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Health Line
14 minutes ago
- Business
- Health Line
Seasonal Stock Up: Add These Over-the-Counter Buys to Cart for Summer
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission or other tangible benefit. Optum Store, Optum Perks, and Healthline Media are owned by RVO Health. Here's our process SPF reccs First aid Bug bites Sweat defense Allergies Gut support Spring is in the rearview mirror, and summer is coming in hot. Double-check your medicine cabinet for these hot weather essentials. School's out. The season is changing. Time to restock on some essentials you're bound to need. Here's what we recommend stocking your medicine cabinet with as you head into the summer's adventures. Consider us your pesky mom who won't let up about wearing sunscreen. Wear it, put it on your kids, remind your neighbors. Spread the word. It's a must, no matter how annoying it is. After testing sunscreens in 2024, we're big fans of SuperGoop's Everyday Lotion and especially love that you can buy an 18-ounce bottle that could easily last you all summer. It comes with a pump top that makes it easy to apply on the way out the door. When it comes to the face, it's hard to beat the beloved EltaMD, but it is pricey. (ThinkSport is another good option for less than half the cost.) Returns: returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $43.00 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns Shipping: free shipping for Sephora members Price: $68.00 SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA *Price may vary. Women-Founded Returns: free returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $21.99 SHOP NOW AT OPTUM NOW *Price may vary. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $14.99 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Sometimes, the most obvious first aid items are running low. Check your supply for a few of these basics, which you'll want around for any cuts and scrapes that put a damper on your summer outings. Peep the fun bandages — because why not? Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $16.90 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $24.94 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Summer travel lands a lot of us at lakes, oceans, and other buggy environments. Worse, this is the season when poison ivy thrives. Learn how to be on the lookout for the plant, and show up to your hikes and outdoor excursions prepared, just in case you experience a run-in. Returns: free returns Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout Price: $10.99 SHOP NOW AT SAWYER *Price may vary. Returns: free returns within 60 days Shipping: free shipping over $35 Price: $10.49 SHOP NOW AT CVS *Price may vary. Summer is hot. Hot weather makes us sweaty. Too much sweat can lead to chafing. Chafing can lead to rashes — not exactly the epitome of summer fun. Yet, they happen, so prepare yourself with anti-chafing solutions. Hint: Diaper cream is not just for babies. Calamine lotion is a reliable friend for heat rash (and can also be handy for bug bites if you want to double down on your anti-itch remedies). We also recommend taking some electrolyte packs on the go with you and making them part of your daily regimen as extra defense against dehydration. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $20.85 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shippping for Prime members Price: $20.66 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns within 365 days Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout Price: $6.29 SHOP NOW AT TARGET *Price may vary. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $6.77 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping for Sephora members Price: $20.00 SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA *Price may vary. Care for your nasal ways, folks. You may have gotten through cold and flu season, but seasonal allergies can last well into the summer months. And when you're traveling to new places, you just never know what kind of pollen you'll cross paths with. Enter allergy survival staples for tackling irritated eyes and noses. Returns: returns within 60 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $35 Price: $8.23 SHOP NOW AT WALMART *Price may vary. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $99.99 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $13.99 SHOP NOW AT OPTUM NOW *Price may vary. » MORE: How I Hike, Bike, and Run My Way Through Allergy Season Last but certainly not least, let's tackle tummy troubles. Summer tends to mean an influx of barbecues, cookouts, and get-togethers with food at the epicenter. You may also be traveling to new places and experiencing new cuisines, and sometimes, our stomaches loathe what our tastebuds crave. Here are a few solutions in case you need to play both offense and defense (hopefully more of the latter). 4.6 (711+) from Culturelle Returns: refunds within 60 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $17.99 SHOP NOW AT OPTUM NOW *Price may vary. Returns: returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $54.00 Use code "HEALTHLINE" for 25% Off! SHOP NOW AT RITUAL *Price may vary. Women-Founded Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $14.95 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $2.49 SHOP NOW AT OPTUM NOW *Price may vary. » MORE:The Best Probiotic Supplements for 2025, According to Dietitians
Health Line
5 hours ago
- General
- Health Line
Is It Better to Shower in the Morning or at Night?
No research suggests that morning showers are necessarily better for you than night showers or vice versa. It comes down to preference because both have benefits, depending on your schedule and lifestyle. You might step into the shower every morning because it helps wake you up, or you might take a shower at night to wash the day away. But scientific evidence supporting one type of shower over the other is limited. It really just comes down to preference. Health and wellness touch everyone's lives differently. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Healthline Media. All quotes are strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Does it matter what time you shower? You don't need to align your shower with a certain time of day for health benefits. Either, depending on your preferences, can be good for you. Benefits of a morning shower You may find that you benefit from a morning shower if you: Need a morning pick-me-up: Not everyone rises in the morning feeling ready to go. If this sounds like you, a warm (not hot) shower may help. You might also want to try turning the water to cold for a moment as an extra wake-up call. Want to start the day fresh and clean: Your bed contains sweat, skin cells, and skin oils, and showering in the morning sends this residue that you might have picked up overnight down the drain. Style your hair: If you wake up with unruly hair, you're not alone. A morning shower can help reset your hair, especially if you use hair products that call for application on wet hair. Benefits of a night shower However, if going to bed clean rather than starting the day clean is more your style, you may benefit from a night shower. Some benefits of showering in the evening may include: Removing a day's worth of dirt: Your skin picks up bacteria and grime whenever it comes in contact with something or someone. Showering at night stops this gunk and other topical skin care products you might apply throughout the day from getting into bed with you. Cleaner sheets: If you go to bed clean, you won't have to worry about your sheets getting dirty as fast. But your sheets will still inevitably get dirty over time. Night showers go to bed clean cleaner sheets potentially better sleep Showering tips (no matter the timing) Consider some of these pointers the next time you shower for potentially even more benefits: Use warm water: Hot water (above 104°F [40°C]) may feel good, but it's more likely to dry out your skin and aggravate inflammatory skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema. A hot shower may also raise already high blood pressure. Add a blast of cold water at the end: Though it might not sound the most pleasant, a dose of cold water may help promote healthy skin and hair, increase circulation, and wake you up (if needed). Use gentle soaps and cleansers: Opt for gentle body washes instead of harsh scrubs and heavily scented products, especially if you live with an inflammatory skin condition or have sensitive skin. Limit your showers to 5 to 10 minutes: A long, hot shower at the end of the day may sound relaxing, but according to the American Academy of Dermatology, try to limit your showers to between 5 and 10 minutes, especially if you have dry skin or an inflammatory skin condition. Pat your skin dry: After your shower, try not to rub your skin, as this can dry it out and damage its moisture barrier, which is what helps your skin hold onto moisture. Instead, gently pat it dry. Follow up with a moisturizer: To lock in moisture, try applying a gentle moisturizer within a few minutes of toweling off. Be sure to connect with a healthcare professional if you live with an inflammatory skin condition, have chronic dry skin, or another skin disorder before changing your shower habits. We polled some of our staff to help get a better sense of where the Healthline team stands on this conundrum. See the results below and what some of them have to say. 'I grew up in Asia, where everyone takes at least one shower, and the one at night is nonnegotiable. The reason? You don't want to bring all the sweat and dirt to your clean bed. I guess it also helps reduce the need for frequent washing of the bed sheets.' — Louisa Wah, editor 'I need [a morning shower] to clear the fog and get my day started. Some of my most productive work ideas happen during that time!' — Heidi Smith, Real Appeal manager 'I think of showers as a way to wash away the day and help my mind reset for bedtime. I also really don't like getting into bed with the dirt of the day still on me.' — Megan Severs, senior editorial director 'I work out and walk my dog in the evening, so it fits better in my schedule to shower at night and wash away the sweat and grime from being outside! Plus, there is nothing like getting into a clean bed after a hot shower :)' — Victoria Torrez, senior influencer marketing manager 'I need to be clean before I get into bed! Plus, it has become part of my nighttime routine and helps my brain recognize that things are winding down.' — Sara McTigue, senior editor, Bezzy 'I feel very strongly about [night showers]. I have a 'shower lamp' that has very soft lighting, and my showers are steaming hot, so I'll fall asleep if I do them in the morning. I also want to be clean before I get in bed. It doesn't sit right with me having everything built up from the day get on my sheets, especially if I worked out or spent a long time outside.' — Sarah Choi, associate editor
Health Line
7 hours ago
- General
- Health Line
When Should You Have a Heart Health Checkup?
An important part of preventive healthcare, some heart health screening tests may start around age 20. Other tests may not be needed until you are older. Routine heart health screenings are an important part of preventive healthcare for adults. Some heart health screening tests should begin as early as age 20, recommends the American Heart Association (AHA). Other heart health screenings may begin later in life. Your doctor can help you learn which screenings you should get and how often you should get them. Read on to learn about the steps you can take to monitor your heart health. When should you get a heart checkup? Even if you have no history of heart disease, the AHA recommends the following schedule for heart health screenings: Weight and BMI: during regular annual checkups Blood pressure tests: at least once every 2 years, starting by age 20 Blood cholesterol tests: at least once every 4 to 6 years, starting by age 20 Blood glucose tests: at least once every 3 years, typically starting at age 40 to 45 They may also order high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) testing. This test measures C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation or infection that's associated with increased risk of heart attack. If you have certain risk factors for heart disease or a strong family history, your doctor might encourage you to start these screenings at a younger age than usual. For example, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screening if you have: high blood pressure, blood cholesterol, or blood sugar a heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation a family history of heart disease overweight or obesity prediabetes or diabetes certain lifestyle factors, like smoking tobacco had complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes Ask your doctor how often you should undergo heart health screenings, based on your medical history and health needs. What to expect A routine heart health checkup doesn't typically involve complicated tests. During a heart health checkup, your doctor will talk to you about how you're feeling and offer you screening tests to assess your cardiovascular health and risk factors. Your cardiovascular system includes your heart and blood vessels. As part of the checkup, they'll look for any signs of heart disease and consider your risk for developing heart disease in the future. To monitor the health of your heart, your doctor should routinely: assess your weight and BMI measure your blood pressure order blood tests to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels ask about your diet, physical activity, and smoking history ask about your personal and family medical history ask whether you've noticed any changes in your health If the results of your screening tests show signs of heart disease or a high risk of developing heart disease, your doctor may order additional tests. Additional heart health tests If your doctor thinks you might have heart disease, they may order one of more of the following tests to assess your heart health: Electrocardiography (ECG, EKG): Small, sticky electrodes are applied to your chest and attached to a special machine, known an ECG machine. This machine records your heart's electrical activity and provides information about your heart rate and rhythm. Exercise cardiac stress test: Electrodes are applied to your chest and attached to an ECG machine. Then you're asked to walk or run on a treadmill, or pedal on a stationary bike, while a healthcare professional assesses your heart's response to physical stress. Echocardiography: A healthcare professional uses an ultrasound machine to create moving images of your heart to see if you have problems with the pumping function of your heart, and to assess your heart valves. Sometimes, they may do this before and after you've exercised or taken certain medications to learn how your heart responds to stress. Nuclear stress test: A small amount of radioactive dye is injected into your bloodstream, where it travels to your heart. A healthcare professional uses an imaging machine to take pictures while you're at rest and after exercise to learn how blood is flowing through your heart. Cardiac CT scan for calcium scoring: You're positioned under a CT scanner with electrodes attached to your chest to record your heart's electrical activity. A healthcare professional uses the CT scanner to create images of your heart and check for plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. Coronary CT angiography (CTA): Similar to the test above, you lie under a CT scanner with electrodes attached to your chest so a healthcare professional can record your heart's activity and create pictures of your heart based on the CT scan's images. A contrast dye is injected into your bloodstream to make it easier for them to see plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. Coronary catheter angiography: A small tube, or catheter, is inserted into your groin or arm and threaded through an artery to your heart. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter while a healthcare professional takes X-ray pictures of your heart, allowing them to see if your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked. If you receive a diagnosis of heart disease, your doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, or other treatments to manage it. How much do heart checkups cost? You may be able to access heart health screening tests at low or no cost, depending on where you live and your insurance coverage. If you don't have health insurance, federal health centers offer many essential health services regardless of ability to pay. You can see if there's a qualified health center near you using their search tool. Some pharmacies also offer free heart health screenings in February, National Heart Health Month. If you have health insurance, you may have no cost for basic heart checkup tests. Under the Affordable Care Act, many health insurance plans are required to cover the cost of certain preventive health screenings with no copayment, coinsurance, or deductible fee. Depending on your health insurance coverage, age, and health history, you may be able to get blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar screenings for free. If your doctor orders additional tests to evaluate your heart health, you may have charges for those tests. Some or all of the cost of the tests may be covered by your health insurance. If you have health insurance, contact your insurance provider to learn if you're eligible for free heart health screenings. Ask them how much specific tests will cost. How to check your heart health at home Depending on your health history, your doctor might encourage you to monitor your own heart health and risk factors between checkups. For example, they might advise you to monitor one or more of the following: your body weight or BMI, using a scale your blood pressure, using a home blood pressure monitor your blood sugar levels, using a glucose monitor your heart rate and rhythm, using a wearable fitness tracker, smartwatch, or other device If your doctor wants to assess your heart's electrical activity over the course of multiple hours or days, they might ask you to wear a Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a small battery-operated device that functions as a portable ECG machine. Your doctor may ask you to wear it for 24 to 48 hours before returning the monitor to them. Your doctor may also ask you keep track of your fitness activities, diet, or other lifestyle factors that might affect your heart health. Similarly, they may ask you to log any symptoms of heart disease that you develop. Tips for maintaining heart health To help lower your risk for heart disease, it's important to practice a healthy lifestyle. For example: Avoid smoking tobacco. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your consumption of trans fat, saturated fat, and sugar-sweetened foods and drinks. Take steps to manage your weight. Follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan if you've received a diagnosis of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, diabetes, or other health conditions. Getting routine heart health screenings is also important for maintaining your heart health. These screenings can help your doctor identify potential problems early so you can get the treatment you need. The takeaway To monitor your heart health, your doctor may regularly check your: weight blood pressure blood cholesterol blood sugar They will also ask you about your medical history and lifestyle habits, which can affect your chances of developing heart disease. Many other tests are also available to evaluate your heart's function and health, if your doctor thinks you might have developed heart disease.
Health Line
11 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
Chronic Cannabis Use, Including Edibles, Linked to Endothelial Dysfunction
Chronic cannabis use is bad for your heart, whether you smoke it or consume edibles, according to a new study. Researchers found evidence of endothelial dysfunction, an upstream risk factor for cardiovascular disease, in cannabis users regardless of how they used the substance. The research adds to a growing body of research suggesting that cannabis is not benign. New research has linked tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in many cannabis products, to impaired vascular function, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A growing body of evidence suggests that smoking THC-containing cannabis likely harms heart health. But far less is known about other forms of cannabis use, such as vaping and edibles. The use of THC-containing cannabis edibles has surged in popularity as legalization has spread across the United States. But a new study published on May 28 in JAMA Cardiology suggests that both modes of cannabis consumption — smoking and ingesting — are associated with endothelial dysfunction, comparable to tobacco smoke in healthy adults. Endothelial dysfunction is a form of heart disease that impairs blood vessels from dilating. Endothelial cells are a thin membrane that lines the inner surface of blood vessels and helps regulate blood flow. 'The bottom line is that smoking marijuana does not appear to avoid the harmful vascular effects of smoking tobacco, and neither does frequent use of THC edibles,' Matthew L. Springer, PhD, professor of medicine at UCSF, and senior author of the research, told Healthline. Other experts agreed, but with some caveats. 'While this study does have limitations, including an inability to prove a direct causal role, it adds to the growing sense that marijuana is not benign, and may be associated with risk for heart disease,' said Nicholas Leeper, MD, professor of vascular surgery and cardiovascular medicine at Stanford Medicine. Leeper was not involved in the study. 'Most prior research has focused on smoking rather than ingesting THC, so this study adds new evidence that edibles may also negatively impact vascular health,' he told Healthline. Effects of cannabis use on vascular function The study, led by researchers at UC San Francisco, examined several measures of vascular health in three distinct groups: chronic cannabis smokers, chronic users of THC edibles, and non-users. The study included 55 participants — males and females with an average age of 31 — who were healthy and had no regular exposure to tobacco through smoking, vaping, or secondhand smoke. Chronic cannabis use was defined as: smoking three or more times per week for at least one year consuming three or more edibles per week for at least one year Cannabis smokers in the study had an average of 10 years of chronic use, while those who took edibles averaged five years. Researchers then studied three distinct measures of vascular function in these groups: Flow-mediated dilation (FMD): How well the blood vessels can relax and widen in response to blood flow — a key function of healthy arteries. Pulse wave velocity (PWV): a widely used measure of arterial stiffness. Nitric oxide (NO) production: NO is essential to heart health and vasodilation. Both cannabis-using groups showed similar declines in FMD — about half as much as non-users — indicating reduced vascular function. Additionally, FMD levels in cannabis users were similar to those reported in tobacco smokers in previous studies. 'Endothelial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of potential cardiovascular disease later in life,' said Keith C. Ferdinand, MD, FACC, the Gerald S. Berenson Chair in Preventative Cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine. Ferdinand wasn't involved in the study. 'Although this is not the same as having a heart attack, stroke, hypertension, or other cardiovascular disease, it suggests that in the future, in otherwise healthy persons who use cannabis, there may be an increased risk of vascular disease later,' he continued. Endothelial dysfunction, as measured by FMD, also worsened with heavier use — a pattern known as a dose response: the more participants smoked or consumed, the worse their vascular function became. Researchers also found that when endothelial cells were exposed in vitro to blood serum from cannabis users, NO production dropped significantly, but only in the smoking group, suggesting molecular evidence of dysfunction. This, the authors write, suggests there may be different mechanisms of action depending on the method of cannabis use. 'This discrepancy suggests combustion byproducts (versus THC alone) may drive part of the endothelial injury in smokers,' said Leeper. In contrast to some previous studies, the final measure, PWV, didn't indicate any meaningful difference between cannabis users and non-users. Cannabis and heart health: What are the risks? The study adds to growing evidence that cannabis may harm heart health — regardless of how it's consumed. 'Neither is superior, but there may be an additional harm with smoking beyond that seen with the THC edibles,' said Ferdinand. The study does have limitations. It cannot prove that cannabis use causes endothelial dysfunction — only that the two are linked. Still, it raises the possibility that something inherent in THC may harm heart health, apart from the usual risks of smoking — whether tobacco or cannabis. Especially in a small study like this, firm conclusions about harm can't be drawn, Ferdinand notes. The study focused only on chronic cannabis use, rather than on occasional use. Still, Springer said that based on the dose-response observed, 'if they use relatively little, there's less chance of this adverse effect on the blood vessels.' The clear message to patients and consumers: cannabis is not a benign alternative to tobacco; and though edibles do not share all the same risks as smoking, they aren't harmless either. 'I would caution patients that phrases like 'natural' or 'safer than tobacco' do not mean 'harmless.' Chronic cannabis use — particularly smoking — shows measurable vascular harms. Emphasizing moderation, or ideally cessation, may help reduce their cardiovascular risk,' said Leeper.
Health Line
a day ago
- Health
- Health Line
What Is the A-Positive Blood Type Diet?
Some people believe that eating certain foods, including soy protein and certain kinds of grains, may benefit people with an A-positive blood type. The concept of blood-type diets was originally put forth by the naturopathic physician Dr. James L. D'Adamo. His son, Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo, popularized the diet in his book, ' Eat Right 4 Your Type.' He claims that differing blood types evolved at various points in our genetic history and that your blood type should determine what you eat and how you exercise. Blood type diets are a system of eating that categorizes foods as beneficial, neutral, or harmful. It's based on a person's blood type and other factors. D'Adamo claims foods harmful to your blood type cause an agglutination reaction. This makes blood cells stick together, increasing the risk of disease. Read on to learn more about this diet and D'Adamo's claims. Eating foods based on blood type The blood type diet requires a regimen called compliance. This refers to eating 'beneficials.' Beneficials are chosen for each blood type, based upon the lectins, or molecules, which the food contains. On this diet, people are defined as being 'secretors' or 'nonsecretors.' These terms refer to an individual's ability to secrete blood-type antigens into bodily fluids. What you eat is partly based upon your secretor status. This is why the diet is known as an individualized plan. Food ratios are also provided for each blood type group. These are further broken down into ratios specifically recommended for people of African, Caucasian, and Asian descent. Supplements are recommended for blood-type diets, which are sold on D'Adamo's website. Theoretic origins of blood types According to Dr. D'Adamo, the A-positive blood type became prevalent during the early years of the agricultural age. He theorizes this is why people with this blood type can readily digest vegetables and carbohydrates, but have a difficult time digesting animal protein and fat. The A-positive blood type diet is primarily vegetarian. D'Adamo believes people with this blood type have less-than-robust immune systems and are prone to anxiety. His diet plan promises: weight loss less disease more energy better digestion As with any diet, people may try this plan in order to lose weight or for other health benefits. Weight loss and lowered cholesterol have been reported by people who have tried this diet. However, there's no evidence the theory underlying this diet caused these results. Like many other food plans, this plan stresses the avoidance of: processed foods foods high in sugar simple carbohydrates These diet measures are known to benefit anyone's health, regardless of blood type. What diet is best for people with A+ blood type? D'Adamo recommends people on the A-positive blood type diet eat an organic, vegetarian, or almost-vegetarian food plan. Foods that D'Adamo recommends to eat include soy protein, such as tofu certain grains, such as spelt, hulled barley, and sprouted bread walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts olive oil certain fruits, such as blueberries and elderberries certain kinds of beans and legumes certain vegetables, especially dark, leafy greens, such as kale, Swiss chard, and spinach garlic and onions cold-water fish, such as sardines and salmon limited amounts of chicken and turkey green tea ginger The diet recommends eating protein at the start of the day. Canned sardines or a smoothie made with silken tofu and goat milk may be a good option. Limited amounts of animal protein, such as turkey and eggs, are allowed on this diet plan. They may be eaten for breakfast. Vegetables, fruits, and the allowed grains may be eaten at any meal. What foods should people with type A+ blood avoid? The list of foods people with A-positive blood should avoid is extremely extensive. It includes, but isn't limited to: beef pork lamb cow's milk potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes certain vegetables, such as cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms lima beans certain fruits, such as melons, oranges, strawberries, and mangos poultry other than chicken and turkey, such as duck venison fish, such as bluefish, barracuda, haddock, herring, and catfish some grains and grain products, such as wheat bran, multigrain bread, and durum wheat refined sugar refined carbohydrates, such as white flour and white bread oils other than olive oil artificial ingredients most condiments Does the blood type diet work? Medical conditions which D'Adamo states are associated with this blood type include: cancer diabetes anxiety disorders cardiovascular disease However, there's no scientific evidence that the blood-type diet works or that it alleviates any specific health conditions. For instance, a 2021 study found that among 68 subjects who ate a low-fat, vegan diet, those who had type A blood did not experience any additional health benefits compared to those with other blood types. Another 2018 study found that no type of blood has any effect on the association between following one of the blood-type diets and the chance of developing heart disease in overweight adults. One older 2014 study found that adherence to the A-positive blood type diet might yield benefits, such as: reduced body mass index (BMI) blood pressure serum triglycerides cholesterol lower waist circumference However, these benefits weren't seen to be influenced by, or associated with, study participants' blood types. What are the risks? While no specific risks have been identified to date given the limited research, this diet is restrictive and may be difficult to follow. It's important that anyone striving to follow this eating plan makes sure they're getting broad-based nutrition from a wide range of foods, including protein sources. Frequently asked questions What is special about A+ blood? Having A-positive blood simply means that you've inherited it from your parents from various possible combinations: The positive marker is related to the presence of certain antigens in your blood along with a protein known as the rhesus (Rh) factor. There's no scientific evidence that having A-positive blood is anything unique. In fact, it's quite common. However, because it occurs in 36% of Americans, it means that it's one of the types most easily to find or donate for a transfusion. Can blood type A eat sugar? The A-positive diet recommends avoiding refined sugar and foods that are high in sugar. There's no evidence there's a specific benefit from doing this for people with A-positive blood. That said, this is a common recommendation in other diets and by many nutritionists that is likely to benefit anyone. Are eggs OK for blood type A? The A-positive diet also recommends limiting eggs. Eating them in small amounts during breakfast is optimal, according to the diet. There are some known risks associated with eating eggs. First, they may increase cholesterol, and eating one egg or more daily may be associated with the chance of developing certain cancers according to some research, however, these results were based on studies in a hospital setting.. That said, as with sugar, there is no evidence that eating or avoiding any food is specifically beneficial to a person with a particular blood type. Eggs are still a nutritious food that can be a good source of protein in any diet. In most cases, eating 1-2 eggs daily isn't likely to be harmful for most young, healthy adults. This has been confirmed by recent research findings. One egg daily may even help support better cognitive abilities in older adults, according to additional research. The takeaway Blood-type diets may yield weight loss and other positive results because they're highly restrictive. They also eliminate foods that are known to adversely affect health. However, there's no scientific evidence linking a person's blood type to their need to avoid, or eat, specific foods. If you do decide to follow this plan, make sure to eat as wide a range of foods as possible so you get enough nutrition. You can also talk to your doctor about your individual risk of developing a disease. They can help you make lifestyle changes to ensure you're living your healthiest life.
