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Other common
name(s): macrobiotics
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
A macrobiotic diet is generally vegetarian and consists
largely of whole grains, cereals, and cooked vegetables. More extreme
versions of the diet that consist solely of cooked whole grains are no
longer promoted.
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that a
macrobiotic diet is effective in treating cancer. A diet consisting
mostly of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is associated with
general health benefits and lower risk for several diseases, and a
macrobiotic diet, by virtue of its main components, can also achieve
these benefits. However, macrobiotic diets can lead to poor nutrition
if not properly planned. Some earlier, more limited, versions of the
diet may actually pose a danger to health. Research is under way to
find out whether a macrobiotic diet may play a role in preventing
cancer.
How is it promoted for use?
Some proponents of the macrobiotic diet claim that it can
prevent and cure disease, including cancer, and that it can enhance
spiritual and physical well-being. An important goal of a macrobiotic
diet is to balance the yin and yang- the two elementary and
complementary energy forms that, according to ancient Asian spiritual
traditions, are present within all people, foods, and objects. These
two forces must be balanced in order to achieve health and vitality. A
macrobiotic diet is considered to be a way of life not just a diet.
What does it involve?
A macrobiotic diet combines elements of Buddhism with dietary
principles based on simplicity and avoidance of "toxins" that come from
eating dairy products, meats, and oily foods. Older versions of the
macrobiotic diet were quite restrictive. One variation allowed only the
consumption of whole grains. Current proponents of the diet advocate
flexibility but still discourage dairy products, meats, and refined
sugars,
The standard macrobiotic diet of today consists of 50 to 60
percent organically grown whole grains, 20% to 25% locally and
organically grown fruits and vegetables, and 5% to 10% soups made with
vegetables, seaweed, grains, beans, and miso (a fermented soy product).
Other elements may include occasional helpings of fresh white fish,
nuts, seeds, pickles, Asian condiments, and non-stimulating and
non-aromatic teas. Early versions of the diet excluded all animal
products. Proponents still discourage dairy products, eggs, coffee,
sugar, stimulant and aromatic herbs, red meat, poultry, and processed
foods. Some vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers,
asparagus, spinach, beets, zucchini, and avocados, are discouraged. The
diet also advises against eating fruit that does not grow locally (for
example, in most of the United States and Europe, bananas, pineapples,
and other tropical fruits).
The macrobiotic diet also prescribes specific ways of cooking
food. Pots, pans, and utensils should be made only from certain
materials such as wood, glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and enameled
pieces. People who practice the diet do not usually cook with
microwaves or electricity, nor do they consume vitamin or mineral
supplements or heavily processed foods. Food is chewed until it is
fluid in order to help with digestion. Since food is thought to be
sacred, it is prepared in a peaceful setting.
The macrobiotic diet can vary slightly according to a person's
age, sex, level of physical activity, and native climate. Although
macrobiotic dietary guidelines are only one aspect of a larger
philosophical and spiritual system, the diet has drawn the most
attention in the West.
What is the history behind it?
The word "macrobiotic" comes from Greek roots and means "long
life," reflecting the view toward long-term health and spirituality
embodied by the macrobiotic philosophy. The macrobiotic philosophy and
diet were developed by George Ohsawa, a Japanese philosopher who sought
to integrate Zen Buddhism, Asian medicine, Christian teachings, and
some aspects of Western medicine. Ohsawa believed simplicity in diet
was the key to good health and that a diet based on simplicity and
abstention from certain foods could cure cancer and other serious
illnesses. In the 1930s, he began advocating his philosophy of health
and healing through proper diet and natural medicine. Ohsawa brought
his teachings to the United States in the 1960s. His diet involved 10
stages that were progressively more restrictive. The last stage
consisted only of brown rice and water. This restrictive diet was found
to be unhealthy and is no longer promoted by macrobiotic counselors.
An early disciple, Michio Kushi, adopted and expanded Ohsawa's
ideas and became a leader of the macrobiotic lifestyle. He opened the
Kushi Institute in Boston in 1978 to promote the philosophy and its
practices. According to Kushi, a macrobiotic diet is a common-sense
approach to daily living, not just a type of therapy. Although
macrobiotic diets were not developed primarily as cancer treatments,
they have been widely promoted for that purpose. During the 1980s,
interest in the diet grew through a book written by a physician and
president of Philadelphia Hospital, Anthony Sattilaro, who felt that
his prostate cancer went into remission because of the diet.
What is the evidence?
There have been no randomized clinical studies published in
the available medical literature to show the macrobiotic diet can be
used to prevent or cure cancer. One of the earlier versions of the
macrobiotic diet that involved eating only brown rice and water has
been linked to severe nutritional deficiencies and even death. However,
low-fat, high-fiber diets that consist mainly of plant products that
are believed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some
forms of cancer. The National Institutes of Health's, National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has funded a
pilot study to determine whether a macrobiotic diet may prevent cancer.
The American Cancer Society's nutrition guidelines recommend
eating a balanced diet that includes five or more servings a day of
vegetables and fruit, choosing whole grains over processed and refined
foods, and limiting red meats and animal fats. It is best to choose
foods from a variety of fruits, vegetables and other plant sources such
as nuts, seeds, whole grain cereals, and beans to take in all needed
nutrients.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
One of the earlier macrobiotic diets, which called for eating
all grains, is severely deficient and has been linked to severe
malnutrition and even death. Strict macrobiotic diets that include no
animal products may result in nutritional deficiencies unless they are
carefully planned. The danger may be worse for people with cancer, who
may have to contend with unwanted weight loss and often have increased
nutritional and caloric requirements. Children may also be particularly
prone to nutritional deficiencies resulting from a macrobiotic diet.
Macrobiotic diets have not been tested in women who are
pregnant or breast-feeding, and some versions may not include enough of
certain nutrients for normal fetal growth.
Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying
conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health
consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Associated Press. AP World Stream. Cancer Research News. Dutch
authorities prosecuting a macrobiotic diet practitioner. March 1, 2000.
Barrett S, Herbert V. Questionable Cancer Therapies. Accessed
at: http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/cancer.html on
June 10, 2008.
Cassileth B. The
Alternative Medicine Handbook. New York: W. W. Norton
& Co; 1998.
Doyle C, Kushi LH, Byers T, et al. Nutrition and physical
activity during and after cancer treatment: an American Cancer Society
guide for informed choices.
CA: a Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2006; 5:323-353.
Ernst E (ed) The
Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
New York: Mosby; 2001.
Kushi LH, Byers T, Doyle C, et al. American Cancer Society
2006 Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee.
American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity
for cancer prevention: reducing the risk of cancer with healthy food
choices and physical activity. CA:
a Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2006; 56:254-281.
Kushi LH, Cunningham JE, Hebert JR, Lerman RH, Bandera EV,
Teas J. The macrobiotic diet in cancer. J Nutr.
2001;131:3056S-3064S.
Maritess C, Small S, Waltz-Hill M. Alternative nutrition
therapies in cancer patients.
Semin Oncol Nurs. 2005 Aug;21:173-176.
Murphy GP, Morris LB, Lange D. Informed Decisions: The Complete
Book of Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery. New
York: Viking; 1997.
National Institutes of Health. Alternative Medicine: Expanding
Medical Horizons: A Report to the National Institutes of Health on
Alternative Medical Systems and Practices in the United States.
Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 1994. NIH publication
94-066.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Center. Nutrition and
Special Diets: Macrobiotics detailed scientific review. Accessed at:
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/cimer/display.cfm?id=ADFAB15F-16E9-11D5-811000508B603A14&method=displayFull&pn=6EB86A59-EBD9-11D4-810100508B603A14
on June 10, 2008.
US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. Unconventional
Cancer Treatments. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 1990.
Publication OTA-H-405.
Note:
This
information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions,
precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as
medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical
situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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