Macrobiotic Diet Health Concerns

Macrobiotic diets emphasize eating locally-grown and seasonal foods. While some proponents of macrobiotics eat fish, many are strictly vegetarian or vegan. Since macrobiotic eating is restrictive, followers should take the time to educate themselves about the nutritional factors of macrobiotic eating. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends following a macrobiotic diet with a doctor's guidance, and to report any signs of nutritional deficiencies.

Health concerns relate to a lack of animal proteins, which potentially leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These deficiencies can cause circulatory, bone and cardiovascular disorders.

Features

According to macrobiotic philosophy, human beings become ill on every level when they eat foods that are not regional to their living environment. The idea is to bring the person into alignment with the seasons and the basic rhythms of life. Originally from Japan, macrobiotic diets include whole grains as the main dietary component. Fifty percent of a macrobiotic diet is whole grain. Vegetables must be locally grown, organic and seasonal. Macrobiotic eaters consume protein in fish, soy products (such as tofu), legumes, and small quantities of fruits, nuts, seeds and sea vegetables, e.g., seaweed varieties.

Concerns

While macrobiotic eating has benefits, it also has limitations and associated concerns. According to Dr. Weil, the diet is restrictive and includes too much sodium. Fruits contain essential phytonutrients, which macrobiotic eaters deny themselves in all but small quantities. The greatest concern in macrobiotic eating is a lack of animal protein, which is a source of vitamin B12.

Dr. Weil explains additional macrobiotic diet health concerns. Macrobiotic eating can cause deficiencies in vitamins D and B Complex, as well as protein, calcium, magnesium, and iron. These dietary deficiencies are potential long-term health hazards. You can supplement all of the missing nutrients; however. If you are on, or wish to begin, a macrobiotic diet, seek the supervision of a health care professional. Have your blood levels checked for nutrient deficiencies. Dr. Weil urges that those on a macrobiotic diet report "fatigue, pain in muscles or joints, increased irritability or susceptibility to infections."

Significance

Vitamin B-2 is a B Complex vitamin and may be categorized as a nutritional building block. Dr. Weil explains that vitamin B-12 is essential for red blood cell synthesis and a stable central nervous system, and is crucial for healthy child development. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause serious problems including anemia, stroke and irreversible neurological damage.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Vitamin D stabilizes calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, an essential nutrient for healthy bones. The Mayo Clinic adds that recent research "suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases." While the sun is a major source of vitamin D, it also is found in fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil, some of which are not macrobiotic foods. Iron deficiency can cause anemia.

Solutions

If you choose a macrobiotic lifestyle, add B Complex vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, and iron in supplemental forms. Also helpful are yeast extracts, soy products, spreads without animal fats and enriched whole grains. According to the Macrobiotic Guide, plant sources do not provide usable Vitamin B12. In whatever form you select, consume the minimum daily requirements as labeled on the vitamin packages.

Considerations

Keep health concerns in mind if you want to try macrobiotic eating. Weigh macrobiotic diet benefits, which are substantial. Dr. Weil praises the macrobiotic diet for its low fat, sugar and caloric properties. Macrobiotic diet is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. When you omit processed foods, you begin to strengthen your immune system.

Dr. Weil reports that the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is studying macrobiotic diet to determine if it is superior to the American Heart Association diet. Since you can supplement the nutrients associated with animal protein, however, a macrobiotic diet may be a healthy lifestyle choice.

References

• Dr. Andrew Weil: Macrobiotic Health
• Macrobiotic Guide: My Vitamin B12 Dilemma
• Mayo Clinic: Vitamin D

Resources

• Dr. Weil: Magnesium
• Macrobiotic Diet Guidelines