Macrobiotic diet

What is it?

The macrobiotic diet is a diet that stresses vegetarianism and eating whole, healthy foods. Some versions of the diet include dairy, fish, and meat.

The macrobiotic diet seems to reduce swelling. Certain macrobiotic diets might also help to balance bacteria in the gut.

People use the macrobiotic diet for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Is it effective?

Effective for …

There is interest in using the macrobiotic diet for a number of purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is there concern for the safety of its use?

The macrobiotic diet is possibly safe when it includes dairy, fish, or nutritional supplements to ensure that nutritional needs are met. But following a strict macrobiotic diet that doesn’t include these modifications is possibly unsafe. Following a strict macrobiotic diet might increase the risk of certain nutrient deficiencies, including calcium, iron, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if the macrobiotic diet is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Following a strict macrobiotic diet is possibly unsafe in infants and children. This diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies have been linked with reduced intelligence and reduced height in children. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if the macrobiotic diet is safe in infants or children when modifications are made to ensure nutritional needs are met.

Are there any drug interactions?

It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Are there any interactions with herbs and supplements?

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Are there any interactions with food?

There are no known interactions with foods.

What dose is used?

There are different forms of the macrobiotic diet. It generally stresses that 40% to 60% of daily calories come from vegetables and whole grains. Animal products should only be eaten in small amounts on a monthly basis, and foods in the nightshade family, such as potatoes and tomatoes, should be avoided. Very strict forms of the diet recommend avoiding animal products completely. Nutritional supplements may be necessary to ensure nutritional needs are met. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting this diet.

By what other names is the product known?

Ma-Pi 2 Diet, Macrobiotics, Macrobiotism, Zen Macrobiotics.

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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