Boost your immune system with ‘Blood Type Diet’

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

A strong immune system helps a person stay healthy by fighting off bacteria and viruses, and in the current situation building one’s immunity is perhaps our best bet against the potentially deadly Covid-19.

“We all know eating a healthy and balanced diet plays a significant role in achieving a healthy body and a strong immune response. People follow all sorts of diets and many never achieved the desired results, simply because one-size doesn’t fit all as each individual is different,” said Dr. Harkirat S. Wilkhoo, Health & Lifestyle Coach at RAK Hospital.

“Therefore, a diet specific to our blood type is recommended - it strengthens your immune system and boosts energy levels manifolds while you will start noticing positive changes within a short period,” he said.

The blood type diet is based on the findings of a naturopathic physician, Dr. Peter D’Adamo.

According to his theory, it improves the immune system and decreases the risk of chronic diseases. The basis behind the Blood Group Type Diet is eating according to one’s ABO blood group.

Group A individuals must adopt a vegetarian diet including legumes, green vegetables, and dairy products. Animal products slow down metabolism and make liver sluggish for them. This blood group evolved when humans settled down into agrarian societies.

Group B individuals can have a wide and wholesome variety of food. Should avoid corn, lentils, and sesame seeds that cause weight gain, resulting in fatigue, fluid retention, and hypoglycemia. Chicken is another food item that needs to be avoided.

This group can benefit from the consumption of dairy products because this group originated in nomadic tribes.

Group O is considered the ancestral blood group in humans. These individuals have high stomach acid and can digest meat products. They need high-intensity work out to keep the metabolism hiked. And also recommended avoiding gluten and cruciferous vegetables. Their optimal diet should resemble the high animal protein diets, typical of the hunter-gatherer era.

Group AB is the rarest and newest since it evolved after the fall of ancient civilizations. Individuals have a mixed reaction with food Lectins.

Best digestible foods are dairy products, legumes, pulses, nuts, oilseeds, and cereals. This group is encouraged to eat tofu, green vegetables, and fish, but avoid caffeine.