Download Macrobiotics and Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Macrobiotics and Cancer
Prevention and Therapy
Danielle Ramey
03-21-08
Advisor: Dr. Boissnneault
What is the Macrobiotic Diet
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“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
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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
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A 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Relationship to Cancer
Probable Mechanism
Cruciferous vegetables
Inverse
Phytoestrogens such as genistein and
daidzein
Soy based foods
Inverse ???
Protease inhibitors and saponins
Fish (salmon, tuna, trout,herring)
Inverse
Omega 3- fatty acids
Whole Grains
Inverse
Phytoestrogens such as genistein and
daidzein
Obesity
Positive
Insulin metabolism, and oxidative processes
Red meat
Positive
Dietary exposure to chemicals and an
increase in saturated fat and
cholesterol
Green Tea
Inverse
Flavonoid called epigallocete gallate which
inhibits the enzyme activity necessary
for some cancer growths
Greeen Vegetables
Inverse
Phytochemicals lutein and indole
Other Benefits of the Diet
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Kushi L, Cunningham J, Hebert J, Lerman R, Bandera E, Teas J. The Macrobiotic Diet in Cancer.Journal of
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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???