"ONE-DIET-FITS-ALL"- The Myth

Knowing your blood type is only important in the event of a transfusion. Think again! 

Research indicates that blood type is a key genetic factor that influences many areas of health and well-being. Throughout your life, you’ve probably wondered that some people tend to lose weight more easily, whereas for others, reducing weight is a never ending battle. Or why some people are plagued by chronic illness while others stay healthy and vital well into their advanced years. Very simply, the answer is in your blood type. 

A single drop of blood contains a biochemical makeup as unique to you as your fingerprint thus knowing it is an important tool to understand how the body reacts to food, susceptibility to disease and natural reaction to stress.

Dr. D'Adamo, author of the bestselling books Eat Right for Your Type  gives us a blueprint for diet depending on your blood groups in his book. 

Let’s check out for Blood Type A.

BLOOD GROUP A

People with blood type A have varied traits when compared to people with other blood group. Being more susceptible to different diseases, they should eat different foods and exercise in a completely altered manner.

TYPE A is Different!

Over time evolution produced Blood Type A that were based on the need to fully assimilate nutrients from carbohydrate sources. These biological adaptations can be observed today in Type A's digestive physiology.

v Low levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and high intestinal disaccharide digestive enzyme levels permit digestion of carbohydrates in a more efficient way.

v Low levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase makes it difficult for Type A’s to digest and metabolize animal protein and fat. 

Type A best portrays the powerful interconnections between mind and body. The Blood Type A Diet must be a proactive mix of lifestyle strategies, hormonal equalizers, gentle exercise and specialized dietary guidelines to maximize overall health; decrease natural risk factors for cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. High performance, mental clarity, greater vitality and increased longevity are the fruitful outcomes of this regime.

Stress Handling

Naturally elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol are observed in Type A. It’s production heightens in response to stressful situations. Cortisol is released in 24-hour patterns, typically in the early morning between six and eight A.M. with a gradual decrease during the day. It aids to cue the body's cyclical rhythms. Disrupted sleep patterns, daytime brain fog, increased blood viscosity (thickening), muscle loss and fat gain are repercussions of elevated cortisol. In extreme cases, stress can manifest obsessive-compulsive disorder, insulin resistance and hypothyroidism. 

Limited sugar, caffeine and alcohol are ways devised to balance cortisol. Don't skip meals, especially breakfast; eating smaller, more frequent meals will also help to stabilize blood sugar levels. 

Research demonstrates that overall cortisol levels can be lowered through a programmed regime of exercises that provide focus and calming effects. Making these activities a regular and lifesaving part of lifestyle would ensure hormonal balance. It was found that after meditation, serum cortisol levels were significantly reduced.

Live Right! Live Tight!

In addition to eating the right foods, stress management and exercise here are a few key lifestyle strategies for Type A folks:

·        Inculcate creativity and expression in your life

·        Follow a consistent daily schedule

·        Stretch, take a walk, do deep breathing exercises or meditate.

·        Eat more protein at the start of the day and less at the end

·        Eat smaller, eat frequent

·        Engage in thirty to forty five minutes of calming exercise thrice a week

·        Plan regular screening for heart disease and cancer prevention.

·        Chew food thoroughly to enhance digestion.

 Want more! Stay tuned for information related to Blood Type B, AB and O.

to be continued...