice tea at the end of meals to balance blood sugar
- Try alternating days of physically rigorous exercise (3 days a week) with relaxing workouts (two days a week)
- Seafood is the protein of choice but turkey is also metabolically favorable
- Common winter fruits like figs, cranberries and plums are excellent for AB’s
- Make tofu a regular part of your diet
- A power juice for AB’s: one apple, a few stalks of celery, 2 carrots and a few leaves of cabbage
- AB’s have a similar stress profile to Type As, so heavy exercise will only deplete the nervous system. Try yoga and low-impact martial arts, walking and dance.
Resolved to eat better this year and follow your Blood Type Diet more closely? Send me an email or comment on this post. I’d love to hear your plans. Maura@dadamonutrition.com.
Change your genetic destiny with SWAMI GenoType
26/Oct/11 12:21 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” - Hippocrates
This is an often-used quote in naturopathic medicine and a phrase that I probably think about daily as I work with patients. Despite the growing “obesity epidemic” and the pervasiveness of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disease, and cancer, we have an incredibly powerful to at our disposal to improve our health and our lives.
Do you think you are cursed with “bad genes” that have caused you to develop health issues? Think again. Yes, your genes are your genes and you cannot change the sequence of nucleotides encoded in every cell of your body. But these genes are only the starting point for your life journey... Starting before you were born and continuing every second of your life, you are influencing which of these genes are “heard” and which are “silent” through your diet and lifestyle, and therefore what health challenges you are most susceptible to. I feel like most people are aware of this influence, but still fail to grasp the full significance of it and do not know how to harness it.
This is the life work of Peter D’Adamo ND, bestselling author of The GenoType Diet, which identifies 6 GenoTypes and explains how to use diet and lifestyle to change your genetic destiny. Dr. D’Adamo has also created a software program called SWAMI GenoType, which I use with patients in my practice to create a personalized diet report including individualized recipes. This software uses blood type, medical history, family history, biometrics, fingerprints, and many other variables (including lab results and prescribed medications) to custom-design a diet protocol to address your unique health needs.
Most patients who come to see me for SWAMI GenoType want to lose weight, but it can also be used as part of treatment for many physical and mental/emotional concerns. If it seems like SWAMI GenoType is a magic bullet for all that ails you, keep in mind that indeed, food is truly healing; personalized nutrition can be used to treat such a variety of conditions because what you eat is the most important influence on your health, via your digestive tract, immune system, and hormone levels. However, nutrition is almost never the only intervention that I work with and the onus is ultimately on the patient to take responsibility for his or her health by making habit changes that will support healing. You are a key part of the equation.
For even more information, such as what information is used, what the output looks like, and some frequently asked questions, check out my page all about SWAMI GenoType.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” - Hippocrates
This is an often-used quote in naturopathic medicine and a phrase that I probably think about daily as I work with patients. Despite the growing “obesity epidemic” and the pervasiveness of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disease, and cancer, we have an incredibly powerful to at our disposal to improve our health and our lives.
Do you think you are cursed with “bad genes” that have caused you to develop health issues? Think again. Yes, your genes are your genes and you cannot change the sequence of nucleotides encoded in every cell of your body. But these genes are only the starting point for your life journey... Starting before you were born and continuing every second of your life, you are influencing which of these genes are “heard” and which are “silent” through your diet and lifestyle, and therefore what health challenges you are most susceptible to. I feel like most people are aware of this influence, but still fail to grasp the full significance of it and do not know how to harness it.
This is the life work of Peter D’Adamo ND, bestselling author of The GenoType Diet, which identifies 6 GenoTypes and explains how to use diet and lifestyle to change your genetic destiny. Dr. D’Adamo has also created a software program called SWAMI GenoType, which I use with patients in my practice to create a personalized diet report including individualized recipes. This software uses blood type, medical history, family history, biometrics, fingerprints, and many other variables (including lab results and prescribed medications) to custom-design a diet protocol to address your unique health needs.
Most patients who come to see me for SWAMI GenoType want to lose weight, but it can also be used as part of treatment for many physical and mental/emotional concerns. If it seems like SWAMI GenoType is a magic bullet for all that ails you, keep in mind that indeed, food is truly healing; personalized nutrition can be used to treat such a variety of conditions because what you eat is the most important influence on your health, via your digestive tract, immune system, and hormone levels. However, nutrition is almost never the only intervention that I work with and the onus is ultimately on the patient to take responsibility for his or her health by making habit changes that will support healing. You are a key part of the equation.
For even more information, such as what information is used, what the output looks like, and some frequently asked questions, check out my page all about SWAMI GenoType.
Blood type diet primer, part 2
19/Oct/11 02:30 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This is the second part of a two-part blog about blood type and the Blood Type Diet. In part one, I covered the basics of blood type and what it has to do with food. Now that you’ve got the foundation, let’s learn a bit about each blood type and how you can use this valuable information to improve your health!
Blood type profiles
A full description of each type is beyond the scope of this blog, but here is a quick summary of each type. For more info, dig into the vast resources listed below, read about Blood Groups and the History of Peoples, and check out Wikipedia for an interesting breakdown of ABO and Rh blood type distribution by nation.
Type O:
Type O is the oldest blood type. This type dominated during the time of hunters, when meat (protein) was the primary food source for humans. Type O at its best is strong, active, with a feisty immune system and hardy digestive tract. However, Type O does not adapt well to change and when out of balance, suffers from an overactive immune system, inflammatory conditions, and thyroid disorders.
Type O thrives on a paleolithic-type diet of green vegetables and animal protein, while wheat, corn, potatoes, and dairy impair the Type O metabolism and encourage weight gain.
Type A:
Type A emerged as humans developed agriculture and the lifestyle that came with it. Cultivated grains became a primary food source and humans settled into larger communities, necessitating adaptations in digestion and immunity. Type A enjoys an adaptable and efficient physiology that thrives on routine. However, Type A can be at risk for heart disease, due to chronic stress and difficulty digesting animal protein, and cancer, due to a vulnerable immune system.
Type A thrives on an agrarian-type diet of vegetables, vegetarian proteins, and whole grains. Red meat and dairy products impair digestion and lead to long-term illness.
Type B:
Type B developed where humans lived a more nomadic existence and is more concentrated in Asia. Type B benefits from a strong immune system, balanced nervous system, and superior adaptability. However, Type B is susceptible to losing this important balance as it is highly sensitive, resulting in autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue.
Type B thrives on a balanced diet integrating some animal proteins, such as eggs, red meat, and dairy, along with lots of green vegetables. Lectins in certain foods, such as chicken, corn, wheat, and tomatoes are problematic to sensitive Type B.
Type AB:
Type AB is the most modern and rarest type, developing from intermingling of Type A and Type B. The strength of Type AB is a tolerant immune system designed for modern conditions. Type AB can draw on strengths from both the systematic Type A side and more creative and balanced Type B side. However, due to the rare combination of both A and B antigens, Type AB faces greater susceptibility to microbial infections and some cancers as well as the challenge of being a physiological anomaly in a Type O and Type A dominated world.
Type AB thrives on a diverse diet including seafood and sea vegetables as well as some dairy and vegetable proteins. Animal proteins, such as red meat and chicken, as well as wheat and corn are red flag foods for the Type AB metabolism.
What is secretor status?
Most people (about 85%) secrete their blood type antigens (markers) into bodily secretions such as saliva and are therefore dubbed “secretors.” The minority of those who do not are called “nonsecretors.” Secretor status is also a genetic marker, also determined by two alleles. Secretor is dominant, nonsecretor is recessive. Live Right For Your Type is the book to find out more about secretor status and its relevance to diet.
Why does secretor status matter?
The short explanation is that secretors have a lot more free blood type antigens because they secrete them in places like the intestinal tract, respiratory tract, and even the uterine cervix. These antigens interact with the environment to influence digestion, immunity, and metabolism. Knowing your secretor status gives you an additional tool to help you understand your unique needs and therefore treat and prevent disease.
Resources
There are so many great resources to learn more about the Blood Type Diet! I would suggest you start by exploring the official website, which includes tutorials, message boards, research writing, and a lot more.
Dr. D’Adamo has written many books about blood type and its influence on health. The best place to start is with the classic Eat Right For Your Type and then the more in-depth Live Right For Your Type (my personal favourite). Also check out Eat Right For Your Baby, Cook Right For Your Type, and the Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia. Dr. D’Adamo has also written a series of books on specific conditions, covering Aging, Allergies, Arthritis, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Fatigue, Menopause.
His most recent book, The GenoType Diet, builds on his work with blood types by looking at how our genes and environment interact to influence health.
Finally, for the medical professionals out there, another great resource is the Textbook of Natural Medicine by Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray. Chapter 43 is titled “Nontransfusion Significance of ABO and ABO-associated Polymorphisms” and was written by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo.
Practitioners
There are people around the world who have become experts on Dr. D’Adamo’s work and been certified by the Institute for Human Individuality. You can search for practitioners in your area here. To my knowledge, I am the only IfHI-certified naturopathic doctor in Ontario and one of only a few in Canada. I use the Blood Type Diet, GenoType Diet, and SWAMI GenoType software in my practice. You can find out more about my practice locations and how to make an appointment here.
Supplements and testing
Dr. D’Adamo has formulated a line of products that started out in his own naturopathic clinic and are now available for purchase by the public. He also sells home testing kits for blood type and secretor status. In Canada, you can find them at Right For Your Type Canada.
This is the second part of a two-part blog about blood type and the Blood Type Diet. In part one, I covered the basics of blood type and what it has to do with food. Now that you’ve got the foundation, let’s learn a bit about each blood type and how you can use this valuable information to improve your health!
Blood type profiles
A full description of each type is beyond the scope of this blog, but here is a quick summary of each type. For more info, dig into the vast resources listed below, read about Blood Groups and the History of Peoples, and check out Wikipedia for an interesting breakdown of ABO and Rh blood type distribution by nation.
Type O:
Type O is the oldest blood type. This type dominated during the time of hunters, when meat (protein) was the primary food source for humans. Type O at its best is strong, active, with a feisty immune system and hardy digestive tract. However, Type O does not adapt well to change and when out of balance, suffers from an overactive immune system, inflammatory conditions, and thyroid disorders.
Type O thrives on a paleolithic-type diet of green vegetables and animal protein, while wheat, corn, potatoes, and dairy impair the Type O metabolism and encourage weight gain.
Type A:
Type A emerged as humans developed agriculture and the lifestyle that came with it. Cultivated grains became a primary food source and humans settled into larger communities, necessitating adaptations in digestion and immunity. Type A enjoys an adaptable and efficient physiology that thrives on routine. However, Type A can be at risk for heart disease, due to chronic stress and difficulty digesting animal protein, and cancer, due to a vulnerable immune system.
Type A thrives on an agrarian-type diet of vegetables, vegetarian proteins, and whole grains. Red meat and dairy products impair digestion and lead to long-term illness.
Type B:
Type B developed where humans lived a more nomadic existence and is more concentrated in Asia. Type B benefits from a strong immune system, balanced nervous system, and superior adaptability. However, Type B is susceptible to losing this important balance as it is highly sensitive, resulting in autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue.
Type B thrives on a balanced diet integrating some animal proteins, such as eggs, red meat, and dairy, along with lots of green vegetables. Lectins in certain foods, such as chicken, corn, wheat, and tomatoes are problematic to sensitive Type B.
Type AB:
Type AB is the most modern and rarest type, developing from intermingling of Type A and Type B. The strength of Type AB is a tolerant immune system designed for modern conditions. Type AB can draw on strengths from both the systematic Type A side and more creative and balanced Type B side. However, due to the rare combination of both A and B antigens, Type AB faces greater susceptibility to microbial infections and some cancers as well as the challenge of being a physiological anomaly in a Type O and Type A dominated world.
Type AB thrives on a diverse diet including seafood and sea vegetables as well as some dairy and vegetable proteins. Animal proteins, such as red meat and chicken, as well as wheat and corn are red flag foods for the Type AB metabolism.
What is secretor status?
Most people (about 85%) secrete their blood type antigens (markers) into bodily secretions such as saliva and are therefore dubbed “secretors.” The minority of those who do not are called “nonsecretors.” Secretor status is also a genetic marker, also determined by two alleles. Secretor is dominant, nonsecretor is recessive. Live Right For Your Type is the book to find out more about secretor status and its relevance to diet.
Why does secretor status matter?
The short explanation is that secretors have a lot more free blood type antigens because they secrete them in places like the intestinal tract, respiratory tract, and even the uterine cervix. These antigens interact with the environment to influence digestion, immunity, and metabolism. Knowing your secretor status gives you an additional tool to help you understand your unique needs and therefore treat and prevent disease.
Resources
There are so many great resources to learn more about the Blood Type Diet! I would suggest you start by exploring the official website, which includes tutorials, message boards, research writing, and a lot more.
Dr. D’Adamo has written many books about blood type and its influence on health. The best place to start is with the classic Eat Right For Your Type and then the more in-depth Live Right For Your Type (my personal favourite). Also check out Eat Right For Your Baby, Cook Right For Your Type, and the Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia. Dr. D’Adamo has also written a series of books on specific conditions, covering Aging, Allergies, Arthritis, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Fatigue, Menopause.
His most recent book, The GenoType Diet, builds on his work with blood types by looking at how our genes and environment interact to influence health.
Finally, for the medical professionals out there, another great resource is the Textbook of Natural Medicine by Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray. Chapter 43 is titled “Nontransfusion Significance of ABO and ABO-associated Polymorphisms” and was written by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo.
Practitioners
There are people around the world who have become experts on Dr. D’Adamo’s work and been certified by the Institute for Human Individuality. You can search for practitioners in your area here. To my knowledge, I am the only IfHI-certified naturopathic doctor in Ontario and one of only a few in Canada. I use the Blood Type Diet, GenoType Diet, and SWAMI GenoType software in my practice. You can find out more about my practice locations and how to make an appointment here.
Supplements and testing
Dr. D’Adamo has formulated a line of products that started out in his own naturopathic clinic and are now available for purchase by the public. He also sells home testing kits for blood type and secretor status. In Canada, you can find them at Right For Your Type Canada.
Blood type diet primer, part 1
27/Sep/11 11:22 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
“One man’s food is another man’s poison.” This saying has never been more true! This is the first part of a two-part blog all about blood type and the Blood Type Diet - stay tuned for part two coming soon!
The Blood Type Diet was the major catalyst for me to become a naturopathic doctor, so I can say that it literally changed my life, both health-wise, but also career-wise. I first became aware of naturopathic medicine after reading Eat Right For Your Type, the best-known book by best-selling author Peter J. D’Adamo, ND. This was a major turning point for my health as the information in this book transformed me from a tired and cranky university student well on my way to being overweight (with chronic disease down the road) to an energetic and vibrant naturopathic doctor.
How it all began...
Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? Dr. James D’Adamo noticed that some patients did well on vegetarian and low-fat diets while others did poorly. He began blood-typing his patients and a pattern began to emerge. Then, his son Dr. Peter D’Adamo researched his father’s theory while still a study at naturopathic college. He soon discovered a scientific basis for his father’s observations.
What is blood type?
There are four basic blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Each individual carries two alleles (one from each parent) that together determine blood type. Types A and B are dominant, while type O is recessive. Therefore, type O people carry two identical O alleles, while type A and B people can either carry two identical alleles (either both A or both B) or one dominant allele (A or B) and one recessive allele (O). Type AB people carry two dominant alleles (one of each of A and B), creating the fourth blood type.
There is also another commonly used blood typing system based on Rhesus factor. In this system an individual is either Rhesus positive or negative. Rhesus positive is dominant and Rhesus negative is recessive.
These blood types determine antigens (substances that serve as identifiers and stimulate production of antibodies) on your cells. Blood typing is used in transfusion medicine to determine which blood is safe to give each individual. Blood type O negative, being recessive, is the “universal donor,” meaning this type can be given to anyone without causing an immune reaction (antibody production). Blood type AB positive, being dominant, is the “universal receiver,” meaning this type can be given any type of blood without experiencing an immune reaction.
What does blood type have to do with food?
Blood type goes far beyond your blood to impact disease and nutrition. Your blood type antigens are not just in your blood, they are everywhere in your body, particularly the surfaces that interact with your environment. These include your digestive tract all the way from your mouth to your large intestine as well as your nasal passages and lungs. Because these blood type antigens are everywhere, they influence on how your body interacts with the food you eat via several mechanisms:
Blood type also influences other processes in your body and how you get sick:
Why should I eat right for my type?
“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 with which you ‘burn’ calories, in your emotional response to stress, and perhaps even your personality.” (from the introduction to Eat Right For Your Type)
You literally “are what you eat” since all your cells, proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters are constructed from what you put into your body. Therefore, what you eat is also your most powerful tool for preventing and healing illness. Eating right for your blood type is designed to optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues as well as prevent future disease by protecting you against your unique susceptibilities. When you know your blood type, you are empowered to create an environment that is optimal for your type, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
A few of the major benefits to the Blood Type Diet:
The majority of people come to the Blood Type Diet hoping to lose weight. While this is indeed a major focus of this system, the greater goal is improved physiological function when an individual eats the foods that are the best fuel for his or her system. The natural result of this improved function is weight loss, but also improvement in other health concerns (such as digestive disturbance, allergies, hormonal imbalance, pain and inflammation, mood regulation) and prevention of chronic illness (such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes).
“One man’s food is another man’s poison.” This saying has never been more true! This is the first part of a two-part blog all about blood type and the Blood Type Diet - stay tuned for part two coming soon!
The Blood Type Diet was the major catalyst for me to become a naturopathic doctor, so I can say that it literally changed my life, both health-wise, but also career-wise. I first became aware of naturopathic medicine after reading Eat Right For Your Type, the best-known book by best-selling author Peter J. D’Adamo, ND. This was a major turning point for my health as the information in this book transformed me from a tired and cranky university student well on my way to being overweight (with chronic disease down the road) to an energetic and vibrant naturopathic doctor.
How it all began...
Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? Dr. James D’Adamo noticed that some patients did well on vegetarian and low-fat diets while others did poorly. He began blood-typing his patients and a pattern began to emerge. Then, his son Dr. Peter D’Adamo researched his father’s theory while still a study at naturopathic college. He soon discovered a scientific basis for his father’s observations.
What is blood type?
There are four basic blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Each individual carries two alleles (one from each parent) that together determine blood type. Types A and B are dominant, while type O is recessive. Therefore, type O people carry two identical O alleles, while type A and B people can either carry two identical alleles (either both A or both B) or one dominant allele (A or B) and one recessive allele (O). Type AB people carry two dominant alleles (one of each of A and B), creating the fourth blood type.
There is also another commonly used blood typing system based on Rhesus factor. In this system an individual is either Rhesus positive or negative. Rhesus positive is dominant and Rhesus negative is recessive.
These blood types determine antigens (substances that serve as identifiers and stimulate production of antibodies) on your cells. Blood typing is used in transfusion medicine to determine which blood is safe to give each individual. Blood type O negative, being recessive, is the “universal donor,” meaning this type can be given to anyone without causing an immune reaction (antibody production). Blood type AB positive, being dominant, is the “universal receiver,” meaning this type can be given any type of blood without experiencing an immune reaction.
What does blood type have to do with food?
Blood type goes far beyond your blood to impact disease and nutrition. Your blood type antigens are not just in your blood, they are everywhere in your body, particularly the surfaces that interact with your environment. These include your digestive tract all the way from your mouth to your large intestine as well as your nasal passages and lungs. Because these blood type antigens are everywhere, they influence on how your body interacts with the food you eat via several mechanisms:
- Lectins
- Protective barriers in your body, including lining of your gut
- Bacterial environment, including relevance to choice of probiotics
- Stomach acid production
- Intestinal alkaline phosphatase and processing of fats in your diet
- Secretion of digestive enzymes and other substances
Blood type also influences other processes in your body and how you get sick:
- Stress and response to exercise
- Blood clotting
- Disease risk (cancer, inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid, reproductive disorders, etc)
- Susceptibility to infection by bacteria, viruses, yeast, etc
Why should I eat right for my type?
“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 with which you ‘burn’ calories, in your emotional response to stress, and perhaps even your personality.” (from the introduction to Eat Right For Your Type)
You literally “are what you eat” since all your cells, proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters are constructed from what you put into your body. Therefore, what you eat is also your most powerful tool for preventing and healing illness. Eating right for your blood type is designed to optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues as well as prevent future disease by protecting you against your unique susceptibilities. When you know your blood type, you are empowered to create an environment that is optimal for your type, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
A few of the major benefits to the Blood Type Diet:
- Improve immune function, avoiding common infections
- Lose weight by improving metabolism, increasing nutrient intake, and reducing toxic burden on your body
- Prevent chronic disease, such as cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, etc
- Slow down the aging process by improving overall health
The majority of people come to the Blood Type Diet hoping to lose weight. While this is indeed a major focus of this system, the greater goal is improved physiological function when an individual eats the foods that are the best fuel for his or her system. The natural result of this improved function is weight loss, but also improvement in other health concerns (such as digestive disturbance, allergies, hormonal imbalance, pain and inflammation, mood regulation) and prevention of chronic illness (such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes).
D'Adamo Personalized Nutrition opens
24/Aug/11 11:35 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Congratulations to Dr. Peter D’Adamo on opening D’Adamo Personalized Nutrition in Williamsburg, Brooklyn!
Staffed by naturopathic doctors Maura Henninger and David Levi, this beautiful location includes a store stocked with products from the D’Adamo Personalized Nutrition line as well as space for nutritional consultations, including SWAMI GenoType diet software.
For more info and photos, check out Maura’s blog.
Congratulations to Dr. Peter D’Adamo on opening D’Adamo Personalized Nutrition in Williamsburg, Brooklyn!
Staffed by naturopathic doctors Maura Henninger and David Levi, this beautiful location includes a store stocked with products from the D’Adamo Personalized Nutrition line as well as space for nutritional consultations, including SWAMI GenoType diet software.
For more info and photos, check out Maura’s blog.
Pemphigus vulgaris: Steve's story
08/Aug/11 10:46 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune condition that causes severe blistering and sores of the skin and mucus membranes. It is chronic and there is no known cure. The treatments (usually long-term corticosteroid treatment or other immune-suppressing therapies) are not always effective and can cause even more chronic illness. Without treatment, pemphigus vulgaris is considered life-threatening due to infection.
I first read Steve’s story many years ago when I started following the Blood Type Diet, but it is definitely worth a second read! The Blood Type Diet was a major contributor to Steve’s healing - read more about his journey in this blog called Pemphigus: the BEST THING that EVER happened to me!
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune condition that causes severe blistering and sores of the skin and mucus membranes. It is chronic and there is no known cure. The treatments (usually long-term corticosteroid treatment or other immune-suppressing therapies) are not always effective and can cause even more chronic illness. Without treatment, pemphigus vulgaris is considered life-threatening due to infection.
I first read Steve’s story many years ago when I started following the Blood Type Diet, but it is definitely worth a second read! The Blood Type Diet was a major contributor to Steve’s healing - read more about his journey in this blog called Pemphigus: the BEST THING that EVER happened to me!
Blood type humour
06/Mar/11 11:08 AM
What is the GenoType Diet?
28/Jan/11 08:15 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I’ve been planning to write a blog called “GenoType diet primer” but then I saw this great article in the Huffington Post about the GenoType diet! The author explains the diet in a really simple and straightforward way and also how it has worked for him.
Key points that he makes that I would like to reiterate:
If you’re interested in learning more about The GenoType Diet, check out my page on personalized nutrition. I also have a page about SWAMI GenoType, a computer software program that takes The GenoType Diet to the next level by creating a diet plan that is customized to you.
I’ve been planning to write a blog called “GenoType diet primer” but then I saw this great article in the Huffington Post about the GenoType diet! The author explains the diet in a really simple and straightforward way and also how it has worked for him.
Key points that he makes that I would like to reiterate:
- “Different bodies have different needs.” Dr. D’Adamo’s life work is all about individualization. You’ve probably heard of people who do great as a vegan or vegetarian, and others who do great on the Atkins diet. By now you would think more people would realize that one size does not fit all! The GenoType diet is all about emphasizing the foods that are right for YOU and nobody else.
- “The list of good foods is long and yummy” and “The Genotype approach emphasizes what you CAN eat, not what you can’t. The focus is not on self denial, but self-knowledge.” As the saying goes, knowledge is power! The GenoType diet focuses on what the best fuel for your body is. Dr. D’Adamo and many other wise and successful natural health practitioners know that you cannot remove disease, you can only add health. This approach to diet (and lifestyle too!) is all about filling your life up with health, which leaves no room for disease.
- Finally, this is not a diet about counting calories. Calories are not all created equal! Eating a box of crackers for dinner versus a well-balanced meal may amount to the same calories, but those foods will have radically different effects on your body via hormones, nutrients, metabolism, etc. This way of eating is about choosing foods that maximize your nutrition and work with your unique system. When your physiology is functioning optimally,
If you’re interested in learning more about The GenoType Diet, check out my page on personalized nutrition. I also have a page about SWAMI GenoType, a computer software program that takes The GenoType Diet to the next level by creating a diet plan that is customized to you.
Eye like the BTD
22/Dec/10 01:26 PM
Check out this blog by Suzanne Graham pondering whether improvements to eye health and vision may be due to the Blood Type Diet.
In fact, nutrition is very important for eye health! While in naturopathic school, opthalmologist Dr. Peter Shaw, who taught a unit on differential diagnosis for the eye, was a major believer in this! He also specifically mentioned the Blood Type Diet as something he recommended to his patients.
In fact, nutrition is very important for eye health! While in naturopathic school, opthalmologist Dr. Peter Shaw, who taught a unit on differential diagnosis for the eye, was a major believer in this! He also specifically mentioned the Blood Type Diet as something he recommended to his patients.
Alumni Career Spotlight: Peter J. D'Adamo
02/Aug/09 08:40 AM
Great interview with Peter J. D’Adamo, ND. Covers his career, individualized nutrition, food as medicine, and philosophy of naturopathic medicine.
Body Image
30/Mar/09 12:45 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This blog was originally published on August 13, 2006 here.
I used to judge the way I look and the way other people look somewhat harshly. Maybe that is part of being a teenager or being female or reading demented fashion magazines… But I no longer look at people and think about whether they are “good looking” or not. The people that I love are gorgeous to me; the people I dislike can be repulsive. But most people are neutral because I don’t know them. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
I work in a health food store and I attend naturopathic school. So, as one might expect, I am surrounded by people who are in better physical shape and healthier looking than the average population. Yet, these people still fall victim to the body image problems that are far too common in society. Within my class alone, it seems like everyone wants to lose weight, even if it is “just 5 pounds”. At work it is even worse – our customers (mostly women) are always looking for that next “magic” weight loss supplement, but most of them are not overweight! Maybe it’s because I am a triple Taurus (Sun, moon, mercury) and have many other planets in earth signs (more on astrology in another blog!), but I just think that most people aren’t patient enough with themselves, particularly when it comes to health.
I have found (after 4+ years of following the Blood Type Diet) that I have not lost much weight (didn’t need to), but I have gained more muscle (which is why I weigh nearly the same, but look slimmer) and that the distribution of weight on my body has changed dramatically. I used to hate my legs and think my arms were too skinny, but now I am content with how I look. I feel light, strong, and energetic. There are limits to how much you can change your body shape, but I do believe (and I think I am walking proof) that you CAN change it quite a lot. But, it takes years of consistently eating right, exercising well, getting enough sleep, and dealing with stress healthily. In the short-term, your cells are the same cells you made when you were unhealthy. Or they are cells that don’t regenerate at all, so their health depends on your lifetime of health choices.
Red blood cells have a life cycle of 120 days, while bone (on the other end of the spectrum) takes 7 years to regenerate. Other cells (skin, liver, pancreas, muscle, etc) are in between. Some cells regenerate nicely (epidermis, mucus membranes, liver, fibrous connective tissues, bone), some don’t (kidney, skeletal muscle, cardiac tissue, nervous tissue).
Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues and remove carbon dioxide. If you start exercising, you may notice improvement quickly, but imagine the results you might achieve after replacing ALL your red blood cells (120 days). Imagine how long you have to wait to see improvement in muscle function as muscle cells receive oxygen more efficiently and can therefore produce energy more efficiently. Imagine how long you have to wait to see improvement once all the cells of your body receive more oxygen more efficiently and regenerate themselves. And that is just from improved oxygenation. Imagine the changes possible for digestion and immune function once intestinal lining cells are healthier and you can break down and absorb everything you eat or drink better…
I’ve heard that 60% of how you look depends on your diet and that 40% depends on physical activity. Well, we already know that’s not quite right because there are other factors, such as sleep, stress, environmental toxins, etc that affect this. But even so, I think diet is much more important than 60%. We literally ARE what we EAT. Our bodies, all of the cells, are made from the materials that we ingest. For me, the best results did not appear even within the first YEAR of lifestyle change (much less overnight). I truly believe it takes years of consistently embracing a healthy lifestyle (rather than spurts of extreme compliance) to work “miracles”.
This blog was originally published on August 13, 2006 here.
I used to judge the way I look and the way other people look somewhat harshly. Maybe that is part of being a teenager or being female or reading demented fashion magazines… But I no longer look at people and think about whether they are “good looking” or not. The people that I love are gorgeous to me; the people I dislike can be repulsive. But most people are neutral because I don’t know them. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
I work in a health food store and I attend naturopathic school. So, as one might expect, I am surrounded by people who are in better physical shape and healthier looking than the average population. Yet, these people still fall victim to the body image problems that are far too common in society. Within my class alone, it seems like everyone wants to lose weight, even if it is “just 5 pounds”. At work it is even worse – our customers (mostly women) are always looking for that next “magic” weight loss supplement, but most of them are not overweight! Maybe it’s because I am a triple Taurus (Sun, moon, mercury) and have many other planets in earth signs (more on astrology in another blog!), but I just think that most people aren’t patient enough with themselves, particularly when it comes to health.
I have found (after 4+ years of following the Blood Type Diet) that I have not lost much weight (didn’t need to), but I have gained more muscle (which is why I weigh nearly the same, but look slimmer) and that the distribution of weight on my body has changed dramatically. I used to hate my legs and think my arms were too skinny, but now I am content with how I look. I feel light, strong, and energetic. There are limits to how much you can change your body shape, but I do believe (and I think I am walking proof) that you CAN change it quite a lot. But, it takes years of consistently eating right, exercising well, getting enough sleep, and dealing with stress healthily. In the short-term, your cells are the same cells you made when you were unhealthy. Or they are cells that don’t regenerate at all, so their health depends on your lifetime of health choices.
Red blood cells have a life cycle of 120 days, while bone (on the other end of the spectrum) takes 7 years to regenerate. Other cells (skin, liver, pancreas, muscle, etc) are in between. Some cells regenerate nicely (epidermis, mucus membranes, liver, fibrous connective tissues, bone), some don’t (kidney, skeletal muscle, cardiac tissue, nervous tissue).
Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues and remove carbon dioxide. If you start exercising, you may notice improvement quickly, but imagine the results you might achieve after replacing ALL your red blood cells (120 days). Imagine how long you have to wait to see improvement in muscle function as muscle cells receive oxygen more efficiently and can therefore produce energy more efficiently. Imagine how long you have to wait to see improvement once all the cells of your body receive more oxygen more efficiently and regenerate themselves. And that is just from improved oxygenation. Imagine the changes possible for digestion and immune function once intestinal lining cells are healthier and you can break down and absorb everything you eat or drink better…
I’ve heard that 60% of how you look depends on your diet and that 40% depends on physical activity. Well, we already know that’s not quite right because there are other factors, such as sleep, stress, environmental toxins, etc that affect this. But even so, I think diet is much more important than 60%. We literally ARE what we EAT. Our bodies, all of the cells, are made from the materials that we ingest. For me, the best results did not appear even within the first YEAR of lifestyle change (much less overnight). I truly believe it takes years of consistently embracing a healthy lifestyle (rather than spurts of extreme compliance) to work “miracles”.
"I just don't have the time..."
22/Mar/09 01:47 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This blog was originally published on June 29, 2006 here.
A few weeks ago, a woman came into the health food store that I work at to ask advice from the owner. Her daughter (not sure of age) has severe asthma that is sometimes so bad that it keeps her up all night and out of school frequently. She said that they had been to several doctors starting with their family doctor and moving on to various specialists, who of course prescribed all kinds of scary drugs and steroids with serious side effects. Anyway, she came to the owner of the store to find out what her daughter could take that was “natural”.
So many people come into the store and ask for detailed health advice from the owner, although it is actually illegal for him to dispense health advice. Many of these people already see an ND or some other natural medicine practitioner, but some do not. For those who do not see a professional, we recommend that they do and usually can provide several names in various parts of the city.
In the case of the woman with the asthmatic daughter, we most certainly would ask if she has seen an ND, due to the complexity of her issues. So, when the owner asked this very question, she said: “No, I don’t have time for that.” So he started to explain that asthma is a complex problem which could be rooted in several causes, so an ND could deal better with that complexity. To this she responded: “I just don’t have the time, I just need to get her through school. I need you to tell me what to give her that will help.”
I had to write this blog because, I still can’t get this scene out of my mind! I wanted to say to her, “So you have time to be up at night nursing your daughter, you have time for her to be off from school, you have time to deal with all the repercussions of her suffering, but you don’t have time to actually improve your daughter’s health and quality of life dramatically?” I am glad that I was not helping this woman, because I just don’t know how I could have avoided reacting to her that way. This poor girl is probably miserable enough due to her asthma, and because of her mother’s attitude she will be affected physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the rest of her life.
Time is the one thing that everyone gets the same amount of (at least to start!), unlike money. How each of us uses our time is entirely a personal choice, but it does reflect what we value most. How do you use the time you have been given?
This blog was originally published on June 29, 2006 here.
A few weeks ago, a woman came into the health food store that I work at to ask advice from the owner. Her daughter (not sure of age) has severe asthma that is sometimes so bad that it keeps her up all night and out of school frequently. She said that they had been to several doctors starting with their family doctor and moving on to various specialists, who of course prescribed all kinds of scary drugs and steroids with serious side effects. Anyway, she came to the owner of the store to find out what her daughter could take that was “natural”.
So many people come into the store and ask for detailed health advice from the owner, although it is actually illegal for him to dispense health advice. Many of these people already see an ND or some other natural medicine practitioner, but some do not. For those who do not see a professional, we recommend that they do and usually can provide several names in various parts of the city.
In the case of the woman with the asthmatic daughter, we most certainly would ask if she has seen an ND, due to the complexity of her issues. So, when the owner asked this very question, she said: “No, I don’t have time for that.” So he started to explain that asthma is a complex problem which could be rooted in several causes, so an ND could deal better with that complexity. To this she responded: “I just don’t have the time, I just need to get her through school. I need you to tell me what to give her that will help.”
I had to write this blog because, I still can’t get this scene out of my mind! I wanted to say to her, “So you have time to be up at night nursing your daughter, you have time for her to be off from school, you have time to deal with all the repercussions of her suffering, but you don’t have time to actually improve your daughter’s health and quality of life dramatically?” I am glad that I was not helping this woman, because I just don’t know how I could have avoided reacting to her that way. This poor girl is probably miserable enough due to her asthma, and because of her mother’s attitude she will be affected physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the rest of her life.
Time is the one thing that everyone gets the same amount of (at least to start!), unlike money. How each of us uses our time is entirely a personal choice, but it does reflect what we value most. How do you use the time you have been given?
Blood Type Dieter Blog
14/Mar/09 08:17 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I have been blogging since 2006 at the Eat Right For Your Type website about my experiences with the Blood Type Diet. I have also discussed food, fitness, health, natural medicine, philosophy, politics, and even recipes!
I will soon start a blog here too, but for now you can check me out over there.
I have been blogging since 2006 at the Eat Right For Your Type website about my experiences with the Blood Type Diet. I have also discussed food, fitness, health, natural medicine, philosophy, politics, and even recipes!
I will soon start a blog here too, but for now you can check me out over there.
