Lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs due to mutated cells within the immune system. These cells then multiply rapidly and develop the ability to invade other parts of the body. Diet plans such as the macrobiotic diet are often touted as being able to help treat or prevent cancer, but these claims have not yet been proven in published scientific research.
Principles
The basic goal of the macrobiotic diet is to balance yin and yang, which are regarded as two complementary and antagonistic forms of energy. The basic macrobiotic diet consists of 50 to 60 percent whole grains and 20 to 25 percent locally grown fruits and vegetables, the American Cancer Society explains, with the rest of the nutrition coming from beans, soups, nuts, soy products and white fish. Alcohol, spices, sugars, red meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products are all discouraged because of their extreme yin or yang properties.
Food Preparation
The macrobiotic diet is an extension of an overall life philosophy, so there are also guidelines about how food can be prepared and eaten. Cooking methods that involve electricity, such as microwaving, are not allowed. Pots, pans and utensils that are used to make food must be made out of certain materials, such as ceramics, wood, glass and stainless steel. According to the macrobiotic diet, food must also be chewed until it is liquid.
Macrobiotic Diet and Lymphoma
According to the principles upon which the macrobiotic diet is founded, some cancers are categorized as "yin" cancers. As HealingCancerNaturally.com explains, these yin cancers, which include lymphoma, can be treated by avoiding the consumption of citrus and tropical fruits, as well as fruit juices. HealingCancerNaturally.com does admit that there is no scientific evidence that supports this theory of macrobiotic diet and lymphoma, outside of the work and testimonials from other macrobiotic practitioners.
Evidence
The American Cancer Society states there is no scientific evidence that following a macrobiotic diet can prevent or treat any form of cancer. It does note, however, that if properly followed, a diet high in fiber and low in fat can reduce your risk of developing certain health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. The American Cancer Society also notes that the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has funded a study that will examine the effects of a macrobiotic diet on cancer. However, with restrictive diets like the macrobiotic diet, vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition are a risk, which means that this diet may not be appropriate for people being treated for cancer.
Considerations
Despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence to support any cancer-preventing claims for the macrobiotic diet, there is evidence that diet can affect your risk of developing lymphoma. According to a 2003 study published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" called "Diet and Nutrient Intakes and Risk of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Connecticut Women," a diet high in fiber, fruits and vegetables and low in animal protein can reduce your risk of developing lymphoma. Because the macrobiotic diet fits this description, it may be able to help you lower your chances of getting lymphoma.
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