According to Dr. Peter D’Adamo, creator of the Blood Type Diet, individuals with type O blood have a strong immune system and a hearty digestion. However, type Os are prone to sluggish metabolisms, thyroid problems, stomach irritations and ulcers, and inflammatory joint problems and arthritis. He recommends specific beneficial supplements for type Os to be taken in conjunction with the type O diet. Supplements for type Os can help boost their metabolism, prevent inflammation, and stabilize the thyroid.
Supplementation with vitamin B complex and bladderwrack is recommended to help boost type Os sluggish metabolisms. “A vitamin B complex can have the effect of supercharging your metabolic processes,” says Dr. D’Adamo. Bladderwrack, a kelp seaweed, contains iodine and the sugar fucose. The fucose in bladderwrack helps normalize sluggish metabolisms and can assist in weight control. Bladderwrack is especially helpful for type Os who have thyroid dysfunctions. The fucose in bladderwrack also helps protect the intestinal lining of type Os from ulcer-causing bacteria.
Since the type O diet does not allow most dairy products (an important source of calcium), calcium supplements should be taken daily. Calcium supplementation can also help type Os who have inflammatory joint problems and arthritis. Dr. D’Adamo recommends that all type Os supplement their diet with 600 to 1,100 milligrams of elemental calcium.
Type Os digestive systems contain high levels of hydrochloric acid that can lead to stomach irritations and ulcers. Supplementation with a licorice preparation called DGL (de-glycyrrhizinated licorice) can help heal and protect the stomach lining. However, Dr. D’Adamo cautions that crude licorice preparations should not be taken, as they may cause high blood pressure.
Dr. D’Adamo also recommends supplementation with vitamin B12 and folic acid to help treat depression, hyperactivity, and attention deficit disorder (ADD) in type Os. In addition, pancreatic enzymes are recommended for type O individuals adjusting to the high-protein type O diet
REFERENCES:
D"™Adamo PJ. Eat Right For Your Type, New York: G.P. Putnam"™s Sons, 1996: 86.
