What Makes a 'Type O' an Individual?

What makes Me Me and You You?

This is the question that is at the heart of the genetic puzzle. It is also cent
ral to our exploration of blood types. The key is genetic heritage - the story l
ine of your life. Even though you are living in the 21st century, you share a co
mmon bond with your ancestors. The genetic information that resulted in their pa
rticular characteristics has been passed on to you.
People who are O blood type have a different set of characteristics than people
who are Type B or Type A - they are susceptible to different diseases, they shou
ld eat different foods and exercise in a completely different manner. Dr. D'Adam
o, author of the best selling books Eat Right for Your Type and Live Right for Y
our Type, among others, gives us a blueprint for living in his books. Read on to
learn more about the Type O individual.
The Blood Type O Individualized Lifestyle
Why are some people plagued by poor health while others seem to live healthy, vi
tal lives even late in life? Does blood type influence personality? A single dro
p of blood contains a biochemical make up as unique as your fingerprint. Your bl
ood type is a key to unlocking the secrets to your biochemical individuality. Fo
ods and supplements contain lectins that interact with your cells depending on y
our blood type. This explains why some nutrients which are beneficial to one blo
od type, may be harmful to the cells of another. Dr. Peter D Adamo, the author of
the best selling books Eat Right for Your Type and Live Right for Your Type give
s Type O s some tips on leading a healthy lifestyle.
The Type O Profile
Type O was an early success formula. It is the only blood type that carries two
opposing blood type antibodies (one blood type A and another against blood type
B). These antibodies undoubtably conveyed some survival advantage, as many of th
e common diseases that plagued our ancestors possessed markers (antigens) that s
imulated the other blood types. Thus, what is commonly considered a transfusion
complication was, in type O, a very useful defensive benefit. However, when misd
irected, this innate immune reactivity can sometimes get in the way of good heal
th. Blood Type O may be predisposed to certain illnesses, such as ulcers and thy
roid disorders. In the 1950 s it was discovered that Type O s had about twice the in
stances of ulcers of all kinds than the other blood types. These findings have b
een replicated many times since then.

Type O Strengths and Weaknesses

We've already mentioned the tendency of type O towards higher levels of stomach
acid. There is also another unique characteristic of type O that is perhaps even
more important: This blood type has a very well-developed ability to digest mea
ls that contain both protein and fat. This is because two chemicals used by the
digestive tract, an enzyme called intestinal alkaline phosphatase, and a lipopro
tein called ApoB48 are secreted into the digestive tract in much higher amounts
by type O's. These digestive factors greatly enhance the ability of type O to no
t only metabolize the choelsterol in animal products more efficiently, but also
greatly increase their ability to heal their digestive tract and better assimila
te calcium. However, these very same strengths come at a cost: in Type O simple
carbohydrates, especially from grains, are more easily converted into fats and t

riglycerides. Many grains also contain reactive proteins called lectins that can
ramp up the type O immune system, resulting in unwanted inflammation and auto-i
mmunity.
Manage Your Type O Stress
The legacy of your Type O ancestry causes an immediate fight or flight response in
people of this blood type. However, this finely tuned response to stress, so vi
tal in early Type O s, is not always so beneficial in modern times. The Type O res
ponse can cause bouts of excessive anger, temper tantrums, hyperactivity and eve
n create a severe enough chemical imbalance to bring about a manic episode. Sinc
e there is a powerful, synergistic relationship between the release of dopamine
and feelings of reward, Type O is more vulnerable to destructive behaviors when
overly tired, depressed or bored. These can include gambling, sensation seeking,
risk taking, substance abuse and impulsivity. To avoid becoming overstressed, D
r. D Adamo recommends following the Type O diet, which focuses on lean, organic me
ats, vegetables and fruits and avoid wheat and dairy which can be triggers for d
igestive and health issues in Type O. Additionally, he suggests that Type O s avoi
d caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can be particularly harmful because of its tend
ency to raise adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are already high for Type O s.
Energize - The Essential Exercise Component
Type O s benefit tremendously from brisk regular exercise that taxes the cardiovas
cular and muscular skeletal system. But the benefit derived surpasses the goal o
f physical fitness. Type O also derives the benefit of a well timed chemical rel
ease system. The act of physical exercise releases a swarm of neurotransmitter a
ctivity that acts as a tonic for the entire system. The Type O who exercises reg
ularly also has a better emotional response. You are more emotionally balanced a
s a result of well regulated, efficient chemical transport system. More than any
other blood type, O s rely on physical exercise to maintain physical health and e
motional balance. Dr. D Adamo suggests that Type O s engage in regular physical acti
vity three to four times per week. For best results, engage in aerobic activity
for thirty to forty five minutes at least four times per week. If you are easily
bored, choose two or three different exercises and vary your routine.