The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

Her Health Was Failing. Then She Found Macrobiotics.

Jul 15, 2025
Marisa Marinelli, a health and wellness advocate, shares her incredible journey of recovery from ulcerative colitis and thyroid cancer through a macrobiotic diet. She discusses the pivotal moments of refusing surgery and the emotional challenges that affected her health. Marisa emphasizes the importance of community support, intuition in medical choices, and the 'perfect plate' of balanced nutrition. Her story highlights resilience and the transformative power of food, inspiring anyone facing chronic illnesses to take charge of their healing journey.
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ANECDOTE

Refusing Early Surgery

  • At 19 Marisa was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and refused doctors' suggestion to remove her colon.
  • She decided surgery was not an option and vowed to find another path to heal her body.
ANECDOTE

Hospitalized With Skin Lesions

  • Marisa developed pyoderma gangrenosum and spent two weeks hospitalized on very high-dose prednisone.
  • The steroids caused severe side effects and convinced her colon disease was systemic, influencing future choices.
ADVICE

Use Resources To Change Your Diet

  • Marisa found and read Controlling Crohn's Disease the Natural Way and used it to change her diet.
  • She adopted macrobiotics and credited it with stopping symptoms and restoring energy.
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