Macrobiotics and Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Danielle Ramey 03-21-08 Advisor: Dr. Boissnneault

What is the Macrobiotic Diet

Long

Life A vegetarian diet that emphasizes a philosophy of science and medicine and in large part an eating pattern. Macrobiotics is not exclusively a diet; it is described as a way of life with which humanity can maintain health, freedom, and happiness.

Case Studies

Numerous case studies about the cure of cancer as the only treatment using this diet gave a lot attention to it. Many reports of the macrobiotic cure. Several complete books written on recovery including a nurse with malignant melanoma, a physician with pancreatic cancer, and carcinosarcoma of the uterus with multiple metastases. Little research completed on the direct correlation between the diet and its effects to prevent or cure cancer. This could be that the macrobiotic diet is a CAM therapy and is based on a holistic approach to medicine. It is hard to research a holistic mind, body and spirit approach to medicine using only current science.

Basics of Diet

vegetarian diet with emphasis on whole grains, vegetables, and bean and soy products. The diet suggests fish and seafood as well as fruits on a weekly basis. The macrobiotic diet is therefore low fat, high fiber, and rich in phytoestrogens. Incorporates organically grown and minimally processed foods that coordinate with season, tradition, and climate.

The Link to Cancer

High in phytoestrogens and therefore may help to balance female hormones. May improve symptoms associated with menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and may offer protection against breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Mechanism is based on unopposed estrogen increasing the mitotic activity of endometrial cells and predisposing them to cancer. Phytoestrogens have weak estrogenic effects and bind to estrogen receptors, partially blocking their activity. They also increase SHBG which produces a reduced amount of free and unbound estrogen. Therefore, phytoestrogens found in excess in the diet help prevent the growth and proliferation of estrogen dependent cancerous cells.

The Link to Cancer

Flavonols are a class of flavonoids, which are ubiquitous in plant foods. Onions, kale, leaks, broccoli, and apples. Researched for their anticarcinogenic effect in many types of cancer and are proven to be a factor in the reduced risk of carcinoma. The mechanism is believed to be its effects on the cell cycle and reduction in oxidative stress.

The Link to Cancer

Since the macrobiotic diet is low fat and low calorie it perpetuates a high metabolism. Comparing a typical American diet and the macrobiotic diet, it is evident that the macrobiotic diet has a lower incidence of obesity. Overweight and obesity have been linked to an increase in certain types of cancer. If macrobiotic followers have a lower chance of obesity, it can be inferred that they are reducing their chances of those types of cancer.

The Link to Cancer

The

typical American consumes a lot of meat. On average, adults consume 150% of the RDA for protein. With the exception of fish, meats and dairy are not highly recommended, and consumed in small quantities in the macrobiotic diet. Recent research suggests that red meat in particular may have a positive relationship with certain types of cancer.

Summary
Dietary Influence Cruciferous vegetables Soy based foods Fish (salmon, tuna, trout,herring) Whole Grains Obesity Red meat Relationship to Cancer Inverse Inverse ??? Inverse Inverse Positive Positive Probable Mechanism Phytoestrogens such as genistein and daidzein Protease inhibitors and saponins Omega 3- fatty acids Phytoestrogens such as genistein and daidzein Insulin metabolism, and oxidative processes Dietary exposure to chemicals and an increase in saturated fat and cholesterol Flavonoid called epigallocete gallate which inhibits the enzyme activity necessary for some cancer growths Phytochemicals lutein and indole

Green Tea

Inverse

Greeen Vegetables

Inverse

Other Benefits of the Diet

Many

studies and proponents of the diet also claim other benefits aside from prevention and treatment of cancer. Lower risk of developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and lowers incidence of heart attack and stroke. Improvement in digestive diseases (such as ulcers and Crohns), improvement in memory, and loss of excess body fat.

Downfalls of Diet

Protein??? If consuming adequate beans, nuts, and soy protein and omega 3 fatty acids, all dietary recommendations should be met. Caloric intake is somewhat low. This may be a problem in cancer patients who are having trouble consuming food or even keeping it down. Diet may not be recommended when there is a need to make new tissue or establish a high metabolism such as post surgery. Expensive Time consuming Children, adolescents, elderly, pregnant, and lactating women should consult physician before beginning diet.

Conclusion

There are many positive associations including anticarcinogenic effects of phytoestrogens, vegetables, fish, soy, decreased red meat intake, and decreased obesity. There are also the loads of selfreported cures from terminal cancer due to the diet. The diet seems to be a legitimate option for those who are prepared with the resources to follow it. It also seems like an adequate preventative measure for cancer as well other diseases including heart disease, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Management of cancer should be dependent on proven therapies including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, macrobiotics could definitely be an option when these treatments fail, or even as an adjunct. It has many benefits, and is healthier when compared to the typical American diet. It goes without saying that more research needs to be completed on the efficacy of the macrobiotic diet in treatment of cancer.

References

Baughman, Beth. SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) http://www.breastcancer.org/ june 2007 DuPree breastcancer.org [cited Oct2007] Burton WN, Chen CY, Schultz AB, Edington DW. The costs of body mass index levels in an employed population. Stat Bull Metrop Insur Co. 1999 Jul-Sep;80(3):8-14 Cho E, Chen WY, Hunter DJ, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA, Hankinson SE, Willett WC. Red meat intake and risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women. Arch Intern Med. 2006 Nov 13; 166(20):2253-9. Cunningham E, Marcason W. Question of the month. Is there any research to prove that a macrobiotic diet can prevent or cure cancer?. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2001Sep; 101(9): 1030. Hosgood HD 3rd, Baris D, Zahm SH, Zheng T, Cross AJ.Diet and risk of multiple myeloma in Connecticut women. Cancer Causes Control. 2007 Aug; 18(10):1065-76. Kogut V, Decker G. Complementary and Alternative Dietary Therapies. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2001, Nov; 5(6): 283-286. Kushi L, Cunningham J, Hebert J, Lerman R, Bandera E, Teas J. The Macrobiotic Diet in Cancer.Journal of Nutrition. 2001 Nov; 131(11): 3056S. PK, Tucker KL, Wolk A. Risk of overweight and obesity among semivegetarian, lactovegetarian, and vegan women.Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jun; 81(6):1267-74. McCullough M, Bandera E, Patel R, Patel A, Gansler T, Kushi L, et al. A prospective study of fruits, vegetables, and risk of endometrial cancer. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2007 Oct 15; 166(8): McKeith, Gillian. You Are What You Eat. New York: Penguin Group, 2005. Newby Baughman, Beth. SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators). Dupree. June 2007. http://www.breastcancer.org/

Questions???