The genotype diet, sometimes called the gene diet, was created by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo, who also created the blood type diet. The diet uses the concept of genotype – the genetic makeup of an individual – to create a diet tailored to an individual’s specific needs. D’Adamo’s genotype diet is based on the supposition that every person has one of six survival genotypes – the hunter, the gatherer, the explorer, the nomad, the teacher, or the warrior – and includes a specific plan for each one. Each of the genotypes has corresponding physical traits like body type, teeth patterns, jaw angle, and fingerprint patterns that can be used to help determine a person’s genotype.
An individual with the hunter genotype is typically lanky, energetic, and nervous. The greatest challenge the hunter faces is avoiding burnout and maintaining energy over time. A hunter’s diet should consist mostly of green vegetables and low-fat, high-protein foods, such as chicken and fish.
People with the gatherer genotype are overweight or full-figured and tend to have problems with body image. Their metabolism causes their bodies to hoard calories, and they are prone to crash dieting. The best foods for a gatherer are lean proteins, such as chicken and fish.
A person with the explorer genotype is good at adapting to changes in environment. The explorer often has hormonal and chemical imbalances. According to D’Adamo, an explorer has a strong ability to repair these imbalances with the right diet and lifestyle modifications. A good diet for an explorer includes foods high in iron, such as meat, cheese, and beans.
An individual with the nomad genotype is particularly sensitive to the environment. Nomads often experience neuromuscular and immune disorders. Those with the nomad genotype are able to exercise judicious caloric intake and tend to age well. Nomads should eat foods that are high in omega-3 acids, such as salmon.
The teacher genotype is characterized by strength, stability, and stamina. A person with the teacher genotype can live a particularly long life if he or she observes healthy habits. The teacher is typically a highly balanced individual. People with this genotype can eat a wide variety of foods, including fish, fruits, and vegetables, but should avoid meat and shellfish.
Warriors tend to be tall, thin people who are healthy during their younger years. They often experience a downturn in health sometime during middle age. The genotype diet claims that warriors can return to a healthy state by following the warrior diet, which includes mostly vegetarian foods and fish.
Critics of the genotype diet say that the scientific principles behind the diet are not well-founded, but proponents claim that the diet has been extensively researched. Proponents say that the research is valid and they support D’Adamo’s principles. Many who have used the genotype diet say it has been successful.