For years I noticed, or rather others noticed, how throughout the day I would clear my throat. Once in awhile they would bring my throat clearing to my attention, which I thought was odd. Never thought anything of it, then I remembered my dad doing it all the time while I grew up. Finally, I figured it was just a thing the males in my family did because my young son would do it too.

Then one day my medical provider told me I must have allergies. What?! Allergies?! Nope, not I. I am a well oiled machine. Apparently my well oiled machine was lubed with phlegm from a dairy allergy. Really dairy? Shoot me now!

I began my research and decreased both my son’s and my dairy intake (yes, I still eat cheese, but not like before) and we both instantly stopped having to clear our throats. So back to the research … it took me to blood types and you know what? It made perfect sense. Now some folks may think blood types having any influence on your body’s reaction to certain foods is a bunch of hooey, but with all the garbage science that is out there the blood type may make some of the most sense of all.

HMMM-SO PERHAPS IT’S MY BLOOD?

There are different blood types obviously and if you don’t know yours perhaps it would behoove you to find out.

• Blood type O, think of the “O” to mean oldest of blood types.
  • Hunters and gatherers – 79 percent of American Indians, 57 percent of Hispanics and 49 percent of Blacks and 45 percent of Caucasian Americans are type O.
    • Reduce: wheat and corn, baked goods, kidney beans, lentils, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
    • Increase: Kelp, seafood, salt, liver and red meat, kale, spinach, broccoli and pineapple.
• Blood type A, think of the “A” to mean agrarian.
  • Evolved when agriculture began and it’s the largest blood type – 16 percent of American Indians, 25 percent of Hispanic, 32 percent Blacks, and 27 percent of Caucasian Americans are type A.
    • Reduce: Meat, dairy, kidney beans, Lima beans, and wheat.
    • Increase: Vegetable oil, soy foods, vegetables, and pineapple.
• Blood type B, think of the “B” to mean balanced.
  • More naturally tolerant to dairy – roughly 8.5 percent of all humans are type B and for the most part tolerate dairy well. Around 65 percent of the world is lactose intolerant. This could explain my phlegmy ways after eating dairy. Four percent of American Indians, 10 percent of Hispanic, 20 percent of Blacks and 11 percent Caucasian American are type B.
    • Reduce: Corn, lentils, peanuts, sesame seeds, buckwheat, and wheat.
    • Increase: Greens, eggs, venison, liver, and licorice tea.
• Blood type AB, is the most modern and evolved of blood types.
  • Blood type has only been around for about 2,500 years. Very rare. Tend to have a very rugged immune system and are the most adaptable. One percent of American Indians, two percent of Hispanic, four percent of Blacks and four percent of Caucasian Americans are type AB.
  • Reduce: Red meat, kidney beans, Lima beans, seeds, corn and buckwheat.
  • Increase: Tofu, seafood, good quality dairy, greens, kelp, and pineapple.

Obviously, there is a lot more to this whole blood type thing, but if you have been struggling with certain reactions to foods like phlegminess (is this a word?), poor skin, brain fogginess, digestive issues, and or just feeling crappy. Then take some time and find out what your blood type is if you aren’t sure and do a little homework. Make some changes. Maybe you are part of the 65 percent of the rest of the world that has issues with dairy? Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones that was born with type AB and are a freak of nature and adaptable to just about anything. Lucky you.

Maybe your issues are just that easy to fix by finding out what works with your blood type? Let us know what you found out.

DISCLAIMER: Our recipes are just that, ours. Some are modified versions of dishes we’ve had elsewhere or old-favorites that contained animal proteins that we replaced with plant-based options, while others are a concentrated effort of trial and error. But all are intended to be altered by you and made to suit your tastes. So if you want more garlic or none at all, go for it. You do you ; ) Now for the serious part … periodically this site does offer health, nutrition and exercise information. The information provided is not intended as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice given by a licensed physician or other health-care professional. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, consult your physician and never delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.