I get questions sometimes from readers about the Eat Right for Your Blood Type diet plan. Published in 1996, Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type suggests that your blood type dictates your diet based upon ancestral styles of eating.
Basics of the Blood Type Diet
The basic reasoning is this: people with the same blood type share a common genetic heritage, while those with different blood types do not. Therefore, according to the author’s reasoning, people with Type O blood have different nutritional and exercise requirements than those who are Type As, and they are also susceptible to different diseases and health issues. For example, according to the plan, people with blood Type O have emerged from caveman hunter ancestors, and therefore they require a high animal protein/meat diet. The author also suggests that certain blood types should avoid some foods at all costs, because to eat foods that are genetically inappropriate causes lectin deposits that agglutinate your blood. In other words, substances that naturally occur in the foods you eat cause blood clumping that diminishes blood flow and clogs vessels and organs.
Unfortunately, the reasoning in this popular diet plan is flawed and not backed by research or studies. The result is that people who adhere to this type of an eating plan may be eating foods that do not contribute to good health – no matter what your blood type. Furthermore, the people that have experienced positive results from the plan may simply be cutting out some processed and allergenic foods that anyone would improve from, regardless of their blood type.
About Blood Type
There are eight basic blood types. The most common type, O+, is present in about 39 percent of the population. This is followed closely by A+ and B+. Your blood type is determined by the type of antigens existing on the surface of the red blood cells. These antigens determine whether blood type is A, B, AB, or O. The other factor that types blood is the Rh factor, which is expressed as + or -.
Blood type is genetically inherited from both parents; however, it is slightly more complex than just directly passing on one or the other blood types of the parents. For example, according to the Red Cross, a child with both parents having the AB blood type can have A, B, or AB. A child with parents who both have a blood type of B may have either Type O or Type B blood, and so on.
Blood type is important for blood donation. For example, someone with Type A blood can’t donate to someone with Type B. This is because when the body receives an incompatible blood type, it sees the foreign blood as an invader. This leads to an immune response that causes clotting. How the blood type affects our body’s response to the foods we eat, however, is much less clear.
Debunking the Diet
One of the claims in the blood type diet is that Type O is the very first blood type that existed, present among early hunters. Microbiological research, on the other hand, suggests that the original blood type was A. Since the blood type diet begins with such a flawed premise, it is not surprising that its hypotheses and recommendations are flawed, as well.
One of the biggest flaws in the diet I see is this: The author suggests that the human species as a whole does not have an ideal diet. Rather, he states that subgroups within this species (in this case humans separated by blood type) each have distinct ideal diets that vary extensively. This is not something found in nature. In fact, if you look at the animal kingdom, every species has an ideal diet that suits the entire species. For example, consider gorillas or cats. All gorillas or cats do best with a certain diet, and that doesn’t change wherever you’re feeding one. Why should people be any different?
Every human being has the same anatomy and digestive tract, and therefore the way we process the foods we eat are roughly the same. While genetic inheritance and upbringing may give rise to certain things such as susceptibility to disease, allergies, food sensitivities, and many others, reactions to food have more to do with individual genetic tendencies. That’s why you can and should determine and eat the specific foods do best for your body. But to apply those to a broad group of people based on blood type is false, and it can mislead people into eating foods that aren’t best for humans as a species and avoiding those that are.
Another claim the blood type diet makes is that lectins from specific foods only cause agglutination of specific blood types. Research seems to show the opposite. Very few plant foods contain lectins that react with specific blood types; however, animal foods are more likely to be blood type specific. Likewise, lectins are in virtually every food human beings eat – plants, animals, grains, nuts – so avoiding them is nearly impossible unless you eat a grossly restrictive diet. Humans have been eating lectin-containing foods since the beginning, yet many of the health issues of civilization (diabetes, metabolic syndrome, etc.) have only come about in relatively recent human history.
Many experts also refute the blood type diet, saying that it lacks solid backing in research.
The bottom line is this: the blood type diet lacks solid, controlled studies to back up the author’s reasoning. Likewise, much of the diet’s reasoning is based on a faulty premise. It also doesn’t fall in line with the laws of nature whereby a species as a whole has a general, ideal natural diet, based on its anatomy, digestive tract, etc.
How to Eat
I am an advocate of plant-based diets, which are tailored to the human digestive system and meet human nutritional needs ideally. I believe anyone, regardless of blood type, can benefit from an alkaline plant-based diet rich in enzymes and nutrients to achieve optimal health. You can keep a small amount of animal protein in your diet, if you would really like to, but this should be limited, no matter what your blood type. If you eat too much meat your body will become overly acidic.
See which foods your body digests the best and that you feel the best on, and avoid the ones that don’t specifically work for you. Keep meals more simple, for better digestion.
Send to Kindle
Im a fanatical reseracher, I have to read everything I can on something before I do it, My Mom told me about the BTD, and Ive been at the end of my rope lately, so Im ready for something to work. Im sluggish, Cant concentrate or focus, I just gained 12 lbs in just over a month and I havent done anything different…except turn 35! I know getting my Thyroid checked is the next step, since everyone in my family is Hypo, Im sure it was just a matter of time. Ive done the Daniel Fast a couple times, which is a highly restrictive vegan diet. I dont do well on it at all. I get so tired and bloated that it hurts, I obviously need protien and lots of it for energy, and to keep the bloating at bay. I love beans but they hate me, the o postive diet plan cuts them out …makes sense. But to cut out all dairy and eggs? This will be the true test since its my go to when Im too tired to chew when I get off work. This is a ray of hope for me, I hope I can join all of you with rave reviews. Thank you for the insight.
I disagree on the myths of the blood group diet. The blood group diet works beautifully ! I was eating the opposite of what i should have been and ended up getting thyroid with goitre enlargement. I had to have a surgery to remove the enlargement and all because i was eating the wrong food. Not enough iodine and a lifestyle based in Gluten , fresh vegs & Fruits. I was a vegan but owing to health issues i followed the Blood type diet and my life changed.
I got rid of sluggishness only due to the blood type diet. I would recommend that people should adopt the type of diet that suits them the most.
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it,
you’re a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back very soon. I want to encourage continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!
I did the thin deluxe diet, and lost over 100 pounds in less then a year. I was eating 2 fruits a day, 4 – 6 cups of veggies, 3.5 oz protein at lunch and at dinner. I have to say this diet gave me my life back. I wish I could post my pictures.
I found out while doing the Thin deluxe diet that I was allergic to wheat & dairy. I never felt better then while I was on that diet. I lost so many inches. I now will never go back to eating like I used to eat.
I’m now eating all fresh veggies and fruits juicing, and am healthy. I’m following your blog, and find it interesting.
I love your blog Kimberly
Thank you for being here for all of us with your information.
Undeniably believe that that you stated. Your favourite justification seemed to be on the net the easiest factor to remember of. I say to you, I certainly get irked at the same time as other folks think about worries that they plainly don’t recognize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other folks could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you
For about two years I did the type o blood type diet. I felt better, but I think because I started to cook for myself more. This became a nurturing activity that I’ve grown to appreciate. I ate more fresh veggies and lean meats, I cut out flour and most dairy and started to bake and experiment with gluten free snacks and breakfast foods. I did find that many of the foods allowed for my type was food I already consumed. After watching Forks over Knives I really started to think about changing my diet. It struck me that as an O type, and the longevity of folks back then, well they really didn’t live long. It probably was not due to their diet, but it made me think that changing from blood type to plant based is not such a bad idea. I seem more bloated after not eating meat, I have had some on occasion but not as much as I was having. Interestingly enough, I really didn’t eat much meat before i started the blood type diet, especially red meat, so this swing is back to more what I used to eat. I did loose some weight on the blood type diet, but I think it was because of taking out the flour and eating more fresh foods. I’m so glad I can eat avocados again
Thank you for posting about moving back to the plant based type diets….I was reading about the Blood Type O diet and was very very sad….I love avocados.
I blog frequently and I seriously appreciate your information.
This great article has truly peaked my interest.
I am going to take a note of your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week.
I subscribed to your Feed as well.
Actually, this blog is inaccurate when stating that no other animal in nature has specified diets amongst different subcategories of the species. Some monkeys are omnivorous, and others are strictly vegetarians; we mimic these animals.
Which monkeys are omnivores and which ones are herbivores? I think monkeys are mainly opportunist that eat just about anything they can find, just like humans.
One “species” of monkey versus another “species” of monkey – they are not all the same species.
Interesting post. I run a not nearly as popular nutrition site as Kim’s. I will say that I advocate the Blood Type Diet (BTD) as many other folks on here. I experiment on myself first so I can speak from experience, and as a blood type O it’s worked fairly well for me. But there are certain areas where I disagree with BTD, and it’s part of knowing yourself and what works best for you. For example, even though I eat meat, I try to make it count for only 1/3 of my meal portion. You should still eat plenty of veggies. And Kimberly’s advice on the detox/plant-based bit is excellent. I’m a big fan of juicing … particularly in the summer. Cooked veggies “feel” better in the winter. Following this route and exercising regularly has me looking 15 years younger than my age. But big props to Cayley. I’d like to know her secret!
All these responses just prove that every “body” is different. The answer seems to be to stay away from processed foods and choose either blood type diet or solely plant based or a combination of both as long as it keeps you healthy and feeling good, Research is great and necessary, but it can be “cheap info” if not conducted properly, I.e control groups, long term vs short term and esp amount of people in the study!
I’m type B and have only been following the plan for a month. I feel better than I ever have. It’s indescribable how great I feel, just amazing!
Thanks!
I haven’t felt really “good” most of my life. I work in the medical field and the suggestion of getting a live blood microscopy was completely frowned upon. A friend convinced me to go saying, “what could it hurt”? I made an appointment, for her sake, and found the entire processing fascinating. I was eating the opposite of what my body required and tolerated. I’m not easily convinced unless I see can see the proof for myself. Been on my new A positive blood diet now for over a year and have never felt better. Weight is in check, I have energy, and it’s helped with my attitude and improved my “brain fog”. This may not work for everyone, but it’s given me new life and I’m not switching! BTW, ran into a nurse at a clinic who looked absolutely fantastic – I could see she dropped a lot of weight, but it also look like she had some “things” lifted; she was gorgeous. I complimented her and pushed for answers as to her secret for looking so fantastic. She said, “please don’t tell anyone, but I had a live blood microscopy which revealed I was eating incorrectly for my blood type so I decided to go for it and switched my diet”! In the medical community, this is not something we speak of as it’s considered “quackery”, She is proof positive this blood diet really works. She’s completely changed and, no, she had nothing “lifted”! LOL
You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the article you write.
The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid
to mention how they believe. At all times go after your
heart.
I am A+ and most of the foods I enjoy are on the banned list. I am morbidly obese, but I do not like the vegetarian lifestyle that the A Blood diet plan outlays, any ideas? I’d like to stick to it but I would have been better as an O bloodtype.
RM, I can feel your pain. I am an A+ as well, and used to be a big time carnivore. I’ve always had an itch for going vegan, but never really had the guts to do it as I love meat so much… I read the blood type diet book a few months ago and decided to follow it. As you probably know, the animal protein intake is very limited… limited to a little chicken once or twice a week, no dairy, etc.
I now drink soy milk 100% organic (my old self would fall off her hair just by reading to this post), I quit eating beef (and oh those wonderful grilled cuts), pork, bacon… you name it. I eat one or two eggs, once or twice a week tops, and try to base my diet on the approved vegetables and fruits. I also eat a lot more nuts and legumes now (beans and lentis have become a part of my weekly routine). Yeah I break it now and then, but I haven’t felt better in my life.
I have more energy, I sleep better, I feel lighter (I also do some yoga a few times a week) and that “brain fog” many people talk about is gone. I am a happy person. I am starting to look better, and slowly losing weight (I eat a lot of carbs: breads, buckwheat noddles, rice, rice noodles you name it — even some PB). All those foods that I always thought were the cause of my upset stomach I’ve come to realize were not the problem. It was all the foods I wasn’t supposed to be consuming and yet I did.
It hasn’t been hard to stop eating meat. It’s been more hard to find somewhere to eat when I don’t cook at home that provides meals w/o meat. But I don’t even crave it at all (seems impossible huh?) Every now and then I get out and receive that delicous smell of a nearby grill, and drool for 10 seconds then off I go. Try it , you can always go back if you don’t like it
I started on the Type “O” way of eating back in the year 2000. Slim, few wrinkles, 2013 I will be 90 years old.
No complaints.
I’m an o+ and I have never been sicker than when I was a vegetarian or when I was a vegan. Right now I’m on the Paleo Diet and have never been more happy or healthier. I”m also an avid sprinter and my performance has increased since using this diet. While I am unsure about the blood type diet, many people rave about it. and I find it interesting how the healthiest I have been has been on a diet that happens to follow the rules of the blood type diet.
What was your diet mainly comprised of as a vegetarian and vegan?
Yeah its necessary to know that which diets suits your body or which not.
I am an o and totally struggle with getting off the btd. I have been on it for 8 years and felt pretty good except the last two years, I am struggling to keep the weight off.
Also, a celiac individual.. I am confused about what to eat anymore.
Pingback: Effective diet depends on the type of blood | ABCINFOPAGES.COM
Hi Kimberly,
According to the Blood type diet book, I should not be consuming coconut oil or sprinkling cayenne pepper on my food if I am a AB+ blood type. What are your thoughts on this?
Thank you!
We all know that the goal of Big business is to make money so lets keep the people sick so that can keep coming back for more drugs, instead of following a plan that will not cost too much money. This is really bad medicine to keep people on laboratory chemicals instead of teaching people to eat healthy from the start to prevent cancer and diseases.
Michayah .
Thank you for this post!
I have studied cultural nutrition and am now working on the nutrition guidelines for schoolchildren in the US. Whenever I here about the blood type diet or the paleo diet my response is always “please remember that our hunter gatherer ancestors rarely ate meat and that the meat was much different than it is now”. As you said, there are some things in these diets that are common sense (not eating refined grains or dairy), but the fact of the matter is that eating plant based diets are the best for us as humans. Even if you do choose to eat meat, organic grass fed (or even wild meat) is best! I love your glowing green smoothie, it sure hits the spot. Along with the your recipe I juice a beet (red or golden) in place of one of the apples with it now as well. Hopefully our government will begin to listen to science rather than money for the health of our schoolchildren . I recommend The China Study to all those I work with.
Hi Kim! Thanks for everything! You are amazing! Any good recipes for Walkame? In the new book? I saw it on the BDS shopping list and tried it and loved it!
I’m an O, but didn’t know my blood type when reading the book years ago. I was convinced I was an A since I’d been vegetarian for year and when I found out I was an O, I was sure my test got mixed up with someone else’s. Needless to say, I ignored the book and continued eating plants. I went vegan a little over a year ago and never felt better. Thanks for sharing that the book is not based on good science!
I discovered that I was not lactose intolerant, but in fact soy intolerant thanks to the blood type diet. I also learned that I don’t digest corn or wheat well, all without doing elimination diets, but by following the diet recommended for blood type B.
I was vegetarian for 9 years and ate well but always felt tired and often sick. I’ll never be someone who eats a great deal of meat, but honestly feel more energetic and mentally agile when some of my protein comes from animal sources, as much as I wish it didn’t.
I can’t agree that all humans have the same basic nutritional needs – it doesn’t take a laboratory to tell you that three women eating the exact same foods for a week won’t necessarily have the same physical reactions, just spending time with friends, cooking and eating together.
I do not eat anomal protein for many reason besides being acidic , but recently heard that many legumes fruit vegetables and nuts are acidic also so what to do now
This is so true. Blood type controls the production of antigens on the surface of red blood cells and therefore has an impact on the immune system and blood composition. But there is no reasonable thought process that could link this to your digestion because your rate of respiration does actually influence how your body digests different foods or its macronutrient requirements! Nice one Kim.
Thank you for publishing this. I have been upset about what was supposedly bad for my blood type (tomatoes canoloupe etc) but eating it anyway. This feels like a huge weight is being lifted off my shoulders
Kim,
Thanks for this post. I needed to be reminded to eat the foods that my body has resonated with based on past experiences. I think I’ll start keeping track of that more often…
Do you think you could write a post on the chakras and how to clear them using nutrition/yoga/meditation?
Thanks,
Kristen
Yeah, Monica, you got it right! I am an o+ and never tried to follow an eating plan around my blood type. I have been following a more vegan diet the last 17 mos. and honestly can say I don’t feel as good as when I was consuming animal protien. I know there is a detox stage, but after a year w/out animal protien, I don’t feel any better. In fact, I feel weaker and have lost a lot of definition in my muscles despite continueing the same workouts. I wish I could thrive on a vegan diet but I’m beginning to believe that this is not the best for everyone. I believe a diet should be based on bioindiviuality. I think Weston Price’s study proved this. He hoped to prove a vegan diet in ALL groups promoted longevity but was surprised to find that this was not true.
Hmmm…all I know is when I ate all the beneficials off the lists (A+) I lost a great deal of weight, my skin cleared up and I felt amazing. I had many people tell me I looked amazing and wanted to know what I was doing. Prior to this my eyes were always puffy and my face looked disfigured and tired looking. I did not look or feel my best.
Blood type diet was a game changer for me. I will always use that list for my fruits,vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds.(Alkaline)
Also feed my type O son, husband based on the beneficial fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts,seeds and avoid the red meats…positive results. I just know it works when I avoid the avoid foods from the fruits, vegetables,nuts, seeds lists.
I agree. I have suffered with many immune and blood disorders I also ballooned up to almost 300 lbs thanks to the drugs I was being given. Once I started Dr. D’adamo’s Blood type B food list, I immediately lost weight, 3 LBS the first day! and started feeling better, getting up at 8 am instead of 11, feeling alert, less foggy, sores that no doctor could explain on my feet started to clear up…I do not care what research says….I care what my body says….and man is it talking!!! besides all this research seems to result in a lot of commercials asking if you’d like to file a claim because you’ve been harmed by some pill, the research said was fine to take! Ha research is not written in stone. And “Popular opinion” is changing all the time.
Wonderful words of wisdom as always. I love eating the Beauty Detox way. I feel fantastic and I can’t imagine ever going back to eating meat after being vegetarian for more than 3 years.
I always look forward to your post.
-Jen
Thanks so much Kim for posting this!!! I have been so confused as to which diet really is best for me. I have read the blood type diet and found it really interesting but as Sue posted just above, I am an O blood type but my Mum is an A, my Dad is a B and my sister is AB so it made it very hard to follow a diet specific to me when all the corresponding diets conflicted. I’ve also followed a Paleo diet as this pretty much corresponds with an O type diet as well. It cuts out Grains – specifically wheat and Dairy which I am intolerant to so this made sense to me but I’ve read your book and seen how a vegan diet can really heal sickness and give more energy. Your reasoning also made a huge amount of sense to me as my Mum has eaten a vegan diet for 9 months and said she feels great but I wasn’t sure if that is because she is an A type blood.
Can I ask if you know of any of your clients who are an O blood type that have thrived off a vegan diet? I’d be really interested to see how it affects them. Thanks again
Your information has literally been the key to my self worth and self confidence and I am interested in going into the health and wellness industry with the message of how directly connected health is to self esteem and confidence and I would really loved to know how you got started and your advice on how someone like me can continue to spread this message as well.
I was born with a physical difference known as Amniotic Band Syndrome which has caused me to have missing and disfigured fingers and so my message will be geared towards those women with physical differences who in a sense don’t feel like they “deserve” to be healthy or happy.
Thank you Kim! Bless you and keep doing what you do!!
Although I’m not a scientist, I feel that the Blood Type diet is a good diet for me. My blood type is O and I am not supposed to eat dairy, caffeine, refined carbs (bread), and sugar. I feel great on this diet, but .. I am lazy and revert back to say, eating a sandwich when I should eat a salad and protein.
I don’t think one eating plan fits all .. eat to suit your lifestyle and health. Life is too short to not eat a slice of pizza
Thanks for this, Kim! I am a type O- and never like being told that I should subsist on an all red meat diet.
If I recall correctly, Weston A Price said we should eat based on the diet of our ancestors. Much easier to do if the ancestors of your parents (and up the line) come from one area. What if one ancestral lineage is from S. America and the other from Western Europe? Those two groups ate very different staples.
If both parents have type AB blood they could, as you pointed out above, have kids with type A, B or AB blood. If you believe the Blood Typing Diet ancestral theory, then three different diets would need to be followed in that one family. Yet… the kids all come from the same ancestry so why would they need three different diets?
I was curious and did a quick search for blood type by ethnicity. There are some groups that had a very high predominance of one blood type over another. Many were spread among the four main blood types. I’m curious if the ideal diet is similar in ethnic groups in which one blood type was shared by 90%+ of the group.
Brilliant as always. Thanks Kim! I love it when you debunk diets for us
Hey Kimberly, could you do a post on chronic dehydration and ways to reverse it? I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on it!
Nice!! I used to follow a Type A diet (which fortunately was mostly vegetarian) but soon realized this had no scientific evidence whatsoever. I think soon people will begin to realize that the popular paleo diet (one I also used to follow after btd) is a fad after all…Dr. McDougall, Dr. Esselstyn, Dr. Campbell and most importantly the Primitive Nutrition series on youtube helped me realize this
Oh and yes, you too, of course!!! hehe
That’s great Stephanie. Dr. McDougall is one of my long-time favorite doctors.
Hi Kimberly you mention “research” to support your argument. Could you post sources for me to review? Thanks.
A friend of mine followed the recommendations in the blood type diet and got her bloodcount up from 7 to 11 without using meds. She would have become much more conscious of what she was consuming, but the guidelines in the book did seem to help her.
Like I said, I think the general guidelines can make people more conscious of diet overall and avoid processed and allergenic foods, so improvements are not necessarily indicative of the actual success of blood type specific dieting.
LOVE this article. Thank you!!
I really enjoyed this post. I certainly agree that people have evolved since the caveman days and have the same digestive tract so there are basic principles that make sense for us all. Are you familiar with Ayurveda? If so, I am curious to hear your thoughts on the Ayurvedic principles of eating for your body type (dosha). Thanks!
Hi Laura, I am. Again, I personally think that you have to individualize, even beyond dosha. It can shift with what is going on in your life, the time of year, so many dozens factors. As a Vata Pitta I am meant to eat/not eat certain foods, but I have found that I am vastly different from other Vata Pittas, and those dietary restrictions are not necessarily helpful to me.
Customize for yourself! xx
Out of all the “diet plans” I have seen over the years. Yours, Kimberly, makes the most sense. I still eat animal protein on occasion (hard to cut out completely when you have a family of meat eaters) but I try to make sure our food is 100% organic, grass-fed, or range-free whenever possible. I juice daily or have vegan-based protein shakes. It is challenging in the world we live in today but I am so much better for it. You have inspired me to eat close to the earth.The way it should be for optimal health. Thanks for all that you do to inspire others and promote a healthy society. The world needs more people like you!
Thanks Shawn! It sounds like you have struck a good balance for you and your lifestyle. Keep up the great work. xx
Thank you for this! I was told by a holistic medicine practitioner that I should eat lots of meat because I have type O blood, but I was having a lot of digestive issues at the time including constipation and bloating, and I knew that more meat would not help. Not to mention, if I eat meat more than twice a week, I feel less energetic than when I stick to a vegetarian diet. Thanks as always for looking out for our well being Kim!
That’s great Jenny! Yes you must always customize for your specific body, and nourish yourself the way that works best for you. xx
I have been following Natalia Rose’s Detox 4 Women approach for 14 months, and have just discovered your book and I am incorporating some of your philosophies like GGS a few times a week, etc. My concern which has been only a recent concern is when I viewed Gil Jacob’s video “When Veganism Doesn’t Work”. I am a Type O, but I haven’t eaten any meat since last July. I do eat the occasional fish and I do eat raw goat’s milk or sheep’s milk cheeses a few times a week at dinner. Do you have any thoughts here? I don’t feel as good as I felt when I first started this regimen. I discovered your book through a written interview from Gil Jacobs by the way. Thank you and I love your book and recommend it to my friends because of your approach; I love the first phase Blossoming Beauty for people who are coming off a SAD.
I really like Natalie Rose’s book, The Raw Food Detox diet .. my fav is her ambrosia salad with liquid gold elixer dressing. I can’t follow her diet for more than a few days as I’m starving .. I’m type O and I do feel that I need to eat animal protein to feel satisfied.
I also like the glowing green smoothie here (minus the celery). I like to take parts of eating plans and devise my own diet
YES!