B.S., C.N.C.

Gastrointestinal problems run rampant in todays Westernized society. With the availability of fast foods, our fast-paced workaholic lifestyle, and complete ignoranace of the FDA concerning preventative nutrition, is it any wonder?

Crohn's disease is one of the more serious of the disorders, and if not caught early on, may be very hard to remedy holistically. Crohn's is commonly classified as an autoimmune disorder.....where the body attacks itself. You will understand why after you read the following information. In addition to the seriousness of the disorder, if/when drugs are used, the myriad of side effects attached to them often results in secondary disorders - which are, again, treated with drugs. I have known people with Crohn's disease who were concurrantly being treated for hypertension, cholesterol, depression, thyroid problems, and bladder/kidney problems. As is often seen in allopathic medicine....what a vicious circle.

For people already diagnosed with Crohn's, prevention is out of the question for now. It is necessary to focus on healing. Nutrition and supplementation will play a VERY prominent role in this healing process. After the healing takes place, it is then extremely important to continue proper nutritional and supplemental choices to avoid recurrence.

Continuing studies on biochemical individuality or polymorphism (the blood type ), has found that individuals with blood type O have a very strong predisposition to gastrointestinal disorders. This is found to be due to the fact that the blood type O digestive system is very high in hydrochloric acid and intestinal alkaline phosphatase; making it necessary for them to eat predominantly high meat protein diets. Increased carbohydrate intake (especially refined carbohydrates) in these people creates an acidic condition throughout - among other things. This does not mean to imply that individuals of other blood types do not get digestive disorders (or Crohn's, in particular); anyone making poor nutritional and lifestyle choices is vulnerable to all disorders. It is simply that studies have found a prevalence with blood type O because it is the only blood type that is genetically meant to eat a high amount of meat protein and a small or no amount of grains and refined carbohydrates..... unlike the recommendations of most ADA licensed nutritionists and MDs, all trained by the pharmaceutical industry and FDA regulations.

High carbohydrate consumption may not be the only reason for this prevalence of GI disorders for the blood type O person... it may often be the choices of foods. This holds true for blood types A, B, and AB. It is known that, due to biochemical individuality, all foods contain "lectins". These are glue-like proteins that may or may not be compatible with the blood type antigen of a person - depending on the lectin, and on the antigen. Blood type is very important – it is the key to the entire immune system. It controls the influences of viruses, bacteria, infections, chemicals, and stress. Your blood type defines “self” from “non-self”. All cells have antigens – the most powerful antigen in the body is the blood type antigen. When the body finds foreign antigens (food, bacteria, etc) it creates antibodies to that antigen. These antibodies tag the foreign antigen for destruction. When eating foods that contain lectins that are not complimentary to the blood type, antibodies are formed that agglutinate the foreign antigens on that food…the same is true with viruses, bacteria, and parasites. When agglutination occurs, clumps are formed in order to allow the immune system to destroy the "non-self" invader. When you eat a food with lectins incompatible with your blood type, these lectins may target an organ or bodily system (liver, brain, stomach, intestines) and begin to agglutinate the cells. This enables the immune system to detect and destroy. It is known that lectins are also resistant to digestive juices, and may either react with the stomach lining, or get into circulation with the food. In many cases, the lectins penetrate the intestinal lining (leaky gut) and get into the blood stream where they attache to the various organs, as mentioned. Incompatible lectins are considered “non-self” or toxins and once they settle in the body begin to agglutinate cells for destruction (IBS or Crohn’s in the intestines, cirrohis in the liver, or blocking flow of blood through kidneys).

In the best interest of health, it is always best to avoid all foods with lectins that are incompatible with your blood type antigen. This is especially true when you are dealing with a disorder such as Crohn's. Actually, it is important when dealing with any health problems. When dealing with a specific health issue, the recommended compliance with the "Blood Type Diet" is 100%, if one is healthy, a 70% compliance is recommended. That would mean that you could make 7 good food choices, and 3 not-so-good choices. Since you are reading this, I will assume that you have a health problem.

When antibodies attach to antigens, immune complexes are formed to signal destruction. If these immune complexes are in an organ or bodily system, the body will attack itself at that area. The immune complex also initiates “complements”. These complements are the body’s powerful defense system. They will destroy unwanted cells(cancer, bacteria, viruses) by bursting them open (lysis) or by coating the foreign particles with a complement protein to be used as a marker for destruction. If unwanted antigens constantly appear in the system, there can be an over abundance of antibodies. These attach to the antigens as they are found, and form complexes. The complexes are then found by other antibodies and are agglutinated again to form larger complexes. Eventually, these large complexes settle in the tissues. This activates the immune system's “death squad”, which brings about inflammatory reactions and tissue destruction.

This last bit of information is somewhat of an overview of what may likely happen in the progress of Crohn's disease when poor dietary choices are constantly made. In Crohn’s disease, tissue destruction and inflammation has been found to be halted by dietary changes and the use of enzymes – which are known to stop the complement cascade. It breaks the vicious cycle that leads to continual destruction, making this a chronic disorder. Studies show that a proper diet is effective in stopping the production of an over abundance of antibodies, and enzymes will degrade the protein coating around the invaders, stopping the severe immune reaction and inflammation and tissue destruction. Systemic proteolytic enzymes have been found to be able to cleanse and remove immune complexes before they attach to organs or tissues. One thing to keep in mind, however, when first starting to use systemic enzyme therapy, is that there may be a temporary exacerbation of the condition. It does not mean the condition is coming back, but is simply your body’s reaction to the complexes present and their destruction. Digestive enzymes may also be of benefit. It is known through extensive study that the body is supplied with a set amount of enzymes at birth. This "enzyme pool" is used for every bodily function throughout your life. When a person constantly makes poor nutritional choices or chooses to overeat, our precious enzymes are being used up consistently to digest food. The other bodily functions that utilize enzymes for health and wellness, will come up short. It is always beneficial to take digestive enzymes at least with the two largest meals of the day. Proteolytic enzymes need to be taken on an empty stomach, or they will simply digest food.

Here are some basic nutritional guidelines, based on biochemical individuality:

FOR BLOOD TYPE O

• I have already made mention that a higher amount of meat protein is beneficial - specifically red meat. This is due to the high amount of alkaline phosphatase and hydrochloric acid in their system. The HCL digests the protein, and the protein triggers the alkaline phosphatase to break down cholesterol. Unfortunately, most meat sold in the stores is high in synthetic hormones, pesticides, and steroids. If it is at all possible, I recommend buying organic meat, since that should be your primary source of protein. There are several sources of grass-fed, free range buffalo or beef online. Large chain grocery stores are also starting to carry both. Recent studies are showing that bison may be better than beef in that it is higher in CLA(conjugated linoleic acid) and lower in saturated fat.
  
• It is known that people with blood type O cannot tolerate most dairy products. Therefore, aside from a small amount of mozzarella or feta cheese, they should avoid all dairy. (Milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheese).
  
• Grains are another problem. They contain lectins that will agglutinate the Blood Type O antigen. In the blood type O body, most grains pose a problem, and it may be best to simply avoid them. On occassion, once the healing process has begun and symptoms have resolved, eating some brown rice, buckwheat, amaranth, or Ezekiel bread may be acceptable.
  
• Most vegetables are acceptable and are considered a beneficial source of carbohydrates to balance the Blood Type O diet. It is important to avoid all starchy vegetables – carrots, corn, potatoes, kidney beans, navy beans, and lentils especially. Not only do they contain unacceptable lectins, they can interfere with the metabolism of insulin. Brassica vegetables( broccoli, kale, cauliflower, brussel sprouts...)are known to contain goitrogenic properties. This means that they can adversely affect the thyroid. It is best to steam them slightly before eating to alleviate this concern.
  
• Research has found that the best fruits for the blood type O system are the dark red or purple ones (Blueberries, cherries, grapes, plums). Sources recommend prunes, figs and dates, but, I don’t recommend them. They are a source of concentrated sugar, and influence insulin levels too much. Most other fruits are acceptable in small amounts. Always remember that it is never advised to eat fruit at a meal with protein. The most recommended time to eat fruit is in between meals and with a handful of walnuts or almonds, lightly roasted.
  
• Studies are concluding that it is best to avoid all vegetable oils. Most oils purchased in a grocery store have a very high rate of rancidity in addition to the fact that vegetable oils are a source of omega 6. Excess amounts of omega 6 are known to increase inflammatory conditions in the body. This is not something that a sufferer of Crohn's disease needs. If it is necessary to use oils for cooking or salads or anything, the best to use olive oil (salads only), ghee( which is very high in butyrate and extremely beneficial for the intestinal tract), or coconut butter ( which is very good for metabolism and the thyroid). If you should choose to fry foods, always be sure to take a tablespoon of liquid chlorophyll in a little water after eating. This has been shown to detoxify, purify, and counter the free radical damage.
  
• Bladderwrack is an herb that is known to counter negative lectins in the blood type O system. This could be compared somewhat to anti-adhesion therapy. In the O body, the sugar fucose is the blood type antigen. When foods that contain foreign antigens and lectins go through the system, they attach to the fucose. The herb bladderwrack (fucus vesiculosis) contains the same antigen – focuse – as the O blood type. When bladderwrack is taken, the foreign lectins and antigens are known to attack the bladderwrack and not the O antigen. Since bladderwrack is also a source of iodine, it can affect the thyroid. It should be taken under the guidance of a knowledgable healthcare practitioner.

• It is known that about 80% of the people who are Blood type A find that they feel sluggish after eating a meal of high animal protein. In most cases, these are A "secretors" (secrete their blood type in all bodily fluids). The other 20% are "non-secretors" (secrete blood type only in blood and digestive fluid) who genetically have been found to be able to tolerate high protein, lower carbohydrate diets. Studies have also shown that non-secretors have a very high incidence of alcoholism, insulin resistance, and carbohydrate intolerance.
  
• Research has found that people with Blood Type A have a lower stomach-acid content than Blood Type O, which is why meat protein is not acceptable for them. A better source of protein for most Blood Type A people would be organic chicken, turkey, and fish.
  
• A decreased amount of stomach acid and low levels of alkaline phosphatase creates an increased risk of digestive cancers, elevated cholesterol, and osteoporosis in people with Blood Type A. Due to that risk, it is also necessary to avoid smoked and cured meats.
  
• It is known to be very beneficial to take supplemental digestive enzymes containing HCL.
  
• Because most Blood Type A people are genetically vegetarian, dried beans (except kidney, navy and pinto) are known to be acceptable; however, should you attempt to eat beans and complex carbohydrates and just not feel well, understand that Blood Type A non-secretors do not fare well with complex carbohydrates and need to focus on the meat proteins.
  
• All vegetables are beneficial except the starchy ones (potatoes, carrots, corn, peas - which convert to sugar once digested and cause a blood sugar and insulin imbalance), olives, cabbage, mushrooms, peppers and fresh tomatoes.
  
• Most fruits, except bananas, melons, and oranges, are acceptable. The darker fruits are the best and always eat in moderation. One important rule to remember is that it is best to avoid eating fruits with meat or vegetables. It is healthier to eat them as a snack with a handful of walnuts or almonds. This way, they are not eaten on an empty stomach which could cause an imbalance in insulin, but, they are also not being eaten in a meal with protein.
  
• Dairy, except organic mozzarella and feta cheese, is to be avoided. It is known to slow down metabolism and cause excess mucus production.
  
• Wheat is another unacceptable food for Blood Type A people. It has been found to slow the metabolism in addition to agglutinating with the red blood cells and causing other intestinal and systemic disturbances.
  
• Eggs are a very good choice of protein, however, it is always most beneficial to choose organic, free-range eggs.

BLOOD TYPE B

• Foods that are known to affect metabolism are corn, buckwheat, lentils, peanuts,sesame seeds,and WHEAT. This may result in fatigue, fluid retention, and hypoglycemia. Wheat or wheat products are especially intolerable for people of Blood Type B. Studies have found that it is not digested and burned efficiently for fuel and is stored as fat. This is in addition to creating inflammatory and allergenic reactions.
  
• Chicken and salmon have both been found to be unacceptable for people with Blood Type B. Research has found them to be very high in lectins which agglutinate with the blood type antigens. The healthiest meats to eat are lamb, rabbit, venison, beef, rabbit, buffalo, and turkey.
  
• The actions of some dietary lectins can be blocked by using anti-adhesion supplements such as – N-acetylglucosamine, fucus vesiculosis (kelp), or larch arabinogalactan (ARA).
  
• Blood Type B is the only blood type which is able to fully enjoy a variety of dairy foods.
  
• Eggs are known to be an acceptable form of protein.
• Soy is to be avoided by Blood Type B's, as mentioned above.
  
• There are many beneficial oils; olive oil, fish oil, and flax oil are all very good. No vegetable oils are recommended.
• Most nuts are not acceptable; they are known to interfere with insulin production, causing an imbalance.
  
• Most beans except lentils, garbanzos, pintos, and black=eyed peas, are acceptable in moderation. They are known, also, to pose an insulin risk.
  
• Grains, in general, should not be eaten. Exceptions are oats, brown rice, and spelt, in addition to Ezekial bread - which is acceptable for all blood types in moderation.
  
• Fruits, especially dark ones, are beneficial. It is known to be best to avoid eating fruits with meat or vegetables. Eat them as a snack with a handful of walnuts or almonds. In that way, the risk of an insulin imbalance will be avoided.
  
• Vegetables, with the exception of corn, avocados, olives, and tomatoes, are very good.
  
• People with Blood Type B are known to be very susceptible to food lectins which increases the risks of hypoglycemia, obesity, and “leaky gut”.
  

• Blood Type AB is known to be the most recent blood type; and the rarest and most biologically complex. Multiple antigens make this blood type sometimes A-like, and sometimes B-like. For the most part, foods that are contraindicated for either Type A or Type B arecontraindicated for Type AB.
  
• Blood Type AB is known to have a risk of insulin reactions; inhibited production may cause hypoglycemia after meals which can lead to less efficient metabolism. Foods known to slow down metabolism and inhibit insulin for Type AB are red meat, kidney and lima beans, seeds, corn, buckwheat, and wheat.
  
• Foods that tend to promote insulin efficiency and metabolism are seafood, dairy, green vegetables, kelp and pineapple.
  
• As mentioned several times above, I do not recommend SOY for any blood type despite the recommendations in the book on blood type nutrition. There are entirely too many red flags for soy. A person with Crohn's or any other debilitating disorder absolutely does not need the added complications soy can cause.
  
• Blood Type AB is known to have a problem with red meat and chicken due to low stomach acid and lectins. The most beneficial meats and poultry recommended are; lamb, mutton, rabbit, turkey, liver, and pheasant. It has been found that beef, pork, and chicken has lectins that irritate the blood and digestive tracts of the Blood Type AB person. For the same reason (in addition to the risk of stomach cancer), it is best to avoid all smoked or cured meats.
  
• Seafood, with the exception of shellfish and white fish such as flounder and sole, is very good for Blood Type AB.
  
• All dairy, EXCEPT whole milk, ice cream, butter, parmesean, provolone, and American cheeseis very good for Type AB.
  
• Olive oil is known to be highly beneficial for Blood Type AB. However, flax and fish oil are also very good.
  
• The most beneficial nuts are peanuts and walnuts, which should be eaten in small amounts due to the insulin inhibiting lectins.
  
• This also applies to beans, or legumes...navy, pinto, red beans, and green lentils are most beneficial but only in small amounts.
  
• Most grains, except wheat, are acceptable but must be monitored closely to determine individual tendencies. It has been found that, in moderation, oats, rice and spelt are best - as is Ezekial bread.
  
• It is necessary to avoid corn, lima beans, avocados, peppers, olives, and mushrooms.
  
• With the exception of bananas, oranges,mangoes, and coconut, most fruits are very good.
  
• Garlic is highly beneficial and is known as a potent antibiotic food.
  
• Coffee is acceptable (for a healthy Type AB) however, I recommend avoiding it due to it's acidic content and strong intestinal reactions. Tea, soda, and liquor are not recommended for Type AB at all.
  
• It has been found that the actions of some dietary lectins can be blocked by using anti-adhesion supplements such as – N-acetylglucosamine, fucus vesiculosis (kelp), larch arabinogalactan (ARA).
  

The following is additional information that may pertain to any person with any blood type. In addition, it may also be of benefit for people with ulcers, irritable bowel disease, or any other gastric disorder: