Michio Kushi's cancer prevention diet is based upon the premise that if you maintain a balanced diet of predominately vegetables and whole grains, along with a healthy and active lifestyle, your chances of preventing or treating cancer will be increased. While there is no specific medical research to support these claims, the American Cancer Society does report that you will have general health benefits and a lower risk of disease with a diet of mostly of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Talk to your doctor if you are seeking support for prevention or treatment of cancer.
History
Kushi developed his cancer prevention diet based upon the principles of macrobiotics. Macrobiotics was introduced in Japan the 1930s by George Ohsawa as he sought to integrate key philosophies of Buddhism, Christianity, and Asian and Western medicine to create a philosophy for diet and lifestyle. In the 1960s, Kushi began to expand on Ohsawa's ideas and is now a leader for macrobiotic living. In 1978, the Kushi Institute opened in Boston as a resource to promote the macrobiotic philosophy.
Diet
Kushi's cancer prevention diet is said to be a "common-sense approach" to diet and lifestyle that incorporates minimalism and spirituality. The diet involves avoiding certain foods, such as dairy products, animal meats, refined sugars, coffee and oils, while advocating for 50 to 60 percent of your consumption to be vegetable-based foods and whole grains. The diet has evolved over the years to allow for some flexibility, but the basic principles of simplifying your diet remain intact.
Lifestyle
Kushi's cancer prevention diet also calls for specific lifestyle practices that encompass the spiritual nature of the macrobiotic philosophy. Mindfulness when eating is a key component to these practices. For example, food is considered to be sacred and should be prepared and consumed in a peaceful, harmonious setting. When you eat, you should chew foods until they take on a liquid form to assist with digestion.
Cooking
Kushi's diet plan explains that food should be cooked only with pots and pans that are made of glass, stainless steel or ceramic, and utensils should be wood or stainless steel. Further, avoid microwaves and electricity as a means for heating foods so as not to diminish nutritional content. Kushi also explains that additional vitamin or mineral supplements are unnecessary when cooking solely involves whole food products.
Warning
There have been no medical studies published that show Kushi's cancer prevention diet as a preventative or cure for cancer. In fact, earlier and stricter versions of the diet were linked to severe malnutrition. The American Cancer Society has shown that eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet may reduce the risk of some forms of cancer. However, it also states that relying on nutritional treatment alone may have serious health consequences. Always use caution when considering a new diet or lifestyle plan.
References
- American Cancer Society: Macrobiotic Diet
- Kushi Institute
- "The Cancer Prevention Diet"; Michio Kushi; 1993
