What about the Stories of People with Terminal Cancer Being Cured with a Macrobiotic or Other Unconventional Diet?
Most people with terminal cancer who follow a macrobiotic (grain and vegetable) or other unconventional diet are not cured of their cancer by the diet. There are well-documented stories of people with “terminal” cancers being cured after following a special diet. These people failed conventional cancer therapy or declined conventional therapy, so their cure was attributed to their diet. Testimonials are inspiring but are not scientific evidence.
For these exceptional individuals, diets may have been a factor, if not the main reason, for the remarkable recovery. However, most people with the same medical condition who follow the same diet as the exceptional survivors do not respond as well. Macrobiotic and other special diets have not been shown to treat or prevent cancer dependably. The effect of these diets has never been studied in double-blind research protocols that would allow you to draw reliable conclusions about the value of these diets in treating cancer. Further research is needed to determine the safety and role of unconventional diets in the prevention of cancer.
What Are the Risks of a Macrobiotic or Other Unusual Diet?
You may have special nutritional needs while you are recovering that would not be met by a macrobiotic or other restrictive diet.
It takes a good understanding of nutrition to get a well-balanced diet when eating macrobiotically. You risk protein inadequacy if you do not eat protein-containing foods in proper combinations. You also risk vitamin deficiencies.
If you wish to pursue a special diet, be sure to let your doctor know. Review the specifics of your diet with the doctor.
Why Should I Tell My Oncologist If I Want to Follow an Unconventional Diet?
If you are embarrassed, tell your doctors you are embarrassed, but still inform them of your dietary habits. The more your doctors know about you, the better the care you will receive. Omitting information about your diet deprives your doctors of a piece of information that may affect your evaluation and treatment.
What If I Am Embarrassed to Tell My Doctors That I Follow an Unconventional Diet?
Many people fear scorn or rejection by their doctors if they choose to follow unconventional diets or treatments. Discussing your diet with your doctors will allow them to
• reassure you that your diet is sound and acceptable, or
• give you solid reasons why your diet is a problem for you now, but probably acceptable after you are completely recovered from your treatments, or
•give you solid reasons why your diet is not the best diet for you under any circumstances, and / or
•adjust your other medications, if necessary
Doctors know that patients consider and try unconventional methods. Sharing this information with your doctors will maximize the safety of your diet. If your doctors disapprove of your dietary habits, they will still be able to take better care of you if they are aware of those habits. It is very unlikely that you would have to leave the care of your oncologist because of disagreement over your diet.
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