June 2015 - D'Adamo Newsletter

Blood Type and The Microbiome (Part 2)

By Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo

Editors note: This is the 2nd installment of a 2-part series by Dr. D'Adamo exploring the connection between blood types and the microbiome. Read part 1 of the article from our May 2015 issue.

More and more, we hear and read about the importance of the microbiome: the ecological community of friendly and unfriendly microorganisms that share our body space. The human body contains as much as ten times more microbial organisms than human cells, and increasingly, changes to the microbiome are being associated with both good and bad alterations to our health. 

Blood Type Connections 

Most laypeople and physicians can be forgiven for wondering what blood type could possibly have to do with the microorganisms in the digestive system. Blood type, after all, is just an ornament on a red blood cell, right?

Simply a complication of transfusion.

Sadly, not much else about blood type is taught as part of the standard medical curriculum. However, readers of my books and followers of my diet theory already know that there is a much deeper and important role that blood type plays in conditioning our digestive tract; both in terms of the characteristics of the lining (mucosa) and the variations of the secretions (digestive juices) produced by the stomach and intestines. These blood type specific differences can themselves have an important effect in altering the microbial balance of the digestive tract. But there are even more elemental and direct ways that blood type can condition the microbiome. 

The blood type antigens (the marker that distinguishes one ABO blood type from another) are widely distributed throughout the digestive tract, embedded in the mucus lining that insulates the gut tissue from the rather harsh internal environment. The most common blood group antigens are proteins that contain the sugar fucose. This the most basic building block, and is called the H antigen. Although we commonly think of blood type O and not possessing a blood group antigen, the name 'O' was chosen to signify the number zero. The rationale behind that label only relates to the fact that type O blood does not trigger an immunologic reaction when transfused into the other ABO types. Type O blood does in fact possess an antigen, the so-called 'H' antigen. However, since all the other ABO types also make H antigen, it is not immunologically reactive in them, and allows type O to function as the 'universal donor.' So, to tie this important relationship together, let's put it in a nice infographic: 

Blood Type Antigens as Bacterial Snack Food 

There is good evidence that the ABO blood type antigens are a major influence on the specificity of the bacterial enzymes produced by the microbiome, serving to 'condition' the microbiome. Much like how putting sunflower seeds into your bird feeder will tend to encourage Cardinals to hang out in your backyard, the microbiome of a person who is blood type B will tend to have bacteria with a preference and enzyme capacity for degrading the B-antigen. Human feces contain enzymes produced by the bacteria of the microbiome that degrade (break down and metabolize) the A, B, and H blood type antigens lining the digestive tract and convert it to an energy source for their own use. The population of fecal bacteria that produce blood group-degrading enzymes is highly correlated with the ABO and secretor type of the host. In fact, blood group specificity is common among intestinal bacteria with almost 50% of strains tested showing some blood type A, B, or O specificity. To give you an idea of the magnitude of the blood type influence on intestinal microflora, it has been estimated that someone with blood type B will have up to 50,000 times more of some strains of friendly bacteria than either blood type A or O individuals. Thus, you might be surprised to discover than much of a healthy microbiome is the result of harboring bacteria that like to 'eat right for their blood type.' 

Blood Type Antibodies as Nightclub Bouncers 

Although the average physician does not consider blood type antibodies beyond their role as a transfusion nuisance, common sense dictates that they serve a more basic role; natural selection obviously can not predict this type of need, despite its obviously life-saving benefits. Instead these antibodies work in combination with the antigens to create a molecular and immunologic 'line in the sand,' allowing microbial species with similarity to the antigen to avoid immune reaction, while targeting dissimilar strains for destruction. A large percentage of microorganism share antigenic similarity with the ABO blood type antigens, which in themselves are nothing unique or special to humans. Thus, if you are a critter who has developed a similar antigen to the blood type A antigen, you'll probably do fairly well in the gut of blood type A humans. On the other hand you are probably going to have real difficulties should you find yourself inside the body of a type B, as they carry antibodies (extremely powerful ones, by the way) to type A and will not like you very much at all. Many studies have associated increases in the blood type antibodies during many common infections, and the ability of type O to manufacture both anti-A and anti-B antibodies may have given them a real advantage when it came to natural resistance to many pathogenic bacteria and viruses. 

However, similarity between your blood type antigen and the antigens on a microbe are no guarantee of future harmony. Just as an uninvited guest can sometimes get past the nightclub bouncer by claiming that 'I'm with the band,' microbes with ill-intent can evade the basic defenses by developing the ability to mimic the blood type antigen of their potential host/victim. Just as in Star Trek, this 'cloaking device' gives them a degree of invisibility from the immune system. In one study, bacteria antigens that cross-reacted with blood group antigens were detected on cell walls of anaerobic bacteria from 30% of the cultures inoculated. Other microbial felons may have an advantage due to their possessing specialized ways to attach to the blood type antigens in the gut, which makes infection much easier. Many of these 'molecular suction cups' are adhesive-type lectins, a class of proteins also found in many foods. 

A huge amount of research has been done correlating the differences in resistance to pathogenic microorganisms that exist between the different blood types. Historically, some of the most catastrophic epidemic and endemic diseases are ABO selective, and in many instances demonstrate ABO related differences in morbidity (sickness), mortality (death), or the level of the inflammatory response to the infection. 

There are some very practical recommendations, which can help increase the diversity of microbes colonizing your gut:

• Eat a diverse diet in alignment with your blood type, GenoType or SWAMI values.
• Consume fermented foods with live microbes.
• Eat raw fruits and vegetables, which harbor environmental microbes.
• Consume adequate levels of different kinds of fiber - one option is using ARA6, which provides high levels of two kinds of nourishing soluble fiber.
• Consider consuming probiotic-containing foods and supplements: the Polyflora probiotic line contains probiotics and prebiotics specifically chosen for each blood type.
• Consider a short chain fatty acid supplement: These fatty acids provide energy source for the intestinal cells. Intrinsa is one I discussed in the last newsletter.
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
• Wash hands with soap and water instead of sanitizing.
• Live on a farm, or at least have a dog or two; this seems especially beneficial for children.

If you are looking to improve the health of your gut and your microbiome, ARA 6 is an essential element in your health protocol.

In addition to its immune-enhancing effects, ARA 6 is a natural source of soluble fiber that promotes colon health, and it acts as a prebiotic food supply for gut microfloral balance.

ARA 6 was the first product developed for the consumer market by Dr. Peter D'Adamo, as he was tasked as the initial researcher on its efficacy for clinical use back in the early 1990's. It is good for all blood types and it mixes easily in liquids, which makes it ideal for children or for those individuals who have problems swallowing pills. 

Learn more about ARA 6

Healthy Colon Support with Butyrate

Butyrate is a short chain fatty acid normally appearing because of colonic fermentation of fiber in the gut. Butyrate is a preferred source of energy for the cells of the intestinal lining, and several studies suggest that it is the effect of butyrate that actually gives dietary fiber its cell-supporting properties.

Ghee, an Ayurvedic preparation of clarified butter, is loaded with short chain fatty acids, including butyric acid, and it is good for all types. 

Here's an easy recipe to make your own Ghee:
Preparation time: less than 30 minutes

Ingredients:
1 lb organic, unsalted sweet butter

Directions:
Place the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the butter to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. The butter will form foam, which will disappear. Continue cooking. Once the butter forms a second foam, the ghee is done. Gently pour the ghee through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove the milk solids that formed at the bottom of the pan. Store in an airtight container, and keep it away from moisture. It does not need to be refrigerated, and it can last for about a month.

What is Ghee? It is basically butter that has the milk solids and water removed. According to Ayurveda, Ghee (clarified butter) is the best oil for cooking. This is because when used in moderation it stimulates the digestion (Agni) better than any other oil. Give it a try! It is very tasty and without the side effects of plain butter.

Note: Ghee does not require refrigeration if you keep moisture out of it; for example, don't dip a wet spoon into the ghee jar.

If you want to get your butyrate in supplement form, our ARA 6 product will increase butyrate concentrations in the intestines, and Intrinsa is a butyric acid and caprylic acid formula with larch, and these two products support healthy stomach, intestine, and colon function.

While we are on the subject of bugs...

Here's a great reminder about mosquitoes, particularly as we get into the summer season in the US.

Research shows that they make their choice of victim by blood type and secretor status. Blood Type O/Secretors had a higher landing rate of mosquitoes (83.3%) than Blood Type A/Secretors (46.5%). B's fell somewhere in the middle of O and A.

Good general tips for all Blood Types:

• Wear light colored, long pants and sleeves when going into heavily forested areas or when by standing water.
• Dusk and dawn are two particular times that mosquitoes like to graze, so be extra cautious at these times.
• Genetics holds a clue to determining what exactly attracts the mosquitoes to one individual over another, whether it is blood type, body odor, uric acid levels, body smells, so that one day soon we'll each have our own, personalized mosquito repellents.

Until then, keep covered and alert, and use natural repellents that contain citronella, lemon eucalyptus, rosemary, lemongrass, or cedar oil.

For more info:

• J Med Entomol. 2004 Jul;41(4):796-9
• Dr. Tom Greenfield's blog entry on mosquitoes

Lessons From My Father

By Martha D'Adamo

Every June, we have an opportunity to think about those significant men in our lives and how they've helped to shape and form who we are. Although my father passed away over 20 years ago, his character – his essence, so to speak – persists, whether it is in the piece of furniture that he restored which we have in our home, the blooming peonies and my memories of his garden, in quirky habits our daughters have that have some genetic connection to him, or in the very simple and moral way he lived his life.

He was the valedictorian of his high school class in Scranton, PA in 1936, and I have his original typed notes in which he circled words he wanted to emphasize in his delivery. It begins:

We sail with a clear purpose and happy hearts on our new venture into the sea of life. That sea is not calm, but is disturbed by economic storms, which we must battle. Some of us will seek to further our educations; others will enter some occupation; whatever we may do, the training, which we have received at Technical High School, will pilot us safely through these storms.

This is as true today as it was back then, and it is not only limited to those who graduate. Embarking on any new journey, whether it is education, a new job, relocation or a new lifestyle requires that we draw upon all the resources we have as we make that transition.

He continued:

Set high standards for the students in the lower classes, and remember to maintain those set by those who came before us. In doing so, you may pass this mantle to your successors, untarnished as you have received it.

The call to lead and to set standards is as appropriate today as it was in 1937. Our world needs this – globally and locally -- and it is hard to conceive of what the world would look like if each one of us lived our lives this way. This is the blueprint for radical transformation!

Not contained in his speech were other words of guidance he imparted on us:

Finish what you start
Pick up after yourselves
Remember to pray and give thanks for all that you have
Get your hands dirty
Commit something to memory – a verse, a poem, or lyrics to a song
Enjoy the rewards of a job well done

In later years, when I brought Peter home to meet my parents, my father met a kindred soul -- a fellow traveler, engineer, artist, geek (although we didn't have that word at the time). A man who loved music and circuit boards, who could delight in solving a tricky engineering problem as much as weeding a garden. They shared a deep and wonderful connection, and I was privileged to witness their friendship blossom, trading stories, learning from each other and at the end of the day, sharing a laugh and a beer.

This June, I'd like to pick up the mantle that has been passed on to me and honor the spirit of my father and all the men in our lives, who inspire us and want us to be better people. I was fortunate to have my dad, and my good fortune continues as I have Peter as my partner, my best friend, the father of my children and the love of my life. He continues to inspire me and encourage me to be my best self, and I am truly grateful.

Happy June and Happy Father's Day.

Martha

Summer BBQ Essentials

A Right For All Types Recipe

Find more delicious side dishes and recipes as well as healthy cooking tips in the Eat Right for Your Type Personalized Cookbooks