The American Cancer Society reports that there is no current scientific evidence verifying the efficacy or necessity of using a macrobiotic diet to treat cancer. A macrobiotic diet is a type of alternative therapy that involves eating foods that help balance the yin and yang energy of the body, thus improving your health. Yin and yang are the two complementary forces of life in Chinese philosophy.
Origin
George Ohsawa, a Japanese philosopher, founded the macrobiotic diet and philosophy as an integration of Asian medicine, Christian teachings, Zen Buddhism and aspects of Western medicine. His philosophy was that a diet based on simplicity and abstention from certain foods can cure cancer as well as other serious illnesses, according to the American Cancer Society.
Foods
According to an article by Joellyn Horowitz, M.D., and Mitsuo Tomita, M.D., in the Fall 2002 issue of "The Permanente Journal," a standard macrobiotic diet consists of between 40 and 60 percent whole cereal grains such as barley, brown rice, corn, millet, oats, rye and wheat. This includes products such as bread, noodles and pasta containing whole cereal grains. Between 5 and 10 percent of a macrobiotic diet consists of beans such as azuki, chickpeas and lentils. Bean products such as natto, tofu and tempeh are also part of the macrobiotic diet. Locally-grown raw or pickled vegetables make up 20 to 30 percent of the diet. Other foods such as fruit, nuts, seeds and white fish.
Considerations
Cooking utensils should be made of wood, glass, ceramic or stainless steel only. Avoid using microwaves or electricity to cook food. The macrobiotic diet does not allow for vitamin or mineral supplements. Individuals adhering to the macrobiotic diet must avoid dairy products, meat, oily food and refined sugar because they may contain toxins, according to The American Cancer Society
Warning
Macrobiotic diets are untested on women who are pregnant or breast feeding and can lead to malnutrition without proper planning. The American Cancer Society recommends eating a diet that includes at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables while avoiding refined foods. Include whole grains in your daily diet and limit your consumption of fat and red meat. Relying only on a macrobiotic diet for treatment of cancer can be dangerous or fatal.
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