The macrobiotic diet is a combination of foods designed and promoted during the early 20th century by Sagen Ishuzuka, a Japanese army doctor. It emphasizes natural and healthy foods. The meaning of "macrobiotic" is "larger view of life," which refers to the long-term health benefits the founder intended the diet to support. Some health professionals, including Ishuzuka, advocate the diet for the treatment of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, but no scientific evidence is available supporting this claim.
Principles
Ishizuka is often described as a philosopher because the foundation of the diet is based on principles influenced by Buddhism and other Asian philosophies. The principles state that food is the basis for health and well-being; sodium and potassium determine the yin and yang quality of foods that must remain in balance; grains are the primary essential dietary component; and local, whole, natural, in-season foods provide optimal nutrition.
Foods
The diet prohibits the use of dairy products, meats and refined sugars. It discourages eating foods in the nightshade family, including tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, asparagus. It recommends avoiding spinach, beets and avocado. The diet emphasizes consuming foods and water as a response to hunger and thirst, and eating and drinking mindfully is essential to supporting well-being.
Percentages
As the standard Western dietary guidelines recommend a particular balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat in the daily diet, the macrobiotic diet promotes consuming 50 to 60 percent whole grains, 20 to 25 percent local fruits and vegetables, 5 to 10 percent soup with vegetables, seaweed, beans and miso. Tea and water constitute the diet's primary beverage sources.
Warnings
Variations of the macrobiotic diet exist, including nutritionally unsound versions that recommend eating only rice, or only rice and legumes. These diets are not promoted by official proponents of the macrobiotic plan. The nutritional requirements of breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women reach beyond the limitations of the macrobiotic diet and should be modified with the help of a nutrition professional or avoided. Speak with a health professional if you plan to adopt the macrobiotic diet.
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