This information is compiled from many sources, and is for general educational purposes only. Please see your doctor for a specific health problem or an emergency room for a life-threatening emergency.

Healthy Definitions

Here are some definitions of terms and descriptions of food, treatment, etc. that can be used to heal.

Acid-forming foods—Foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, sugar, nightshade vegetables can turn our blood too acidic, and in order to stay alive, our body leaches calcium from our bones to buffer the pH back to 7.1, which is just a hair towards alkaline from the middle of the pH scale of 0-14. Lack of sleep, overeating, prolonged stress, and too much use of chemicals and technology can have the same effect, leading to bone loss or osteoporosis. Also see Alkaline blood.

 Alkaline blood—There has been much talk about supplements and eating to create an alkaline body. Eating animal and chemical foods, stress and technology can cause an overly acid condition in the blood, or a pH below 7. The body quickly takes calcium from the bones in order to raise the pH, or buffer the acid. This causes bone loss, other wise known as osteoporosis. Also see acid forming foods.

Allergies—These are a natural immune function, generally caused by too much extreme yin (expanding) foods or drugs, alone or in combination with extreme yang (contracting) food or drugs. If you have allergies, cut out all dairy, including milk, cream, butter, yogurt, milk chocolate and natural flavorings. Some soy and rice-based cheeses, etc. also include milk protein called casein, essentially glue, a known allergen and toxin, which has been linked to SIDS. Soy and rice milk have the same yin energy as milk, so minimize your intake and go organic, to avoid GMO soy beans.

Antibiotics—These 20th century drugs have been given credit for saving millions of lives, but people do not also generally know that they have also killed millions. They weaken your immune system and devastate digestion, particularly when taken over a long time. If you are now on antibiotics, consider taking miso soup daily to restore helpful bacteria in your body. Yogurt and pills are less effective, and have side effects, but are better than nothing in most cases.

Baked Foods—Which is healthier, baked potato chips or fried potato chips? Those who study Macrobiotics might tell you that baked foods are to be avoided for many of us, because they are extremely yang, when many of us are suffering from yang conditions already. Obviously, both are to be eaten in small quantities, and infrequently. My advice? Make your own deep fried chips from all kinds of organic vegetables (carrots, onions, turnips, sweet potato, lotus root come to mind), using healthy and fresh organic oils such as safflower, sunflower or a mix of sesame and olive. Avoid restaurants that keep low-quality oils such as GMO canola oil in the fryer all day or longer.

Body Rub–This is a great way to look and feel younger, and relax yourself at the end (or the beginning) of the day. Fill the sink with hot water, and use a folded white facecloth. Start with the back of your neck and head, move up your head, do your face, your neck, shoulders, lymph nodes, arms, elbows, hands, groin, legs, knees, ankles, feet. Takes about 7-10 minutes. More information in Denny Waxman’s book, The Great Life Diet, available at Amazon.

Brown Rice—This is a relatively new species, but more than half of the world’s people use it as a staple food every day. The western world has paid a large toll for first going to white rice, then moving heavily to baked grains and now away from carbs completely.

Cancer—Every adult knows someone who died from cancer at this point. The fact is, most adults over 50 in the U.S. have cancer, at least in their thyroid. Cancer is a natural occurrence in the human body, when diet and lifestyle are out of balance. For that reason, it’s considered by many to be a wakeup call, not something to fight. It is well-established that a plan-based diet, regular exercise, and a more natural lifestyle can prevent and reverse cancer. The health system in this country takes in hundreds of billions of dollars every year to research and treat cancer, but interestingly, the statistics say more people are dying, and we are no closer to a cure. That’s because technology is not the answer, it’s nature.

Chakras—These are the seven vertices (points) that control the meridians of electricity running through our body. Chiropractic, reflexology, shiatsu, acupuncture, acupressure, reiki, craniosacral therapy and healing touch, to name a few, are all based on these points. When energy is blocked, we experience symptoms in specific organs or parts of our body. Each chakra is associated also with a different emotion, and has its own frequency, which correspond to musical notes, C major through B major. Learn more online or in the Health Yourself iPhone app, at http://www.healthyourself.co

Christina Pirello—Ms. Pirello is an award-winning cook, teacher, author and television star who came to macrobiotics because of illness. Learn more about her at http://www.christinacooks.com/

Daikon–This long, white Japanese radish is traditionally served grated with raw fish. It helps by digesting fats, especially animal fats, that come from beef, pork, poultry and fatty fish. It can be served raw in salads, used in remedies such as Carrot-Daikon drink, and grated daikon with shoyu, as well as served boiled and sauteed. It can also be used dried, in soups and casseroles.

Dairy Foods—Consuming foods from the mammaries of cows is dangerous. Hormones, bacteria, antibiotics and iodine enter our bloodstream as a result, causing everything from colds, to infections such as listeria, salmonella and e-coli, to leukemia. Milk and cream are very expanding (yin), butter is slightly contracting, and cheese is extremely contracting (yang). All are harmful to our body, and necessitate suffering by cows, and the continual destruction of our land, air and water resources. If you do consume milk products, be sure to make them organic, and have miso soup or an umeboshi plum afterwards. Learn more at http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/linda_folden_palmer.html or http://www.notmilk.com

Denny Waxman—Mr. Waxman was a student of Michio Kushi and founded Essene, a successful natural foods market in Philadelphia PA about 40 years ago. He teaches and counsels at his Strengthening Health Institute, and has shared his knowledge of macrobiotics on the television, and on several continents. Learn more at http://www.strengthenhealth.org

Diabetes—Our love affair with sugar is evident when you walk into any supermarket, drug store or convenience store. About a quarter of us are diabetic or pre-diabetic, which costs society billions. Unfortunately, sugar is not the only cause of diabetes. White breads and pastas, and natural sugars in fruit juices, chemicals, etc. can also diminish the function of our pancreas. This may be completely reversible, if we can return to a natural diet, comprised of whole grains, well-cooked organic land and sea vegetables, and legumes, mushrooms, seeds and nuts, as our ancestors who never had diabetes ate.

Energy—Ever feel a tingling in your legs? Everything in your body is connected by an amazing pathwork sometimes called meridians. By studying these, we can better diagnose and heal medical conditions. When our pathways are clear, disease is impossible, and our intuition and ability to communicate are maximized. Healing modalities abound, from reflexology, to acupuncture, to shiatsu.

Famous Vegans—Pythagoras, Plato, Leonardo Da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, George Bernard Shaw, Emily Dickinson, Albert Scwheitzer, Jesus, Steve Jobs, Madonna, Toby Maguire, Alicia Silverstone, Al Yankovic, Carrie Underwood, Dav Pilkey, Casey Affleck, Ed Begley Jr., Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Kevin Nealon, Natalie Portman, Prince, Shania Twain, Chrissie Hynde, Coretta Scott King, Carl Lewis, Edwin Moses, Casey Kasem, Peter Max, Benjamin Spock, Fiona Apple, KD Lang, Lindsay Wagner, Lisa Edelstein, Martina Navratalova, John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Ellen Degeneres, Erykah Badu, Pamela Anderson, Mary Shelley, Ed Templeton, Joaquin Phoenix and many more.

George Ohsawa—Mr. Ohsawa brought macrobiotics from Japan to the United States in the 1960s. He taught Michio Kushi, and many others, and wrote dozens of books. Learn more about him at http://www.ohsawamacrobiotics.com/

Heart Disease—Still the number one killer of Americans, heart disease begins in childhood when we eat a high animal fat diet. Our nation’s food suppliers want us to buy more, so they neglect to inform us that eating beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and dairy products in the manner and amount we currently do, offers inferior nutrition, causes untold suffering by animals, and threatens destruction of our land, air and water supply in the next 1-2 decades. Lately, people have begun to lower fat intake, through lean meats, fat-free milk, and sugar substitutes. This has helped, but has increased cancer rates. Exercise is also lowering heart disease deaths, but we have a ways to go.

Jessica Porter—Ms. Porter is a successful author, blogger and lifestyle guru who lives life with zeal. Her book, The Hip Chick’s Guide To Macrobiotics, is fabulous, and so is she. Learn more about her at http://www.hipchicksmacrobiotics.com/

Kripalu—Started as an ashram, and located at a former Jesuit retreat center, Kripalu is the premier yoga school in the United States. The offer fantastic programs for healing, yoga, movement, and self-improvement, and their grounds offers hiking and snow-shoeing trails, a beach, and a location on the Lenox and Stockbridge line is close to Tanglewood and other Berkshire gems. Learn more at http://www.kripalu.org

Kushi Institute–This center in Becket MA, and in several other countries, is the best place to learn about how to create health through proper eating and lifestyle. Michio Kushi, the father of modern macrobiotics, can still be seen on campus in Becket occasionally. Each summer, the institute puts on the K.I. Summer Conference, currently being held in Palasades, NY. For more information, go to http://www.kushiinstitute.org

Legumes—Peas, azuki beans, chick peas, lima beans, lentils, even peanuts are legumes. These have a high amount of protein and fiber, and taste delicious in many different ways, such as soups, loafs, dips and toppers.

Macrobiotics—this is an all-encompassing philosophy of understanding the harmony and laws of the universe and life. While many see macrobiotics as just a strict diet, it is in fact the notion that by knowing and taking care of your body, studying the seasons and how to prepare healthy foods, we can be truly free to live a great life. Learn more at http://www.kushiinstitute.org/html/what_is_macro.html

Meat—This includes beef, pork, chicken and other animal flesh. Americans eat and throw away so much of these, they destroy their health, kill a billion mammals per year, and devastate the land, water and air supply. The meat lobbies, food suppliers, and the healthcare system all like it, as they are profiting from it. But it is unsustainable.

Michio Kushi—Mr. Kushi is known as the father of modern macrobiotics. He founded the Kushi Institute in several countries, Erewhon natural foods, Natural Health magazine, has written dozens of books, and was instrumental in the organic farming movement since the 1970s. He is in his mid-eighties, and lives in Becket MA. Learn more about him at http://www.michiokushi.org

Miso—This food originates from Japan and is fermented soybeans or other bean or grain that come in a paste form. You may easily create a slurry for soup or a sauce, using sweeter (less fermented) or stronger (longer fermented, more health benefits). First to buy would be barley miso, but at a Japanese restaurant generally you will taste white miso, which is much sweeter. It helps with digestion by adding helpful bacteria, and is quite yang so it is a good counter for a throat infection or a sugar binge.

Neurological Disorders—These diseases of the nervous system and brain are generally caused by eating too much extreme yin (expanding) foods, such as sugar, fruit, chemicals and medications. as well as alcohol and drugs. These diseases can be made worse by consumption of large amounts of animal fats from meat, eggs and dairy foods. Conditions include alzheimers, parkinsons, ALS, MS, and other major and minor chronic illnesses. Most can be treated successfully through the adoption of a balanced macrobiotic diet, and symptoms improved through ginger compresses and other natural remedies.

Obesity—A growing problem in the U.S. and other developed countries. Probably due to a combination of factors, but most importantly: 1) High Fructose Corn Syrup; 2) Overeating; 3) Lack of Chewing; 4) Too Much Stress; 5) Not Enough Exercise.

Omega Institute—New York boasts the best of everything, and Omega lives up to that billing. With hundreds of online courses and live programs on health and healing, Omega is great for a vacation or to change your career. Learn more at http://www.eomega.org

Plant-Based Diet—There have been many books on this topic, but the most scientific and most recent one that is making waves, is The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell. Basically, poor people in most countries eat this way, and they have almost no cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or neurological disorders as we do here. There is evidence that a whole foods, balanced plant-based diet can prevent and reverse virtually any disease. If you don’t believe it, try it for one month.

Healing Veg Tea—This is a wonderful between-meals beverage that you can order from David Kagan, at 508-333-4153, for $10 per pint delivered (for members). It’s especially good for weight loss, stress reduction, and healing from liver, pancreas, and kidney problems.

Sea Vegetables—If you are not having sea vegetables in  their natural form every week, you may be missing key nutrients to prevent cancer, improve your skin, mood, digestion and joint health, and you are also missing a wonderfully delicious food group. Start with Wakame for soups, then add Kombu to cook beans and rice, as well as make broth, and Nori for sushi and rice balls. There are at least a half-dozen other varieties widely available also.

Shiatsu—The macrobiotic style of bodywork that combines massage and reflexology, and also uses positions that are healing for both recipient and giver. Highly recommended for digestive difficulties, back pain, decreased vision and arthritis, to name a few.

Shoyu—This slow-brewed, high quality soy sauce is a great addition to soups, stirfries, dressings, and even healing remedies. Learn more at http://www.naturalimport.co

Shiitake Mushroom—One of many powerful fungi, shiitake is used fresh and dried, for delicious soups, stirfries and casseroles, and often used dry in remedies.

Sugar–Overconsumption of sugar and similar products typically causes diabetes and many other physical and mental problems, and leads to a shorter life.

Tempeh—This indonesian staple food is available here at many health food stores, supermarkets and restaurants. It’s fermented bean or grain, very tasty and a great vegetable source of protein and fiber.

The Bridge Tofu—This brand of tofu is head and shoulders above the rest. It is manufactured in CT, and sold in some Whole Foods stores. They also make excellent tofu salad, seitan and amasake. Learn more at http://www.bridgetofu.com

Umeboshi Plum—This pickled plum comes from Japan, and is one of the most healthful foods/ingredients around. Comes in paste and vinegar form as well.

Vaccinations—Most of us were vaccinated as babies and children, and continue to vaccinate our children. However, there is much talk about the health risks associated with vaccinations. There may be a link between vaccinations and Autism, AIDS, hepatitis and other health problems. Covid vaccines are also a risk, and they do not prevent getting Covid-19, although they may ease severity. More at http://www.sunherb.com/truth_about_vaccines.htm

Vegan—This means you don’t eat animal foods, such as meat, eggs, honey and dairy. Also known as being plant-based. People who eat eggs and/or dairy generally call themselves vegetarian. Sometimes vegan means you don’t use animal products, such as leather, ivory, and any cosmetics, etc. which require animal testing or cruelty.

Warren Kramer—Mr. Kramer was one of the most highly-regarded and active macrobiotic health counselors in the world. He passed away in July of 2021. 

Will Tuttle, Ph.D–Dr. Tuttle is an accomplished composer and pianist, sociologist, and author of the best-selling book, The World Peace Diet. He explains in his book and with his gentle, peaceful and productive lifestyle why the vegan life is idea. Learn more at http://www.willtuttle.com

Yang—the light part of that cool logo, with energy that is down and in. Yang food would be (extreme to moderate): Salt, egg, chicken, beef, pork, fish, baked foods, highly processed foods, dried foods, grains, cooked sea vegetables, cooked root vegetables. Yang activities would include: running, biking, working, computing, and fighting. Yang attributes include: male, active, strong and short.

Yin—the dark part of that cool logo, with energy that is up and out. Yin foods would be (extreme to moderate): Sugar, Fruit Juice, Fruit, Raw Salad, Cooked Vegetables. Yin activities would include: taking a shower, taking a nap, watching TV, or taking a slow nature walk. Yin attributes include: female, passive, weak, and tall.

9 Star Ki—This far-eastern astrology system far outpaces the Zodiac in terms of accuracy, and helps you plan the future. Sometimes it’s also called Feng Shui Astrology.

Please suggest additions to this list at david@davidsorganic.com