Fad diets have dominated the health and wellness industry for decades. By now you have probably heard of them all, from vegan, to keto, to paleo, to the South Beach diet, there seems to be a dietary prescription for weight loss and wellness around every corner. The thing is, all bodies are different. What may work well for one, could potentially do nothing, or worse, even harm another. To believe that diet, weight loss, and wellness are a one-size-fits-all conversation, could be short-sighted and lacking the nuanced needs of each individual. So, why not consider eating for your blood type?

Most blood types emerged as a direct result of environmental and/or evolutionary necessity. Because of this, there are large concentrations of certain blood types in geographic regions. Experts believe that your blood type may be closely related to your body’s ability to metabolize specific types of foods. If you adopt the proper diet for your blood type, you are likely to experience a healthy weight, an increase of energy, mental clarity, and even prevent certain diseases. Read on for dietary tips and lifestyle suggestions for each of the four blood types.

If you are Blood Type A:

A is for apple, artichoke, and arugula! If you are blood type A (positive or negative) you will be nourished the best by a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. People who are blood type A have been shown to have less stomach acid than people with other blood types. Because of this, meat (especially red meat) may be difficult to digest. Therefore, a mostly-vegetarian diet will be optimal.

Seafood and occasional lean, white meat, such as turkey or chicken will be better for those with this blood type than beef. Tofu and tempeh will be the best consistent sources of protein. Dairy intake should be mostly restricted. Cultured dairy is better than uncultured. People with blood type A will be able to easily digest yogurt, kefir, goat milk products, and select cheeses (such as feta and goat cheese.)

When it comes to healthy fats, most nuts are okay for blood type A. The best and most beneficial nuts for this blood type are peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts. For cooking, marinades, and salad dressings, type A folks should stick to flaxseed oil and extra virgin olive oil. Cod liver oil is extremely healthy and can be taken as a supplement.

Blood type A people are more likely to develop cancer and diabetes than other blood types. Routine check-ups and evaluations from a health care provider are recommended.

If you are Blood Type B:

B is for balance. A balanced diet will serve those with type B the best. This blood type first appeared in the Himalayan Highland areas (present-day India and Pakistan). This blood type is actually the rarest in the Western world. Type B makes one very adaptable and apt for a nomadic lifestyle. If this is your blood type, you will benefit the most from a diet rich in produce and most meats, except for chicken and pork. The key for you is to maintain even amounts of nourishment from both the vegetable and animal kingdoms because if your diet ventures too far in either direction, you will potentially fall ill from being out of balance.

As far as health challenges and indications go, those with blood type B tend to produce higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) than those with other blood types. Because of this, blood type B folks have a higher propensity to develop inflammation, and Syndrome X (which may result in chronic viruses such as Lupus, CFS, MS, and autoimmune diseases.) People with blood type B (if adhering to proper diet and exercise regimens) are more apt for physical fitness, and less prone to mental illness. They are also able to adapt to changes in altitude than people with other blood types.

If you are Blood Type AB:

If you are blood type AB, you are the rarest of the bunch! Less than 5% of the population has this blood type. As would be imagined from its title, type AB was developed by consistent mixing of the A and B blood types over several centuries. This is unusual, as every other blood type emerged as an adaptive means of survival, and as a direct response to environment and evolution.

Those with the AB blood type should avoid all alcohol and caffeine. They are more apt than other blood types to suffer from stress and stress-related illnesses. These folks should also avoid all cured and smoked meats. Because they inherited lower than average stomach acidity from their type A predecessors, they too have a proneness for stomach cancer. Luckily, they also inherited the blood type B’s ability to digest meat. They must be mindful of the types of meats they eat. Because of this, people with blood type AB should stick primarily to seafood for their protein intake.

If you are Blood Type O:

People with type O blood are considered the hunter/caveman archetype, making them the complete opposites of those with blood type A. They have much more stomach acid, which enables them to digest meats more easily. If this is your blood type, chances are that your body has an enhanced ability to process the cholesterol in animal products. By now you have probably noticed that for every benefit of each blood type, there is also something that isn’t well-suited. For the folks with blood type O, the latter would be grains and dairy. These should be avoided or completely omitted from the O diet.

If you are blood type O, your most likely health-related issue will be anything that involves inflammation of the joints and tendons. Arthritis is something that you should watch out for. You are likely to enjoy (and be very good at) high-intensity athletic endeavors. Unlike some of your blood type counterparts, you thrive in a competitive, high-risk environment. Because of this and your propensity for inflamed joints, you must take extra precautions during warming up and cooling down. Maintaining flexibility and joint mobility will be important so that you don’t strain or injure yourself.

Related:
Four Tips to Improve Flexibility