Genotype diet is going through the world like tsunami
October 13, 2009
We, people, have only 30 000 genes. Actually, it is more than many mushrooms (about 6000) or worms (about 19000) have, but much less than many fish (about 40000) and plants (about 60000) have.
In 2001, as Human Genome Project was approaching finish, biologist David Baltimore gave such a comment on the situation: “But unless the human genome contains a lot of genes that are opaque to our computers, it is clear that we do not gain our undoubted complexity over worms and plants by using more genes.” We do not use our potential to the full. This is an obvious fact.
It is only an excerpt from GenoType Diet – the latest book by American Doctor Peter D’Adamo. This is the book that crowned his research of the last eleven years. It is a new work by probably the world’s most famous doctor naturopath. Exactly 12 years ago Dr. Peter D’Adamo by his book “Eat Right 4 Your Type” triggered a huge wave of discussion all over the world. It became a bestseller, the most-bought book on health in all continents. If somebody forgot it a little or heard about it now for the first time, I will briefly remind its essence. The main idea of the book is very simple: a person who wants to stay healthy, buoyant and lively until the old senility should in his life follow the information that is encoded in our genes. This means that when eating, exercising, and using dietary supplements we should take into consideration our blood group as the most pronounced genetic marker.
Much water has run under the bridge since that time, the book has been studied, discussed and examined in smallest details at various forums, conferences and general meetings of scientists of different levels. In fact, there is still no single opinion on this. Though the number of people eating by their blood groups is increasing by geometric progression in the world and two countries (the Netherlands and New Zealand) even approved and implement nutrigenomics (nutrigenomics is a new science field that deals with link between nutrition and genetics) programs at national level, the ranks of sceptics do not get thinned.
Meanwhile Dr. Peter D’Adamo has been silently continuing his research for all eleven years after publishing of his first book. Though having no doubts that he is right and continuing his father’s (who also was a doctor-naturopath who treated his patients not with medications, but with food (by the way, the percentage of recoveries among his patients was one of the highest in the country)) works he understood that only one out of thirty thousand genes is responsible for blood group and that his theory of eating by blood group lacks solid scientific substantiation. For all those eleven years he was tirelessly gathering, accumulating, analyzing and systemizing information, carrying out various researches in the laboratories of his clinic and found that when assessing a relation between an individual and his blood group, anthropometric characteristics, liability to certain diseases, character traits, reactions to various irritants, etc. certain commonalities become evident: patients obviously fall into six large groups. With reference to this, the author distinguished six human genotypes. For the image to be clearer and more understandable, let us try to imagine the thirty thousand genes we consist of as thirty thousand colour lottery balls placed in a large bowl. Now let us slowly pour those balls out of the bowl and onto the ground. At first the balls spread out, but after some time they gather together in groups. In six large groups. Always. No matter how many times we repeat that. Six groups of genes are six human genotypes. Six different plans of nutrition, exercising, and food supplements. Such is the essence of the book “GenoType diet”. The word “diet” is understood here as a long-term eating plan for the entire life, not as some short-term caprice. According to the author, when one is living by his own genotype, in many cases symptoms of illnesses disappear, body weight normalizes, a person becomes more energetic, more lively. One would like to believe that it is true. Especially knowing that “nutrition by blood group” is also efficient enough.
In what other aspects is GenoType Diet, the book by P. D’Adamo, interesting ?
First of all, it is also an undoubted bestseller. When we contacted P. D. Adamo company representative office in European Union, manager Robert Stiff kindly explained that at least in Great Britain the book during the first days after its issue was just swept from the counters, and even world-famous model Elizabeth Hurley, who is a loyal fan of nutrition by blood group, stood in queue to purchase it, and the most realistic way to purchase the book is to order it online at “Amazon”. At present the book is already being translated into many languages of the world.
Second, when reading the book, like a red line or the most resonant note is felt the brave statement of the author that by our behaviour we can change the trajectory of the behaviour of our genes. We will not necessarily be ill and we may not be obese, even if it is encoded in the genes. According to Dr. P. D’Adamo, “pronouncedness” of some genes can be increased a little, while of other genes it can be decreased a little. This “a little” is fully sufficient to stay healthy, buoyant and lively for the entire life. All you need is eat right, exercise, use suitable dietary supplements. “Right” means according to your own genotype.
What is a genotype ? The author describes it so: “it is all genetic material of a foetus, plus nine months of pre-delivery experience in mother’s womb”. In the book there are distinguished six human genotypes. In this way Dr. P. D’Adamo described by generalization every typical group of genes and gave each group a conditional, colourful common name: “hunters”, “gatherers”, “teachers”, “explorers”, “warriors” and “nomads”. In his previous book “Eat Right 4 Your Type” the author has distinguished four groups (simply by each blood group), but here there are six of them, so many can have a natural question: isn’t there a conflict between previous “blood group diet” and current “genotype diet”? No, there is no conflict, “blood group diet” only complements “genotype diet” and enters its composition as one of many components.
Can you determine your genotype by yourself ? Theoretically yes, but to do it by yourself practically would be difficult, though the book gives all information necessary to determine genotype. To determine genotype, a series of anthropometric measurements are carried out: jawbone angle is measured, fingerprint pattern as well as proportion of upper part to lower part of the body are looked at, etc. In addition, a bitterness feeling test is done, blood group, secretion status, etc. are identified if necessary. For an inexperienced one it is easy to make a mistake, so better let a specialist do it.
The book gives a list of food products that are suitable and that should avoided for each genotype. It is much wider than “blood group diets”, products can be replaced by others every several months, therefore nutrition ration becomes much more varied, more flexible. Dietary supplements recommended for each genotype and exercising regime are also given here.
You may believe in all this or not, but anyway “GenoType Diet” is interesting and worth attention, especially for people taking care of their health.
The first genotype – hunters
They are inherently tall, slim and strong, with increased adrenaline level in blood, able to adapt in difficult situations. It is a perfect example of a representative of humankind.
Psychologically: characterized by increased self-esteem, inclined to analysis, having healthy, sports anger and determination in pursuing the aim.
Biometrically: feature especially symmetrical muscular body, often there are white lines in fingerprints, which shows digestive troubles due to improper nutrition. Body type is inherently ectomorphic or mesoectomorphic. Ring fingers of both hands are usually longer than index fingers – this indicates higher level of testosterone, fore teeth are in form of a “spoon”, adapted to chew meat, jawbone is strong, wide.
Biochemically: their blood group is always first (O), their sensitiveness to tastes is increased.
Most famous representatives: Michael Jordan, Maria Sharapova, Catherine Helburn, Thomas Jefferson.
Life credo: “first shoot, then ask” :)
Strong sides: high level of energy, fast metabolism, endurance, if eating right they are very strong physically, athletic, with strong bones and strong health.
Weak sides: if not eating right they become more sensitive to allergens, infections, viruses, burn-outs, have problems with digestion. They have sensitive adrenals, pituitary gland, prostate. When eating wheat products, joint problems and depression may cause troubles due to lectin gluten (it is a fraction of proteins) that these products contain.
Most suitable food products: due to characteristic higher acidity of stomach is recommended a nutrition plan that involves more proteins. The most suitable foodstuffs are meat, fish, eggs, and vegetables. Strange though it seems, but these people should avoid food that contains many carbohydrates: various porridges, bread, potatoes, as they induce release of insulin for this genotype, and it, in its turn, accumulates fats.
Recommended exercises: two toning workouts per week (sports machines, weights, power-demanding games) and two relaxing ones (yoga, pilates).
Most suitable dietary supplements: vitamins and minerals that are individualized and adapted to the first blood group, quercetin.
The second genotype – gatherers
Psychologically: representatives of more mental work, characterized by consistent, algorithmic thinking. They are natural-born solvers of problems, they quickly master innovations, are intuitively able to distinguish between good and bad, are always ready for new challenges.
Biometrically: body type: endomorphic, prone to plumping out. Hip is longer than shin, index fingers of hands are longer than ring fingers, which shows low level of testosterone as well as inclination to certain diseases: obesity, thyroid disorders, etc. Most often fingerprints of one hand differ from those of another hand, and the first molar has extra knoll. Jawbone is usually narrow, long.
Biochemically: blood group: either first (0) or third (III), Rh is usually positive, relatively insensitive to tastes, having higher level of female hormone estrogen.
Most famous representatives: O. Winfrey, M. Monroe, E. Presley
Life credo: “some will die, but majority will win”
Strong sides: great mental capacities, high behavioural motivation, both men and women remain fully productive for a long time.
Weak sides: if not eating right they become obese very soon, appetite is more difficult to regulate, accumulation of chemical substances in tissues is more likely, possibility of diseases related to hormone glands is stronger due to increased level of estrogen. Alzheimer’s disease, depression, high blood pressure, resistance to insulin (obesity) are also likely.
Most suitable food products: sources of proteins: mutton, turkey, various fish of certain species, hens’ eggs; sources of carbohydrates: most groats and vegetables are suitable. Foods that should be avoided include diary produce, corn, soy products. Also nuts, seeds, and certain fruit, because they induce release of insulin and at the same time increase chance of getting diabetes and developing obesity.
Recommended physical exercises: swimming, pilates, hatha yoga 6 times a week (duration: 30-60min.). Sauna is highly recommended.
The third genotype – teachers
Psychologically: in life they are calm, having artistic soul and strong feeling of belonging to nature, are insightful.
Biometrically: muscular, waist is longer than legs, usually of medium height, index and ring fingers of one hand usually differ in length from those of other hand. Jawbone angle is wide, fingerprints are in shape of eccentric rings, the first molar has a knoll.
Biochemically: blood group is usually second (A), in more rare cases fourth (AB). Rh is positive, they strongly feel tastes, are prone to excess amounts of bacteria in digestive system.
Most famous representatives: A. Lincoln, Björk, Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
Credo-motto: “could you all move aside ?”
Strong sides: perfectly adapt to any environment, high level of spiritual energy, age very evenly, physically strong and flexible.
Weak sides: sensitive digestive system, higher chance to get cancer and infectious diseases.
Most suitable food products: vegetable food, soy products, most fish. The most suitable is the so-called Japanese nutrition profile: green tea, fish, rice. They are typical vegetarians. What should be avoided: due to lower acidity of gastric juices meat is difficult to digest and therefore is the cause of plumping out. If dairy and meat produce are eaten constantly, amounts of bacteria that are intolerable for organism increase in intestine and this is followed by problems with digestive and immune systems.
Recommended dietary supplements: vitamins individualized according to blood group, additionally vitamin B12, quercetin, hawthorn extract.
Recommended exercises: calm, relaxing physical exercises: tai-chi, yoga, pilates, ci-gun.
The fourth genotype – explorers
Psychologically: like risk and changes, perfectly adapt to any environment, are clever and great interpreters, able to perform several roles simultaneously.
Biometrically: body type: mesomorphic. Thumbs and index fingers of different hands have different fingerprints, they are often left-handed, having wider than usual shape of head and wide jawbone, waist is usually longer than legs.
Biochemically: can be representatives of any blood group, often not a secretor, Rh is usually negative. Very sensitive to tastes, have pale skin, sensitive to odours, caffeine and medications.
Most famous representatives: J. Caesar, Ch. Chaplin, Ch. Windsor.
Credo-motto: “I will do that!”
Strong sides: resistance to diseases, well renewing cells, physically enduring, solving problems efficiently, usually having good memory, aging invisibly.
Weak sides: very sensitive to pollution and chemical substances, ineffective work of liver, diseases are difficult to be diagnosed accurately, liability to blood diseases, autism, epilepsy, breast cancer.
Most suitable nutrition: essentially vegetarian. Occasionally variety can be added by means of turkey and mutton. This genotype does not tolerate eggs, most cheeses and other dairy products, but most vegetables and grains (beans, rice, wheat, broccoli) suit perfectly.
Recommended dietary supplements: arabinogalactan from larches, licorice, glucosamine, silybum extract.
Recommended exercises: sports machines, ball games, running 4-5 times a week for 40-50 minutes.
The fifth genotype – warriors
Tall, slim and rebellious, having “rapid ageing” gene, but if eating and exercising right, they live to a wonderful “silver age”.
Psychologically: charismatic personalities having temperament of a choleric which often causes problems for them, have quick computer-fast intelligence, have difficulties to relax, completely plug into every problem being solved, inclined to rage when angry.
Biometrically: legs are longer than waist, head shape is oblong, prone to go bald sooner, have delicate, oval contour of jawbone, most often have fingerprints of noose or concentric ring type. Index and ring fingers are usually of the same length.
Warriors’ superstars: James Gandolfini, Hilary Clinton, Michelangelo’s “David”
Credo-motto: “smile is everything”.
Strong sides: fast recovery after diseases and shocks in life, strong character, physically strong, in youth are often oddballs and not understood by people.
Weak sides: slow metabolism, inclination to obesity, body ages faster, blood curdles more rapidly, stress and depression have bigger influence on immune system, have problem digestive system, inclination to heart diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, coronary thrombosis.
Most suitable nutrition: only vegetarian nutrition supplemented with certain seafoods, hens’ eggs is recommended. Basically this is a “difficult” genotype is nutrition aspect: neither meat, nor milk, nor salmonid fishes, nor shrimps are suitable as proteins… The main sources of proteins are soy products, nuts, pod cultures… Carbohydrates are suitable: nearly all vegetables and most fruit are appropriate.
Recommended dietary supplements: lipoic acid, B-group vitamins, seedling mixes “Live cell”, selenium, vitamins individualized according to blood group.
Recommended exercises: exercises that stretch and lengthen muscles: tai-chi, yoga, swimming 4 times a week for 40-50 minutes. Force exercises with sports machines should be done by using light weights, doing exercises in circle, doing more repetitions. Good warm-up is necessary.
The sixth genotype – nomads
They feel changes in nature well and adapt to environment quickly.
Psychologically: Basically these are phlegmatics, moving slowly but surely, silent but witty, rational, optimists that like joking. They are good-natured and inclined to hiding their emotions.
Biometrically: white lines (most often in noose-shaped fingerprints) are characteristic, index and ring fingers are of equal length, body is either very tall or very short, head is wide, legs are usually longer than waist, teeth are relatively small. Fore teeth are spoon-shaped. Red muscle fibres dominate, and eyes are usually green.
Biochemically: third (B) or fourth (AB) blood groups prevail, Rh is usually positive. Sensitive to tastes.
Most famous representatives: W.Churchill, Queen of England Elizabeth I.