The macrobiotic diet typically consists of fresh vegetables, 100 percent whole grains and fiber-rich beans. Glucose intolerance is a prediabetic state identified when a person's glucose level is raised two hours after eating, but less than what would signify type 2 diabetes mellitus and may be normal or slightly raised after fasting. According to Carmen Porrata Maury, physiologist and head of the Ma-Pi Macrobiotic Group, Finlay Institute, in Havana, Cuba a macrobiotic diet had a positive influence on glucide and lipid metabolism after six months. This means the intolerance is reduced, and shows that macrobiotic diets are effective.
Whole Grains are the Key
As a general rule, the more refined the carbohydrates and finely milled flour for bread and pasta, the higher the glycemic level, while coarser whole grains and high fiber cereals plus legumes are lower on the glycemic scale. This basically describes a macrobiotic diet: a focus on low glycemic foods. Low glycemic foods have far less impact on your blood sugar levels so if you have glucose intolerance, you need a low glycemic diet. Macrobiotic diets for glucose intolerance are a good fit.
These diets need not be very strict and are not completely vegetarian. Some fish and white meat are allowed several times a week. In particular, sea vegetables--the other name for seaweed--come from the ocean and are a rich source of sodium alginate, a compound that helps strengthen the immune system and defend against cancer. Sea vegetable food sources include kelp, alaria, dulse and nori.
At least 50 percent of your diet should include whole grains; 20 percent of vegetables (local); 10 percent of sea vegetables and beans; 5 percent of condiments and 5 percent of soups. Use sesame oils and corn that haven't been refined.
What to Avoid
You should not eat much poultry or meat, refined grain cereals, spinach, asparagus, yeasted breads, eggplant, red and green peppers, wine, commercial soy sauce, cumin and curry. Do not consume refined sugar or alcohol at all. Macrobiotic diets for glucose intolerance can be a little complicated, and you may need a specialized cookbook to prepare tasty and nutritious meals, but it is worth the effort.
What the Doctor Says
An adjunct associate professor of medicine, Dr. Neal Barnard, at George Washington University School of Medicine, and also the author of "Dr. Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes" (Rodale, 2007) doesn't mention macrobiotic diets for glucose intolerance but he does say that foods low on the glycemic index will have a positive effect and possibly even cure diabetes. If you are beginning to show impaired glucose tolerance, you need to seriously consider a macrobiotic diet before it is too late.
Drawbacks
Macrobiotic diets can become unhealthy because they may lack certain nutrients if you do not diversify what you eat. To maintain the diet and stay healthy, don't be too stringent and stay away from condiments that are too salty, such as pickles; and cook some a little more than they do in the macrobiotic restaurants. Your meals should be tasty so use different herbs and spices, and make sure your diet is working for you and adjust it if necessary.
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