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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 consisted 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. Because a macrobiotic
diet can lower fat intake and increase fiber, it can provide the
general health benefits of a low-fat/high-fiber diet. However,
macrobiotic diets can lead to poor nutrition if not properly planned.
Some earlier 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?
Proponents of the macrobiotic diet claim that it can prevent
and cure disease, including cancer, and enhance spiritual and physical
well being. An important goal of a macrobiotic diet is to balance the
yin and yang. These are the two elementary and complementary forms of
energy 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 more of a way of life rather than just a diet.
What does it involve?
A macrobiotic diet combines elements of Buddhism with dietary
principles that are 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, heavy meats,
and refined sugars,
The standard macrobiotic diet of today consists of 50% to 60%
organically grown whole grains, 20% to 25% locally and organically
grown fruits and vegetables, 5% to 10% soups made with vegetables,
seaweed, grains, beans, and miso (a fermented soy product). Other
elements may include occasional helpings of fresh whitemeat fish, nuts,
seeds, pickles, Asian condiments, and non-stimulating and non-aromatic
teas. Early versions of the diet included no animal products at all.
Some vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers,
asparagus, spinach, beets, zucchini, and avocados are excluded. The
diet also advises against eating fruits that do not grow locally, such
as bananas, pineapples and other tropical fruits. The use of dairy
products, eggs, coffee, sugar, stimulant and aromatic herbs, red meat,
poultry, and processed foods is discouraged.
Macrobiotic principles also prescribe specific ways of cooking food
using pots, pans, and utensils 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. The 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.
A specific macrobiotic diet prescription is determined by 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, it is the diet that 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. He also believed macrobiotic diets 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 remitted due to 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 macrobiotic diets
that involved eating only brown rice and water has been linked to
severe nutritional deficiencies and even death. However, diets that
consist mainly of plant products that are low in fat and high in fiber
are believed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some
forms of cancer. The National Institutes of Health, Office of
Alternative Medicine has funded a pilot study to determine if 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 in order to help reduce
cancer risk. 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. (For more
information, see American
Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer
Prevention.)
Are there any possible problems
or complications?
Strict macrobiotic diets that include no animal products may result in nutritional deficiencies, unless they are carefully planned
(see Vegetarianism).
The danger may be worse for people with cancer, who often have
increased nutritional and caloric requirements, as unwanted weight loss
is common. Relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding or
delaying conventional medical care, may have serious health
consequences.
One of the earlier macrobiotic diets, which called for eating 100% grains, is severely deficient and has been linked to severe malnutrition and even death. Children may 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.
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 ordered
from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
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.
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.
Available at:
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/cancer.html.
Accessed
June 15, 2007.
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
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.
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.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Center. Nutrition and
Special Diets: Macrobiotics detailed scientific review. Available at:
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/cimer/display.cfm?id=ADFAB15F-16E9-11D5-811000508B603A14&method=displayFull&pn=6EB86A59-EBD9-11D4-810100508B603A14.
Accessed June 15, 2007.
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.
Revised: 07/12/2007
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