Lower Blood Pressure

By Associate Editor – Ann-Marie Waters

Do you know what blood group you are ?

When we think about looking after our heart health – eating healthily and exercising (and maybe taking medication) to lower our blood pressure and reduce our cholesterol levels, we usually don’t spare a thought about our blood group.

In fact, if we’re honest with ourselves, how many of us actually know what our blood group / type  is ?

Could we be genetically programmed into heart disease by our blood group ?

 
We were made aware of some earlier, but very relevant research conducted in Germany back in 1981, involving 13,000 volunteers that concluded that there is a greater  incidence of heart disease among people who have type ‘A’ blood groups.

Blood samples showed that there was a significant association between erythrocytic antigens and ‘A’ blood types.

An eight year study published in the’ British Medical Journal’ involving over 7000 men also showed higher cholesterol levels in ‘type A’ blood samples. Also – In a similar study, 3,000 patients consisting of two age groups, – 65 yr old and older, and 65 yr old and younger, were tested and the results concluded that blood type ‘A’ patients had a higher predominance with cardiac infarction and this was evident in both age groups. Such investigations suggest the existence of a genetic factor associated with blood group ‘A’ and a greater incidence of cardiac infarction.

Higher Cholesterol and Cardiac Infarction rates in type ‘A’ blood group

Moreover – According to clinical research studies – Type A blood types have a naturally high level of the stress hormone cortisol and tend to produce more in response to stressful situations than other blood types. When elevated cortisol levels are released in type A’s, this often results in different stress responses such as disrupted sleep patterns, increased blood viscosity (blood thickening), and can promote muscle loss as well as fat gain. In extreme incidences of stress – high levels of cortisol levels in type ‘A’ blood groups can lead to insulin resistance, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and hypothyroidism. Dr. Peter J D’Adamo ND – a naturopathic physician and author of ‘Blood Type Diet’ books suggests that people should eat a diet according to their blood group. Dr. D’Adamo recommends that you limit your sugar, caffeine, and alcohol intake. As well as never skip meals, (particularly breakfast), and consume smaller frequent meals to help to stabilize blood sugar levels and balance cortisol levels.

It seems to have started a long time ago …

Blood Group ‘A’s’ are believed to have evolved around 15,000 B.C. This is during the time when our ancestors settled into farming-type communities, hence – blood type A’s around this time became accustomed to a vegetarian-based diet. They consumed little meat and dairy produce, and these biological adaptations are still in existence today in Type A’s digestive structure. Type A’s are considered to possess low levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which allows better digestion of carbohydrates.  According to Dr. D’Adamo low levels of intestinal alkaline phosphates also prevent Type A’s digesting and metabolizing animal protein and fat easily. Therefore – he recommends that blood group ‘A’ individuals should follow a diet rich in vegetables.

If I am blood type ‘A’, how can I cut down my risk?

Firstly – Follow the normal recommendations for optimal heart health such as not smoking, exercise regularly, drink alcohol in moderation, maintain a healthy weight, and monitor your cholesterol levels. Also as mentioned earlier – prevent elevated cortisol levels, as adhering to all of these will help to cut down your risk considerably.

You may also want to consider the idea of the possible benefits of switching to a diet to suit your blood type, by researching for any evidence to support the theory from case studies or personal testimonials.