Macrobiotic Diet for Cancer - Discussion

Thinking about using the macrobiotic diet for cancer? This article discusses this issue.

Cancer is a horrifying disease. Most of us, at our very core, fear the prospect of being informed that we have cancer.

Basically, cancer is abnormal cell growth. Cells in our body die and new cells grow to replace them. A cell becomes cancerous when DNA is damaged. This damaged cell grows and reproduces other damaged or abnormal cells and they begin to grow out of control.

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, having all of that ‘abnormal cell growth’ information really does not matter. Cancer affects every aspect of a person’s life. Not only does it make one physically sick, it affects emotions and even spirituality. Since the disease affects every part of a person’s life, doesn’t it make sense that every part of life should be included in the treatment?

The macrobiotic diet for cancer is such a treatment. It can also be used with other cancer treatment modalities. A macrobiotic diet is more than just a way to eat; it is a way of life. It touches on the emotional and spiritual, as well as physical, part of life with cancer.

A basic macrobiotic diet is organic with minimal processing. It is a high-fiber, low-fat diet. At the root of macrobiotics is simplicity and balance. A simple diet and a simple way of life. Using the macrobiotic diet for cancer means embracing these philosophies.

Proponents of the macrobiotic diet believe that food and food quality directly affect a person’s well-being. That is the reason behind organic and minimally processed foods. The secret behind meal planning around a macrobiotic diet is to eat with the seasons. Chose organically grown, in-season vegetables and grains. There is little or no meat in the macrobiotic diet. Any meat must be from non-genetically modified animals which are fed proper diets.

In the broadest sense, the macrobiotic diet guidelines are, for each meal:

• 50-60% whole grains, such as; brown rice, barley, whole wheat, corn, oats, etc.
• 25-30% vegetables. Organic, in-season.
• 10% beans or legumes. This can be beans or bean products.

The cancer treatment aspect of the macrobiotic diet is based on the fact that there is evidence that a diet high in fiber and low in red meat, especially genetically altered meat, can prevent many types of cancer.

Is there evidence of the effectiveness of the macrobiotic diet for cancer recovery? The macrobiotic diet should not be considered a cure for cancer; however, in a study by the Tulane School of Public Health, James P. Carter reported a significant increase in the longevity of cancer patients who practiced the macrobiotic diet. In this study, it was noticed that most cancer patients lived approximately 91 months without the macrobiotic diet. With the macrobiotic diet, cancer patients lived an average of 177 months.

Most medical professionals recommend that the macrobiotic diet not be used exclusively in a cancer treatment regimen. If a person decides to try the macrobiotic diet for cancer, it should be used in conjunction with other proven healing modalities.

How does the macrobiotic diet help in the treatment of cancer? The macrobiotic diet uses no refined sugar. Sugar feeds all the cells in our body and causes them to grow, and this includes cancer cells. The sugars you need to avoid in a macrobiotic diet are those that have no nutritional value - refined sugars such as those found in sodas, sugar cereals, etc. The whole grains used in the macrobiotic diet keep the digestive system clean, improving immune system balance.

The risks involved with using the macrobiotic diet for cancer are the deficiency of many vitamins and minerals. This particular diet is very low in calcium, iron, B vitamins, and vitamin D. It is said that this diet should be supplemented with a multivitamin, preferably one made from whole foods. Optimal nutrition is key to good health and for fighting cancer.

Important Point to Note: There are many theories regarding diets and nutrition for fighting cancer and good health in general. This article presents one particular point of view.

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