5 Important Reasons To Know The Blood Types Of Your Family Members

It is a well-known fact that a blood type is a necessary piece of information in cases of disease that require a blood transfusion. However, there are other important reasons why you should know your own blood types as well as those of all your family members.

How are different blood types classified?

Although medicine does not yet know why we have different blood types, we do know a lot about their function and structure.

There are four blood types that can be classified according to the presence or absence of proteins on the surface of red blood cells :

• A, a group containing protein A.
• B, is characterized by the B protein it contains
• AB, stands out because it contains both proteins

• Oh, a group that lacks both proteins

In addition, there is also RH factor : if there is RH protein in the blood, it is classified as a positive RH blood type. Its deficiency, in turn, is classified as a negative RH blood group.

Our blood type is made up of both our blood type and the RH factor. For example, a human belonging to blood group A and having RH protein is classified as A-RH positive (A +).

Why should you know the blood types of your family members?

As we mentioned earlier, in blood transfusion and donation cases, knowing the blood type is vital.

In addition, patients in all blood groups can receive O-RH-negative blood (O-), but an O-RH-negative patient can only receive a blood transfusion from those in their own blood group.

There are other equally important medical reasons to know your own and your family members’ blood types:

1. Detection of susceptibility to deep vein thrombosis

Blood groups A, B, and AB, which suffer from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), have a clear genetic predisposition or blood clots in the legs that begin as varicose veins.

These clots, if not treated properly, can travel to the lungs and endanger human life.

After analyzing data from approximately 66,000 people over 30 years, this study showed that people in blood groups A, B, and AB have a 40% higher risk of DVT than people in blood group O.

2. To know if someone in your family is prone to heart problems

Studies show that people in the AB blood group have a 23% higher risk of heart disease than those in the O blood group.

• Blood group B has an 11% higher risk; while those in blood group A have a 5% higher risk.
• People in blood group A also had a greater tendency for high cholesterol.
• On the other hand, people in blood group O have a lower risk of heart attacks.

Fortunately, these genetic predispositions can be managed by following a healthy lifestyle and adopting a diet that helps minimize the risks to you and your family.

3. Predisposition to certain types of cancer

According to a 2015 study, people in blood group A have a higher risk of stomach cancer than people in blood group O.

In contrast, people in blood group O are more prone to stomach ulcers.

On the other hand, those in blood group B or AB have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

4. Identifying reproductive problems

Women in blood group O are more likely to have low ovarian stores due to high levels of the hormone FSH, which can lead to infertility.

When it comes to pregnancy, the fetal blood miscarriage of a pregnant woman can occur when they do not have the same RH blood (positive or negative).

This can make a woman’s body react as if it is allergic to the fetus, which can harm it. The solution is an injectable drug.

5. Planning a family diet

There is no definitive conclusion as to whether it is possible to improve health by following a blood group diet.

However, people who have tried this diet report successful results when it comes to dieting and maintaining energy levels.

The diet consists of the following dishes:

• O-blood type : you can eat meat, fish, fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to restrict the use of cereals and legumes.
• Blood type A: The best foods for this blood type are vegetables, tofu, fish, seafood, grains, beans and fruits. You should limit the use of meat, dairy products, lime and wheat.
• Blood type B: all meats are suitable, except chicken. It is also recommended to use dairy products, beans, grains and vegetables.
• AB blood type : you can eat fish and seafood, dairy products, beans, fruits and vegetables in moderation, but you should avoid red meat.