A macrobiotic diet is one in which people mainly eat cooked vegetables, cereals and whole grain foods. Originally, the diet was quite strict, but the modern version allows for fruits, nuts and some fish and focuses on using specific cooking methods and locally grown, organic foods as much as possible. While claims that it cures some types of cancer are still in question, a macrobiotic diet does follow many of the guidelines for a healthy diet prescribed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There are, however, a few potential health risks with this diet.
Gluten
A macrobiotic diet includes lots of grains, so those with gluten allergies may not fare well on this diet. The gluten in wheat, barley and rye are especially harmful to those with Celiac disease, as it causes malnutrition through damaging the small intestine, making it impossible to properly digest foods.
Protein Deficiency
The easiest way to get all the protein you need is to eat meat, fish and eggs. Whole grains and vegetables also contain healthy protein but don't provide all the amino acids of a complete protein. People who eat a macrobiotic diet need to compensate for this, or they could be at risk of protein deficiency. The complete protein helps keep the body in good repair, provides enzymes and hormones that keep the body functioning and is essential in the manufacture of antibodies to fight off infection.
People with chronic illnesses, especially those affecting the digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome, need to be especially careful to get adequate protein to replenish losses due to their illness.
Children are at particular risk of stunted growth if they don't get adequate protein in their diets. They are also more likely to suffer other nutritional deficiencies, as their dietary needs differ from those of adults.
Vitamin Deficiency
The fruits and vegetables allowed on a strict macrobiotic diet provide only minimal vitamin C and beta carotene, important sources of antioxidants, which are considered helpful in fighting off some diseases of aging. Other nutrients that need to be monitored if you're eating a macrobiotic diet are vitamin B12, iron and folate. These essential nutrients help build strong cells, as well as providing enzymes for the production of neurotransmitters, important to keeping the brain and nerves functioning.
Other potential deficiencies are calcium and vitamin D, especially vitamin D, as it's usually only found in fortified foods, especially dairy products. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, so those who don't use dairy products need to be sure to get adequate amounts of sunlight, which allows the body to produce sufficient amounts of this nutrient. Calcium deficiency, or hypocalcemia, produces symptoms such as facial twitching, numbness or tingling in the fingers and muscle cramps. If the deficiency becomes acute enough, it could lead to seizures, low blood pressure or even muscle spasms in the larynx, causing harsh or vibrating breath sounds.
Pregnancy
According to the American Cancer Society: "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."
Member Comments