The GenoType Diet: Change Your Genetic Destiny to live the longest, fullest and healthiest life possible

by Peter J. D'Adamo, Catherine Whitney

What’s Your GenoType?

GenoType 1
The Hunter
Tall, thin, and intense, with an overabundance of adrenaline and a fierce, nervous energy that winds down with age, the Hunter was originally the success story of the human species. Vulnerable to systemic burnout when overstressed, the Hunter’s modern challenge is to conserve energy for the long haul.

GenoType 2
The Gatherer
Full-figured, even when not overweight, the Gatherer struggles with body image in a culture where thin is “in.” An unsuccessful crash dieter with a host of metabolic challenges, the Gatherer becomes a glowing example of health when properly nourished.

GenoType 3
The Teacher
Strong, sinewy, and stable, with great chemical synchronicity and stamina, the Teacher is built for longevity—given the right diet and lifestyle. This is the genotype of balance, blessed with a tremendous capacity for growth and fulfillment.

GenoType 4
The Explorer
Muscular and adventurous, the Explorer is a biological problem solver, with an impressive ability to adapt to environmental changes, and a better than average capacity for gene repair. The Explorer’s vulnerability to hormonal imbalances and chemical sensitivities can be overcome with a balanced diet and lifestyle.

GenoType 5
The Warrior
Long, lean, and healthy in youth, the Warrior is subject to a bodily rebellion in midlife.With the optimal diet and lifestyle, the Warrior can overcome the quick-aging metabolic genes and experience a second, “silver,” age of health.

GenoType 6
The Nomad
A GenoType of extremes, with a great sensitivity to environmental conditions—especially changes in altitude and barometric pressure, the Nomad is vulnerable to neuromuscular and immune problems. Yet a well-conditioned Nomad has the enviable gift of controlling caloric intake and aging gracefully. The author of the international bestseller Eat Right 4 Your Type again breaks new ground with the first diet plan based on your unique genetic code.

With Eat Right 4 Your Type and additional books in the Blood Type Diet® series, Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo pioneered a new, revolutionary approach to dieting—one linked to a person’s blood type. In the GenoType Diet, he takes his groundbreaking research to the next level by identifying six unique genetic types. Whether you are a Hunter, Gatherer, Teacher, Explorer, Warrior, or Nomad, Dr. D’Adamo offers a customized program that compliments your genetic makeup to maximize health and weight loss, as well as prevent or even reverse disease. In simple, concise prose, Dr. D’Adamo explains how a host of environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle, dictate how and when your genes express themselves. He goes on to demonstrate precisely how, with the right tools, you can alter your genetic destiny by turning on the good genes and silencing the bad ones. Your health risks, weight, and life span can all be improved by following The GenoType Diet that’s right for you.

Using family history and blood type, as well as simple diagnostic tools like fingerprint analysis, leg length measurements, and dental characteristics, Dr. D’Adamo shows you how to map out your genetic identity and discover which of the six GenoType plans you should follow. Without expensive tests or a visit to the doctor, The GenoType Diet reveals previously hidden genetic strengths and weaknesses and provides a precise diet and lifestyle plan for every individual. Based on the latest and most cutting-edge genetic research, this is a twenty-first-century plan for wellness and weight loss from a renowned healthcare pioneer.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Nutrition, Biology, Food, Medicine

352 pages, Hardcover

First published December 26, 2006

Reviews

[Dan Spradlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was literally no official reference to any studies although he claimed correlations throughout the whole book. Any book that draws conclusions such as the ones in this book should be heavily supported and cited otherwise I consider it hearsay. A couple of anecdotes about his patients do not constitute as proof to me. Although I believe the premise of the book (see "Survival of the Sickest" for real scientific conclusions on the subject of genetics and diets), and he does have an occasional scientific fact, but for all I know everything he states about genotypes and diet could be utter garbage (and honestly his simplistic conclusions are at times laughable). This is a diet book and has little to do with science.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea that genetics determine how you should eat and live. The idea definitely makes sense to me and had I truly understood everything I would have liked it better. Of course, I am partly to blame. It suggest getting someone to help with the measuring and such. I had no one available. I tried to do it myself and apparently failed. I could not determine what I am. Someday when I have a friend to help and all the proper "tools" I will try again.

Anyway, I do believe genetics determine a lot about us and because of that I do think eating accordingly makes sense too. No two people on the same diet are going to get exactly the same results. Some may be similar but not exactly. We are all unique individuals.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friends have noticed how many nutrition/diet books I have read--well, it's probably because I am a strong match for the Warrior Phenotype. (My husband points out since these types are determined by observable, measurable characteristics these should be called PHENOtypes not genotypes.) The Warrior phenotype is lean and healthy in youth, but can't keep their eat-anything ways and stay that way in middle age; especially not processing most meat (storing it instead!). One thing I like about this book and the Eat Right 4 Your Type (Blood Type Diet) book by the same author is the focus on what foods are good for your type and therefore what you CAN eat. Luckily, for those not ready to give up whole types of food, like meat (As) or wheat (Os), he says the easiest way to start feeling better is with the right supplements for your type. http://www.northamericanpharmacal.com...

Some people have written that foods that were allowed for their blood type are not allowed for their Phenotype, and found that inconsistent. I think maybe it's just a further refinement...like there are two or three ways to be a "A" blood type... I have also heard others say there is no scientific basis (well, that they know of, right?), but I wasn't pointed to it by a scientist per se.

I hope this book's advice can give me a quick turn-around. I had been a vegetarian for >9 years when I made an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor in Portsmouth, NH. He told me to eat turkey (neutral for Warrior) and fish (some very beneficial for Warrior), after which I just started eating any meat without realizing the theory (or having heard of his brother's books or anything). It's interesting that I found this book around the time I wanted to go back to being vegetarian, and one of my daughters started thinking about it, too. I hope it can help me get back into balance. It will probably be a few months before I know. But I am hoping I have finally found an organizing principle for my eating. Now to organize the cooking, because as luck would have it, according to this book, one family member needs lots of unusual game-type meat...!

[Andreas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The GenoType diet is based on an interesting concept: what if the metabolisms of us humans is different in such a way that we react differently to certain food? Some people can eat whatever they want while other will gain weight very fast. Some get cancer or diabetes while other show no such effects.

In his research the author identified 6 major groups and provides a guideline to let you find out where you belong to. The introduction explains the background, which is based on the latest findings e.g. epigenetics (the way how our genes respond to the environment), methylation (the possibility to silence genes) and telomeres (affect the ability to create perfect DNA copies).

Actually, the 6 groups reminded me of the different personality tests. Logic would say that they are nonsense but in the end it was quite surprising how well actions and behavior could be explained. (The biggest takeaway of course was that you can learn to recognize your natural response and counter it if desired.)

The test in the book identified me as Teacher and you can read more about it here online. While the explanations somehow make sense, I have a hard time accepting the conclusions and recommendations. Why should I remove ham, beef, pork, kohlrabi, mozzarella, bananas or litchi from my diet?

What I have learnt in recent months is that 10'000 years are not enough for the genes to adapt to a carbohydrate heavy diet and that this is very likely responsible for different types of cancer, diabetes and other diseases. Humans are amazingly flexible. As already the Chinese said, it's all about balance, Yin and Yang. In moderation almost everything is allowed especially if you move a lot or work hard.

Does this mean the book is useless? Not so. It teaches awareness and it points out that we are different. Don't compare yourself to someone else and forget about diets. Instead, take the time to listen to your body after eating: How do you feel? Is your energy level higher or do you feel tired? How do you feel after 2 hours?

Find your own balance and live the life you deserve.

[Michelle Hankes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating new book from the author of the Eat Right 4 Your Type blood type diet. It is based solely on the concept that not only do our bodies require certain foods based on our blood types, but on a genetic level, our bodies have certain requirements passed down by our ancestors. Not only does it make sense, but I can tell you from personal experience, it is accurate. Fascinating read for anyone looking to improve their health and really begin to understand their body from the inside out.

[Amy J. Whetten · Rating 4 out of 5]

D'Adamo challenged my credulity again with his research and conclusions, since his genotypes do not exactly align with blood types. However, in many ways it builds on his previous work, and again, following his recommendations resulted in a surprising improvement to my health. This book can be life-changing at best, and interesting at least.

[Stefany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following the Blood Type Diet for almost 5 years and it had been very beneficial. I was interested in the possibility of fine tuning my diet. I just finished figuring out that genotype I am so I am excited to adjust my diet and see how it goes.

[Erin Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fun to do but... I don't think I buy it. I'm supposedly a nomad, which means... Who knows, really. It means I have a combination of physical traits that he decided would survive well as a nomad, but with literally nothing to back it up. He doesn't cite sources.

He's also the guy behind the blood type diet, which the Mayo Clinic essentially says is bullshit.

The way you figure out your type is by measuring your limbs and the resulting ratios, figuring out your head shape and size, your fingerprints, your blood type, and a couple other things I couldn't do (which are optional). I turned out to be a Nomad.

Again, I'm pretty sure this is bullshit, and the main reason I believe that is because no one else has come up with any of this, and he didn't think citing sources was important. This is pop health. It's like taking a quiz online at midnight to determine which character of Twilight you should marry.

However... If you want someone to literally give you a list of foods you should and should not consume based on potentially nothing (or maybe something, but can't check the sources!), this is the book for you. Each body type is given a list of all the things that are either superfoods or "toxic" (yeah, ok...), and literally all the options (even if you skipped the head shape measuring) would be healthy and balanced if you stuck to it. I made a spreadsheet of all the things nomads should eat a lot, along with the stuff that's not toxic, and I could easily stick to the list. It's all good, whole foods.

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The measuring guide wasn't as clear as it could have been, but once I figured out my genotype, it was really informative. I started off reading the measurement section, but got over it after skimming 30 pages and ended up just skipping to the back because I know my body well enough to not need to measure all of the places needed. I'm an Explorer and the description hit the nail on the head for me (i.e. I forgot what time it was and accidentally had coffee at 3:30pm a couple days ago then was up until 1am). I also determined that my husband is a Hunter and it was hilarious reading his description to him because D'Adamo called out all of his little quirks.

Up until I read these books, I forgot that I was raised on this diet. I came from a family of Os and my parents read his first book when I was in elementary school so I don't remember a time when we weren't eating mostly some form of beef with artichoke or broccoli for dinner. My husband is also an O as are our children so we had been unknowingly following that diet most days of the week. Ever since we went over it, we've made some adjustments (mainly reducing chicken, brussel sprouts, and bacon, as well as switching from almond or oat milk to Flaxmilk) and it's helping my husband's stomach a ton as well as helping him lose that last bit of stomach fat so his abs can show even after 30.

It was really refreshing to read about a diet that tells you what to eat, rather than one based on what you can't eat.

[Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this on the surface may be judged as another doctor trying to capitalize on the modern-day health movement, there are actually some great concepts to be taken away. First off, no one is built the same, so that is certainly something to keep in mind when providing nutritional advice. Secondly, the concept that there are certain things that work in general based on your genetic makeup vs. other things is certainly something that warrants further research as it appears to be a valid idea. I would recommend this book to any nutrition student who knows that books such as these are to be taken with a grain of salt in regard to the absolute implications contained within them and instead knows how to sift the possible truth from the bologna that sells more books.

[Victoria Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confused by Secretor and Not Matching

I have read this whole book, paid for the online system as well and one thing I am extremely confused about is that if I look at secretor vs non. Secretor it states I am a Teacher as an A+ blood type woman, but I did the strength testing and I have a score of 8 under teacher but a score of 22 under Explorer which seems to match a lot more. I’m very confused. Same thing with my daughter except hers is with O+ blood type and it says she is a Gatherer. When we strength test her, she has ZERO under gatherer but 22 under Explorer. This makes me wonder about the book. I was very excited about it at first because I do react to a lot of the avoid foods. This has been extremely confusing though. Please make sense of this.

[Lilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aunque la teoría es interesante, creo que coincido solo en un 50% con mi genotipo, y no estoy muy de acuerdo con mi lista de alimentos. Aun así, el libro es entretenido.

Although the theory is interesting, I think that I only agree 50% with my genotype, and I do not agree very much with my list of foods. Still the book is entertaining.

[James Lerma · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give it 0 stars, I would. Sure, take your 1 star. This book sucks.

[Monroe Sykes · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cringe at the bad content in this book. Must have taken him a day to write, and now he's cashing in on gullible fat people who buy books on Amazon.

[Greg · Rating 1 out of 5]

If one were to combine the practices of astrology and nutrition, this would be the end result. This is based on creative imagination and anecdotal information at best.

[Leah Lambart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise but no science was referenced. The types of people seemed credible if wholly made up. I’d like to try it and see what happens!

[Kim Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and helpful. I am implementing the dietary recommendations and excited about the mild detoxes he suggests for my genotype; fascinating. This book goes hand in hand with current discussions on how humans "categorize" themselves racially, scientifically dismissing the viewpoint that we are more separated by race and instead emphasizing how we are shaped by our environmental (in utero and after) and geographically genetic history. Of course the discussion on epigenetics touches on some reference to "our ancestors" , but D'Adamo moves beyond most of that verbiage and notes: " rather than worrying about whether you came from an amoeba or small mammal (a belief I DO NOT UPHOLD) that made a wrong turn, you can worry about things much more relevant- like whether the weaknesses introduced into your heredity from grandparents and parents will come to roost within you". This point becomes so much more apparent and while it is always important, more relevant as we age. We see disease and issues with our parents and wonder if that will become "me"....I think I became so much more "aware" after watching my healthy daddy succumb to cancer and my strong mother battle with Alzheimer's. It gives one pause even though we know every persons eventuality is the same but I guess the factors of how we transition into that eventuality determine how we live now, in what physiological and psychological condition; no one likes to walk around feeling unwell or physically distressed, so we try to make choices that make the road a little less bumpy! All things in moderation and keeping a balanced perspective are always a good prescription to the challenges we face. So, to those who are concerned or like to keep informed about methods to help in the quest for a "less bumpy ride", I recommend D'Adamo's scientifically tested suggestions for optimizing your own bodies potential to improve itself.

[Correen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the body types and guessed at my most likely type -- nomad.
I took the basic type profiler and got my result -- gatherer.
I took my advanced type profiler and got my result -- nomad.
I read the characteristics -- neither fit but a bit of one and a bit of the other.

He says there are precisely six types and no combinations of type. That sounds absurd. How would he know that with such certainty? He used to write about blood types. Now he is pitching epigenetics as the foundation of his thinking. It is interesting but he cannot tie his types specifically to epigenitics. I think he is extrapolating too far from the turning on and off of genes.

Then I read his recommended food. If I am a gatherer my superfoods (in meats) are buffalo, caribou, goat, lamb, mutton, and rabbit. I should avoid beef heart and liver, boar, ham. pork including bacon, sweetbreads, and venison. I can also eat emu, ostrich, pheasant, squab, and turkey.

Now that is helpful! I am ready to plan my diet.

[Agnes Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a MUST have book, especially for those that have read his Eat Right for your Type book. It more clearly identifies the foods and supplements for various genotypes. Very empowering. I found it a relief to read confirmation about what I already knew about my body, ie. certain foods I could eat or didn't want to eat regularly. It's a lot easier if you have your blood type as I determined my mom's genotype without her blood type, and since she doesn't listen to her body it makes her skeptical. Although Dr. D'Adamo's tests does narrow it down significantly for me to be assured as a place for her to start from. I've met people that have tried eating for their blood type and gave up. This will bring more clarity to all areas of your life. I'm very excited to apply the recommendations! Read it, read it, read it!

[Kasey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty interesting. I don't know how much of it I'm buying into. The book has you measure yourself in various ways from a basic are your legs longer than your torso/which is longer ring or index finger to a more advanced method which takes into account if you're a super taster your secretor type and blood type.

Honestly the intermediate method was more accurate for me. The advanced I didn't match ANY of the things listed (I was warrior on advanced) but I matched the mail profile and what the intermediate listed me as. It was pretty correct as to my attitude (I'm a Teacher) and what i was like when i was younger and things my body does. I may give some of the suggestions a try and see how it works out.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very interesting. Dr. D'Adamo is very brilliant and patient to be able to put all of this new scientific terminology into words that the average person can understand.

I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who is willing to make a lifestyle change. It is very easy to find out what your geno-type is. I'd found out that I was geno-type GT5(Warrior) within the first day I'd started reading the book. However, it's a book that I don't think I'll ever stop reading.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had read his Eating for Your Blood Type and liked it. So I read this one. I felt like I was reading something written by a quack. He basically back peddled on a lot of things he put in his first book. Example: he said Type A blood should not eat red meat. Now he says "well, some type A's should". What kind of thing is that? And the "genotype calculator" was silly. It said to measure my leg, fingers, etc. Wow, sounds really scientific.

[Amy Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given my experience with celiac, the premise behind this book resonates with me. I can appreciate first-hand how toxic some foods are to my body. The implications of this are huge, though -- for medicine, for the way we view our diversity, for sustainable agriculture, for our way of life.... 9 billion people who can't seem to find their way to good nutrition and a planet that's struggling already to feed them....

[Psparke2000 · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some new ideas in this book that may really help people improve their health. I especially think it is worth looking into if someone has health problems that they are wanting to get control of.

[Rahmani Yasinna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Buku ini berisi informasi mengenai 4 tipe2 manusia dan ciri2 mengenali 4 tipe tersebut, agak membingungkan karena harus melakukan pengukuran serta pengamatan serta harus menghapal daftar makanan yang boleh atau tidak boleh

[Elaysee · Rating 1 out of 5]

He should really proof his magic foods better. In the edition I snickered my way through, cherries were a superfood for one of the types while cherry juice was toxic to that type. Or maybe it was vice versa, but the tables were full of similar contradictions.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think its far more helpful to buy the diet software Swami, because it further customizes your food list to include foods that this book says to avoid. Otherwise the info is great and the same as the other books.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was going to be a joke, but there was actually some very interesting science. Unfortunately, I didn't match up well to any of the genotypes,and I was a quite annoyed!

[Susan Barrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will try anything---haha

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of it makes sense, but I can't buy into all of it.