Can Cancer Be Cured With A Macrobiotic Diet?

The rise in popularity of the macrobiotic diet has raised questions about possible cures for cancer with macrobiotic. But does this specialized diet really cure cancer?

What is a Macrobiotic Diet?

Michio Kushi was mainly responsible for the introduction of today’s modern macrobiotics to the US in the 1950s. Typically, a macrobiotic diet includes:

  • 50% to 60% organically grown whole grains
  • 20% to 25% locally and organically grown fruits and vegetables
  • 5% to 10% soups made with vegetables, seaweed, grains, beans, and miso soup (which is a fermented soy product)

There are also restrictions on cooking methods and a strong Buddist influence in the diet plan.

What Foods are in the Macrobiotic Diet?

Macrobiotic eating is vegan in nature and encourages lots of raw food, mainly fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It concentrates on incorporating as much whole, locally-grown organic foods into your diet, while avoiding animal and dairy products.

How Effective is the Macrobiotic Diet on Cancer?

Although the macrobiotic diet has demonstrated disease prevention benefits, it has not been proven to cure cancer. Studies are on-going to determine if the plan can be successfully used in cancer prevention treatments.

Are There Any Down Sides?

This diet plan can lead to nutritional deficiencies if it is not carefully planned and monitored.


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Posts By Sequoia
  • catherine shanahan, md

    We used to think only medical intervention could eliminate cancer cells. Since the discovery of immunosurveillance, we now realize that the body is developing and destroying cancer cells all the time. Only when the normal system of immunosurveillance breaks down do we develop clinically detectable cancer. The naturapathic idea that diet can control cancer appears well supported by the latest in cellular immunobiology. Unfortunately, the low fat, high carb diets most nutritionists (and macrobiotic adherents) advise have not been correlated with lower cancer rates.