I wanted to bring you this interview with Ella Zibitsker, a relative of mine who, when diagnosed with terminal cancer 11 years ago, used macrobiotics to restore her health. She has been an inspiration to us and I hope Ella’s story will provide some insight into macrobiotics and the power of alternative medicine. Jolanta Sonkin

Can you tell us a little about your terminal cancer diagnosis?

On August 6th, 1998 I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. At that time I didn’t even know that there was such a thing as cancer of the immune system. My family was stunned when 10 days later after a battery of tests the doctors concluded that my cancer had progressed to 4th stage and behaved aggressively. I was not offered any treatments and was told that I don’t have a chance; a pretty frightful prognosis…

Why did you choose macrobiotics over other alternative therapies?

I knew very little about alternative medicine, but I had a few of Andrew Weil’s books and tapes. In one of his books, Spontaneous Healing on page 54, there was a story about Al who had recovered from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma through macrobiotics. I thought I should learn more about it, so I immediately bought Michio Kushi’s book The Macrobiotic Way. I felt like I had discovered a new world, a world with logic and common sense. I began practicing macrobiotics and my health started coming back. It was incredible to experience the power of food and see how the disease changes into health. I realized that simple things such as a healthy appetite, regular body functions, and a good night's sleep actually are the major signs of health.
 
Can you tell us about macrobiotics and how it helped you overcome cancer?

Though I recognized the value of macrobiotics very quickly, the lack of practical knowledge was evident. So, in September 1998 I went to the The Kushi Institute where I was taught the macrobiotic way of life. I learned how to cook healthy and delicious meals, how to create balance in my life, how to heal, and how to stay healthy. I always considered myself a pretty healthy person, but I had no idea how unhealthy my diet and life style really were. I had to change everything, including cooking, eating habits, working, exercising, practically everything! The more I practiced the macrobiotic way of life, the healthier I became.

Was the diet your focus or were there other changes in your lifestyle that were also beneficial?

I first started with the diet. Food has the largest impact on your health. I started seeing health improvements within days. Before, my lips had been a bluish color, my skin tone pale, and I was easily bruising all over. Since I started practicing macrobiotics, the color started to come back to my lips and cheeks and I was starting to regain energy. I finally started to sleep through the night and was no longer experiencing deep sweats. I then was able to exercise and meditate. These are very important components of the healing process. The exercises included walking 2-3 times a day and mild Japanese yoga, Do-In. Now, I had to put everything together – cooking, exercising, meditating, running the business (yes, I have to work), taking care of my family, and having some kind of social life. I had to develop a routine.

Can you tell me more about your routine?

In the morning I do a body scrub, yoga, and meditation. After that I eat breakfast, clean up and go for a brisk walk. By 9 A.M. I’m done and can focus on my job. At 12:30 I eat lunch and walk again. In the beginning, I had to have an afternoon nap, but now I have enough energy to finish my normal working day. I eat dinner at 6pm. Regularity is the most important aspect of the healing process and I did it religiously. I’m still doing the same routine. I know that If I stop all my problems will come back.

So, when do you do the cooking?

I cook every day mostly in the morning. If your health is in a good condition, you can cook enough grains and beans for 2-3 days and keep them refrigerated. If you’re on a strict macrobiotic diet, you should eat freshly cooked meals daily. I prepare vegetables right before each meal. Since cooking is an extremely important part of the macrobiotic diet, I’d recommend planning ahead for each week and allocating about 1-1.5 hours a day for cooking.

What about meditation?

I do at least 10 minutes a day of deep breathing. It can be done any time, sitting, walking, at home, by the lake. Everything can be meditative, even washing the dishes. You can make chores part of your life and live in the moment.
 
I know that the diet can be very strict when you are sick.  Did you have difficulty staying on the diet?
 
It was easy for me. I happened to love the food from the very moment I started and I still love it. I also looked at macrobiotics as more than just a vegan diet; to me it’s a philosophy of life. I was always fascinated by eastern philosophies, such as Daoism and Zen Buddhism and since macrobiotic principles are derived from those two giants, I accepted it whole heartedly . The excellent books by Michio Kushi and George Ohsawa are the gates into the world of health and happiness. Just pick any book and I guarantee it will change your life.

How many years has it been since your cancer diagnosis and how do you feel today?

It took me nine months, yes, only 9 months to get rid of the cancer!! Now, eleven years later, I feel great. As a matter of fact, not only do I no longer have cancer, I’m much healthier than I was before.

How has your diet and lifestyle changed over the years since your diagnosis?

It was very strict in the beginning because I had to improve my health quickly. Once you’re out of immediate danger, you can expand it by adding more variety to your food. One aspect of macrobiotics is not to limit yourself, but to balance yourself. Variety is important. You can’t just eat brown rice and think you will be healthy; it limits you and will end up causing other problems. Michio Kushi said once that you can eat a donut and be macrobiotic, just chew it 300 times! By the way, don’t eat donuts.
 
Do you think that the diet can be helpful for people with other ailments such as heart disease, obesity, arthritis and diabetes?
It can help anybody no matter what disease they have. Most Western diagnoses are concerned with the symptoms, whereas Eastern medicine looks into the root of the problem. I would definitely recommend seeing a macrobiotic counselor for a more comprehensive diagnosis. The book A Web That Has No Weaver shows how 10 patients, all diagnosed with ulcers, were each give a different treatment plan by an Eastern pracititioner.
 
What do you feel are the most important aspects of macrobiotics?  e.g. food, lack of stress, yin and yang etc.

Everything is important, but food is the major energy provider for your body; therefore macrobiotics puts a huge emphasis on the food. But then examine your life style and your environment. And keep on learning about macrobiotics. The more you know, the more you are in control of your health.
 
Macrobiotics has obviously improved your health.  How has it changed your life in other ways?

Macrobiotics affects every aspect of your life. I experienced improvements in memory, clarity of mind, and my decisions became more intuitive. I am not as angry or aggressive anymore. I became less judgmental and more forgiving. The food I eat is more peaceful and balanced and so I am more peaceful and balanced. And I attract those people too. It also has affected my friendships to a certain degree. Many of my friends followed me and are very happy with the results.  

What advice would you give to somebody thinking about going on a macrobiotic diet?

1) Start practicing immediately. Don’t wait. You will see results quickly enough and then you will be encouraged to do more.

2) Stay focused. All you need is within macrobiotics. You don’t need any supplements, expensive treatments, or weird drugs.

3) Continually consult a macrobiotic counselor to ensure you are on the right path.

4) Find people in your community who practice macrobiotics and get involved.

Interview by Jolanta Sonkin, GoMacro