Ways in which your blood group can affect your health

Piece by: MERCY MURIITHI
Lifestyle

• It's always important for one to know their blood group in case of an emergency or need to help others.

It's always important for one to know their blood group in case of an emergency or need to help others.

Yes, knowing your blood type could be a very helpful fact in case of emergencies.

At the same time, it's also important to note that the type of blood you have might make you prone to certain medical conditions.

Your blood group just as it is important in cases of emergencies can affect your health in various ways, such as determining your susceptibility to certain diseases or influencing your dietary needs.

When it comes to disease risk, your blood group can potentially affect various factors.

1. Heart attack and heart disease

Your blood group may put you at a higher risk for heart attack and heart disease, because of the ABO gene. 

The only blood type that doesn't have this gene is type o. 

2. Susceptibility to Cancer. 

Some research suggests that certain blood types may be associated with an increased susceptibility to certain diseases.

Individuals with blood type A may have a higher risk of developing stomach and pancreatic cancers, while blood type O may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

3. Blood clots

Blood type A has been associated with a higher risk of developing blood clots.

4. Brain function and memory loss

The ABO gene is connected with brain function and memory loss. People who have Type A, B, and AB are up to 82 % more likely to develop cognition and memory problems which can lead to dementia as compared to those with Type O

5. Ulcers

Blood type B has been linked to a higher risk of certain infections like Helicobacter pylori, which can cause stomach ulcers.

6. Allergies and immune system diseases. 

Individuals with blood type A may have an increased susceptibility to certain allergies, while blood type O may be associated with a lower risk.

Individuals with blood type A may have a higher risk of developing autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Blood type B has been linked to a potential increased risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

7. Infertility

Women from the blood type O are more susceptible to infertility than the other blood groups.

8. Dietary needs

Besides disease susceptibility, your blood type can also affect other health factors like your dietary needs, different blood groups may have specific recommendations.

Individuals with blood type A are often advised to follow a plant-based diet with limited meat, while those with blood type O may benefit from a higher protein intake.

Some research also suggests that blood type may influence digestion and gut health. 

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