November 11, 1997

This review is necessarily subjective as the book demands to be experienced rather than simply intellectualized. It dates back 20 years, but in light of recent books and information on the harmful effects of lectins on the body and immune system, it seems even more relevant. So, let's travel back in time to 1997.

When this book came to me for review, I was simultaneously facing several major stresses in my life. I was physically exhausted by their cumulative impact. Stress is an inevitable part of everyone's life, and I had always been able to convert it into usable energy. But suddenly, that ability seemed to have vanished. My thoughts veered towards scary possibilities like "Maybe I have chronic fatigue syndrome." Fortunately, I was able to discard those notions... along with 8 grocery bags full of food from my cupboards, 3 from my freezer, and 3 from my fridge! I gave away all those groceries, hoping that whoever received them belonged to a different food "type" than I did.

By simply avoiding the foods on my "Avoid" list and eating those on my "Highly Beneficial" and "Neutral" lists, my energy levels increased dramatically within two days of changing my diet. I slept more hours at night for about a week, and then that stabilized and reversed, so that now I require less sleep than before. My energy levels not only increased but also stabilized. There were no more energy "surges," but rather a strong, steady source of energy throughout the day. There have been many other changes as well, and perhaps more are yet to come. But that shift in energy level and the ability to handle the stresses in my life in a steady, clear, and connected way was the most significant change for me.

So, what is this "type" I'm referring to? The entire premise of this book supports something I've always wondered about. In the past, I avoided various "nutrition programs" because for every person who raved about a new program, more others criticized it. Dr. Peter D'Adamo's father, a naturopathic doctor like his son, noticed the same thing many years ago and set out to find the reason. It was clearly not just a matter of personal preference. Some people actually did very poorly on a dietary regimen that was ideal for others.

Dr. James D'Adamo discovered a correlation between a person's blood type and the kinds of foods that promote well-being or cause disease. He published his book, "One Man's Food," in 1980, inspired by the phrase "One man's food is another man's poison." Dr. Peter D'Adamo wanted to see if there was any scientific basis for this correlation and approached it from a different perspective. He believed that by finding connections between blood types and a predisposition to certain diseases, it would provide the other side of the equation needed for a complete understanding of these interrelationships. His years of research paid off, and as a result, this book combines the two approaches.

The book describes a person's blood type as "a powerful genetic fingerprint that identifies you as surely as your DNA." It lists over two hundred foods for each type, categorized into three groups by "food family": "Highly Beneficial" (equivalent to medicine for your type), "Neutral" (functions as food for your type), and "Avoid" (equivalent to poison for your type). There are also several recipes provided for each blood type. When one considers how few foods we tend to habitually eat, these food lists are both comprehensive and more extensive than most of us would typically explore.

Dr. D'Adamo also discusses how a person's blood type is "a more reliable measure of your identity than race, culture, or geography." For those interested in the anthropological aspects of blood type, he shows how the various blood types evolved over millennia, with Type O being the oldest, Type A evolving with agrarian society, Type B emerging with the northward migration into colder, harsher regions, and Type AB being a relatively modern mixture of different peoples.
The book also includes several case studies of people who have experienced relief and remission from serious medical conditions, as well as those who have found ease through more natural processes like menopause and milder medical conditions such as digestive disturbances and menstrual problems.
The most difficult part for most people is simply the thought of "giving up" foods that may be conditioned responses due to race or ethnic background, or just plain habit. The beauty of it is that it becomes very easy to do so once you get past that initial thought... at least, that's what I found, and it has also been confirmed by several other people I know who are following the foods-by-type regimen.
My initial reaction was one of rebellion at the thought that my type actually requires almost the opposite of what I've been eating for many years. At the same time, under the circumstances, I was willing to try anything that might make a difference to my physical energy. So, I promised myself to give it a try for a week (not very generous, I know) and see how I felt. The rest, as they say, is "herstory."
I'm so impressed that I'm planning to give this book as a gift to all of my family and friends who don't already have it. I don't ever remember being so quickly or easily "converted" to anything in my life, but the difference in how I felt (and still feel) was a very strong incentive. After finally receiving the book, it was interesting to read about the background of everything, including why certain foods end up on a person's "Avoid" list... that is, some foods produce lectins that slow down the metabolism, others interfere with insulin production, others cause hypoglycemia, and so on... but specifically according to a person's type. A food that might have an adverse effect on my thyroid could actually speed up your metabolism, or vice versa!
The most fascinating aspect for me is that, just as Dr. James D'Adamo discovered and Dr. Peter D'Adamo verified, "One man's food is another man's poison." Perhaps if everyone started eating right for their type, there would even be a major shift in how food is produced and consumed, ensuring that there is plenty of good nourishment for everyone.

I truly admire Dr Peter D'adamo's remarkable work. His books have opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me, a world that combines both the rigors of science and the practicality of everyday life. I am a blood type O, having grown up among siblings and parents of blood type A and eventually getting married to a person of blood type B. Now, I have a better understanding of many things. I understand why I always have difficulties with cheese and milk, but not necessarily with yogurt and laban. I also understand why I sometimes crave those bad foods for my blood type. Moreover, I can see why some people are basically resistant to this more individualized new diet guidelines and exercise regiment that is not a one-size-fits-all remedy.
Thank you, Dr D'adamo, for everything you have done. Your work has had a profound impact on my life and has helped me to make more informed choices about my diet and lifestyle.

Blood groups and diet attempt to lead us to the territory of diet based on our blood type, an idea that the author pursues and defends from the very beginning.

Although a lot of information has been verified or considered scientifically correct, the bulk of his idea, that is, diet according to blood group, has neither been proposed as a subject to be taken into account in the medical or nutrition career, nor do I think it will ever be.

It is just some twenty-first-century jargon that, perhaps, will gain more importance in the future, but not at present.

Nota: 3.5/10.

The beginning is interesting as it generalizes about the origin of blood groups.

The rest of the book, which is about nutrition based on blood groups, is inapplicable in our case. All the advice should be taken with a grain of salt.

The author is a naturopath (a doctor of alternative medicine who combats diseases with healthy eating as a therapy), who uses as a source what his father (also a naturopath) observed in people while working in a spa.

It's important to note that while the concept of blood group-based nutrition may seem novel, there is limited scientific evidence to support its claims.

Naturopathy, in general, emphasizes natural remedies and lifestyle changes, but it should not replace conventional medical advice.

When considering any new health or nutrition advice, it's always advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

This way, you can make informed decisions that are based on sound scientific research and individual needs.

I mainly focused on reading the introduction and the chapter related to my blood type. However, based on what I managed to read, I formed a rather distinct impression of the kind of advice being offered.

Basically, it resembles somewhat racist astrology. The concepts underlying the advice were largely reasonable. (This includes suggestions to consume more of specific fruits and vegetables and avoid others, along with pseudo-scientific explanations for how these foods impact the bodies of particular blood types and consequently affect their emotional states. Even if individuals don't adhere to the advice, receiving these recommendations surely prompts them to think more about their food selections and how those choices make them feel.) But if it "works" for you, it's likely because it was generally good advice, not because it accessed some magical science hidden behind the random circumstances of your birth.

It's important to approach such ideas with a critical mindset and not blindly accept them as absolute truth. While there may be some merit in the suggestions regarding a balanced diet, we should not attribute excessive significance to the supposed connection between blood type and our well-being without solid scientific evidence.

The history of blood groups, the detailed diet system for each blood group, and various diseases and readers' doubts are all very detailed.

However, what I am worried about is whether it is suitable for people in different continents. Because most of the food lists of each blood group are listed with food from Europe and America?

It adds high knowledge and reference value.

If you have ever had a feeling that what you are consuming should be digested more quickly. Or perhaps, that it should not cause so much discomfort during the digestive process.

Maybe you have noticed that certain foods trigger a large amount of stomach acid release after eating. Well, this book is precisely for you.

I came across this book approximately 17 years ago when it was accessible as a PDF on the internet.

It provided valuable insights and practical tips on how to improve digestion and avoid the unpleasant symptoms that often accompany it.

The author offers a wealth of information on different types of foods, their effects on the digestive system, and how to make better choices for a healthier gut.

Whether you are suffering from indigestion, heartburn, or other digestive issues, this book can be a great resource to help you understand your body and make the necessary dietary adjustments.

It is a must-read for anyone who wants to optimize their digestive health and enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling life.

It was really interesting.

Especially, a significant number of the foods that I am supposed to avoid based on my blood type happen to be the very ones that my allergy testing indicated I was allergic to.

This coincidence makes me think a lot.

Another aspect that puzzles me is the recommended water amount.

It doesn't seem to be sufficient at all.

Currently, I consume 4 or 5 times the quantity of water that is recommended for my blood type.

However, I still find myself feeling thirsty most of the time.

Despite this, I'm attempting to gather the courage to fully embrace and try this blood type diet.

After all, I already follow most of it simply because it aligns with what my body has seemingly figured out on its own.

I'm curious to see if making this complete transition will have any noticeable effects on my overall well-being.

Maybe it will bring about some positive changes that I haven't yet experienced.

Only time will tell.

The Only Health Book You'll Ever Require.

Peter D'Adamo, along with his father, is truly a genius. This book is astonishingly rich in citations.

I adhered to the diet corresponding to my blood type, and within just three days, I observed a remarkable change. I was no longer suffering from bloating.

However, with great knowledge comes sacrifice. Sadly but inevitably, one has to let go of the things they love and follow the diet that is appropriate for their body type. But this is the cost of attaining good health - sacrifice and hard work. I deeply regret not reading this book sooner. Nevertheless, now the journey to becoming the best version of myself commences.

I am determined to embrace this new path and make the necessary sacrifices to achieve optimal health. I believe that by following the guidelines in this book, I will be able to transform my life and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling existence.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about improving their health and well-being. It is truly a game-changer.

Whack! Pseudo-science! Bonk!!!!

Pseudo-science is like a false idol that misleads people with its alluring yet false charm. It presents ideas and claims that seem scientific on the surface but lack the solid foundation and rigorous testing that true science demands.

We must be vigilant in identifying and rejecting pseudo-science. It can spread misinformation, undermine public trust in real science, and even have harmful consequences.

By educating ourselves and others about the differences between genuine science and pseudo-science, we can protect ourselves from being misled. We should always demand evidence and critical thinking before accepting any claim as truth.

Let's not be fooled by the flashy but empty promises of pseudo-science. Instead, let's embrace the power of real science to understand the world around us and make informed decisions. Whack! Bonk! Let's drive out pseudo-science and make way for the light of truth and knowledge.

I skimmed for my blood type (O) and ignored all the other ones. There are some interesting things in there that I'll be trying or already have. However, I'm hesitant about his insistence on eating animals and completely disregarding people who are plant-based, and trying to "convert back" vegans and vegetarians (he only talks about people who used to be vegan/vegetarian). I'm not into that. Although he does emphasize products that are GMO-free, free range, organic, etc. So that's good from an environmental perspective.

It's been 5 months since I last ate fish and it's hard to tell the impacts of that (combined with sleep, stress, decreasing sugar measurements in my go-to recipes, weather, etc). There's lots to think about (and do more research on). I need to carefully consider the pros and cons of different dietary choices and how they might affect my health and well-being. Maybe I'll explore more plant-based options while still ensuring I get all the necessary nutrients. It's a complex topic that requires further investigation and self-reflection.

Una flor más para mi jardín.

This simple phrase holds a certain charm and implies the addition of something beautiful and delicate to a personal space.

Meanwhile, the concept of eating according to one's blood type sounds logical. I was able to test this when I modified my diet in order to feel better.

By making these dietary changes, I noticed a significant improvement in my overall well-being.

It's interesting how such a seemingly unusual idea can have a positive impact on our lives.

Perhaps there is more to this blood type diet theory than meets the eye.

As for my garden, that additional flower will surely bring a splash of color and a touch of nature's beauty.

It serves as a reminder that small changes, whether in our diet or in our surroundings, can have a big effect.

I look forward to seeing how both my diet and my garden continue to evolve and bring me joy.