Although fibromyalgia is not yet classified as an autoimmune disease, it is often lumped in with similar conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Researchers still aren’t sure what causes any of these, but theories abound. We learned through the Human Genome Project that genetic markers often determine susceptibility to many diseases. But what about blood type? Can it determine whether you are predisposed to conditions like fibromyalgia? If so, what can you do about it?
Well, if you’re up a good controversy, you’ve come to the right place! In the late 1990s, Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo’s book, Eat Right for Your Blood Type became very popular. Some celebrities were even endorsing it and swearing by his diet solution. The idea is that you follow a specific diet based on your blood type, that leads to better health and longevity. It eventually got the label of a “fad diet” and came under scrutiny, including from eager debunkers. They basically claim that D’Adamo’s diets are relatively effective because they are essentially healthy diets and have nothing to do with blood types at all. They argue that D’Adamo’s solution has nothing to do with science, despite his claims.
But Does it Work?
Of course it works…for some people. In fact, my highly skilled acupuncturist has suggested I find my blood type and give the diet a try to help resolve several of my own health issues. Why? Because he’s had so many clients do the same and it radially altered their lives for the better. I’ve owned the book for several years, but by the time I worked up the nerve to use the blood test I ordered at the same time as the book, the test had long expired and failed. Actually, I’m waiting on a new one. Perhaps I’ll fill you in on the efficacy of this diet after I’ve given it some time. In the mean time, you can easily find plenty of reviews online, both positive and negative.
Let’s just assume, for the time being, that it works. Even if it’s a placebo effect, that’s quite phenomenal in itself.
How is Blood Type Related to Fibromyalgia?
Apparently, the most common blood type in the world is Type O. One fibromyalgia patient messaged Dr. D’Adamo regarding the diet and how it helped their condition. D’Adamo added that “that those who are type O and suffering from fibromyalgia can see quite dramatic responses if they can stick to the wheat-free component of the diet for long enough duration.” This does not answer the question as to whether Type Os are more susceptible to fibromyalgia though. In fact, nearly all the research about blood types and susceptibility that is readily available online seems to come from Dr. D’Adamo. That’s fine, but it would be helpful to find other who can concur with his findings.
To be fair, during all of your fibro research, how many times have you come across articles and posts about your diet? It is always considered a common source of exacerbating fibromyalgia symptoms. On the other hand, how many of you had made multiple diet changes only to discover it didn’t help at all? The fact of the matter is, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. Adjusting your diet will likely only help to mitigate your symptoms. Perhaps a little, or even a lot. For example, one blogger with fibromyalgia noted the following: “I began implementing Dr. D’Adamo’s benificial [sic] foods to my daily regiment and what I found was astounding. These simple additions to my diet decreased my flare-ups by 90%. Hence the truth, diet is 85% of fibromyalgia suffers pain.”
The Bottomline
The Introduction to D’Adamo’s book reads: “Your blood type is the key that unlocks the door to the mysteries of health, disease, longevity, physical vitality, and emotional strength. Your blood type determines your susceptibility to illness, which foods you should eat, and how you should exercise. It is a factor in your energy levels, in the efficiency with which you “burn” calories, in your emotional response to stress, and perhaps even in your personality.”
Maybe he’s right, despite all of the data which claims that there is no proof at all. After all, even the quality of your blood is a very important feature of Chinese medicine which has been around and effective for thousands of years. Indeed, D’Adamo’s introduction sounds very reminiscent of Chinese medicine. Conversely, maybe he’s wrong. Nevertheless, he offers some valid dietary solutions for treating common ailments and even symptoms related to fibromyalgia and similar diseases. In other words, if you have fibromyalgia, what do you have to lose at this point by giving a new diet a shot?
Have you specifically tried this diet to treat your fibromyalgia symptoms? Tell us your experience.
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