HOW YOUR BLOOD TYPE AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH

With June being National Blood Donor Month, it is important to know how your blood type is a key factor that influences many areas of your health and well-being.  Knowing your blood type is important for understanding how your body reacts to the food that you eat as well as your sensitivity to diseases.  Your blood type can help you understand the mysteries of your health, physical vitality, longevity and even stress levels.  It is important to note that your blood type affects more than just the type of blood you will need during a transfusion.  It is believed that your blood type, whether A, B, AB or O may influence your risks of certain diseases. ₁

Cancer

People with blood type A, B or AB are at a higher risk of getting stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer.  It is advisable to stock up on cancer fighting foods if fall under these blood types.

Heart Disease

People with blood type O have the lowest risk for heart disease while people with types AB and B are at the greatest risk.  It is important for people with blood types AB and B to have a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Stress

People with blood type A might have more trouble handling stress as they have high levels of cortisol which is the stress hormone in the body.  ₂

“While you can’t change your blood type, making healthy choices can help reduce your health risks.  Knowing your blood type is a great way to have a better understanding of your health and knowing how to manage it”, says Gert Coetzee Pharmacist and Diet pioneer, who founded The Diet Everyone Talks About. 

Below he lists the foods that are best suited to each blood type:

Blood type A:  Have a diet that is filled with fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, seafood and whole grains but try to avoid eating too much meat.

Blood type B:  Have a diverse diet that includes low-fat dairy, fruits and green vegetables, meat and seafood.  Avoid wheat, corn, peanuts and tomatoes.

Blood type AB:  People with blood type AB tend to have stomach acid so avoid caffeine, smoked meats and alcohol.  Focus on eating foods such as low-fat dairy, fish, grains as well as fruits and vegetables.

Blood type O:  Have a diet that is high in protein and eat a lot of red meat, fish, fruits and vegetables but limit your intake of grains, legumes and beans.