Did you know that your blood type can predict many possible threats to your health? Recent research has provided major breakthroughs in this field, resulting with some strong indicators that the blood type can be a key influence in multiple aspects of the health, from infertility to an increased risk of cancer.
Four groups of blood types
There are four groups of blood types – A, B, AB and O, with two Rh factors, plus and minus. The average adult has about 4-6 liters of blood circulating through their body, which makes blood present in almost every part of your body, influencing every reaction of your body.
The different letters associated with different blood types represent different types of antigen found in your blood.
The antigens are microscopic substances that are found on the surface of your red blood cells. So, if your blood type is A, you have A antigens present in your blood, and if your blood type is B, your blood contains B antigens. And if you have both A and B antigens, then you’re type is AB. The blood type O is the unique one in this bunch, because it has no antigens on its own, but when mixed with other blood types, it takes on the antigens of the other blood type – that makes it a universal donor for all other blood types.
Blood types and health
Your blood type can reveal which systems of your body are most vulnerable and most likely to develop a disease under certain circumstances. This can be a rather valuable knowledge you should use to prevent the possible development of chronic diseases and improve your overall health.
1. Blood type A
Compared to the other groups, people with blood type A are at greater risk of stomach cancer. That being said, women who belong in this blood group are more vulnerable to developing stomach cancer than the men, especially if they are smokers or frequently drink alcohol. Statistically, this blood type has been associated with alcoholism and obsessive compulsive disorders.
In addition, they naturally release higher levels of cortisol in stressful situations, which makes them more prone to the negative effects of stress.
But on the bright side, women with blood type A are very fertile and lose less egg cells in time, which makes them more capable to get pregnant in older age.
2. Blood type B
People with this blood type are more prone to pancreatic cancer, inflammations, infections, and are more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases. Also, blood types B and AB are at the greatest risk of heart disease, and their cognitive functioning is more prone to developing memory issues leading to dementia and Alzheimer’s in older age.
On the other hand, they have a stronger metabolism and digestive system, so they are more efficient at turning the consumed food into energy. Research has indicated that people with type blood B contain up to 50.000 times the number of strains of friendly gut bacteria than people with other blood groups.
3. Blood type O
These folks are prone to obesity and stomach ulcers caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Also, the fertility of women with this blood type is reduced by having less egg cells with poorer quality.
The good news are that the blood type O is linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks and stomach cancer. Also, one study found that they are 32% less likely to develop pancreatic cancer than the other groups. On top of that, they can brag with having a better natural ability to cope with stress – they produce less cortisol and their levels of cortisol can decrease quickly after a stressful even, but they are prone to overproducing adrenaline during times of stress. This means they would benefit more from a high-intensity types of exercise as a way to handle stress.
4. Blood type AB
The bad news are that the women with this blood type are more prone to ovarian cancer, and the pregnant ones have a greater risk of developing increased blood pressure. In general, people with blood type AB are more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases and digestive disorders, including heart attacks and chronic gastritis.
A recent study from Denmark found that this blood group is more likely than the others to develop deep-vein thrombosis, or life-threatening blood clots that form in the legs and can travel to other organs, including the brain. And finally, another study from the University of Vermont found that people with blood type AB are 82% more likely to develop thinking and memory issues that can lead to dementia.
This great percent may be linked to their increased risk of cardiovascular issues that can impair brain function. On the more positive side, their cortisol levels are more stable, so they’re more immune to stress, in a similar way as the people with blood type O, and they have a better vision and experience less eyesight issues.
