How does blood type affect a person’s health?

In recent decades, observations about the influence of blood type on human health and behavior have been actively discussed. Most of them belong to a series of “personal observations” where some choose diets for themselves according to the type of red blood cells, others are interested in the relationship between character and blood, others are closely looking on the Internet for information about whether blood type affects human health, and fourth all this is considered nothing more than a fabrication. In fact, individual differences in the blood of people have been scientifically proven and they represent the foundation of modern transfusiology – the science of blood transfusion. Often a lot of “interesting observations” about blood type are just speculation. Exposing the scientific absurdity of such publications is a thankless task. Many believed such promises, and for some it actually helped: faith is a powerful psychological factor. Apparently, it will not be possible to dissuade them, and perhaps it does not make sense. However, it is only important that these books do not contain advice that can harm a person’s health or force him to refuse medical care.

What is a blood group

Blood is a liquid tissue of the body that continuously circulates in the human circulatory system, transports substances, ensures the vital activity of cells and tissues, and also performs protective, regulatory and other functions. Whole blood consists of a liquid part (plasma) containing salts and a number of other components, and formed elements, or blood cells, one of which are red blood cells (erythrocytes). The formed elements account for about 45% of the total blood volume, and the remaining 55% is plasma. An erythrocyte is a nuclear-free cell consisting of a shell and a spongy substance, the cells of which contain hemoglobin, an iron-containing pigment that gives the blood a red color. Erythrocytes are biconcave discs with a diameter of about 8,5 microns. This shape and surface area allow erythrocytes to form compounds with oxygen molecules that easily decompose when the erythrocyte passes through the capillaries of the lungs, and when passing through the vessels of other organs, they release oxygen and bind to carbon dioxide, which hemoglobin releases when the erythrocyte re-enters the capillaries of the lungs. It is erythrocytes that play a decisive role in determining the blood type.

In short, on the surface of each red blood cell, a large number of molecules are concentrated, a set of which is genetically predetermined, those of which determine the blood type, are called blood group antigens. There are two types of antigens: A and B. Serum contains antibodies (special protein molecules), which, unlike all other antibodies, appear in all people with groups 0, A and B immediately after birth, therefore they are called natural or natural antibodies.

In the body, these antigens can be contained in different combinations – hence the difference in group affiliation. There are four main and most common blood types. However, the classification is constantly expanding and people are being identified (although there are very few of them) whose blood does not fall under the characteristics of any of the 4 main ones. But such cases are so rare that “non-standard” blood is not even included in the generally accepted classifier.

So how do antigens form blood groups? If there is neither A nor B antigen on the surface of the erythrocyte, this is the first group, or type 0. The presence of only A-antigen allows you to enroll blood in the second group, or type A. The third group, also type B, is red blood cells with B- antigen. If two antigens are present on the surface of the red body at once, they say that a person has group 4, or type AB blood. As for the Rh factor, it is determined by the D antigen, which is not always present in the human body. If it is on the erythrocyte, then the blood is Rh-positive, or “plus”. Absent – “minus”, or Rh-negative. This classification was proposed back in 1900 by Karl Landsteiner, in fact, these studies divided all of humanity into 3 blood groups. The fourth group was described in 1902 by the scientists Decastello and Sturli. The joint discovery of scientists was called the ABO system.

Interestingly, the number of inhabitants of the planet with different blood types is not the same. So, the majority is the carrier of the first group, which is approximately 44% of the world’s population. A little less – 42% – are representatives of the second group. The number of people with the third blood group is about 10% of the total population of the planet, and only 4% have the fourth group. As for the Rh factor, the vast majority has “plus” blood (about 70% of the world’s population). An interesting fact about “negative” blood: most of its carriers are residents of the Caucasian region. Why so, the researchers have not yet found an answer.

How does blood type affect a person?

Nowadays, the statements are widely discussed that a specific set of antigens on the surface of erythrocytes can be an additional characteristic of a person’s condition and a person’s susceptibility to human diseases. It is clear that group affiliation itself is not the cause of this or that disease. However, there are suggestions that people with the same blood type are prone to the same diseases. This knowledge can be used to prevent illness, to understand where there are “weak points” in the body. Interestingly, information about the state of health is encoded exclusively in antigens A and B, but the Rh factor, as it turned out, is not decisive.

Type 0 (1 group)

Several centuries ago, blood was considered a special magical liquid. It’s funny, but even today the most unexpected things are associated with blood. We have collected interesting observations about the blood type for you. It should be remembered that many of them are only speculation. They say that the owners of the first blood group cope with stress worse. This is explained by the fact that even with minimal stress, a large amount of cortisol is released into their bloodstream (a hormone responsible for storing energy in the body, which increases blood glucose levels and contributes to the accumulation of fat and the destruction of muscle tissue. Someone was not too lazy to consider that people of the first blood group most often become athletes, as they are more resilient, strong, with good health. In addition, they almost never suffer from schizophrenia. Meanwhile, they may also have some serious health problems.

With a big “stretch” it can be explained that an excess of cortisol in the representatives of the first group also contributes to a tendency to gastritis and stomach ulcers, colitis, gallbladder diseases, allergies, and asthma. The assertion that women with type 0 blood are more likely to experience reproductive problems and that the absence of AB antigens significantly increases the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes requires scientific evidence.

With regard to diseases of the digestive tract, it has been suggested that people with blood type 1 have a higher risk of infection with Helicobacter pylori, specific bacteria that colonize the stomach and destroy the mucous membrane. Therefore, it is important for such people to regularly undergo examinations in gastroenterology.

And now the good news. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania argue that heart attacks are less common among people with the first group. Experts came to this conclusion after studying the health status of 20 participants in the experiment, but without a control group.

Type A (Group 2)

It is assumed that due to the increased susceptibility to stress, which is also characteristic of the owners of the 2nd blood type, they are supposedly prone to overeating. The situation can be aggravated by insufficient digestion of fatty foods, as well as a predisposition to heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. The list of typical illnesses for type A carriers includes cancer (especially stomach cancer), diabetes mellitus, infectious and cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In childhood, such individuals have low resistance to chickenpox.

It is recommended that group 2 carriers engage in relaxing sports such as yoga. In addition, representatives of the second group are often diagnosed with heart disease caused by excessive blood clotting, but the necessary rest will help them avoid many health problems.

Type B (group 3)

In Japan, dating sites indicate a person’s blood type so that it can be used to determine character, personal qualities, and even his compatibility with other people. It is also believed that people with type B blood are quite hardy, rarely get sick with viral ailments. But otitis media, tonsillitis, cystitis, sciatica, poor blood clotting can very well pose a threat to health. It is useful for people from this group to visit a neurologist regularly, as in old age there is a risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Speed ​​and high coordination of movements is what distinguishes people with 3 blood groups. They are suitable for various martial arts and boxing. Also, the owners of the 3rd blood type are better at training.

Type AB (Group 4)

The least common population of carriers of this blood type. It is believed that they are more likely to suffer from colds, infectious diseases, and they also have an increased risk of developing anemia, hypertension, stroke and skin diseases. Despite the fact that most researchers claim that the Rh factor does not affect human health, people with fourth negative blood more often than others suffer from congenital heart defects and blood pathologies.

It is assumed that people with blood group 4 may experience cognitive problems with age, in particular with memory and attention. After a series of scientific observations, American researchers came to the conclusion that people with the AB blood type are more prone to developing dementia (senile dementia), while those with the first group, on the contrary, are least likely to suffer from impaired brain activity in old age. Approximately 30 volunteers took part in the study, and none of them had problems with thinking or memory at the beginning of the experiment. At the final stage of the experiment, progressive dementia was found in 495 people, most of whom had 4 blood groups. In addition, during the experiment, it turned out that type AB carriers may be more prone to blood clots, which is also a risk factor for dementia.

To prevent possible disorders, such people need to constantly monitor their blood sugar and cholesterol levels, maintain blood pressure within normal limits, and also from time to time play logic games to develop memory and thinking.

Rh factor

Unlike blood group antigens, the Rh factor is an antigen found only in the erythrocyte membrane and is independent of other blood factors. The Rh factor is inherited, 85% of people whose red blood cells contain the Rh factor have Rh-positive blood (Rh +), the blood of other people does not contain the Rh factor and is called Rh-negative (Rh-). A particular problem is the so-called Rh-conflict pregnancy. During childbirth, when the placenta separates, a small amount of fetal blood enters the mother’s bloodstream, and if the woman is Rh-negative and the born baby is Rh-positive, then even a small dose of his red blood cells may be sufficient to immunize the mother. It does not threaten her with anything, but it can be dangerous for the following children if they are also Rh-positive. In this case, anti-Rh antibodies circulating in the mother’s blood penetrate the placenta and damage the Rh-positive erythrocytes of the fetus, which leads to severe intrauterine lesions and even death.

Predisposition to certain diseases by blood type

In general, summing up some observations, we can dwell on the following results: when analyzing the blood type of patients in 4 oncology hospitals in London, it turned out that the maximum risk of getting stomach cancer in people with group 2, and the lowest – with the first. Later, the results of British studies were confirmed by specialists from Sweden. They followed a million patients for 35 years and also determined that people with type A blood are more at risk of developing malignant tumors in the stomach. In addition, representatives of the 2nd blood group are prone to leukemia. Persons with groups 3 and 4 are at risk for pancreatic cancer. And women with type 3 and 4 blood are more at risk of developing ovarian cancer than others. People with the first rarely, but oncological diseases of the large intestine occur, however, the prognosis for them in most cases (if treatment is started on time) is favorable.

As for gastritis and peptic ulcer, then, as already mentioned, people with blood groups 1 and 2 are more prone to these ailments (due to the Helicobacter bacterium). But gastritis with low acidity is more likely to affect carriers of the second group, as well as chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are usually most among people with 3 and 4 blood groups. Kidney stones are more often found in people with type 1 and 2 blood, and genitourinary infections are most often diagnosed in women with type 3 blood. Persons with group 1 (especially those with a negative Rh factor) should beware of lung problems (chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma), while in representatives of group 4, these ailments are rarely diagnosed, as well as kidney diseases.

Memory disorders in old age are more likely to affect carriers of the 4th blood group. Schizophrenia is more susceptible to persons with group 1, and all kinds of neurosis and psychosis usually occur in women and men with 3 and 4 blood groups.

How different types respond to vaccination

The researchers also looked at how people with different blood types respond to vaccinations. It turned out that representatives of blood type 0 have the highest sensitivity to vaccinations. Their immunity actively responds to the components of the vaccine. As a rule, in the first three days after vaccination, representatives of the first group develop weakness, lethargy, irritability, and body temperature rises. In most cases, the reaction is medically acceptable. But for reinsurance, it is still better to immediately seek medical advice. In addition, it is useful for people with the first group to drink plenty of water during the post-vaccination period.

The flu shot can be dangerous for pregnant women with type 1 blood, especially if the fetus is presumably 2, 3 or 4 groups. The fact is that after anti-influenza vaccination in the body of a future mother, the production of antibodies is activated, which adversely affect the health of the fetus.

People with type A red blood cells usually tolerate the post-vaccination period well. The exception is the polio vaccine, which is taken orally. Due to the increased sensitivity of the digestive tract, this group may have a mild reaction. There are almost no cases of complications after vaccination of persons with the 4th blood group (AB). But they, like persons with the second group, are undesirable for oral vaccinations.

But the vaccination of children of the 3rd blood group should be approached with all caution, since after vaccination they may have pronounced neurological reactions. Before vaccination, it is necessary to exclude the presence of possible infectious or other diseases in a child or adult. In order to avoid complications, if possible, it is better for children with blood type 3 (as with the first) to give the vaccine not in the form of injections, but in oral form. The danger of vaccination for people with group 3 is that after vaccination, a large number of B antigens are produced in the body, which can provoke autoimmune reactions.

Blood type and herbal medicine

Many people are fond of treatment with the help of herbal medicine and traditional medicine recipes. Sometimes such treatment is quite justified and allows the body to strengthen the immune system and cope with the mild course of the disease. But often about the same herbal medicine one can hear both rave reviews and indignation about the complete ineffectiveness of herbal medicines. This can be explained by various reasons. One of them is the blood group. It is assumed that people with different blood types have different susceptibility to herbal remedies.

For example, teas, decoctions, infusions and tinctures with a calming effect, to stimulate the digestive and immune systems, are most suitable for people with the first blood group. Their bodies respond best to drinks made from mint, rosehip, linden and hops.

Stimulant and tonic drinks are more suitable for people with type A. Their bodies respond well to herbal medicines based on aloe, ginseng and hawthorn.

As a rule, representatives of the 3rd blood group do not need phytostimulants and teas with a calming effect, since they are able to control their nervous system without “helpers”. And for people with the fourth group, teas are useful for stimulating immunity (chamomile, burdock), as well as for improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system (hawthorn).

Despite the fact that most medicinal herbs are more or less suitable for people with different blood types, there are cases when it is better to refuse to use a medicine from a particular plant. For example, aloe is not suitable for people with groups 1, 3 and 4, medicines from burdock, chokeberry or nutmeg are not the best choice for group 1. Hop cones, most likely, will not give the expected therapeutic effect to persons with groups 3 and 4, and celandine will not show all its healing power in the body of persons of types A and AB. However, these are only recommendations and you decide.

Blood type and character

Back in the 20s of the twentieth century, Japanese scientists tried to determine the relationship between a person’s temperament and his blood type. According to this theory, those with the second group are the most sensitive. Representatives of the third are the most cheerful and focus on goals better than others. The first group makes people calm, though often stubborn, and the fourth makes them unpredictable. By the way, during the Second World War, fighters for the Japanese army were selected precisely by group affiliation. The same system is often used in our time, in particular by employers, selecting new employees or forming divisions. We can change our appearance, choose our diet and lifestyle, but in no way can we change the blood type that is inherited genetically. The antigens of our red blood cells determine which blood type we will have. With this information, you can try to get to know your body better, understand what it likes, and what it is better to protect from. Of course, no one should get hung up on how the blood type affects a person’s health and live in anticipation of the disease, however, the “placebo” effect is scientifically proven, and if such confidence helps prevent potential danger and seek medical help in time, then you should weigh everything “for” and “against”, making any decision.

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