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Macrobiotic Diet

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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