Guide to Macrobiotic Diet: The macrobiotic diet may well have health benefits and could help you lose weight.

The macrobiotic diet may well have health benefits and could help you lose weight. But it is low in some important nutrients. And using it to self-treat a chronic condition could be harmful to your health if it means avoiding or delaying standard care. If you're thinking of trying the macrobiotic diet, consult your physician for guidance-especially if you have a health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease.For those who can avoid nutritional deficiencies, macrobiotic eating can provide health benefits. You should never use it as a replacement for traditional medical treatments. People with specific medical conditions, such as cancer or obesity, should get a doctor's approval before starting. Those who are simply interested in pursuing better health may also benefit from a doctor or dietitian's input before starting.Parts of the diet are healthful, such as the focus on whole grains, veggies, and beans, and not eating refined and processed foods. However, overall this diet is too strict and limits many healthful foods. If you choose to follow this diet, think about relaxing some of the guidelines to allow for a more well-balanced diet. A strict macrobiotic diet should not be followed by infants, children, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.