What's your blood type? Type O and mania

[Athena_M]

I am freaking out to find that my blood type O has to do with me having manic episodes (I've been hospitalized five times).  For about 4 years one of my friends has been talking about the EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR BLOOD TYPE book.  I thought it was a bunch of non sense, but a couple of years ago I did try to find out my blood type  and none of the nurses I asked could find it.  Well, some of you know I just had a baby (see Having a Seroquel baby on Med Help)  I found out I have O positive blood, my baby had A positive and it could have been a medical problem, but thankfully she is doing well.  

Anyways now knowing that I have O blood  I decided to look on-line at the book.  I just read that people with type O blood can have manic episodes when we don't eat right.  My question to you all is do you have type O blood?  Maybe reading this book can help us to manage our mania and depressions.  

Here is something I copied from the site.  

Manage Your Type O Stress

The legacy of your Type O ancestry causes an immediate “fight or flight” response in people of this blood type. However, this finely tuned response to stress, so vital in early Type O’s, is not always so beneficial in modern times. The Type O response can cause bouts of excessive anger, temper tantrums, hyperactivity and even create a severe enough chemical imbalance to bring about a MANIC episode. Since there is a powerful, synergistic relationship between the release of dopamine and feelings of reward, Type O is more vulnerable to destructive behaviors when overly tired, depressed or bored. These can include gambling, sensation seeking, risk taking, substance abuse and impulsivity. To avoid becoming overstressed, Dr. D’Adamo recommends following the Type O diet, which focuses on lean, organic meats, vegetables and fruits and avoid wheat and dairy which can be triggers for digestive and health issues in Type O. Additionally, he suggests that Type O’s avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can be particularly harmful because of its tendency to raise adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are already high for Type O’s.

Let me know what you all think of this.

[Angeleyes_215]

There is a lot of talk about manic episodes and disease. My twin sister and I are type O+ and we both suffer from bipolar disorder. We also suffer from fibromyalgia and every symptom that goes along with it.

My question for everyone is this; does anyone suffer from chronic pain that are type O? If so, did your life change significantly when you went off grains and dairy?

[adrian_23]

I have been looking into this blood type diet myself being a blood type O but recently I have become concerned if I suffer manic episodes or am bipolar. Certain periods in my life become notably amazing. Usually when Im relatively lean I find myself with too much energy than I know what to do with! My social life improves dramatically! I quit 2 different jobs during these periods of "high". I almost become contagious during these periods wishing I could feel like this forever! but it never seems to be the case. I don't necessarily get depressed but I guess I go back to "normal" and that kind of ***** I guess.  Not sure if the site is medically accurate but most of what he states has been true in my case. Dairy and grains definitely do not sit well with me. Grains especially bring out hunger cravings and tendencies to overeat not to mention my body will hang on to carbs for dear life. What makes me believe this Diet is the fact that I ate colliflower and ham (a big no no for type O's according to the food choices) and ended up with horrible stomach pain! I mean I actually went to the hospital. Doctors couldn't pin point any cause (obviously) but these two food groups were specifically stated as being harmful based on the Diet, which makes it credible enough in my opinion. Otherwise I eat paleo and avoid starches completely.(well at least try)

[bernie40]

Interesting stuff, just to throw another into the arena, I have celiac sprue disease, ie I cannot eat wheat or gluten without getting sick.  When I say sick I mean that I become lethargic, bloated, cranky and have an upset stomach.  I also have bipolar 2 with mild hypomania but crushing depression and anxiety.  I'm also blood group O positive, haha.

I find a big difference in my mood when I stick to my gluten free diet, i have more energy, no bloatedness etc etc.

I do believe that the food we eat plays a big part in our general well-being but I'm not convinced it's to do with blood groups to be honest.  I agree with the others who advise a healthy diet, the physiological and psychological are intertwined so if you are putting rubbish in your body it stands to reason it's going to effect you both physically and mentally.

Opus88 - it's very do-able to come off these things, nowadays there are a lot of gluten free products that taste just as good as the "real thing" just look for the gluten free label or the picture of wheat with a cross through it.  Potatoes can also be moderated to say twice a week (I lost 7lbs very quickly doing that).  I think caffeine is the hardest as you do feel physical effects from coming off it, try substituting some of your drinks with water or a decaf substitute and decrease your intake slowly over a period of one or two weeks.  I only have one or two caffeine drinks a day now, sometimes none at all and feel much better for it.  It's worth a go :D

[Seph1212]

AB- here. My blood's worth its weight in gold.

Bipolar (and affective disorders generally) run rampant on my mom's side of the family. I always chalked it up to being Norwegian-Swedish, but then again anyone can read causation into something where there's only correlation.

opus88

I only eat meat, fish, eggs, nuts, fruit, and lots of vegetables (except potatoes) and water. I also eat nothing processed. It was a challenging transition, but I stand by it. Weight down 35 lbs in a year, LDL and triglycerides WAY down (even as I eat meat & eggs), HDL up, and past borderline blood sugars are now normal.

[opus88]

I'm type O too. I'm overweight and CRAVE starches of ALL kinds. My BP is managed on lamotrigene, never did have mania...just anxiety and depression.
How does one stop eating/craving bread/wheat....I would love to get off these, I know it would help the weight problem.

[lynnkay]

I am type O positive. Been bipolar for many years. I am 53. I have never heard of this theory. Not saying it is not correct. This is just the first time I have heard of it.

[Athena_M]

Wow.  You did all the things is says on the Eat right for Your Type diet to do for O blood.  I'm definitely trying to go off wheat and dairy, it's only been a few days now.  I do notice now that when I eat dairy my stomach bloats up.  I never really noticed it before, I guess I was eating dairy so much that I was almost always bloated.  
Well for you to be O positive I think that means that both parents were O or at least one.  It's very interesting that you say you have depression and ADHD symptoms.  A lot of children get misdiagnosed as ADHD and instead end up being diagnosed as bipolar.  

Thanks for your advice.

[Gnwiththewind]

just wrote comment and lost it for computer error.  ugh! ayway
i'm O+ not bipolar but both parents were/are but I  have always fought depression and adhd like symptoms. im 40 stopped eating wheat 5 years ago and my energy increased 10 fold, my constant tendency to depression went away, AND i lost 10 lbs and have kept it off easily.   Whenever i cheat now and eat wheat it makes me feel hungry and dissatisfied.  i also went of dairy and my focus and attention are soooo much better.  having a good protein balance is key and of course reducing sugar is always healthy. i wan't really overweight but definitely at the top top of normal but now i really don't have to worry unless i pig out daily on nuts or some other fattening stuff . if you can get away from wheat and eat rice and  small amounts of potatoes you will probably feel great!

[run4you]

I'm O- and have a huge array of issues, including Bipolar 1.

My husband is also O-, and completely stable.

So 2 people eating the same things with the exact same blood type - I'm completely unstable, he's the exact opposite.

[Xila31]

I'm A something I think but I can't remember.

[lindahand]

Things like this are frustrating to me. Chalk up manic behaviour to bad eating practises - its one more of those "if only you did what we said you wouldn't be bipolar" Fast and easy fix it. I believe in a lot of natural health products and I believe in good quality food. Herbs became some of our most powerful drugs. I also believe in placebo effect and that spending money on books with promises they can't scientifically back up can be dangerous. Eating a high protein diet for instance. If you are on lithium and add a high protein diet you may be headed for trouble. Kidneys take the brunt of metabolizing proteins and in already compromised kidneys due to lithium use - I wouldn't call it a good thing.

Eat the rainbow and be done with it. Whole foods, as close to the source as possible, and eat nothing in excess. Obviously the more refined it is the worse it is for you. If you really want to know what to eat - see a dietician. Then you will really get a meal plan designed specifically to meet your individual needs.

[bluesred]

I'm type O and have suffered from "moderate" depressive episodes my whole life... starting to wonder whether I experience hypomanic episodes because some of the signs you all talk about on here sound so so very familiar. (Cleaning the whole house, short with my sig other, lots and lots of great ideas and plans, buy big items to carry out the plan and never do it, feel rested after 6 hour sleep when usually mornings are h*ll, stumble over my words... etc.)  I'm going to see my family doc today.

[Athena_M]

I've been skeptical of this diet too, but when I read that if Type O's don't eat right it could cause mania it hit home.   Also it says Type O's will struggle with thyroid conditions which I have.  I have hypothyroidism.  It's interesting to me because it says type O's will gain fat from eating wheat bread.  I eat a lot of wheat bread and I am overweight, I thought it was healthy for me.  
I'm gonna try the change of diet to see if it makes a difference in the way I feel and my weight.  
According to the diet Type O's should eat red meat, walnuts, and drink pineapple juice.  I'm gonna find out what other foods are good.  I hope it helps me.  My manias are so extreme.

To: paranoid :  I'm not much a gambler either.  I did a quick pick dollar the other day though.  I have trouble paying my bills on time too. It's very good that you don't have a credit card because the fees for paying late are about $40 and I have had to pay the fee many times.  Luckily, I paid off my credit cards.  I wonder if you have bipolar with psychosis.  That's what I have.  That is interesting that you have family members with bipolar.  What is your diagnosis?  There is gonna be a new DSM V coming out soon.  

To Pipi:  Let me know if you try the diet and if it makes a difference.  

There is also a book by Dr. D'Adamo called Live Right for Your Blood type

To Moonpanda - I know the diet might not be genetically accurate but for me it is so interesting.  My mom is type O too and she had to have thyroid surgery and she suffers from ulcers just like the book says.  

To ILADVOCATE:  It may not be accurate according to the book there are thousands of people that have tried the diet with success, but like Paranoid_catacylsm said it's kinda fun to find out about.  

[moonpanda]

I hate to say it, but from my understanding blood type diets are based mostly on speculation and pseudoscience. It's most likely that for every type O individual that experiences manic episodes, there are going to be just as many with type A, B, and AB. I think a lot of the good results that people see while following these diets are simply due to better eating habits overall, healthier lifestyles, and just a greater awareness of what's being put in one's body (as opposed to just eating what is convenient and available).

I think a good, balanced, healthy diet is going to benefit any person, especially those who are struggling with illness. But there is no real scientific evidence to support a link between your health as a consequence of compatibility between your blood type and your diet. It's all conjecture... I'll toot my own horn and say that I'm pretty well versed in genetics and anthropology (both medical and human-evolutionary), and to be honest most of the scientific claims made on the website aren't really plausible... at all. They're quite outlandish, actually.

So, I'm A positive, and therefore I should avoid:
-Crowds of people
-Loud noise
-Negative emotions
-Smoking
-Strong smells or perfumes
-Too much sugar and starch
-Overwork
-Violent TV and movies
-Lack of sleep
-Extreme weather conditions (hot or cold)

I agree with the above list, that these are things that I should generally avoid. But that's because this could apply to anybody, regardless of blood type. It's the same effect that horoscopes have, called the Barnum effect. These characteristics are broad and general enough that just about anyone can find something to identify with and assume that it has real personal relevance.

Overall, I think that Dr. D'Adamo's entire plan, including adopting healthy dietary changes and lifestyle changes, could be beneficial to many people who try it. I just personally don't buy the link between specific blood types and specific diets. In the end, it might be worth giving it a shot if you believe in it, and if it helps, then it helps! This was just my two cents, and definitely no offense intended in my reply, by the way, in case it came off that way. Interesting topic!

[paranoid_cataclysm]

I wasn't taking it to heart BTW, I just thought it would be fun to find out.

[ILADVOCATE]

That website may or may not be clinically accurate. Its important to keep that in mind. What one naturopath believes to be helpful would have to go through a series of controlled studies to prove its accuracy.

[Pippi1996]

My blood type is also O+.  I found out my blood type after I enlisted in the military plus I found my blood type on my birth certificate.  I do suffer from depression and I do have anger issues but I am managing both with therapy.  I know when I don't eat, I do get very cranky.  I've never had a manic episode but there are times when I was darn near close.  I had to remove myself from particular situations or else it may have landed me in jail.  Simply because I skipped lunch.  I have to admit that I don't usually eat healthy.  My diet usually consist of frozen dinners, sweets, and diary.  Foods high in salt, grease, and sugar among other days.  I do drink lots of caffeine, mainly pop; however I don't drink as much as I use to.  Looks like I am doing the complete opposite of what Dr. D'Adamo suggests.  I guess that's why I am always tired also.  Thanks so much for posting this info.  I've heard about these diets created for blood types but I never looked into them.  

[paranoid_cataclysm]

I have type O blood and I don't eat as good as I could and I don't get manic, although I wasn't diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the end, but they want to check for mania in all psychotic disorders in the future if wanted changes to the DSM are left alone and I have a psychotic disorder.  I get hyper sometimes sure when I don't feel particularly crappy physically but so do my other family members who don't have bipolar disorder.  I will have to ask my family members who do have bipolar disorder if they experience a lot of mania if they don't eat right and if they have type O blood.  As for the risk taking and destructive behaviors, I am sometimes impulsive when I am put under stress and a time limit in a misguided bid to get things done faster, although it is unbelievably structured at the same time because my mind can process thoughts and make associations very very quickly, but I am somewhat afraid to take risks and the most gambling I do for example is a dollar here and there every so often.  If I win on a lottery ticket more often than not I take the money and run.  I can't really think of any destructive behaviors of this nature which I do, I don't think I have any to be honest.  I'm even afraid to get a credit card due to the fact I manage money and bills badly not because I spend it all but because I let it sit in my bank account and forget it's there and then bills end up late because I also forgot to pay them.