Eat For Your Body Type
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We’d like to think that with all the multitude of diet regimentation circulating in every magazine we pick up that we’d be able to isolate at least one solid protocol that would work for everyone, yet, that is not the case. The good news is that it has been narrowed down to basically four. The components of the diet or lifestyle are derived from how our body type reacts to certain needs and deficiencies, as well as enzyme potentials. Enzymes play a significant or rather a vital part in the utilization of the foods that we ingest for they are catalysts and as such they promote action or change without altering or changing their own status. Enzymes are often thought of as the “life force” where nutrition is concerned, for without them proper digestion is dreadfully inadequate. It is important to understand and never underestimate the need for these four major and three minor enzymes.
The enzyme called amylase aids the digestion of carbohydrates and starches (fruit, vegetables, bread, and pasta). Poorly digested carbohydrates and starches ferment in the system, creating gas and other symptoms of discomfort. Protease enzymes digest proteins (fish, red meats, fowl, and nuts). If improperly digested, protein putrefies in the system, causing toxicity and indigestion. Lipase breaks down fats and assist in balancing fatty acids. Fats that are not thoroughly digested turn rancid in the system and create pungent odors and poor cholesterol balance. Cellulase breaks down cellulose (the fiber found in vegetables and other plant material). Lactase breaks down the milk sugar lactose. If the body is not producing lactase, the lactose in milk is not broken down, resulting in digestive problems. Additionally, some dairy products cause allergies. Two other lesser-known enzymes that break down food sugars are sucrase and maltase.
Now lets look at body types to understand what enzymes are more supportive to each group. The body types are referred to by the name of the gland that rules each one, and hence has a physical look about them that more readily identifies what category you would find yourself in as well as other characteristics that help fully identify your type.
Type One is known as Para, for the parathyroid or thyroid gland. If in this group you will identify with many of the following:
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You gain weight evenly, from the top of your head to your toes.
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If overweight, your excess fat is in the stomach and waist area.
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Your shoulders and hips are the same width, and in proportion to each other.
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You crave sugar in the form of desserts, breads, fruits, pastas, and vegetables.
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You are drawn to chocolate and coffee.
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You are fatigued by midday and sometimes get up tired.
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You suffer depression or mood swings.
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You often have cold hands or feet.
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If female, you have PMS.
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Your blood pressure is low.
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You have hypoglycemia.
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Allergies are common to you.
Type Two is known as Estro, for the gonadal system. If in this group you will identify with many of the following:
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Your shoulders are narrower than your hips.
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In women, the greater part of the weight is in the buttocks and upper thighs.
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In men, your excess weight is in the abdominal region.
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Your favorite foods are tasty, or strong-flavored. These include spiced, creamed, salty, peppered, or smoked foods.
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You drink wine or a beverage other than water with your meals.
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Your favorite desserts are rich, like ice cream or chocolate.
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You enjoy fried fish, chicken, onion rings, and French fries.
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You like Italian, Oriental, and Mexican cuisines.
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You suffer from indigestion.
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Gallbladder problems are common.
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You’re bothered by kidney and bladder infections.
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You have a tendency toward cysts or skin disorders.
Type Three is known as Supra, for the adrenal glands. If in this group you will identify with many of the following:
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You carry your weight in your tummy and upper torso, including the back.
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Your buttocks are flat and do not have any shape.
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Your legs are strong and firm at any age.
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A meal is not complete for you without meat or some kind of protein.
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You salt your food without tasting it first.
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You gravitate to all proteins: Lunch meats, sausage, poultry, fish, nuts, cheese, and eggs.
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You suffer from stiff joints or pain in your left shoulder.
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You must drink at least one beverage with your meal.
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You have hypertension, or high blood pressure.
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You feel stressed, rather than fatigued.
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Constipation is a big problem for you.
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Gas or flatulence is a way of life.
Type Four is known as Neuro, from the master gland of the endocrine system and the pituitary gland. These glands control the hormone production of other glands and indirectly affect the neurological system. If in this group you will identify with many of the following:
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You do not feel that a meal is complete without dairy products.
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You are drawn to starchy foods and sweets.
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You enjoy dairy products but recognize a milk intolerance.
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You have the same body size as when you were a teen. Your shape may be described as boyish, wiry, or having baby fat, but it has remained the same into maturity.
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You matured later in life or are the youngest looking member in your family.
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You have an on-going bowel problem (constipation to diarrhea) including spastic colon.
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You have soft fat all over the body, not just held in one area.
Many people see themselves in more than one category. However, all of us are more like one than any of the others. This is known as our primary body type. You may have also concluded that the foods you crave are the very ones that create most of your problems.
For instance, Body Type One (Para) craves sugars and those foods that form glucose (sugar) in the system. It is easy for you to want to be a vegetarian if you are this body type, because you will desire mainly starch and sugar. The enzyme that you are deficient in is amylase, which breaks down starch. You will find that by eliminating your vast intake of carbohydrates and eating more protein you will be better balanced and maintain your weight much easier. Eating an egg or plant protein in the morning rather than fruit and toast is more ideal for this body type. For lunch: A large green salad with dressing, choice of poultry or fish, and brown rice. Raw fruit for dessert. Dinner: Choice of fish or poultry; raw salad and steamed vegetables. Limit your intake of bread and potatoes.
Body Type Two (Estro) is attracted to strongly flavored, spicy, smoked, or salted foods, as well as fatty foods. The enzyme that this body type is in dire need of is lipase, which breaks down fat. By eliminating the majority of fatty foods and going to a high fiber diet, this body type will balance much quicker. Starting your day by eating fruit and a vegetable protein such as scrambled tofu would compliment this body type. For lunch: Green salad, vegetable, cottage cheese, eggs or plant protein. One slice of whole grain bread and piece of fruit. Dinner: Choice of poultry, fish or brown rice and fruit. Fats and spices over stimulate your gallbladder. If you have skin problems, they can be controlled with this diet.
Body Type Three (Supra) prefers protein to other foods. The enzyme most needed and lacking is Protease, which will break down protein. When any body type ingest the enzyme in which he or she is the most deficient (and usually craving), almost immediate relief from bloating and water retention occurs. This group does better as vegetarians or semi-vegetarians. Starting off with a breakfast of fruit and grain works best for you. Lunch: Large green salad, fish or vegetable protein and fruit. Dinner: Choice of poultry, fish and steamed or raw vegetables. For dessert, raw fruit is ideal. Better to have your protein at this meal for easier digestion.
Body Type Four (Neuro) gravitates toward dairy products. This group is characterized by extreme lactase deficiency, and needs lactase to digest milk sugar, as well as lipase to break down the fats found in milk products. This group tends to have more difficulty in digesting most foods because of the mucus and being prone to more allergies. The good new is that this group has less of a weight problem, yet there is a constant struggle to bring up energy levels. It is best to start your morning off with raw fruit and a protein to feed and fortify the endocrine system. Cereal and milk will often throw you out of balance. Lunch: Choice of light poultry, fish or eggs, steamed vegetables, and one piece of ripe fruit. Dinner: A protein, more steamed vegetables, a whole-grain roll, and raw fruit.
Each body type is unique in itself, one being more dominant than the other three. However, the integration of the other characteristics are often present creating an even greater need for more individualized protocols or diets – which would better be thought of as life style changes, for diets tend to be only temporary and life style changes become a way of life. This is a good perimeter to work within to correct not only nutritional deficiencies, but to help the body to convert stored fat as fuel, to move toxicity out of the cells, and supply more energy to the body.
About the Author
Terri Hawkins-Fox is a Doctor of Naturopathy and holds her Ph.D. in Nutritional Science. She is a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) and registered as a Naturopath through the Department of Professional Licensing. In addition, she holds her National Certification in Colon Hydrotherapy through the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT). She is a graduate of Hypnotherapy through theInstitute of Mindsight Consultants Cognitive Behavior Sciences.
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