According to the American Cancer Society, a typical macrobiotic diet is made up of 50 to 60 percent organic whole grains, 20 to 25 percent local and organic fruits and vegetables and 5 to 10 percent soups made with vegetables, grains and soy. You are typically not allowed dairy, meat or oily foods. Some extreme versions of the diet call for eating only cooked whole grains. Speak to your doctor to discuss any dangers of this diet plan.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Due to the strict nature of the macrobiotic diet, you may be at risk for severe nutritional deficiencies. Macrobiotic diets that require you eat all grains have been linked to severe malnutrition and even death in some cases, states the American Cancer Society. If you follow this diet and are going through cancer treatment, you need blood work to test your levels of calcium, albumin, transferrin, iron, zinc, vitamin B1 and ascorbic acid, according to the Chemocare.com website.
Risk to Fetal Growth
Some macrobiotic diets may not have enough nutrients to ensure proper fetal growth. Therefore, macrobiotic diets should not be followed by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Children should also not follow a macrobiotic diet without the permission of their pediatrician due to an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Weight Loss
A macrobiotic diet may be risky for individuals that do not want to lose weight. If you have cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy, your doctor is not likely to recommend weight loss. Since the diet is low in calories, it may not be suitable for cancer treatments that require an increased calorie intake, according to the American Cancer Society.
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