Body Electric Today 

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Type A thrives on a more vegetarian style diet, rich plan proteins and in phytonutrients.  This shift in diet can be traced to a time when meat was dwindling and humans were pushed further out of their ancestral homes in Africa into Europe and Asian countries.  Today, Type A shows significantly lower levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach (used to digest foods, especially proteins) and have an increase in disaccharide levels for easy digestion of carbohydrates. 

Type A often benefits in a structured, rhythmic, harmonious life, surrounded by a positive and supportive community.  They tend to internalize stress, which can be a challenge for the system to overcome, and often produce high levels of cortisol, leaving them prone to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.  Once the stress hormones are spiked, it is harder for the Type A to return to balance, which makes them more prone to suffer from chronic stress. 

The best way to maintain proper cortisol levels is through diet and proper sleep.  Cortisol levels, bone growth, immune function, and many other body functions operate on the 24-hour circadian rhythm.  For more information on resetting your 24-hour clock, click “RESETTING YOUR CLOCK”.

Dietary Recommendations:

• Limit sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.  One-two cups of coffee per day are usually acceptable for Type A.  Be sure to drink only organic coffee, to avoid chemicals and pesticides, and use soy creamer if needed.  Use Xylitol instead of sugar because it does not affect insulin levels or cortisol production.  Be careful to limit other caffeinated foods throughout the day.  Too much caffeine will elevate cortisol levels.
• Do NOT skip meals and avoid low calorie diets.  Starvation is a huge stressor for the body.  It raises cortisol levels, decreases metabolism, encourages weight gain, and depletes healthy muscle tissue.
• Eat a balanced breakfast with more protein.  Think of the first meal of the day as your MOST IMPORTANT and the largest.
• Consume most of your protein from plant or fish sources
• Use vegetables as main dishes when possible
• Limit or avoid dairy products

Top Avoid Foods:

• Kidney Beans
• Lima Beans
• Potatoes
• Cabbage
• Eggplant
• Bananas (secretors only)
• Tomatoes

non-secretors: Avoid wheat and corn

Exercise Recommendations:

The Type A body thrives on exercises geared toward mental focus and calming.  Since Type A is prone to have higher stress hormones, it is harder for Type A to recover from strenuous exercises and may experience “burn out” faster than other blood types.  When Type A participates in strenuous exercise, it is always recommended to follow up with a more relaxing exercise either that day or the following day to help bring down the cortisol level. 

Signs of overtraining include: cold hands, excessive fatigue 2 hours after exercise, or lightheadedness upon standing.  Practice exercises like Hatha Yoga, Martial Arts, or Tai Chi regularly and combine exercise with meditation and deep breathing daily.