Eating Right for Your Blood Type

Blood Types: What it Could Mean for Your Diet and Energy Levels

Blood, the life-sustaining fluid coursing through our veins, holds secrets beyond its vital role in oxygen transport and immunity. Beyond its essential biological functions, recent studies have sparked curiosity about the intriguing connections between blood types and aspects of our health and personalities. From influencing susceptibility to certain diseases to purported links with character traits, understanding the nuances of blood types opens a fascinating window into human biology and psychology.

In this article, we delve into the science behind blood types—A, B, AB, and O—and their potential impacts on health outcomes and personality traits. Join us on a journey through the complexities of blood type genetics, explore the emerging research findings, and discover what your blood type might reveal about you. Whether you're intrigued by the intersection of biology and behavior or seeking insights into optimizing health based on your blood type, let's unravel the enigma of blood types together.

The study of blood and its different qualities have been around for at least a couple millenia. The ancient Greek physician Hipporcrates often known as the father of modern medicine created a classification of temperaments known as sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic, which stem from the concept known as humorism. According to this concept, four bodily fluids influence personality and behavior, blood being a major part. The different qualities of a person's blood will tell them more about one's own health, how they express certain qualities and how things affect them.

Blood type tests reveal what type of blood you have. This depends on the presence of certain antigens on your red blood cells (RBCs). Antigens are proteins that trigger your immune system to produce antibodies. There are four main types of blood:

type A, which contains type-A antigens

type B, which contains type-B antigens

type AB, which contains type-A and type-B antigens

type O, which contains neither type-A nor type-B antigens

Your blood will also be classified as Rh positive (+) or Rh negative (-), based on the presence or absence of a particular protein on your RBCs, known as rhesus factor.In the laboratory, a technician can conduct several tests to type your blood or you can get an in home test here and find your type immediately without sending anything in. 

In the lab (if you opt for a lab test), they will mix your blood sample with commercially prepared anti-A and anti-B antibodies. If your blood cells agglutinate, or clump together, it means your sample has reacted with one of the antibodies. This is called forward typing. 

Next, the technician will perform reverse typing. This calls for some of your serum to be mixed with type A and type B cells. Your sample will then be checked for signs of reaction.

Following that, the technician will perform Rh typing. This is when they mix your blood sample with antibodies against Rh factor. Signs of any reaction will be noted.

Photo source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-6qGMtb7uI

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Western Medicine and blood types

The type of antigen found on the red blood cells of a person, also tells us about how much of which hormone is released in that person's body. If your blood is type A,  it is pretty likely that your body releases a lot of stress hormone, named cortisol. There are also particular disease risks attributed to this type: 20% higher chance of gastric cancer compared to types 0 and B; 5% higher chance of heart diseases compared to type 0.

If you have type B blood, your risk of having a heart disease is 11% higher compared to the people with type 0. Moreover, a study conducted at Harvard University showed that women who have type AB or B are more likely to have ovarian cancer.

People who have type AB blood are 23% more likely to suffer from a heart disease than type 0. Additionally, pregnant women who have type AB blood experience blood pressure problems called preeclampsia. According to an interesting study published in the magazine 'Neurology,' these people experience problems with language and concentration 82% more often.

According to scientific studies, people who have type 0 blood are more likely to suffer from ulcers, cholera and muscle diseases. Aside from that, they are least likely to have pancreatic cancer. Lastly, type 0 blood attracts mosquitoes twice as much as type A.

Diet

Blood Type O: 

According to the blood type diet theory, type O individuals are considered the "hunters" old, or original and are supposedly best suited to a high-protein diet, similar to what early humans supposedly ate. This diet typically includes meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits, while avoiding grains, legumes, and dairy.   Here is a Book containing an extensive list for O

Blood Type A: 

Type A individuals are often referred to as the "cultivators" or “agriculture”group and are encouraged to follow a mainly vegetarian diet, with an emphasis on fresh, organic foods. This diet typically includes fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and tofu, while minimizing red meat and dairy. Here is a book containing an extensive list for A.

Blood Type B: 

Individuals are labeled as the "nomads" and are said to thrive on a varied diet that includes meat, dairy, grains, vegetables, and fruits. The focus is on balancing different food groups rather than eliminating any specific category. Here is a book containing an extensive list for B.

Blood Type AB: 

Type AB individuals are considered the "enigmas" and are often advised to combine aspects of the type A and type B diets. This might include a varied diet with seafood, tofu, dairy, grains, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting red meat and processed foods.  Here is a book containing an extensive list for B.

Here are examples of some foods to avoid or to enjoy per type:

Blood Type O: 

Beneficial: Beef, Venison, Buffalo, Olive Oil, Flax Oil Pumpkin Seeds, Walnuts, Pinto Beans, Trout, Salmon, Halibut, Broccoli, Artichoke, Collard Greens, Sweet Potatoes, Red Pepper, Cherry, Figs, Plums, Pineapple

Avoid: Lard, Corn Oil, Pork, Peanuts, Cashews, Kidney Beans, Octopus, Catfish, Brussel Sprouts, Avocado, Potatoes, Shiitake Mushrooms, Eggplant, Blackberry, Honeydew, Orange Juice, Strawberry

Blood Type A:

Beneficial: Salmon, Cod, Trout, Olive Oil, Flax Oil, Peanuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Black Beans, Lentils, Kale, Broccoli, Collard Greens, Carrots, Cherry, Grapefruit, Pineapple

Avoid: Beef, Buffalo, Catfish, Caviar, Clam, Sesame Seed Oil, Corn Oil, Brazil Nuts, Cashews, Navy Beans, Red Beans, Ginger, Dill, Eggplant, Cabbage, Banana. Coconut

Blood Type B:

Beneficial: Lamb, Rabbit, Venison, Caviar, Salmon, Halibut, Olive Oil, Kidney Beans, Navy Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Shiitake Mushroom, Banana, Cranberries

Avoid: Chicken, Duck, Pork, Crab, Sea Bass, Clams, Canola Oil, Cashew, Sunflower Seeds, Peanuts, Black Beans, Pinto Beans, Avocado, Corn, Coconut, Prickly Pear, 

Blood Type AB:

Beneficial: Rabbit, Lamb, Turkey, Cod, Salmon, Mahi Mahi, Chestnuts, Peanuts, Walnuts, Lentils, Pinto Beans, Cucumber, Cauliflower, Cherry, Celery, Pineapple

Avoid: Chicken, Pork, Beef, Buffalo, Lux, Octopus, Hazel Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Black Beans, Lima Beans, Garbanzo Beans, Corn, Avocado, Artichokes, Shiitake Mushrooms, Mangos, Orange, Bananas

For a more in depth list of “Beneficial, Neutral, and Avoid” Foods for each type, check out the book “Eat Right 4 Your Type” Or see the more extensive individual books per type with the links above.

Physical activity requirements

Blood Type A:

• Type A individuals are often described as having a more sensitive immune system and may benefit from calming, low-intensity exercises.
• Recommended activities may include yoga, tai chi, Pilates, walking, and swimming.
• These exercises are believed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support overall well-being for type A individuals.

Blood Type B:

• Type B individuals are thought to have a robust immune system and can tolerate a wider range of physical activities.
• Recommended exercises for type B individuals may include moderate-intensity activities such as hiking, cycling, tennis, and dancing.
• Type B individuals are encouraged to engage in activities that they enjoy and that help them stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

Blood Type AB:

• Type AB individuals are considered to have a blend of characteristics from both type A and type B blood types.
• Recommended exercises for type AB individuals may include a combination of low- to moderate-intensity activities such as yoga, hiking, cycling, and swimming.
• Type AB individuals are encouraged to incorporate a variety of physical activities into their routine to promote balance and overall fitness.

Blood Type O:

• Type O individuals are often described as having a hardy constitution and may benefit from vigorous, high-intensity exercises.
• Recommended activities may include running, weightlifting, martial arts, interval training, and team sports.
• Type O individuals are encouraged to engage in activities that challenge them physically and help them release excess energy.

Ketsuekigata

The blood type personality theory “ketsuekigata” is a belief prevalent in Japan which states that a person's blood group system is predictive of a person's personality, temperament, and compatibility with others.

In 1930, Japanese professor Tokeji Furukawa published a report in the Journal of Social Psychology called “A Study of Temperament and Blood-Groups.”1 In this paper, he argued that establishing a link between personality and blood type “might prove a useful basis for the objective study of temperament.”

Ketsueki-gata believers maintain that each of the four blood types corresponds with distinct personality traits, making different blood types more compatible with some than others. Here’s how the blood types purportedly break down by temperament. 

Personality and Temperaments

 Type A blood- has been linked to positive traits such as creativity, cleverness, and cooperativeness, whereas their supposed negative traits include stubbornness and uptightness. Type A individuals are reportedly more common in Japan than people with other blood types.

Type B blood- is supposed to be strong, passionate, empathetic, and decisive, but they have also been associated with selfishness and erratic behavior. People with this blood type are said to clash with those with type A blood.

Type AB blood- includes rationality and adaptability, but their weaknesses are said to be indecision, criticalness, and forgetfulness. This blood type is largely viewed as having the characteristics of both type A and type B individuals. Because this blood type is rare, the people who have it are heavily appreciated in Japan.

Type O blood- has been linked to characteristics such as confidence, determination, resilience, and intuition, but they are also supposedly self-centered and unstable. They are said to especially appear selfish to individuals with Type A blood.

Ketsuekigata Love Compatibility:

Type A is happiest with type A and AB

Type B has the best relationships with B and AB.

AB can have a good relationship with every other blood type including itself.

And type 0 is most compatible with type 0 and AB.

Of course everything should be taken with a grain of salt and the blood type information can be useful as more of a tool in narrowing down your own needs in your personal health journey. Sometimes the smallest piece of information is all you need to complete the puzzling task of research and development.

As research continues to unveil the multifaceted roles of blood types, from their impact on disease susceptibility to their intriguing associations with personality traits, one thing remains clear: our blood types may hold more significance than previously imagined. While the scientific community continues to unravel the complexities, understanding our individual blood types can empower us to make informed decisions about our health and well-being. Whether you have Type A, B, AB, or O, embracing this knowledge fosters a deeper appreciation for the unique interplay between genetics, health outcomes, and even aspects of our personality. Let's continue to explore and embrace the fascinating connections that blood types offer, paving the way for a deeper understanding of what makes each of us uniquely human.

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Ketsuekigata articles

https://onedio.co/content/character-analysis-according-to-your-blood-type-ketsuekigata-11552

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-blood-type-personality-5191276

“Eat Right 4 Your Type”