The Blood Type Diet: Eating Right for You and Your Baby

by Martine De Luna

I read a number of pregnancy books while I was expecting my son, Vito. One of the books that really piqued my interest was a second-hand find I’d scored at a used book store. The title intrigued me: “4 Blood Types, 4 Diets: Eat Right For Your Baby.” Written by naturopathic doctor and best-selling author Dr. Peter D’Adamo, Eat Right for Your Baby is a whole foods, naturopathic approach to eating and drinking during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

The premise set by Dr. D’Adamo is that blood types are directly related to one’s digestive and immune systems, therefore there are certain foods good that may be beneficial for one person but not necessarily for another who is a different blood type.

While the blood type diet is still being debated upon on the medical community, there are no dangers or side effects to the diet: It is simply practicing whole food-based dieting, with an emphasis on eating certain foods that are believed to be optimal for your blood type. Each blood type has a specific diet profile that works with your body to maintain a healthy immune system and digestive tract. It’s interesting to note that Dr. D’Adamo also believes that blood type makes a person susceptible to certain illnesses, and even determines the manner in which a person should exercise.

 

Eat Well Before, During and After Pregnancy

Eat Right for Your Baby is well-organized and divided into sections for blood Types O, A, B and AB. For each blood type, Dr. D’Adamo provides an introduction into the blood type nutritional needs, and suggests specific dietary strategies, meal plans, and recipes. Dr. D’Adamo believes that following these guidelines will help moms experience greater ease throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

He even outlines tips on how women from each blood type group can best recover from childbirth: For example, a mum with a blood type of AB would benefit from yoga-like exercises that involve extensions and stretching, while a Type O mum would do better to engage in low-impact aerobics in order to get back up to speed. (Also included are suggested nutritional plans for baby food, for mums who breastfeed, and for homemade baby food.)

 

 

Know Your Blood Type Diet Profile

Here’s a simplified “blood type profile,” based on Dr. D’Adamo’s book. These profiles serve as a helpful guide to knowing how to eat according to your blood type; however, as with any nutritional considerations, always consult your doctor. Note, though, that the foods listed under each blood type are recommended for persons of all ages. I’ve actually been preparing food for my family based on these lists, ever since my son began eating solids at six months of age. (For babies, Dr. D’Adamo’s book suggests when to introduce a certain food, based on your baby’s age)

 

The idea behind this blood type profile is to begin eating the foods that are the best for your blood type and those that can aid your body in the best way possible. You also, then, eliminate the “bad” foods gradually. Based on Dr. D’Adamo’s theory, eating alongside this blood type guide will help you create a better overall diet that will benefit your body and help it to function more efficiently.

*Before starting any new kind of meal plan or diet for you or your child, please consult a doctor.